Chester Academy Clinches Section 9 Class B Championship with Victory Over Spackenkill

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May 31, 2026 - 02:41

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Chester Academy Clinches Section 9 Class B Championship with Victory Over Spackenkill

Chester Academy’s head coach Mike Doucette savors each moment of success as he approaches the twilight of his coaching career. With a prior championship title secured in 2025 and a strong returning roster, Doucette initially anticipated a season that might only yield a .500 record, a chance at a division title, and possibly another shot at sectional glory. However, the Hambletonians have far exceeded expectations, winning the OCIAA Division IV title and achieving seven consecutive victories to reclaim the Section 9 Class B championship.

In a decisive match on Saturday, Chester, the top seed, triumphed over the third-seeded Spackenkill with a score of 13-3, completing the game with a remarkable six-run rally in the sixth inning. "It's such a good group of kids this year," Doucette remarked. "I really wanted it for them. They worked so hard, it's been drama-free, like they've had their eye on the prize since the beginning of the year. It's kind of fun to watch them check boxes off as we go."

The Hambletonians will now prepare to take on either Pawling or Putnam Valley from Section 1 during a state quarterfinal match scheduled for Saturday, June 6, in Saugerties. Chester’s ace, Nick Sharp, showcased his skills early on, navigating through a challenging fourth inning and effectively managing the Spackenkill offense before the dramatic finish. Sharp secured the win, allowing only two hits while issuing six walks, despite dealing with discomfort in his non-throwing arm after being struck by a line drive in the final inning.

With Chester leading 6-3 and two outs on the board in the sixth, Spackenkill's reliever Isaiah Torres struggled to contain the inning. After several near-misses, the Hambletonians capitalized with a series of hits and walks, ultimately scoring five runs before chasing Torres from the mound. Easton Koehler, the new pitcher, faced only one batter before Brandon Jenkins drove in the final run with a wind-assisted single that sealed the game under the 10-run mercy rule.