On Monday, June 20th, 2016, the SAS Middle School held the 4th quarter Award Ceremony. The ceremony included a variety of rewards that included Student of the Month, Best Academic, and Most Improved. The students of the Talent Club capped the ceremony with a dance performance. This event capped off an amazing year in our school. This celebration continues to show our ATOMs commitment to excellence!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Celebration #Awards

On Wednesday, October 26, 2016 the 6th grade students of the SAS Middle School attended a field trip at the Ultimate Goal in Marcellus. While there, they practiced a variety of soccer skills including dribbling, scoring, and passing. In addition, students enjoyed a spirited game of dodge ball and tug of war with teachers and the staff of the facility. Thank you to all of the staff and we will see you again in the spring!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the #SASCS Elementary school held its Olweus kick-off. Students have been learning about our Olweus program which is a school-wide anti-bullying initiative. Students participated in grade-level team building activities, had their faces painted, and even shared their silly side with the props at the photo booth. #SASAtoms signed the Olweus Pledge which will be hanging in our hallway for students to have a daily reminder to be respectful, prepared, safe, ready and responsible.

On Thursday, October 11, 2018, our #SASAtoms enjoyed a fun-filled Literacy Night. Families were invited to explore popularly themed classrooms like Pete the Cat, Wonder, and Dr. Seuss. #SASAtoms and their families competed in a scavenger hunt for prizes while they participated in reader's theater, games, a photo booth, and arts & crafts. A few #SASAtoms dressed as their favorite book character for the night. Our literacy nights encourage reading as a family, and are one of the many ways we are building success one ATOM at a time.

On Tuesday, November 22, 2016 students in Miss Bittel's 6th grade social studies classes were treated to a Cuban foods presentation by Odalis Gaskins, one of our 6th grader's mother. Students got the opportunity to watch video clips of Odalis preparing and cooling the foods in her kitchen and then students were able to sample the foods in class. Students were presented with Congris which has rice, black beans, salt and olive oil along with garlic, onion and green peppers, Chicken Stew which had chicken legs, olive oil, tomato paste, salt, garlic, onions and peppers, Ripe Plantain and garden salad with tomato. Students enjoyed every bite!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Monday, November 13, 2017, the 7th grade students took a trip to SUNY ESF. The students went on a tour of the college led by current ESF students. On this tour, students learned about the history of ESF as well as the many programs that they offer. Our students also participated in college based scientific exercises lead by ESF professors. On this college visit, students learned that the sky's the limit, and they can do anything that they put their minds to. “Begin with the end in mind” is our motto in 7th grade. We encourage the students to think about their goals and plan for the future. This trip is an excellent example of that commitment!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #SUNYESF

From August 1st to the 5th, 2016 students from SAS enjoyed the SUNY ESF Science Camp. The "Science" stands for Summer Camps Investigating Ecology in Neighborhood and City Environments, Students enjoyed a variety of activities in our city's environment. They took water samples testing for various factors including insect levels and pollutants. Students explored the lake at the Clark Reservation State Park. Samples of the fish popluation were taken at Onondaga Lake Park. The amazing activities concluded at the SUNY ESF campus with solar powered cars to demonstrate the renewable resource that we all need to embrace! Thank you to the counselors for providing our students with a great experience! We will see you next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #SUNYESF #Science

On Thursday, October 13th, 2016 the elementary school held its first PBIS event. Teachers chose an activity to administer and students in all grade levels signed up for the activity of their choice. Students chose from a range of activities such as a movie with popcorn, yoga, finger knitting, art projects, Legos, and so much more. The day was full of laughs and fun activities as a reward for students' hard work and dedication so far this year at SAS Elementary.

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School celebrated it's twelfth annual commencement at the Crouse Hinds Theatre Civic Center in Syracuse, New York. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Sanders, award-winning news anchor for News Channel 9. Sanders touched on the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will elevate you and help you find a way to achieve your dreams. Congratulations to the #SASCS Class of 2018, and Go Atoms! #SASAtoms

Climbing high and sliding fast are easier than ever for students at SASCS Elementary School on South Salina Street, with the addition of a new playground. The colorful equipment echoes the school’s uniform colors and offers more space for free-time adventures than the previous playground, which is still available for students to use. Tall poles capped with palm fronds add a tropical feel to the site, which features plenty of wood chips for safe landings, daring rescues and darting about.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

From June 27th to July 8th, 2016 the SAS Middle School held the Summer STEM Camp. Students enjoyed a variety of activities in this three week adventure. Financial literacy subjects such as budgeting, tax withholding, and the stock markets were experienced through various computer simulations. Computer coding projects included adventure games created by our wonderful students. Engineering projects included the construction of water rockets and water balloon launchers. Students finished the experience by utilizing green screen technology to record their own videos in OUTER SPACE! The first year of the camp included many great experiences and time to build better experiences for next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #STEM #Science

At the onset of the recent 2nd Annual Jazz Festival, SAS students put on a show of their own. They eagerly displayed some of the mechanical-engineering skills acquired through school courses and clubs centered on STEM and robotics education. Guests at the event had the opportunity to meet students who built their own robots and enthusiastically explained how they function. The fundraiser was a special evening of great food and great music, with dinner by Carrabbas Italian Grill and jazz by world-renowned bass guitarist Gerald Veasley, accompanied by several local musical artists, including vocalist Danielle Evans, saxophonist Malik Clanton, keyboard player Daniel Pugh and drummer Jose Varona. The SAS high school band led the musical portion of the event, with Believer by Imagine Dragons, arranged by Kelly and Carlson, under the direction of music teacher Ms. Lexi Carlson. We thank everyone who made this special event possible—sponsors, parents, students and staff—and we look forward to next year’s event!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Thursday, November 9th, 2017, SAS high school is proud of all its students and the hard work they apply. Students received awards marking their academic achievements during the first marking period this year. Students were called up by grade level to receive thier certificates of achievement. Students were awarded for honor roll & high honor roll.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School celebrated it's twelfth annual commencement at the Crouse Hinds Theatre Civic Center in Syracuse, New York. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Sanders, award-winning news anchor for News Channel 9. Sanders touched on the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will elevate you and help you find a way to achieve your dreams. Congratulations to the #SASCS Class of 2018, and Go Atoms! #SASAtoms

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School celebrated it's twelfth annual commencement at the Crouse Hinds Theatre Civic Center in Syracuse, New York. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Sanders, award-winning news anchor for News Channel 9. Sanders touched on the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will elevate you and help you find a way to achieve your dreams. Congratulations to the #SASCS Class of 2018, and Go Atoms! #SASAtoms

On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the #SASCS Elementary school held its Olweus kick-off. Students have been learning about our Olweus program which is a school-wide anti-bullying initiative. Students participated in grade-level team building activities, had their faces painted, and even shared their silly side with the props at the photo booth. #SASAtoms signed the Olweus Pledge which will be hanging in our hallway for students to have a daily reminder to be respectful, prepared, safe, ready and responsible.

During the week of December 3rd, SAS first-graders made a planned visit to Hospital Land at The Marley Center (Crouse Hospital Affiliation). Students had a chance to role play being nurses, care givers and patients, in a gentle approach to introducing hospital services to young children. First-graders also were able to try out a hospital bed and use all sorts of other equipment to experience patient care firsthand. This unique community-service program is designed to lessen fears and confusion of young children who may have to visit a loved one in a hospital or spend time there themselves. Since 1976, Crouse Hospital has provided the educational program to 165,000 first-graders throughout Onondaga County.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On May 10th and 11th of 2018, the #SASCS Middle and Elementary schools were proud to host their Annual Muffins for Mom events. These wonderful moments were organized to celebrate the many great female influences that are in our students' lives. In attendance at the middle school were visitors from nearly eighty families. Mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and grandmothers all were able to sit and enjoy some delicious muffins and some great conversations. Our elementary students worked hard on decorating their classrooms and making gifts to show their mom how loved and appreciated they are this Mother's day. Moms joined their children in their classroom for a special presentation. It was a fun and loving afternoon for everyone involved. Thank you for all that you do for our students. Go Atoms! #SASCS #SASAtoms

On Saturday, March 10, 2018, Syracuse Academy of Science advances to Class C state semifinals with 62-57 win over Bainbridge-Guilford.

It wasn’t easy. But it did feel inevitable.

It took 32 minutes of steely effort, but Syracuse Academy of Science used timely shooting and 20 points from Lyrik Jackson to defeat Bainbridge-Guilford 62-57 on Saturday at the SRC Arena in the Class C regional finals. The win advanced the #SASAtoms into the state semifinals, where they will take on Allegany-Limestone.

“We dug in. We just dug in,” SAS head coach Reginald Pickard said. “We knew that we had it in us we just had to let it come out.”

The Atoms needed all the grit they could muster in the fourth quarter. Trailing 45-44 to start the final frame, SAS put together an 11-2 run to start the fourth, creating a 55-47 advantage. Alexius Pierce, Freey Pleasants and Xyel Bradford all contributed to a run that Jackson capped with a three from the left side.

“That’s what coach teaches us,” Jackson said. “At times like that you can’t feel the pressure, we had to stay calm and be focused. So that’s what we did.”

Bainbridge-Guilford responded with a 8-0 run to even the score at 55, but Jackson, Pierce and Pleasants again combined for a 7-2 run that clinched the five-point win for #SASCS. All in all, the Atoms finished with five players scoring more than five points and three players in double figures.

“We have a great team, and it makes us hard to defend,” Pickard said. “It gives us a balanced attack, and we can spread it out.”

The late run was a product of that depth and a level of resilience after the Atoms had led by as much as nine in the first quarter, only to eventually trail by as much as six in the second.

“It’s a team effort,” Jackson said. “We were flat for a little, and we knew they were a good team. Coach just told us to run, and it was scrappy but it worked out.”

Jackson led the Atoms with 20 points, just missing a double-double with eight rebounds. Pleasants and Pierce added 12 apiece, and Bradford pitched in eight. Abigail Selfridge led all scorers with 23 for Bainbridge-Guilford.

Having unlocked enough of their potential to break into the state semifinals, Pickard said his girls are just getting started.

“Our motto is ‘let me be great.’ It’s about potential,” Pickard said. “It came from one of our coaches who lost her son, he always said, ‘let me be great.’ That’s what we did tonight and what we want to keep doing.”

The Atoms’ next opportunity comes on Friday when they meet Allegany-Limestone. That game is scheduled for an 11:45 a.m. tip at Hudson Valley Community College.

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252828500090...

Climbing high and sliding fast are easier than ever for students at SASCS Elementary School on South Salina Street, with the addition of a new playground. The colorful equipment echoes the school’s uniform colors and offers more space for free-time adventures than the previous playground, which is still available for students to use. Tall poles capped with palm fronds add a tropical feel to the site, which features plenty of wood chips for safe landings, daring rescues and darting about.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

From June 27th to July 8th, 2016 the SAS Middle School held the Summer STEM Camp. Students enjoyed a variety of activities in this three week adventure. Financial literacy subjects such as budgeting, tax withholding, and the stock markets were experienced through various computer simulations. Computer coding projects included adventure games created by our wonderful students. Engineering projects included the construction of water rockets and water balloon launchers. Students finished the experience by utilizing green screen technology to record their own videos in OUTER SPACE! The first year of the camp included many great experiences and time to build better experiences for next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #STEM #Science

From August 1st to the 5th, 2016 students from SAS enjoyed the SUNY ESF Science Camp. The "Science" stands for Summer Camps Investigating Ecology in Neighborhood and City Environments, Students enjoyed a variety of activities in our city's environment. They took water samples testing for various factors including insect levels and pollutants. Students explored the lake at the Clark Reservation State Park. Samples of the fish popluation were taken at Onondaga Lake Park. The amazing activities concluded at the SUNY ESF campus with solar powered cars to demonstrate the renewable resource that we all need to embrace! Thank you to the counselors for providing our students with a great experience! We will see you next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #SUNYESF #Science

On Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016, the SAS Middle School held its monthly Olweus meeting. The goal of these events it to address a specific aspect that is tied to our efforts to bring bullying out of the shadows. The subject of this meeting was peer presssure. Students talked about the different forms of peer pressure what they meant. A rousing discussion took place in multiple classrooms about how peer pressure works with boys and girls. The highlight of many of the discssions detailed the students insistance that we can all exercise positive peer pressure to help our fellow students when they are down. As a team, students and teachers spoke about strategies to help deal with negative peer pressure to ensure a safe environment for everyone!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016, the SAS Middle School held its monthly Olweus meeting. The goal of these events it to address a specific aspect that is tied to our efforts to bring bullying out of the shadows. The subject of this meeting was peer presssure. Students talked about the different forms of peer pressure what they meant. A rousing discussion took place in multiple classrooms about how peer pressure works with boys and girls. The highlight of many of the discssions detailed the students insistance that we can all exercise positive peer pressure to help our fellow students when they are down. As a team, students and teachers spoke about strategies to help deal with negative peer pressure to ensure a safe environment for everyone!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, the 2nd grade class visited the Ultimate Goal in Marcellus, NY. While there, the students played 4 way tug of war, telephone, soccer, Dodge ball, musical chairs, and much more! The classes had a lot of fun playing with their teachers, friends, and coaches!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #UltimateGoal

On Thursday, June 16th, 2016 one-hundred students and staff from the SAS Middle School went to Anthony Santoro Park for the year ending Field Day event. Students participated in a variety of events and activities including basketball, dodge ball, and soccer. Picnic lunch was provided to all students with ice cream and cookie treats to cap of the meal. This was a wonderful event to finish off the school year. Thank you to all staff and parents to helped to make this possible.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #AnthonySantoroPark #FieldDay

On Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 the Middle School held its 7th grade Merit Breakfast. Students who have exceeded positive 20 total score were invited to enjoy the meal as a thank you from administration and staff for their positive choices. Students enjoyed scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, hash browns, and bagels. Staff members were on hand to sit and enjoy the event with our students. Our goal at SAS is to help create wonderful, well-rounded young adults and events such as these are to celebrate the positive choices of the students who attended. Keep up the great work ATOMS!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Sunday, March 25, 2018, several students from SAS Middle School attended the CNY Science and Engineering Fair at the SRC Arena. Students in 5th, 6th and 7th grade worked very hard to compete at this level. Our school had winners in both 5th and 6th grade. Natalie Shelley and Landon Barfknecht took home Honors level awards for 5th grade, and Morgan Purcell took home an Honors award for 6th grade. We are proud of all our students who went to the fair. They are sterling examples of what we strive to create at SAS: scientists of tomorrow! Go ATOMS! #SASAtoms #SASCS

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, seniors at #SASCS took part in our rich tradition of the "Senior Walk." Our graduating seniors don their cap and gown and walk the halls with our elementary students. Seniors have the opportunity to reflect on their time at #SASCS, while also inspiring the little ones who still have a ways to go before they are ready to graduate.

Once the walk was over, our #SASCS seniors celebrated the end of their time at #SASCS at Green Lakes State Park to wrap up the year in style. Go Atoms, and we will see you at graduation! #SASCS #SASAtoms

On Friday, October 12, 2018, our Kindergartners explored Tim's Pumpkin Patch in Marietta. #SASAtoms toured the farm to learn about the fine operations of a Pumpkin Patch. They also visited the barn to see what types of animals live on a farm. All the kids had a great time picking out their own pumpkin to take home.

On Wednesday, June 30, 2018 our #SASAtoms participated in a visit to Syracuse University. This trip is part of our early awareness activity available to all eight-grade #SASCS scholars. Students are exposed to different types of educational institutions, and can ask questions of college students and faculty. By taking advantage of this opportunity, students learn the benefit of successfully preparing for post-secondary education. Go Atoms! #SASCS #SASAtoms

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School celebrated it's twelfth annual commencement at the Crouse Hinds Theatre Civic Center in Syracuse, New York. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Sanders, award-winning news anchor for News Channel 9. Sanders touched on the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will elevate you and help you find a way to achieve your dreams. Congratulations to the #SASCS Class of 2018, and Go Atoms! #SASAtoms

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School celebrated it's twelfth annual commencement at the Crouse Hinds Theatre Civic Center in Syracuse, New York. The keynote speaker was Jennifer Sanders, award-winning news anchor for News Channel 9. Sanders touched on the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will elevate you and help you find a way to achieve your dreams. Congratulations to the #SASCS Class of 2018, and Go Atoms! #SASAtoms

On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the #SASCS Elementary school held its Olweus kick-off. Students have been learning about our Olweus program which is a school-wide anti-bullying initiative. Students participated in grade-level team building activities, had their faces painted, and even shared their silly side with the props at the photo booth. #SASAtoms signed the Olweus Pledge which will be hanging in our hallway for students to have a daily reminder to be respectful, prepared, safe, ready and responsible.

On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the #SASCS Elementary school held its Olweus kick-off. Students have been learning about our Olweus program which is a school-wide anti-bullying initiative. Students participated in grade-level team building activities, had their faces painted, and even shared their silly side with the props at the photo booth. #SASAtoms signed the Olweus Pledge which will be hanging in our hallway for students to have a daily reminder to be respectful, prepared, safe, ready and responsible.

On Thursday, October 11, 2018, our #SASAtoms enjoyed a fun-filled Literacy Night. Families were invited to explore popularly themed classrooms like Pete the Cat, Wonder, and Dr. Seuss. #SASAtoms and their families competed in a scavenger hunt for prizes while they participated in reader's theater, games, a photo booth, and arts & crafts. A few #SASAtoms dressed as their favorite book character for the night. Our literacy nights encourage reading as a family, and are one of the many ways we are building success one ATOM at a time.

On Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, Science fused with Jazz, as Syracuse Academy of Science held its first Science Meets Jazz concert. Marcus Anderson and his band put on an amazing show for the audience. Dinner was served, and all money raised will help build the Science and Robotics program here at SAS. Students in our Robotics Club displayed their robots and projects, and our middle school students submitted their art work for a silent auction before the concert. SAS Middle School music teacher prepared the school's band for a performance, which our guests enjoyed very much.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #MarcusAnderson #Jazz #Science

On Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016, the SAS Middle School held its monthly Olweus meeting. The goal of these events it to address a specific aspect that is tied to our efforts to bring bullying out of the shadows. The subject of this meeting was peer presssure. Students talked about the different forms of peer pressure what they meant. A rousing discussion took place in multiple classrooms about how peer pressure works with boys and girls. The highlight of many of the discssions detailed the students insistance that we can all exercise positive peer pressure to help our fellow students when they are down. As a team, students and teachers spoke about strategies to help deal with negative peer pressure to ensure a safe environment for everyone!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On May 10th and 11th of 2018, the #SASCS Middle and Elementary schools were proud to host their Annual Muffins for Mom events. These wonderful moments were organized to celebrate the many great female influences that are in our students' lives. In attendance at the middle school were visitors from nearly eighty families. Mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, and grandmothers all were able to sit and enjoy some delicious muffins and some great conversations. Our elementary students worked hard on decorating their classrooms and making gifts to show their mom how loved and appreciated they are this Mother's day. Moms joined their children in their classroom for a special presentation. It was a fun and loving afternoon for everyone involved. Thank you for all that you do for our students. Go Atoms! #SASCS #SASAtoms

On Wednesday, June 30, 2018 our #SASAtoms participated in a visit to Syracuse University. This trip is part of our early awareness activity available to all eight-grade #SASCS scholars. Students are exposed to different types of educational institutions, and can ask questions of college students and faculty. By taking advantage of this opportunity, students learn the benefit of successfully preparing for post-secondary education. Go Atoms! #SASCS #SASAtoms

On Monday, June 20th, 2016, the SAS Middle School held the 4th quarter Award Ceremony. The ceremony included a variety of rewards that included Student of the Month, Best Academic, and Most Improved. The students of the Talent Club capped the ceremony with a dance performance. This event capped off an amazing year in our school. This celebration continues to show our ATOMs commitment to excellence!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Celebration #Awards

On Monday, June 20th, 2016, the SAS Middle School held the 4th quarter Award Ceremony. The ceremony included a variety of rewards that included Student of the Month, Best Academic, and Most Improved. The students of the Talent Club capped the ceremony with a dance performance. This event capped off an amazing year in our school. This celebration continues to show our ATOMs commitment to excellence!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Celebration #Awards

On Thursday, October 18, 2018, It was our third grader's turn to Tim's Pumpkin Patch. Despite the chilly weather, our #SASAtoms enjoyed this fun-filled fall activity and even got to take a pumpkin home with them. Their favorite part was the warm cinnamon doughnuts and apple cider with their classmates and teachers. These team building activities are just one of the ways we are building success one ATOM at a time.

On Friday, May 11th, 2018, #SASCS middle school held their 3rd Annual International Fair. For three months #SASAtoms developed culturally relevant projects, ranging from researching traditional clothing to cooking an authentic dish. When students learn about cultures from around the world, it widens their worldview and provides an opportunity to explore their differences and similarities. Students and families enjoyed learning about other countries while eating delicious food. Diversity is one of the biggest strengths of the Syracuse Academy of Science. Go Atoms! #SASAtoms #SASCS

On Thursday, June 16th, 2016 one-hundred students and staff from the SAS Middle School went to Anthony Santoro Park for the year ending Field Day event. Students participated in a variety of events and activities including basketball, dodge ball, and soccer. Picnic lunch was provided to all students with ice cream and cookie treats to cap of the meal. This was a wonderful event to finish off the school year. Thank you to all staff and parents to helped to make this possible.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #AnthonySantoroPark #FieldDay

On Friday, February 16th, 2018, SAS Middle School held activity stations in honor of Black History Month! Students wrote out "I have a dream" clouds, listened to informational videos, did a gallery walk, filled out scavenger hunts, took pictures at the photo booth, did matching games and collages and played "Spike Ball." Students were able to gain factual information on some of the most influential African Americans who fought for the rights, freedoms and respect of African American people. Students really seemed to enjoy all of the activities provided!

#SASCS #SASAtoms #BlackHistoryMonth

On Friday, February 16th, 2018, SAS Middle School held activity stations in honor of Black History Month! Students wrote out "I have a dream" clouds, listened to informational videos, did a gallery walk, filled out scavenger hunts, took pictures at the photo booth, did matching games and collages and played "Spike Ball." Students were able to gain factual information on some of the most influential African Americans who fought for the rights, freedoms and respect of African American people. Students really seemed to enjoy all of the activities provided!

#SASCS #SASAtoms #BlackHistoryMonth

On Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, Science fused with Jazz, as Syracuse Academy of Science held its first Science Meets Jazz concert. Marcus Anderson and his band put on an amazing show for the audience. Dinner was served, and all money raised will help build the Science and Robotics program here at SAS. Students in our Robotics Club displayed their robots and projects, and our middle school students submitted their art work for a silent auction before the concert. SAS Middle School music teacher prepared the school's band for a performance, which our guests enjoyed very much.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #MarcusAnderson #Jazz #Science

On Sunday, March 25, 2018, several students from SAS Middle School attended the CNY Science and Engineering Fair at the SRC Arena. Students in 5th, 6th and 7th grade worked very hard to compete at this level. Our school had winners in both 5th and 6th grade. Natalie Shelley and Landon Barfknecht took home Honors level awards for 5th grade, and Morgan Purcell took home an Honors award for 6th grade. We are proud of all our students who went to the fair. They are sterling examples of what we strive to create at SAS: scientists of tomorrow! Go ATOMS! #SASAtoms #SASCS

On Saturday, March 10, 2018, Syracuse Academy of Science advances to Class C state semifinals with 62-57 win over Bainbridge-Guilford.

It wasn’t easy. But it did feel inevitable.

It took 32 minutes of steely effort, but Syracuse Academy of Science used timely shooting and 20 points from Lyrik Jackson to defeat Bainbridge-Guilford 62-57 on Saturday at the SRC Arena in the Class C regional finals. The win advanced the #SASAtoms into the state semifinals, where they will take on Allegany-Limestone.

“We dug in. We just dug in,” SAS head coach Reginald Pickard said. “We knew that we had it in us we just had to let it come out.”

The Atoms needed all the grit they could muster in the fourth quarter. Trailing 45-44 to start the final frame, SAS put together an 11-2 run to start the fourth, creating a 55-47 advantage. Alexius Pierce, Freey Pleasants and Xyel Bradford all contributed to a run that Jackson capped with a three from the left side.

“That’s what coach teaches us,” Jackson said. “At times like that you can’t feel the pressure, we had to stay calm and be focused. So that’s what we did.”

Bainbridge-Guilford responded with a 8-0 run to even the score at 55, but Jackson, Pierce and Pleasants again combined for a 7-2 run that clinched the five-point win for #SASCS. All in all, the Atoms finished with five players scoring more than five points and three players in double figures.

“We have a great team, and it makes us hard to defend,” Pickard said. “It gives us a balanced attack, and we can spread it out.”

The late run was a product of that depth and a level of resilience after the Atoms had led by as much as nine in the first quarter, only to eventually trail by as much as six in the second.

“It’s a team effort,” Jackson said. “We were flat for a little, and we knew they were a good team. Coach just told us to run, and it was scrappy but it worked out.”

Jackson led the Atoms with 20 points, just missing a double-double with eight rebounds. Pleasants and Pierce added 12 apiece, and Bradford pitched in eight. Abigail Selfridge led all scorers with 23 for Bainbridge-Guilford.

Having unlocked enough of their potential to break into the state semifinals, Pickard said his girls are just getting started.

“Our motto is ‘let me be great.’ It’s about potential,” Pickard said. “It came from one of our coaches who lost her son, he always said, ‘let me be great.’ That’s what we did tonight and what we want to keep doing.”

The Atoms’ next opportunity comes on Friday when they meet Allegany-Limestone. That game is scheduled for an 11:45 a.m. tip at Hudson Valley Community College.

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252828500090...