A Homecoming for a Local Coach
Andrew Platek, a Guilderland native who once starred for the high school’s varsity team, has been appointed head coach of the Shenendehowa Eagles. The school board announced his hiring this week, marking a full‑circle moment for a player who once faced Shenendehowa in the 2015 Class AA title game.
Platek’s journey has taken him from the Capital Region to the University of North Carolina, where he played under Roy Williams, and back again to coach at Niskayuna. His experience as a graduate student at Siena, where he started every game in the 2022‑23 season, gave him a deep understanding of both the local basketball culture and higher‑level competition.
A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
During his high school years, Platek battled Shenendehowa on the court, losing in the 2015 Section 2 Class AA final. Years later, as an assistant at Niskayuna, he coached against the same opponent, gaining a scouting perspective that he now hopes to leverage as head coach.
His playing résumé includes a junior season in which he drained 91 three‑pointers and averaged 23.6 points per game, a testament to the shooting pedigree he will bring to the Eagles’ offensive scheme.
Defensive Focus and Up‑Tempo Vision
Platek has said he intends to implement an up‑tempo style that emphasizes pressure defense and quick transitions. ‘We want to push the ball up the floor and force turnovers,’ he explained in a recent interview, noting that the approach will complement the talent already on the roster.
The new coach inherits a program that finished the previous season 17‑5, falling in the Class AAA sectional semifinals to Shaker. Paul Yattaw, who stepped down after the 2025‑26 campaign, left a solid foundation that Platek hopes to build upon.
Fans can expect a renewed emphasis on discipline and hustle, as Platek’s defensive philosophy aligns with the community’s desire for a competitive, hard‑working team.