LOCH SHELDRAKE– Did you know that Sullivan County has its own professional basketball team? And that you and your family can watch the games in person for free? The Hudson Valley Rivermen play their home games in “The Bunker” of Paul Gerry Fieldhouse at SUNY Sullivan. Now in their second season, the Rivermen play in the Eastern Region of the American Basketball Association (ABA). 

Unlike the original ABA, which competed for dominance with the NBA in the late 1960s and 1970s, the current ABA focuses on creating opportunities for small market teams to compete and entertain fans with more than 100 franchises operating across the country. 

The ABA also has some unique rules designed to ensure a fast-paced game that excites the crowd with lots of fast breaks and high scoring. In particular, a turnover in the backcourt starts the “3D” rule, which provides a bonus point to the team that gains the turnover. The 3D rule encourages pressing, high-intensity defense and a wide-open style of play. 

The Rivermen had trouble adapting to the pace and style of play in their first season. However, the last two weekends in The Bunker at SUNY Sullivan showed the fans a team finding its footing, obtaining the first two wins in franchise history against the New Jersey Soldiers, visiting from Mahwah. Taking advantage of a slew of 3D opportunities in both games, the Rivermen defeated the Soldiers 147-65 on October 18th and 145-112 on October 24th. Rivermen guard Mike Mingot led all scorers on the 24th with 51 points. 

The Rivermen will be on the road throughout November, but return to The Bunker on Sunday, December 13th at 2pm for a game against the Wyoming Valley Clutch from Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Clutch will pose a stiff challenge, as they are currently ranked #6 among