The pursuit of excellence is a daily task, in both the classroom and when competing in athletics, that Joseph Girard III revels in. Few can ever match the Glens Falls junior's passion seeking to master anything into which he puts his energy.

Consider the following mind-numbing accolades and accomplishments Girard has already amassed prior to his senior year.

Girard has been named a Class B boys' basketball first-team selection three times, including being honored as state Player of the Year in the 2017-18 season when he averaged 50 points per game. He also has been honored as the Times Union Small-School Player of the Year as a freshman, sophomore and junior.

In football, Girard led the Indians to the 2016 Class B state title. Glens Falls repeated as Section II champion by rallying for an incredible 40-37 overtime win over Schuylerville.

Girard, a two-time Times Union Small-School Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback, was named Class B state Co-Player of the Year. He completed 124 of 201 passes for 1,803 yards and 22 touchdowns and rushed for 518 yards and seven TDs.

Speaking about the exploits of Girard in the Indians' Super Bowl victory, Schuylerville coach John Bowen said, "Football coaches always preach to our guys this is a team game, the ultimate team game. The sport of football is one where we have prided ourselves on relying on the other 10 guys. This is taking nothing away from the other 10 Glens Falls players. Breaking down that game, if they have an above-average kid at quarterback, they don't win that game.

"That kid transcends the game. Joe Girard is that good. We saw it in both games we played against them."

"His athleticism is obviously great, but his competitiveness and will to win are just as important in making him who he is," Glens Falls football coach Pat Lilac said.

Girard, an honor student in the classroom, owns the state boys' basketball scoring record with 3,306 points. He surpassed Lance Stephenson on Jan. 31 in a 74-68 Foothills Council victory at Amsterdam.

On an evening when his perimeter game was off by his lofty standards, Girard still scored 44 points on 16-for-33 shooting overall.

"They didn't seem to double-team him too much, so he knew he could get by and go to the rim," Glens Falls sophomore forward David Barclay said afterwards. "He is so smart and did a really good job tonight. We're with him every day in practice. He helps all of us to be better. It is really great. Joe knows what he has to do to get a 'W' and how to involve his teammates."

Glens Falls, a team with only Girard returning as a starter, finished 20-3 overall.

Girard, the 2018 New York recipient of the Gatorade Player of the Year award, is one of the nation's most sought-after recruits. Earlier this month, he completed a four-day stay in Colorado Springs as one of 32 athletes competing for a roster spot on USA Basketball's 18-and-under roster.

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Finalists

Nick Lydon, Shenendehowa swimming

Nick Lydon accomplished a great deal during his career diving for the Shenendehowa boys' swimming team. The senior set a state record in December by amassing 661.75 for 11 dives.

A four-time Division I sectional champion, who will compete next at national power Florida, Lydon culminated his scholastic career by winning his first state title.

Tyler Barnes, Ballston Spa wrestling

Ballston Spa senior wrestler Tyler Barnes was unable to match the Division I state title he captured in 2017 as the North Carolina State-bound star lost 13-10 in the 170-pound final against Brewster's Grant Cuomo at Times Union Center.

Barnes, who went 47-1 as a senior, earned Times Union Large-School Wrestler of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2018. In April, the senior closed out his scholastic career in spectacular fashion by edging Jared McGill 10-9 to capture the 170-pound national title at FloNationals in Indiana, Pa.