New Canaan senior Jack Conley lines up for a throw during the shot put competition at the FCIAC indoor track and field championships in New Haven on Thursday, Jan. 31. — Dave Stewart/Hearst Connecticut Media photo

Jack Conley was a clear favorite heading into the FCIAC shot put competition.

As he prepared to go for the gold, the New Canaan senior added something new for the event: A t-shirt owned by New Canaan assistant football coach Jason Cooper, who passed away at age 52 last July.

“Quintin O’Connell got a bucket of coach Coop’s stuff he wore all the time to games and practices,” Conley said. “So I asked him for a shirt and he actually gave me one of Coach Coop’s favorite shirts to wear, so I decided I would wear that today.”

While honoring Coach Coop, Conley followed through on his No. 1 seed and claimed the FCIAC shot put crown with a throw of 49 feet, 8.25 inches during the conference indoor track and field championships last Thursday at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

Conley won the event by nearly four feet, with Staples’ senior Zach Gladstone finishing second at 45 feet, 9.25 inches.

Conley said he was happy with the victory, but felt he could’ve done even better.

“I felt good,” Conley said. “I was confident coming into this. I’ve been having a pretty good season. I just felt like I needed to hit my spots and my throws and it would work out well for me and it did. Earlier this season I threw 51-9. Forty-nine is good but it’s not exactly where I want to be. It’s good enough to win here but later on it won’t be, so I’ve got to work hard.”

“It’s an automatic with Jack as long as life is good and there’s no issues,” New Canaan head coach Bill Martin said. “In practice, he’s thrown almost 60, so it’s just a question of when is he going to do that in a competition. He did enough to win, and now we’ll move on to the next meet.”

It was the second FCIAC shot put championship for Conley, who hit 48 feet, 3 inches as a sophomore and edged his older brother Will, then a senior, who finished second at 48 feet, 2.5 inches.

Jack Conley heads into Friday’s CIAC Class L championships as the No. 3 seed. He’ll be competing against some tough opponents, including top-seeded Michael Browning of RHAM, who hit 58 feet, 10.5 inches during the Marine Corps Holiday Classic in December. Simsbury’s Jonathan Prell is the No. 2 seed with a mark of 53 feet, 8.25 inches.

Conley wasn’t the only Ram to star at the FCIAC meet this season, as fellow seniors Harrison Skyrm and Max Forte both did well. Skyrm was sixth at 40 feet, 3 inches, and Forte was 16th at 36 feet, 5.25 inches.

Having teammates in action alongside him was a big help, according to Conley.

“Everyone says track isn’t a team sport, but it is,” he said. “There’s definitely an advantage when you’re sitting there in between throws to be able to talk to people and be able to get some friendly advice. It’s nice having those guys there with me.”

Conley gave much of the credit to New Canaan throwing coach Marianne Cohen and certainly, her impact on the program runs deep.

While the Rams had three boys in the shot put, there were also four girls in the event, including two who medaled.

Junior Naomi Cimino led that group with a third-place finish at 31 feet, 1.75 inches, with senior Margaux Brennan fourth at 29 feet, 10.25 inches. Sophomore Chloe Adams was eighth at 28 feet, 10.25 inches, and junior Megan Rigione was 18th at 26 feet, 9 inches.

“Miss Cohen is everything,” Conley said. “On one side she’s a coach and on another side she’s a mom. She’s amazing. She’s a great coach, she’s a great woman, and we couldn’t ask for a better coach than Miss Cohen.”

It won’t be long before Conley leaves New Canaan and heads north to play football for the Boston College Eagles. The senior signed his National Letter of Intent in December.

For the time being, he’s still a Ram — a Ram who is looking to make the most of his last few months with the track and field program.

“Sophomore year was the first year I won this meet, so it’s nice to finish off on a high note with this meet,” Conley said. “I’m just taking all the time I can get here before I leave and start working.”

Stanwich School seniors Ted Frascella and Gaby Wakim will soon take their rowing skills to the collegiate level.

Frascella and Gaby Wakim recently committed to join the Princeton University men’s rowing team, and Bucknell University’s women’s rowing squad, respectively.

Currently students at The Stanwich School, they will become members of their university’s Division I crew teams next fall.

After attending a summer camp dedicated to rowing in eighth grade, Frascella decided to join the town-based Greenwich Crew program as a ninth-grader. The senior hones his rowing skills, competing in numerous regattas as well as following a challenging training schedule, throughout the year.

Frascella was the team’s MVP in 2018 and is serving as captain of the squas (2018-2019) team. He and Greenwich Crew teammates have competed in numerous regattas including, Youth Nationals, Club Nationals, Northeast Regionals and the Head of the Charles.

His advice to other student athletes: “You need to find the healthiest way to balance school and athletics, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help.”

In the fall, Frascella will study at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton.

After swimming competitively for nine years, Wakim joined Greenwich Crew, where a number of her friends were competing, as a 16-year-old. The Stanwich senior spends many hours per week training and competing. She and her Greenwich Crew teammates have rowed in ultra-competitive events such as the Mercer Sprints, Saratoga Sprints, Head of the Housatonic, Head of the Riverfront and Head of the Fish.

“Rowing is more of a mental game than anything,” Wakim said. “You have to be able to block out the voice in your head telling you that you can’t go any further even when you’re physically able to.”

She reflected on her six memorable years at Stanwich.

“Stanwich has pushed me to excel inside and outside of the classroom,” Wakim said. “My teachers have taught me how to succeed and encouraged me to persevere.”

Wakim plans on studying computer science at Bucknell and pursue a degree in either software or civil engineering.

SHELTON — Mariah Mandulak put a capper on Senior Night, and why Shelton’s girls basketball team won handily over visiting North Haven, when she passed to Asia Askew for the Gaelettes’ 11th assist in their 51-27 victory at the Vincent J. Murray Memorial Gym on Thursday night.

Senior co-captains Maggie Howard and Mackenzie Joyce, and classmate Mandaluk, were feted before the game that saw coach Joe Cavallaro’s club improve to 10-8 on the season.

“I’m proud of them,” Cavallaro said. “We have a fairly young group. What the seniors do in practice, and then during games, carries over. Tonight, we did a great job rebounding and contesting shots.

“We ran the court well and we passed the ball well. It all worked out for us and I’m happy we came together like this on Senior Night.”

Sign up for the free GTCT Whistle Newsletter

Howard scored eight of her 15 points in the third period. Shelton held a 22-11 lead at the half and extended its advantage to 35-15 by holding the Indians to single-digit scoring for the third consecutive quarter.

Six players accounted for the 11 assists, led by junior point guard Leya Vohra with five.

North Haven ran its offense out of the high post, but active defense across the board, and superior play on the block from sophomore Clarissa Pierre and junior Reem Abdel-Hack made things difficult for the Indians.

Vohra and sophomore Devan Wildman each had two helpers in the second period, when Shelton got out in transition to fend off a late charge by the visitors.

North Haven attacked the rim late in the half, with Mia Antonino, Sarah Punzone and Olivia Stefanik delivering baskets.

Joyce opened the second half with a baseline jumper, then Pierre tallied twice, once inside and again on a putback bucket.

Vohra, Wildman and Keira O’Connor countered quickly off missed shots and North Haven took a timeout down 30-13 with 4:15 remaining in the canto.

Carly Fresher and Antonino buried 3-pointers for the Indians in the final frame.

Howard knocked down a three-pointer, and after a basket by Wildman, added two more field goals for a 29-point advantage.

SHELTON 51, NORTH HAVEN 27

North Haven (7-12)

Mia Antonino 3 2-4 9, Sarah Puzone 2 0-0 4, Olivia Stefanik 2 0-0 4, Carly Fresher 1 0-2 3, Eveani Owkwosu 1 1-2 3, Julia Bogan 2 0-0 4. Totals: 11 3-11 27

Shelton (10-8)

Mackenzie Joyce 3 0-0 6, Maggie Howard 6 0-2 15, Keira O Connor 2 1-2 4, Clarissa Pierre 4 1-5 9, Devan Wildman 2 0-0 4, Leya Vohra 1 3-4 5, Asia Askew 1 0-0 2, Emily Sandin 1 1-2 3, Mariah Mandulak 1 0-0 2. Totals: 21 6-15 51

North Haven  2  9 4 12 — 27
Shelton          9 13 13 16 — 51

Greenwich won the FCIAC gymnastics title in 2018 by an ultra-slim margin, edging runner-up Trumbull by .350 points and Saturday’s conference finals could be just as close, or even tighter, if possible.

The Cardinals, Wilton and Fairfield Ludlowe have each posted similar scores during the regular season and should be right in the running for the FCIAC title — which has been garnered by Greenwich the past three seasons.

“It is going to be a tough one,” GHS coach Sue Knight said. “The rankings did not come out yet for the FCIAC meet on Saturday, but just trying to calculate it, we may go in as the third seed. Ludlowe and Wilton are less than a point apart, everyone is so close this year.”

Greenwich, which won the State Open, Class L and FCIAC championships last winter, finished its regular season with a record of 6-2, its losses coming against Ludlowe and Darien.

“The team is doing great,” Knight said. “Like everyone, we’ve had to deal with little injuries, aches and pains throughout the year. But we feel great with where we are as a team heading into FCIACs.”

Senior Kelsey Fedorko, who is in the midst of her fourth sensational season on the squad, has embraced her leadership role as one of the captains. Last season’s FCIAC Championships saw Fedorko placed third on the balance beam with a score of 9.2 and finish third on the uneven bars (8.9).

“I feel good about FCIACs, we have some new skills that we are working on and hopefully that will make us do better at FCIACs, because going against some of the teams this year has been difficult,” Fedorko said. “We lost a couple of meets, but I think we have a good chance at Saturday’s meet. We just have to keep hoping, and keep working hard.”

Heading into Saturday’s conference championships, Fedorko is ranked first in the state in the balance beam event with a scoring average of 9.2625. She’s also ranked second in the vault (9.2000) and third in the state in the floor exercise (9.2625).

“The beam — it’s very scary, but I just try to focus on the beam and focus on the skills and once it’s over, I can let go of all that stress,” Fedorko said.

As for the stress that comes with trying to achieve a four-peat.

“I feel like there’s a lot of pressure on us to win four straight titles,” Fedorko said. “But we just have to get that out of our mind and keep working hard and keep doing as well as we have been doing.”

Gianna Cardini is a senior captain that’s also produced an impressive season.

“It’s pretty exciting to be one of the captains and a real big honor to be the leader of such a great team this year,” Cardini said.

Cardini has helped spark the Cards on the vault and bars.

“I’ve done pretty good on vault, even my bars have improved, which has always been a struggle for everyone, but this year we have improved a lot,” Cardini said. “This year is really close in the FCIAC, but if everyone stays calm and has some confidence we can nail routines and have no mistakes. I think it’s going to be a pretty tough meet, but I think we can pull it off.”

Knight is pleased with how her captains have guided the squad.

“Kelsey is continuing where she left off last year,” Knight said. “She is steady and consistent with all her routines and the girls look up to her a lot. Gianna has had a great season too, she tied her career-high with the beam recently. It’s been wonderful season for her.”

Ellie Marino, also a senior, has consistently earned high scores during her two years on the team. She placed third on the vault at last season’s FCIAC finals (9.3) and had the fifth-highest all-around score.

“I’m really excited for Saturday, we’ve worked really hard this whole year and I’ve seen a lot of improvement in everyone,” Marino said. “I’m really excited to see what the outcome is going to be.”

Marino has been especially effective on the beam this season.

“Beam has been my strongest event, I feel like I have been nailing all my routines so far and I’ve been improving as well,” Marino said. “I think it’s going to be a really tough competition, we are all close with our scores this year, so it’s definitely going to be tough.”

Junior Celine Perrin, who has been strong in her events, believes the experience of winning the FCIAC title the past three seasons will aid the Cardinals.

“Since we did so well last year, we want to do as well as we this year,” Perrin said. “It’s going to be really hard, because the competition is great, but we definitely know we can do it.”

Said junior Ali Trotman, who has also scored high in her events: “Winning last year gave us a lot of motivation going forward and we are going to use that motivation at FCIACs.”

Senior Syrah Perrin, junior Juliet Freiheit, sophomore Sydney Steele and freshmen Melanie Weiner, Cameron O’Carroll and Mei Luangkhot have also contributed to the Cardinals’ cause.

“We are definitely expecting a close call, but we just have to keep that out of our minds, keep a positive attitude and keep practicing,” Fedorko said.

Added Knight: “Saturday, we have to come in with solid routine, which the girls can do and not make many mistakes.”

dfierro@greenwichtime.com

MIDDLETOWN — Thursday was a night for Middletown’s girls basketball team to recognize and appreciate its seniors and look forward to what its underclassmen will provide in the coming seasons.

Sophomore guard Kya Mayo scored in double figures for the sixth straight game and senior forward Mackenzie Dunn had 11 points in Middletown’s 52-40 CCC South-Colonial girls basketball win over Platt at LaBella-Sullivan Gymnasium.

The victory was the Blue Dragons’ third straight and it gave them a chance to be among the 16 qualifiers in the coming CCC tournament, but they have to win at Berlin on Monday and get some help to get in.

Sign up for The Whistle Newsletter for the latest girls basketball news

Senior forward Dominique Highsmith added seven points for Middletown and freshman guard Tyah Pettaway made consecutive 3-pointers late in the first quarter to help the Blue Dragons extend a lead they would not relinquish.

“Overall, it was a good night for us,” Middletown coach Rob Smernoff said. “We did a good job early on. Some coaches on Senior Night worry about their team focusing on basketball, but we focused from the opening tip.

“Dominique and Mackenzie, offensively it wasn’t a top performance for either of them, but as they have done all season, they helped their teammates out. This program would not have had success without them. Three CCC division titles in four years with those two — that’s a heck of a legacy to leave.”

The Blue Dragons (11-8 overall, 8-7 CCC) were given space to shoot from the perimeter and got hot early against the Panthers (4-14, 2-13). Five different Dragons provided offense, mostly from outside, with the second of Pettaway’s long-distance shots giving her team a 12-5 lead.

“Not a lot of freshmen can come into a game and do that,” Smernoff said. “She has the potential to be one of the better guards this school has seen.”

Highsmith scored off a layup from a Dunn dish to push the lead to nine, and Dunn knocked down a 3-pointer as Middletown took a 17-9 lead after one quarter.

“We did a good job of sharing the ball tonight,” Smernoff said. “Sometimes what’s happened this year is we’ve faced tough team after tough team and you try to play hero ball. But when we share the ball, we are a tough team to play.”

And Smernoff was right again when he said the lead would have been larger if several in-and-out field-goal attempts went in.

When Middletown went cold in the second quarter, the Blue Dragons tried to penetrate Platt’s 2-3 zone and got to the free-throw line.

The Panthers cut their deficit to 19-15 on two free throws by Martha Chatman with 3:07 to go in the first half, but Mayo made four consecutive free throws, swished a 3-pointer on Middletown’s next trip down the floor, and then made a jumper with 1:38 left to put the Blue Dragons ahead 28-15.

Mayo scored 12 of her team-high 15 points in the first half and Middletown led 30-17 at the break.

“By far the most improved player as the season has progressed has been Kya Mayo,” Smernoff said. “Her output the last six games or so, she’s really turned it on. We’re going to need her one day, and in the (CIAC Class L) tournament, and she gives us great promise for the future.”

Platt derailed any chance of a rally because of a slew of unforced errors.

“We have a short bench, literally and figuratively, and that hurts us,” Platt coach Tina Gonyea said. “We have to take care of the ball and do the little things well. When we got within reach, we went to the other extreme. When we’re good, we’re good. When we’re off, we’re really off.”

Middletown put the game out of reach at the midway point of the third quarter. Dunn hit two 3-point shots, Mayo hit another, and a jumper from Highsmith increased its lead to 18 points, 41-23.

A good look at the future came on Middletown’s next possession. With freshman guard Shadae Bushay leading the fast break, Mayo found her in stride for a layup.

Chatman hit a jump shot on Platt’s ensuing trip down the floor, but junior guard DeZiar Rose-Daniels nailed a 3-pointer 30 seconds later to give Middletown its biggest lead of the night, 46-27 with 1:13 left in the third.

Bushay, who has been battling a foot injury, started and contributed at both ends of the floor. She finished with seven points.

“She was (favoring) her foot the last few games, but tonight she was totally under control,” Smernoff said.

Chatman led Platt with 16 points and Jalexia West added 11.

Middletown has won three straight at the right time after starting the season winning seven of its first 10 and has already qualified for the Class L tournament. The Blue Dragons will have to be at their best against Berlin — the Redcoats (14-4 entering Thursday’s game against Maloney) have the CCC’s second-best record and beat Middletown by eight in January.

MIDDLETOWN 52, PLATT 40

PLATT

Jayleena Gordils 1 2 5; Martha Chatman 6 4 16; Julia Misner 2 4 8; Jalexia West 3 5 11; Aaliyah Burnley 0 0 0. Totals: 12 15 40.

MIDDLETOWN

Dominique Highsmith 2 3 7; Kya Mayo 4 5 15; Mackenzie Dunn 4 0 11; Ayanna McCalla 0 0 0; Shadae Bushay 3 0 6; India Weston 1 0 2; Tyah Pettaway 3 0 6; Deiar Rose-Daniels 2 0 5. Totals: 18 8 52.

PLATT     8 9 11 12 — 40
MIDDLETOWN    17 13 16 6 — 52

3-pointers: P—Gordils; M-Dunn 3, Pettaway 2, Mayo 2, Rose-Daniels.

NEWTOWN — New Milford wrestled against Newtown on Thursday.

TORRINGTON — Torrington’s boys basketball team played its way to a third straight NVL Iron Division Championship with a 57-47 win over Wolcott Thursday night at Torrington High School.

The Red Raiders will share the title with Wolcott and Naugatuck, if Naugatuck beats St. Paul Catholic in the last Iron Division game for the three teams.

“I didn’t think we’d make it this year,” said Coach Eric Gamari, not because he lacked faith in his team, but because the division is particularly strong.

Sign up for The Whistle Newsletter

The three champions all split with each other, including Friday’s win over Wolcott.

In what might be an accolade to both teams, Thursday’s game was the flip side of Wolcott’s 93-87 win over Torrington a month ago, in which shooters on both sides were red hot.

Thursday, everybody was cold, so defense was the name of the game.

That played well for the Red Raiders, where Kevin Dixon, Joel Villanueva and Zach McLaughlin lurked under the basket to frustrate Eagle drives.

“I love playing defense, so blocks are the reward,” grinned Dixon, who caught up with two Wolcott fast breaks in a row in the deciding fourth quarter.

Before that, it was, “Good Luck” to anyone who could make a shot outside.

Wolcott forward Elmin Redzepagic (game-high 27 points) squirmed through for 16 of the Eagles’ 21 points in the first half. Dontae Thomas (team-high 21 points) and Joel Villanueva (17 points) kept pace with 10 and 6 points in the half, but the score at the end of the first period was just 10-6 Torrington and 27-21 at the half.

Redzepagic found the range in the third quarter when his two threes swung Wolcott into its first lead, 37-34, with 1:55 left in the period.

Nick Balducci sank his second trey at the buzzer to bring the Raiders back to one point down, 40-39.

Then Torrington’s defense went to work in earnest. The Raiders took over on an 8-0 run before Wolcott scored its first point of the fourth quarter, on a Brian Perzhilla foul shot with 3:68 left in the game.

Trailing 47-41 with 2:24 left, the Eagles were forced to foul while still stymied at the basket.

Thomas and C.J. Root were 4-for-4 at the line. Thomas finished a fast break.

A Perzhilla three closed the gap to 53-44 with 44 seconds left, but, by then, the game was out of reach.

“Both teams understood the significance of the game,” said Coach Gamari, in partial explanation of the cold shooting.

“It was one of our better defensive efforts,” he said, as an explanation for the rest.

“Hats off to Torrington,” said Wolcott coach Matt Craig. “They stretched us out and did a great job of collapsing on us on defense.”

Torrington 57, Wolcott 47

At Torrington High School

Wolcott 6 15 19 7 — 47

Torrington 10 17 12 18 — 57

Wolcott (47): Jeff Nicol 2-0-4; Dane Hassan 1-0-3; Brian Perzhilla 2-3-8; Elmin Redzepagic 11-3-27; Jack Drewry 2-1-5; Totals: 18-7-47.

Torrington (57): Dontae Thomas 9-2-21; Nick Balducci 2-0-6; Tyreek Davis 3-0-7; Joel Villanueva 4-8-17; C.J. Root 0-2-2; Totals: 20-12-57.

3-point goals: W — Hassan; Perzhilla; Redzepagic 2. T — Thomas; Balducci 2; Davis; Villanueva.

Records: Wolcott 12-6; 11-5 NVL. Torrington 13-4; 12-3 NVL.

A STATEMENT win in the pool for @RidgefieldHS, 115-71 over Greenwich! @RidgefieldAD #ctswim pic.twitter.com/KOegWwjj6q

— CT Sports Now (@CT_Sports_Now) February 8, 2019

Thursday’s boys swimming showdown between Greenwich and Ridgefield involved two undefeated teams.

And after 12 events, it was the Tigers that kept their perfect record intact.

Winning 11 of 12 events, Ridgefield registered a convincing 115-71 victory over Greenwich in a key FCIAC meet at Barlow Mountain School in Ridgefield. With the victory, Ridgefield capped an undefeated regular season, finishing 10-0. Greenwich finished with a record of 9-1.

“We did not respond to the challenge,” Greenwich coach Terry Lowe said. “Ridgefield turned the tables on the depth charts. Not only did the Tigers win all three relays, they took two of the top three spots in two of them.”

Lowe knows his squad has some aspects to work on before the postseason commences.

“The state championships are still a month away,” Lowe said. “Hopefully, this outcome was a powerful message that will make the team really focus in the training ahead, beginning with our annual training trip, which for the second year takes us to Aruba. We will need to come back determined to turn things around against a talented and deep Tiger team.”

In the 200-meter medley relay on Thursday, Ridgefield’s Andrew Yu, Connor Hunt, Ethan Murray, Wil Bryant combined for a winning time of 1:51.53. The 200-meter freestyle saw Connor Hunt of Ridgefield post a winning time of :58.28 seconds.

In the 200-meter individual medley, Luke Hruska, of the Tigers touched the wall first in Ridgefield 2:14.40.

Andrew Yu of Ridgefield took top honors in the 100 freestyle (54.17), while Hunt won the 400 (4:09.77). The 200 freestyle relay of Ridgefield’s Bryant, Gavin Edgerton, Hrusta and Ethan Lu won in 1:42.2. In the 100 backstroke, Yu finished first in 1:00.88 and Thomas Lewis of Greenwich placed first in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.66)

Hunt, Luke Hruska, Edgerton and Yu capped Ridgefield’s big victory by winning the 400 freestyle relay in 3:48.65.

St. Joseph High football coach Joe Della Vecchia stands behind David Summers (Syracuse University) and Darren Warren (Trinity College) after they signed National Letters of Intent.
Photo: St. Joseph High

TRUMBULL — St. Joseph High’s David Summers and Darren Warren have officially signed their National Letters on Intent to play football at Syracuse University and Trinity College, respectively.

“St Joseph High School is proud to be able to host another signing day for David Summers and Darren Warren,” said Kevin Butler, Assistant Principal for Athletics. “These two seniors have worked incredibly hard — both on the field and in the classroom — and we can’t wait to see how far they’ll go in college and beyond.”

In December, St Joseph hosted an NCAA Signing Day which showcased 14 additional student athletes signing their NLIs.

David Summers

A two-time All-State selection at quarterback, Summers threw for 2,631 yards and 39 touchdowns to lead coach Joe Della Vecchia’s Hogs to its second straight state championship.

A 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior and three-star recruit, Summers finished his three years as a varsity player with 7,567 passing yards (58 percent completion percentage), with 101 touchdowns against 27 interceptions.

“David adapted to each of his receivers speed and strengths,” Della Vecchia said. “His quick release and great decision making with the ball is what set him apart.”

Syracuse went 9-3 to finish second in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Coach Dino Babers’ Orange were ranked 20th when they defeated No. 16 West Virginia, 34-18, in the Camping World Bowl.

“I wanted to go to a stable program,” Summers said of joining the Orange, where Babers recently signed a six-year extension. “The coaches were genuine, great people. Kirk Martin [quarterback coach] made a home visit and I’m comfortable with everything about joining the team.

“Playing football doesn’t last forever. Going to Syracuse will give me a meaningful degree. Their business school is one of the best and I’ll get an education that will last a lifetime.

“Being a student at St. Joe’s has been great. The student body is so supportive of all sports. We rally around each other and that is a great connection.”

At Syracuse, Summers will fill a void left by the recent transfer of redshirt freshman Chance Amie. The other Orange quarterbacks are redshirt sophomore Tommy DeVito, the projected starter in 2019, and projected backup and redshirt senior Clayton Welch.

Darren Warren

“Darren is a terrific athlete on both sides of the ball,” Della Vecchia said of his defensive mainstay in the secondary. “He has explosive speed and is a physical player. We left a lot of one-on-one coverage to Darren. He handled those receivers, and also fought off blocks and made plays from the edge.”

Trinity College put together an 8-1 season that saw coach Jeff Devanney’s Bantams dominate in the Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference

Trinity’s defense gave up only 10 points a game, a perfect match with an offense that put an average of 36 points on the scoreboard.

“I love the game day atmosphere,” the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Warren said. “I got to interact with the players and connected well with coach Lew Acquarulo [associate head coach/defensive coordinator]. They told me I would fit right in with their defense as a cornerback.”

What Warren loved best at St. Joseph is what he hopes continues at Trinity.

“Everytime I’m asked about me best memories, I bring up the family aspect of being a Cadet,” he said. “Everyone in the school supports each other.

“It’s what I see from Trinity — everyone together on and off the field. My mom, dad and friends have always supported me and I will take that with me.”

NEW HAVEN — While Old Saybrook had its share of success in the CIAC Class S boys and girls track and field championships at Floyd Little Athletic Center on Friday, in the end Bloomfield’s depth proved to be too much to overcome in both meets.

Kymali Hay won the 55 in 6.52 seconds and Sean Dixon-Bode won the long jump (22 feet, .25 inches) to lead Bloomfield to the boys Class S title with 115 points. Terry Miller won the 55 (7.03 seconds, tied meet record) and 300 (39.91) and Jillian Mars won the 600 (1:39.51) to lead Bloomfield to the girls Class S title with 97 points.

For the Bloomfield girls it is their 10th straight Class S title. Old Saybrook finished second with 58.25 points and Immaculate was third with 42.

“All the girls stepped up and ran well,” Bloomfield girls coach Anne Burrows said. “Winning this 10 times is special and it’s important to keep it going. It’s the result of a lot of hard work, everyone showed up when it counted.”

Sign up for The GTCT Whistle Newsletter

Rounding out the top three teams for the boys, Old Saybrook was second with 48 points and Northwest Catholic was third with 39.

COMPLETE CLASS S TRACK RESULTS

“It’s been a little disappointing for us the last two years, but tonight we came in focused,” Bloomfield boys coach Garfield White said. “Experience and confidence were the difference tonight. Everyone surprised me and everyone performed well and contributed in this win.”

Twins Grace Hanratty and Luke Hanratty of Old Saybrook led the Rams in their respective meets. Grace Hanratty won the girls 1000 in 2:58.03. Luke Hanratty ran a leg to help the Rams win the boys 4×800 relay and he was third in the 600 in 1:27.48.

“My coach Jan Merrill told me before I ran to just run my own race,” Grace Hanratty said. “I used my speed and took it out hard and then I kicked hard at the end.

“This was great. I took the lead the second to last lap and just pulled away.”

In the boys meet, Old Saybrook had a first and third in the 600. Luke Hanratty came in third but teammate Cooper Luciani pulled away the last 200 meters to win in 1:26.95.

“We pushed each other the entire race,” Luke Hanratty said. “When everyone was bunched up in the middle of the race we decided to go out hard and take control of the race.”

Luciani said, “At the end we both pushed hard. When I took the lead in the last lap I just went as hard as I could the rest of the way.”

Derby standout Ja’Kwan Hale, who always seems to have a smile on his face, was smiling after competing in the high jump and 300. He won the high jump with a height of 6-6 and he won the 300 in 35.54.

“I wasn’t really satisfied and I’m a little disappointed with my 6-6 in the high jump, I was hoping for 6-9,” Hale said. “But coming away with two wins in a state meet, I’m happy with that, real happy.

“The 300 was so exciting. Hay is a good runner and I was behind him. But I kicked and took the lead with about 100 meters to go. I was really excited to get this win today. And now it’s on to the State Open where it will really be challenging and a lot of fun.”

Kyle Gabinelli of Seymour won the long jump (18-8) and Hayden Rovelli of Coginchaug won the pole vault (14-0).

In the girls meet, other top winners included Cate Coppes of Old Saybrook who won the pole vault (11-0) and Patricia Jurkowski of Seymour won the 55 hurdles in 8.86.

Olivia Lombardi of Oxford was happy with her win in the high jump with her final height of 5 feet.

“My personal best in the high jump is 5-2 but lately I’ve struggled to get to 5 feet,” Lombardi said. “So I’m satisfied and happy to get the win with 5 feet. I focused on myself and what I personally had to do to get to 5 feet.”

The 1600 was the event of the night for the Immaculate girls team, which swept the top three spots. Taylor Mascetta won in 5:13.07, Molly Coyle was second in 5:18.12 and Ailene Doherty was third in 5:19.09.

2019 CLASS S INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

at Floyd Little Athletic Center, New Haven

Boys Team Scores

1) Bloomfield 115; 2) Old Saybrook 48; 3) Northwest Catholic 39; 4) Windham 38; 5) East Hampton 25.50; 6) Coginchaug 25; 7) Derby 20; 8) Nonnewaug 18; 8) Haddam-Killingworth 18; 10) Immaculate 15; 10) East Catholic 15; 12) SMSA 11; 13) Sacred Heart 10; 14) Terryville 8; 14) Innovation 8; 14) Classical Magnet 8; 17) Valley Regional 7; 18) Canton 6; 19) Windsor Locks 4; 19) Cromwell 4; 19) Montville 4; 19) Trinity Academy 4; 19) Westbrook 4; 24) Plainfield 3; 25) Coventry 2; 26) Oxford 1.50; 27) Woodland 1; 27) Morgan 1; 27) Shepaug Valley 1; 27) Capital Prep 1

Boys Top Finishers

55 Meter Dash Finals: 1. Kymali Hay, Bloomfield, 6.52; 2. Keith Berrouet,Smsa, 6.58; 3. Jaylon Nealy, Bloomfield, 6.59; 4. Jaelyn Butler, TrinityAcademy, 6.63; 5. Nick Braga, Valley Regional, 6.69; 6. Andrew Fergusen, Valley Regional, 6.73.

300 Meter Dash: 1. Ja’kwan Hale, Derby, 35.54; 2. Kymali Hay, Bloomfield,36.23; 3. Shakur Hill, Bloomfield, 36.31; 4. Andrew Fergusen, Valley Regional, 36.43; 5. Khalil Easton, Plainfield, 36.68; 6. Keith Berrouet, Smsa, 36.75.

600 Meter Run: 1. Cooper Luciani, Old Saybrook, 1:26.95; 2. EllisPhillips-Gallucci, Windham, 1:27.30; 3. Luke Hanratty, Old Saybrook, 1:27.48; 4. Jahmar Lindo, Bloomfield, 1:28.88; 5. Max Temple, Coginchaug, 1:29.09; 6. Eric Wilson Jr., East Catholic, 1:29.30.

1000 Meter Run: 1. Michael Stamm, Northwest Catholic, 2:38.44; 2. JacobIreland, East Hampton, 2:39.15; 3. Matt Jennings, Haddam-Killingworth, 2:41.95; 4. Jonathan Kittredge, Windsor Locks, 2:45.25; 5. Joshua Fee, Classical Magnet, 2:46.34; 6. Matthew Speight, Plainfield, 2:46.35.

1600 Meter Run: 1. Victor Cazabal, Windham, 4:36.06; 2. Eddie Nicholas,Nonnewaug, 4:37.22; 3. Heath Olivieri, East Catholic, 4:39.51; 4. James Sullivan, Immaculate, 4:42.66; 5. Anthony Corso, Innovation, 4:43.78; 6. Alexandre’ McMillian, East Hampton, 4:47.49.

3200 Meter Run: 1. Eddie Nicholas, Nonnewaug, 9:53.09; 2. Chris Deforest,Terryville, 9:54.72; 3. Victor Cazabal, Windham, 10:08.35; 4. Mark Rodriguez, Cromwell, 10:17.55; 5. Michael Stamm, Northwest Catholic, 10:18.22; 6. Ryan McNerney, Immaculate, 10:25.15.

55 Meter Hurdles: 1. Edward Williams, Sacred Heart, 7.51; 2. LorenzoGarcia, Northwest Catholic, 7.99; 3. Enrique Lopez Garcia, Windham, 8.01; 4. Jonathan Rodriguez, Innovation, 8.14; 5. Raphael Mena, Smsa, 8.25; 6. Cameron Brown, Shepaug Valley, 8.29.

4×200 Meter Relay: 1. Bloomfield (Dante Montaque, Sean Dixon-Bode, AnthonySimpson, Shakur Hill), 1:33.98; 2. Northwest Catholic (Paris Carpenter, Justin Tavares, Samuel Deveau, Brandon Drummond), 1:35.64; 3. Old Saybrook (Jack Colella, Carlos Chacon, Devon Moshier, Max Thomas), 1:36.14; 4. East Catholic (Brendan Truman, Logan Reynolds, Joshua Duvall, Eric Wilson Jr.), 1:36.82; 5. Coventry (Jack Poland, Jacob Krause, Nikolaj Freschlin, Chase Prentiss), 1:36.88; 6. Coginchaug (Colin Sheehy, Connor Rulnick, Tim Arcari, Ryan Genest), 1:37.13.

4×400 Meter Relay: 1. Bloomfield (Jaylon Nealy, Shakur Hill, Jahmar Lindo,Kymali Hay), 3:29.72; 2. Coginchaug (Connor Rulnick, Anthony Gavrilovic, Ryan Genest, Tim Arcari), 3:35.90; 3. Old Saybrook (Luke Hanratty, Cooper Luciani, Max Thomas, Jack Colella), 3:36.38; 4. East Catholic (Logan Reynolds, John Oei, Heath Olivieri, Eric Wilson Jr.), 3:38.79; 5. Innovation (Malachi Bolden, Jonathan Rodriguez, Brennan Kievman, Quentin Askew), 3:42.80; 6. Woodland (Edit Krivca, Michael Falcone, Conrad Filippone, Ryan Swanson), 3:43.17.

4×800 Meter Relay: 1. Old Saybrook (Luke Hanratty, Shon Ryan, JacobSchneider, Cooper Luciani), 8:22.90; 2. East Hampton (Alexandre’ McMillian, Tomas Lopes, Jonathan Barber, Jacob Ireland), 8:27.55; 3. Haddam-Killingworth (Christian Uzwiak, Max Cozean, Seth Freeman, Matt Jennings), 8:36.84; 4. Immaculate (Parker McKenzie, Allen De Dios Reigo, Ryan McNerney, James Sullivan), 8:48.45; 5. Coginchaug (Nicholas Vestergaard, Max Temple, Aidan Garcia, Brendan Dana), 8:59.07; 6. Northwest Catholic (Matthew Poniatowski, Matthew Deneen, Aidan Deneen, Declan Wlochowski), 9:01.16.

1600 Sprint Medley: 1. Northwest Catholic (Brandon Drummond, Samuel Deveau,Justin Tavares, Michael Stamm), 3:44.94; 2. East Hampton (Daniel Kostoss, Jack Piper, Jonathan Barber, Jacob Ireland), 3:46.88; 3. Bloomfield (Ajrael Anderson, Korey Steele, Sephton Reid, Tyler Wesley), 3:50.44; 4. Classical Magnet (Tajh Ferguson, Dorian Bernard, Stephen Babolola, Joshua Fee), 3:51.36; 5. Old Saybrook (Devon Moshier, Carlos Chacon, Max Thomas, Shon Ryan), 3:52.58; 6. Morgan (Bryce Thomas, Michael Savage, Calvin Jackson, Chayse Lofgren), 3:54.06.

High Jump: 1. Ja’kwan Hale, Derby, 6-06; 2. Chaddane Williams, Bloomfield,6-04; 3. Peter Fuller, Canton, 6-02; 4. Spencer Brown, Immaculate, 6-00; 5.Stephen Mallard, Classical Magnet, 5-10; 6. Eli Manning, Oxford, J5-10.

Pole Vault: 1. Hayden Rovelli, Coginchaug, 14-00; 2. Cody DeAngelo, OldSaybrook, 13-00; 3. Tyler Knapp, Haddam-Killingworth, 11-06; 4. Michael Gingras, Westbrook, J11-06; 5. Connor Zolnik, Coginchaug, J11-06; 6. Samuel Wolf, Oxford, 10-00; 6. Brendan Owen, East Hampton, 10-00.

Long Jump: 1. Sean Dixon-Bode, Bloomfield, 22-00.25; 2. Anthony Simpson,Bloomfield, 21-10.75; 3. Ajrael Anderson, Bloomfield, 21-08.25; 4. Korey Steele, Bloomfield, 21-07.25; 5. Spencer Brown, Immaculate, 21-02.75; 6. Jahmar Lindo, Bloomfield, 20-10.50.

Shot Put: 1. Aaron Williams, Bloomfield, 53-11.75; 2. Natanael BarbosaTorres, Windham, 53-08.50; 3. Nicholas Campbell, Bloomfield, 52-00; 4. Tyrone Mack, Montville, 48-08; 5. Michael Campbell, Bloomfield, 47-00; 6. Tyler Oney, Capital Prep, 46-01.75.

Girls Team Scores

1) Bloomfield 97; 2) Old Saybrook 58.25; 3) Immaculate 42; 4) Canton 36; 5) Plainfield 30; 6) Cromwell 28; 7) Montville 23; 8) Woodland 16; 9) East Catholic 14; 10) Seymour 12.50; 11) Granby Memorial 11; 12) Hale Ray 10; 12) Oxford 10; 14) Somers 8; 14) Coginchaug 8; 14) East Hampton 8; 14) Classical Magnet 8; 18) Sacred Heart 6; 18) North Branford 6; 18) Abbott Tech 6; 18) St. Bernard 6; 22) Metropolitan Lc 4; 22) Griswold 4; 22) Thomaston 4; 22) Capital Prep 4; 26) Morgan 2; 26) Haddam-Killingworth 2; 28) Derby 1; 29) Valley Regional 0.25

Girls Top Finishers

55 Meter Dash Finals: 1. Terry Miller, Bloomfield, 7.03#; 2. ChelseaMitchell, Canton, 7.27; 3. Andraya Yearwood, Cromwell, 7.33; 4. Brianna Westberry, Capital Prep, 7.48; 5. D’Jior Delisser, Bloomfield, 7.51; 6. Patricia Jurkowski, Seymour, 7.53.

300 Meter Dash: 1. Terry Miller, Bloomfield, 39.91; 2. Jillian Mars,Bloomfield, 39.93; 3. Kate Carleson, Plainfield, 42.30; 4. Shante Brown, Bloomfield, 42.55; 5. Mali Wilson, Metropolitan LC, 43.61; 6. A’Jah Canty, Metropolitan LC, 43.80.

600 Meter Run: 1. Jillian Mars, Bloomfield, 1:39.51; 2. Jadyn Gibson,Bloomfield, 1:45.12; 3. Marisa Shiland, Abbott Tech, 1:46.39; 4. Jade Brennan, Woodland, 1:46.88; 5. Maeve Balavender, Canton, 1:48.14; 6. Alexis Delucia, Montville, 1:51.42.

1000 Meter Run: 1. Grace Hanratty, Old Saybrook, 2:58.03; 2. CassandraCarleson, Plainfield, 3:02.99; 3. Jessica Stratton, Old Saybrook, 3:08.14; 4. Jaden Young, Woodland, 3:09.87; 5. Jenna French, Sacred Heart, 3:16.64; 6. Elizabeth Bowman, Montville, 3:17.69.

1600 Meter Run: 1. Taylor Mascetta, Immaculate, 5:13.07; 2. Molly Coyle,Immaculate, 5:18.12; 3. Ailene Doherty, Immaculate, 5:19.09; 4. Emma Slavin, Woodland, 5:25.37; 5. Liv DiStefano, East Hampton, 5:26.48; 6. Cassidy Ngaopraseutsack, Derby, 5:26.55.

3200 Meter Run: 1. Emily Sienna, Hale Ray, 11:09.85; 2. Kylie Raymond,Somers, 11:28.47; 3. Katelyn Segreti, Immaculate, 11:36.84; 4. Julia Caputo, Canton, 11:47.05; 5. Natalie Dudas, Immaculate, 12:08.87; 6. Caitlin Wiley, Old Saybrook, 12:15.57.

55 Meter Hurdles: 1. Patricia Jurkowski, Seymour, 8.86; 2. Sophie Kisner,East Catholic, 9.11; 3. Madeline Archangelo, Canton, 9.19; 4. Lauren Ross, Montville, 9.29; 5. Cate Coppes, Old Saybrook, 9.37; 6. Elicia Colon, Bloomfield, 9.66.

4×200 Meter Relay: 1. Bloomfield (Jahmiha Lindo, Shante Brown, EliciaColon, Jahlia Banton), 1:48.93; 2. Plainfield (Isabella Newbury, Emily Moran, Cassandra Carleson, Kate Carleson), 1:52.05; 3. Cromwell (Andraya Yearwood, Melissa Woodcock, Kaitlin Lewkowicz, Jordan Pare), 1:52.39; 4. Griswold (Kamryn Gurnee-Mims, Sarah Merchant, Ava Poore, Audrey Strmiska), 1:52.74; 5. Morgan (Alyssa LeMay, Jessica Flanagan, Carley Schmidt, Madison Corgan), 1:53.39; 6. Metropolitan LC (Jaida Long, Mali Wilson, Rachel Gordon-Robinson, A’Jah Canty), 1:53.69.

4×400 Meter Relay: 1. Bloomfield (Shante Brown, Terry Miller, JahliaBanton, Jillian Mars), 4:04.73#; 2. Plainfield (Isabella Newbury, Emily Moran, Cassandra Carleson, Kate Carleson), 4:09.54; 3. Montville (Katelin Price, Michaela MacCracken, Alexandria Peck, Mady Whittaker), 4:14.16; 4. Cromwell (Taylor Santos, Caitlin DellaRatta, Jordan Pare, Cara Jordan), 4:18.69; 5. East Catholic (Rebecca Villanueva, Fiona Crowley, Laurel Woods, Sophie Kisner), 4:26.37; 6. Old Saybrook (Grace Hanratty, Jessica Stratton, Anna Brodeur, Allison Cody), 4:28.07.

4×800 Meter Relay: 1. Immaculate (Kayla Ondy, Ailene Doherty, Molly Coyle,Taylor Mascetta), 9:37.28; 2. Old Saybrook (Allison Cody, Caitlin Wiley, Tehra Givehand, Emily Stratton), 10:13.18; 3. St. Bernard (Sophia Duhig, Lillian Turner, Serena Britner, Brigid Kunka), 10:30.62; 4. Thomaston (Abby Blasko, Kiersten Sundell, Maegan Desmarais, Briana Grecco), 10:38.23; 5. Haddam-Killingworth (Lauren D’Amico, Julia Callis, Hailey Cassidy, Brianna Minervino), 10:40.14; 6. Canton (Emma Gallant, Julia Caputo, Maeve Balavender, Helena Winkler), 10:45.26.

1600 Sprint Medley: 1. Cromwell (Andraya Yearwood, Jordan Pare, CaitlinDellaRatta, Cara Jordan), 4:20.13; 2. Old Saybrook (Dylan Adams, Autumn Szucs, Allison Cody, Jessica Stratton), 4:23.18; 3. Montville (Katelin Price, Michaela MacCracken, Alexandria Peck, Mady Whittaker), 4:25.68; 4. Sacred Heart (Asia Chapman, Veronique Recile, Beverly Okoronkwo, Jenna French), 4:33.91; 5. Bloomfield (Santorini Mooving, D’Jior Delisser, Jahlia Banton, Alicia Whyte), 4:35.10; 6. Canton (Kaylia Bailey, Maya Sutton-Hall, Brooke Shepard, Helena Winkler), 4:41.65.

High Jump: 1. Olivia Lombardi, Oxford, 5-00; 2. Rachel Vigorita, OldSaybrook, 4-10; 3. Lauren Ross, Montville, 4-08; 3. Madeline Archangelo, Canton, 4-08; 3. Nicole DiBenedetto, East Catholic, 4-08; 6. Anna Brodeur, Old Saybrook, J4-08; 6. Madelyn Costello, Valley Regional, J4-08; 6. Faith Rousseau, Seymour, J4-08; 6. Emma Rousseau, Seymour, J4-08.

Pole Vault: 1. Cate Coppes, Old Saybrook, 11-00; 2. Carolyn Cumello,Coginchaug, 9-06; 3. Coralin McDaniel, East Hampton, 9-00; 4. Hannah Sumby,Old Saybrook, 7-06; 5. Alicia Whyte, Bloomfield, J7-06; 6. Evelyn Brooke, Granby Memorial, J7-06.

Long Jump: 1. Chelsea Mitchell, Canton, 17-08.50; 2. Lauren Roy, GranbyMemorial, 16-07; 3. Mackenzie Glenn, North Branford, 16-04.75; 4. Shenequa Campbell, Bloomfield, 15-07.50; 5. Melissa Woodcock, Cromwell, 15-06; 6. Lauren Ross, Montville, 15-04.25.

Shot Put: 1. Alliyah Boothe, Bloomfield, 43-11#; 2. Payge Boyd, ClassicalMagnet, 38-05.50; 3. Otisha Williams, Bloomfield, 35-11.50; 4. Jasmine Michie, Woodland, 35-06.50; 5. Tristian Haugabook, Granby Memorial, 32-07.25; 6. Faith Rousseau, Seymour, 31-06.50.

Today’s games

All times 7 p.m. unless noted

BOYS BASKETBALL: CTC: Abbott Tech at Whitney Tech, 6 p.m.; Wolcott Tech at O’Brien Tech, 6 p.m.; Kaynor Tech at Platt Tech; Preps: Hopkins at Rye (NY), 3:30 p.m.; Brunswick at Hamden Hall, 4 p.m.; Cheshire Academy at Worcester Academy, 6 p.m.; Non-league: Amistad at New London; NVL: Derby at Ansonia, 6 p.m.; Watertown at Oxford, 6 p.m.; Seymour at Woodland; SWC: New Milford at Bunnell; Shoreline: Valley Regional at Coginchaug; Morgan at Cromwell; Haddam-Killingworth at North Branford; Hale Ray at Westbrook; Old Saybrook at Portland; SCC: Cheshire at Hand; Hillhouse at Hamden; Lyman Hall at North Haven; East Haven at Fairfield Prep; Career at Notre Dame-West Haven; Law at West Haven; Guilford at Xavier; Branford at Shelton; FCIAC: St. Joseph at Ridgefield

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Preps: Hopkins at Holy Child, 3 p.m.; Hamden Hall at Wilbraham & Monson, 6:30 p.m.; CTC: Whitney Tech at Abbott Tech, 6 p.m.; Platt Tech at Kaynor Tech, 6 p.m.; O’Brien Tech at Wolcott Tech, 6 p.m.; Shoreline: Hale Ray at Westbrook, 5 p.m.; SWC: Bunnell at New Milford, 6 p.m.; Stratford at Brookfield; NVL: Woodland at Seymour; Oxford at Watertown; SCC: Sheehan at Branford; Mercy at Career; Foran at Hillhouse; Hand at Wilbur Cross; Lauralton Hall at Lyman Hall; Amity at East Haven; Hamden at Guilford; Law at Cheshire

BOYS HOCKEY: Fairfield Prep at Pope Francis (Mass.), 6 p.m.; Notre Dame-Fairfield at Prout (RI) (Providence), 6 p.m.

GIRLS HOCKEY: Amity-North Haven-Cheshire at New Canaan (Darien), 6 p.m.

BOYS SWIMMING: SCC: Fairfield Prep at Notre Dame-West Haven (Albertus), 3:30 p.m.; NVL: Sacred Heart at Seymour, 6 p.m.; Non-league: Amity at Norwalk/Brien McMahon, 6 p.m.

GYMNASTICS: Shoreline: Valley Regional, Haddam-Killingworth at Old Lyme (ABC Gymnastics), 3:30 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK: Class L championship meet at Floyd Little Athletic Center, 4 p.m.

Boys Basketball

Amity 60, Wilbur Cross 48

Amity (12-3-0)

James Van Hise 2 0 10-14 14, Mike Young 2 0 0-0 4, Joe Benedetti 2 0 3-4 7, Joe Digelo 0 2 0-0 6, Cole Wissnick 3 2 2-7 14, Tanner Thomas 3 0 3-4 9, Sebastian Formica 0 1 0-0 3, Marc Chados 2 0 1-2 5

Wilbur Cross (10-6-0)

Derek Grant 0 0 9-11 9, Enasj Jones 2 1 3-6 10, Kyle Daniels 2 1 2-2 9, Darius Esdaile 2 0 0-0 4, Terrance Edwards 3 0 3-4 9, Jaleem Sayles 3 0 1-1 7

Late Wednesday

Morgan 65, North Branford 38

Morgan (11-2)

Zach Johnson 5 2 0-0 16, AJ Fritz 1 1 0-0 5, Rob Zirlis 2 0 2-2 6, Jason Cohen 0 3 0-0 9, Garrett Johnson 2 1 0-0 7, Chris Nuzzo 3 0 0-0 6, JP Nye 0 0 1-2 1, Lee Broderick 1 0 0-0 2, Gavin Krott 1 1 0-0 5, Connor Duffy 2 0 0-0 4, Alex Fratamico 2 0 0-0 4

North Branford (1-13)

Gary Robinson 4 0 1-1 9, Bret Fee 4 0 2-8 10, Mike Sitro 3 0 3-4 9, Trevor Holzer 1 0 0-0 2, Gio Parillo 1 0 0-0 2, Ronny Longo 0 0 1-4 1, Cam Dientima 0 1 0-2 3, Josh Brigido 1 0 0-0 2

Stratford 58, Bunnell 55

Stratford (10-5)

Jack Ryan 4 1 3-4 14, Mike August 3 0 1-2 7, Joe August 2 0 3-4 7, Preston Williams 0 2 2-3 8, Zack Fedak 0 2 3-4 9, Jayquan Kirkland 4 1 2-2 13

Bunnell (9-4)

Khalid Moreland 5 0 1-2 11, Tyler Staggs-Burgess 2 0 0-0 4, Maximus Edwards 2 0 2-4 6, Elijah Alexandre 6 1 0-0 15, Jerrod Leak 2 1 0-0 7, Derrick Gyimach 2 0 2-2 6, Josh Gianani 1 0 0-0 2, Javon Wilson 1 0 0-0 2, Tyrone Coleman 0 0 2-2 2

Girls Basketball

O’Brien Tech 33,

Wilcox Tech 29

O’Brien Tech (2-13)

Gianna Bacciocchi 3 0 0-0 6, Miranda McGuire 3 4 1-1 19, Naliah Colon 0 0 2-2 2, Briana Cole 1 0 0-0 2, Amaya DeVillegas 2 0 0-0 4

Wilcox Tech (3-10)

Kayla Ransom 3 1 7-7 16, Charisa Morales 2 0 0-0 4, A LaFogg 3 0 0-0 6, J Cooper 0 0 1-1 1, J Rodriguez 1 0 0-0 2

West Haven 48,

Sacred Heart Academy 47

Sacred Heart Academy (1-17)

Francine Corpus 2 0 0-1 4, Emily Copenhaver 0 0 1-2 1, Giana Pye 0 0 2-2 2, Carina Ciampi 2 1 2-4 9, Elena Farquharson 8 0 11-18 27, Ally Kirck 0 0 2-2 2, Mary Olson 1 0 0-0 2

West Haven (5-12)

Brianna Sebastian 4 0 0-2 8, Natalia Frazer 3 2 6-10 18, Savannah Gray 0 0 2-2 2, Keegan Riccio 0 0 0-1 0, Sarah Evangelista 1 2 0-0 8, Diamond Dixon 0 2 2-2 8, Elena Petrie 1 0 2-3 4

Ansonia 49, Seymour 43

Ansonia (15-4)

Liz Wilson 3 0 7-8 13, Natasha Rivera 6 0 1-3 13, JoJo Sanchez 0 3 5-6 14, Hailey Bellido 0 1 1-2 4, Jayda Sanchez 0 1 0-3 3, Lilly Romanowski 1 0 0-0 2

Seymour (12-6)

Sydnie Drezek 1 4 2-4 16, Morgan Teodosio 4 0 0-4 8, Kenzie Sirowich 2 0 2-3 6, Kiley Drezek 1 0 2-6 4, Megan Condo 2 1 0-1 7, Arlinda Peraj 0 0 0-2 0, Alyssa Cosciello 1 0 0-0 2

Late Wednesday

Mercy 52, Hand 38

Mercy (14-5)

Lexi Leon 0 1 2-3 5, Sophia Finkeldey 0 1 4-4 7, Lilly Hedge 5 0 2-2 12, Vienna Knox 2 0 0-0 4, Rachael Cipolla 2 1 2-2 9, Kameryn King 2 2 5-5 15

Hand (7-9)

Sara Wohlgemuth 5 0 4-7 14, Julia Kuhn 1 0 0-0 2, Anna Beccia 1 0 4-4 6, Taya Akers 0 2 0-0 6, Hadley Houghton 2 0 1-2 5, Brooke Salutari 1 1 0-0 5

Hopkins 68, Westover 42

Hopkins

Jasmine Simmons 1 0 3-8 5, Fiona O’Brien 5 0 4-4 14, Abigail Mills 4 0 0-2 8, Emma Maldon 5 0 0-1 10, Charlotte Yin 1 0 0-0 2, Casey Dies 5 0 1-2 11, Ella Zuse 1 0 0-0 2, Ava Pfannenbecker 0 0 1-2 1

Westover

Kayla Surajnoth 2 0 4-6 10, Anna Cruz 1 0 0-0 2, Mia Izzi 3 0 2-5 8, Meghan Battino 1 0 0-2 2, Katie Protzermann 1 0 0-0 2, Aspen Monroe 1 0 0-0 2, Ellie Dunn 3 0 1-2 7

Ice Hockey

Late Wednesday

East Haven 2, North Branford 0

Second Period: — Ryan Egan (from Cory Benni and Dave Amatruda) 8:52; Third Period: — Alec Speirs 13:50. Saves: — Tyler DiNapoli 24 on 26 shots; — Logan Hamilton 41 on 41 shots.

Gymnastics

SCC Championships

Final Team Results: 1. Mercy, 133.3; 2. Daniel Hand, 131.4; 3. Jonathan Law, 127.15; 4. Foran, 117.65; 5. Hamden, 110.8

Most Outstanding Gymnast: Mia Lawrence (Mercy)

All-Around: Mia Lawrence (Mercy), 36.15; Grace Rogers (Daniel Hand), 35.0; Megan Connelly (Sacred Heart Academy), 34.7; Paige Dean (Daniel Hand), 33.45; Catherine Burns (Jonathan Law), 33.0; Kaci Buono (Mercy), 32.6; Cece Vess (Mercy), 32.55; Brooke Kustra (Branford), 32.4; Emma Nelly (Joanthan Law), 32.1; Samantha Lambert (Foran), 31.8; Makenna Sharpe (Jonathan Law), 31.45; Alexis Sangiovanni (Hamden), 31.15

Bars: Mia Lawrence (Mercy), 9.1; Grace Rogers (Daniel Hand), 8.6; Megan Connelly (Sacred Heart Academy), 8.5; Paige Dean (Daniel Hand), 8.1; Kaci Buono (Mercy), 8.1; Catherine Burns (Jonathan Law), 8.0

Beam: Grace Rogers (Daniel Hand), 8.8; Megan Connelly (Sacred Heart Academy), 8.5; Mia Lawrence (Mercy), 8.2; Catherine Burns (Jonathan Law), 8.0; Brooke Kustra (Branford), 7.9; Paige Dean (Daniel Hand), 7.8; Cece Vess (Mercy), 7.8; Samantha Lambert (Foran), 7.8

Floor: Mia Lawrence (Mercy), 9.6; Paige Dean (Daniel Hand), 9.25; Grace Rogers (Daniel Hand), 9.2; Makenna Sharpe (Jonathan Law), 9.15; Emma Nelly (Jonathan Law), 9.1; Kelley Levis (Daniel Hand), 9.0

Vault: Mia Lawrence (Mercy), 9.2; Megan Connelly (Sacred Heart Academy), 9.1; Charlie Weaver (Mercy), 8.45; Grace Rogers (Daniel Hand), 8.4; Kaci Buono (Mercy), 8.4; Brooke Kustra (Branford), 8.4; Emma Nelly (Jonathan Law), 8.4; Samantha Lambert (Foran), 8.4

MILFORD — In order to dethrone 10-time defending champion Daniel Hand, Mercy, the 2019 favorite, would have to put forth a dominant effort. Consider the job done.

Behind the all-around effort of junior Mia Lawrence, and the team performance of Mercy, the Tigers took home the Southern Connecticut Conference gymnastics title, edging Hand 133.30-131.40.

The victory not only ended the 10-year hold Hand had on the crown, but also stops the two-year run in which Mercy finished second to Hand. Jonathan Law (127.150) was third, Foran placed fourth (117.65) and Hamden (110.80) rounded out the top five.

Sign up for the free GTCT Whistle Newsletter

“This is great for such a young team,” Mercy coach Monica Bauer said. “It is a great accomplishment. It is good exposure for the school. I am really proud of them and all they accomplished.”

Mercy, competing for just the fourth year as a team, became just the first team other than Hand (who had won 21 of the first 23 titles), Foran (2008) and Law (2007) to take home the title.

Great night at Jonathan Law for our gymnasts, coaches and fans. We are all proud of you. ⁦@MercyMiddletown⁩ ⁦@GameTimeCT⁩ ⁦@SCCcommissioner⁩ pic.twitter.com/prqfW0MiEN

— Mercy Athletics (@MercyTigers) February 8, 2019

“I think if you ask anyone here today, they will tell you how happy they are,” Hand coach Kelly Smith said of her team. “We had such a great competition. We killed our team best score. A lot of good things happened today. Mercy is a really great team. They have some excellent kids and they are very well coached. Ten years is a long time. It had to end sometime. There is not a better team to end it. They are a very good team.”

Mercy came out of the gates very well, excelling on the vault with Lawrence leading the way with a 9.20. Lawrence won the bars with a 9.10, before placing third on the beam with an 8.20.

When the team needed her most, Lawrence was there. The junior ruled the floor exercise with a SCC record 9.65 to help clinch the title.

Mercy's Mia Lawrence on the beam at the SCC championship #ctgym pic.twitter.com/PmC5IKyRKZ

— Mike Madera (@MikeMadera2) February 8, 2019

“We were very determined this year,” Lawrence said. “Hand is a very strong team. We tried our best to accomplish this. When I got to the floor, I knew I had to do all I could. I put a smile on my face and did all I could. This is definitely amazing. It’s been a great experience as a team.”

In an evening full of brilliant performances, several stood out among the best. Sacred Heart Academy’s Megan Connelly dazzled on the vault with a 9.10 for a second place finish, while Mercy’s Charlie Weaver was third at 8.45.

The bars saw Hand’s Grace Rogers place second with an 8.60 and Connelly finish third at 8.50. Rogers won the beam at 8.80, Connelly was second at 8.50, Catherine Burns of Law was fourth at 8.0 and Brooke Kustra of Branford was fifth at 7.90.

Law's Emma Nelly on the vault at the SCC Championships #ctgym pic.twitter.com/9ieOxor7Qj

— Mike Madera (@MikeMadera2) February 8, 2019

Hand’s Paige Dean (9.25) and Rogers (9.20) were second and third, respectively, in the floor exercises.

The All-SCC team had solid representation from each team as Lawrence was named the Most Outstanding Gymnast. Mercy was also represented by Weaver, Kaci Buono, Cece Vess and Annie Berger.

Hand placed Rogers, Dean, Kelley Levis and Carly-Anna Barba, while Law’s Emma Nelly, Kylee Troy, Burns and MaKenna Sharpe, Branford’s Kustra, Foran’s Samantha Lambert, Sacred Heart’s Connelly, and Hamden’s Taylor Emmerich and Alexis Sangiovanni rounded out the squad.

Branford's Brooke Kustra on the floor exercise at the SCC Championship #ctgym pic.twitter.com/oAxOjfCN4P

— Mike Madera (@MikeMadera2) February 8, 2019

Thursday’s boys swimming showdown between Greenwich and Ridgefield involved two undefeated teams.

And after 12 events, it was the Tigers that kept their perfect record intact.

Winning 11 of 12 events, Ridgefield registered a convincing 115-71 victory over Greenwich in a key FCIAC meet at Barlow Mountain School in Ridgefield. With the victory, Ridgefield capped an undefeated regular season, finishing 10-0. Greenwich finished with a record of 9-1.

“We did not respond to the challenge,” GHS coach Terry Lowe said. “Ridgefield turned the tables on the depth charts. Not only did the Tigers win all three relays, they took two of the top three spots in two of them.”

Lowe knows his squad has some aspects to work on before the postseason commences.

“The state championships are still a month away,” Lowe said. “Hopefully, this outcome was a powerful message that will make the team really focus in the training ahead, beginning with our annual training trip, which for the second year takes us to Aruba. We will need to come back determined to turn things around against a talented and deep Tiger team.”:

In the 200-meter medley relay on Thursday, Ridgefield’s Andrew Yu, Connor Hunt, Ethan Murray, Wil Bryant) combined for a winning time of 1:51.53. The 200-meter freestyle saw Connor Hunt of Ridgefield post a winning time of :58.28 seconds.

In the 200-meter individual medley, Luke Hruska, of the Tigers touched the wall first in Ridgefied 2:14.40

50 meter Freestyle: Wil Bryant, Ridgefield 24.65 Caitlin Inall of Ridgefield was the diving the diving winner (250.55) and Trey O’Malley gave the Tigers a first-place finish in the 100 butterfly in 1:00.38.

Andrew Yu of Ridgefield Ridgefield took top honors in the 100 freestyle (54.17), while Hunt won the 400 (4:09.77). The 200 freestyle relay of Ridgefild’s Wil Bryant, Gavin Edgerton, Hrusta and Ethan Lu won in 1:42.2. In the 100 backstroke, Yu finished first in 1:00.88 and Thomas Lewis of Greenwich placed first in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.66)

Hunt, Luke Hruska, Edgerton and Yu capped Ridgefield’s big victory by winning the 400 freestyle relay in 3:48.65.

GREENWICH GYMNASTICS

Greenwich High School outscored FCIAC gymnastics foe Staples, 132.85-121.25, in a meet held on Wednesday night at the Greenwich YWCA.

Cardinals senior Kelsey Fedorko posted first-place finishes in each event. She tied for first place with teammate Ellie Marino in the vault event (8.95). Greenwich’s Gianna Cardini was second (8.85), followed by Staples’ Mimi Schindler and Anna Costello (8.0).

On the uneven bars, Fedorko totaled a winning score of 8.3, while Cardini finished second (7.9) and Ashton took third (7.7). The balance beam saw Fedorko take top honors with a 9.4. Marino placed second (8.8) and Cardini was third.

The floor exercise event went to Fedorko with a 9.0, followed by Marino (8.6) and Cardini (8.4). Fedorko had the top all-around score (35.65). Marino’s all-around score was (33.75) and Cardini had a score of 33.45.

NEW MILFORD — The third time was the charm for the Newtown gymnastics team.

The Nighthawks had posted runner-up finishes the past two seasons at the South-West Conference girls gymnastics championship.

They decided enough was enough Thursday night at New Milford High School. Everyone put their best foot forward and Newtown took the championship plaque home.

Sign up for The GTCT Whistle Newsletter

Newtown posted a winning score of 132.900 points to hold off determined runner-up Oxford (130.800). Host New Milford (126.750) was third followed by Pomperaug (125.950) and Nonnewaug (123.350).

“After losing by a couple of tenths of a point last year. The girls were determined this season,” Newtown coach Kim Kane said. “We had a great regular season and the girls wanted to fashion an exclamation point. The girls collectively worked so hard for this. I couldn’t be happier for them.”

Congratulations to coach Kane and your 2019 SWC gymnastics champions! #ctgym @NHS_TWEETS pic.twitter.com/tpKX7WBha7

— NHS Athletics (@nhsathletics) February 8, 2019

Leading the way for Newtown was Hannah Jojo. The junior captured the gold medal in vaulting (8.65), and uneven bars (9.0) on her way to taking the all-around title (34.75).

It all added up to a plaque for Jojo as Championship MVP.

“This is so exciting. Our No. 1 goal was to win the SWC Championship. We came so close last year. Winning the title is better. All our work paid off,” Jojo said. “I feel I improved my skill sets. And I made much cleaner routines this year. The love from our team and the love of the sport carried me.”

“Hannah was amazing,” Kane said. “She fell off balance beam costing her 2/10s of a point. She added wrinkles to her routines in the other events to get that 2/10s back. That tells you the type of gymnast she is.”

Oxford High freshman Anna Gramlich scored 8.8 to become the SWC champ on balance beam. Pomperaug High sophomore Alaina Karp won the floor exercise with a score of 9.2.

Karp was runnerup on all-around (34.65) while Gramlich was fourth (33.50).

Oxford made the team race close despite missing injured senior Emily Baktis. Nicole Bobbie and senior Taren Diaz had big nights to support Gramlich’s efforts.

“The girls did so well. They worked so hard,” Oxford coach Chelsie Eckman said. “Our group is small but mighty.”

New Milford didn’t get its third title in four years. But the Green Wave showed they are ready for the upcoming state championships.

“I’m very proud of the girls,” New Milford coach Bethany Mihaly said. “Newtown and Oxford performed such clean routines. Our girls did their best and look forward to the states.”

SWC CHAMPIONSHIP

At New Milford HS

Team Scores: 1, Newtown 132.9; 2, Oxford 130.8; 3, New Milford 126.750; 4, Pomperaug 125.950; 5, Nonnewaug 123.350; 6, Joel Barlow 83.3.

Vault: (Top 3 medalists): 1, Hannah Jojo (Newtown) 8.650 points; 2, (tie) Marisa Choi (Newtown), Alaina Karp (Pomperaug), Paige Brandt (Nonnewaug) 8.60; 3, Allyson Kenny (Newtown), 8.55.

Uneven Bars: 1, Hannah Jojo (Newtown) 9.0; 2, Thea Spinner (New Milford) 8.7; 3, Allyson Kenny (Newtown) 8.50.

Beam: 1, Anna Gramlich (Oxford) 8.80; 2, Anna Santerelli (New Milford) 8.6; 3, 3, Alaina Karp (Pomperaug) 8.45.

Floor Exercise: 1, Alaina Karp (Pomperaug) 9.2; 2, Taren Diaz (Oxford) 8.90; 3, Hannah Jojo (Newtown) 8.70.

All-Around: 1, Hannah Jojo (Newtown) 34.75 points; 2, Alaina Karp (Pomperaug) 34.65; 3, Allyson Kenny (Newtown) 33.85.

Championship MVP: Hannah Jojo, Newtown.

BOYS BASKETBALL

WAMOGO 59, LITCHFIELD 38

One win closer to an undefeated season for @WamogoAthletics, defeating Litchfield, 59-38! #ctbb pic.twitter.com/nFDcwXdgov

— CT Sports Now (@CT_Sports_Now) February 8, 2019

Garrett Sattazahn scored 33 points to lead Wamogo’s boys basketball team back from an early deficit to a dominant 59-38 victory over Litchfield in an important Berkshire League game Thursday night in Litchfield.

Wamogo improved to 17-0 but also claimed the outright Berkshire League championship for the first time since 1973. It was Wamogo’s first league title since 1997 when it shared it with Lewis Mills.

Wamogo (17-0)

S. Coffey 2 3 7; R. Turtoro 1 0 2; C. Higgins 0 0 0; E. Collins 4 0 8; B. Roy 0 0 0; M. Mazzarelli 3 1 7; G. Sattazahn 13 6 33; J. Griffin 0 0 0; Z. Oldenwalder 1 0 2; J. Brodhead 0 0 0; J. King 0 0 0. Totals: 24 10 59

Litchfield (8-9)

D. Dieck 0 0 0; M. Chapman 0 0 0;  L. Parsons 0 0 0; T. Brady 5 3 14; T. Melk 1 4 6; J. Guilmart 3 1 8; M. Rousseau 0 0 0; M. Gostkowski 1 0 3; Z. Crapo 0 0 0; E. Fischthal 1 5 7; A. Campbell 0 0 0; Totals: 11, 13, 38

Wamogo  11 14  15  19 — 59
Litchfield  14  5  9  10 — 38

3 pointers:  Wamogo- Sattazahn; Litchfield – Brady, Guilmart, Gostkowski

Amity 60, Wilbur Cross 48

Amity (12-3)

James Van Hise 2 0 10-14 14, Mike Young 2 0 0-0 4, Joe Benedetti 2 0 3-4 7, Joe Digelo 0 2 0-0 6, Cole Wissnick 3 2 2-7 14, Tanner Thomas 3 0 3-4 9, Sebastian Formica 0 1 0-0 3, Marc Chados 2 0 1-2 5 Totals: 19 19-33 60.

Wilbur Cross (10-6)

Derek Grant 0 0 9-11 9, Enasj Jones 2 1 3-6 10, Kyle Daniels 2 1 2-2 9, Darius Esdaile 2 0 0-0 4, Terrance Edwards 3 0 3-4 9, Jaleem Sayles 3 0 1-1 7 Totals: 14 18-24 48.

3-pointers: A—Wissink 2, Digello 2, Formica; WC—Jones, Daniels.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

O’Brien Tech 33, Wilcox Tech 29

O’Brien Tech (2-13)

Gianna Bacciocchi 3 0 0-0 6, Miranda McGuire 3 4 1-1 19, Naliah Colon 0 0 2-2 2, Briana Cole 1 0 0-0 2, Amaya DeVillegas 2 0 0-0 4 Totals: 13 3-3 33.

Wilcox Tech (3-10)

Kayla Ransom 3 1 7-7 16, Charisa Morales 2 0 0-0 4, A LaFogg 3 0 0-0 6, J Cooper 0 0 1-1 1, J Rodriguez 1 0 0-0 2 Totals: 10 8-8 29.

3-pointers: WT—Ransom; OT—McGuire 4.

West Haven 48, Sacred Heart Academy 47

Sacred Heart Academy (1-17)

Francine Corpus 2 0 0-1 4, Emily Copenhaver 0 0 1-2 1, Giana Pye 0 0 2-2 2, Carina Ciampi 2 1 2-4 9, Elena Farquharson 8 0 11-18 27, Ally Kirck 0 0 2-2 2, Mary Olson 1 0 0-0 2

West Haven (5-12)

Brianna Sebastian 4 0 0-2 8, Natalia Frazer 3 2 6-10 18, Savannah Gray 0 0 2-2 2, Keegan Riccio 0 0 0-1 0, Sarah Evangelista 1 2 0-0 8, Diamond Dixon 0 2 2-2 8, Elena Petrie 1 0 2-3 4

Ansonia 49, Seymour 42

Ansonia (15-4)

Liz Wilson 3 0 7-8 13, Natasha Rivera 6 0 1-3 13, JoJo Sanchez 0 3 5-6 14, Hailey Bellido 0 1 1-2 4, Jayda Sanchez 0 1 0-3 3, Lilly Romanowski 1 0 0-0 2 Totals: 15 14-22 49.

Seymour (12-6)

Sydnie Drezek 1 4 2-4 16, Morgan Teodosio 4 0 0-4 8, Kenzie Sirowich 2 0 2-3 6, Kiley Drezek 1 0 2-6 4, Megan Condo 2 1 0-1 7, Arlinda Peraj 0 0 0-2 0, Alyssa Cosciello 1 0 0-0 2 Totals: 15 6-18 42.

3-pointers: S—S. Drezek 3, Condo; A—Jo. Sanchez 3, Ja. Sanchez, Bellido.

SHELTON 51, NORTH HAVEN 27

NORTH HAVEN

Mia Antonioni 3 2-4 9 Sarah Puzone 2 0-0 4 Olivia Stefanik 2 0-0 4 Carly Fresher 1 0-2 3 Eveani Owkwosu 1 1-2 3 Julia Bogan 2 0-0 4. Totals: 11 3-11 27.

SHELTON

Mackenzie Joyce 3 0-0 6 Maggie Howard 6 0-2 15 Kiera O’Connor 2 1-2 5 Clarissa Pierre 4 1-5 9 Devan Wildman 2 0-0 4 Leya Vohra 1 3-4 5 Asia Askew 1 0-0 2 Emily Sandin 1 1-2 3 Mariah Mandulak 1 0-0 2. Totals: 21 6-15 51.

NORTH HAVEN    2 9 4 12—27
SHELTON       9 13 13 16—51

3-pointers: NH—Antonioni, Fresher; S—Howard 3.

BULLARD-HAVENS 54, WOLCOTT TECH 18

BULLARD-HAVENS (15-2, 10-0 CTC)

Tiajah Coles 0 0-0 0 Kristin Edwards 2 0-0 4 Shania Davitt 0 0-0 0 Aaliyah Gilliam 0 2-2 2 Ariana Garcia 6 1-2 14 Annabella Simon 0 0-1 0 Arianny Santana 7 3-10 17 Lydia Masala 5 0-0 10 Janaisha Lee 6 1-1 17 Ta’Naja Bostic 0 0-0 0. Totals: 26 7-16 54.

WOLCOTT TECH (9-8, 5-5)

Teja Petersen 2 0-3 4 Victoria Smith-Silva 1 0-0 2 Rachel Heaney 1 0-0 2 Katiusca Delacruz 2 2-7 6 Yennifer Sarmiento 1 1-2 4. Totals: 7 3-12 18.

BULLARD-HAVENS    12 21 15 6—54
WOLCOTT TECH           8 4 4 2—18

3-pointers: BH—Garcia.

Highlights: BH—Santana had 15 rebounds.

BOYS SWIMMING

Xavier 99, Shelton 72

Simsbury’s wrestling team after winning the New Fairfield Duals with a 4-0 performance on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (Photo via Simsbury Wrestling)

If performing well down the stretch of a grueling regular season has an impact on postseason performance, then a championship banner might be hanging in the Simsbury High gym by the time February ends.

The Trojans finished the regular season with a flurry, as recent wins over Southington and Bristol Eastern fueled hopes of earning a first state championship since 1997. Simsbury finished the regular season 15-1, with its lone loss coming to Springfield Central (Mass.).

The state has noticed, too: Simsbury vaulted into the No. 2 spot in the latest CTWrestling.com Top 10 Poll, the final voting before the tournament season begins. Both wins against then-top-five squads came down to the final match and ended in dramatic pins for Simsbury.

Sign up for The Whistle Newsletter for the latest wrestling news

“Last week was a good week,” Trojans coach T.J. Silva said. “We’re getting to the end of a training cycle and hopefully peaking at the right time. I don’t think we’ve peaked yet; we’ve had some big wins over the past two weeks but our goal is to be ready for (states)”

Silva has been at the helm for four years after coaching in New Fairfield for most of the previous decade. It’s been a steady build, as the roster that was 17 when he began is now 40.

“It’s been fun and hard at times,” Silva said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have a number of guys the past two (years) to have experience before coming in as freshmen. We now have 12 to 15 freshmen each year and it’s been great.”

Very special night for the Trojans – enjoy this video of Sam’s clinching pin to get a slight feel for what it was like here at Southington! #TrojanStyle pic.twitter.com/4APCcz22O4

— Simsbury Wrestling (@SimsburyWrest) February 1, 2019

Sophomore Ty Finn is set for another big postseason after earning the decisive pin against the Lancers in the finals of the New Fairfield duals last week. Finn won Class LL last season at 106 and has been performing at 120 this year. Finn represents the type of athlete the Trojans hope to consistently develop, Silva said.

“Ty Finn is what you look for as a student-athlete,” Silva said. “He does all the right things, he wrestles 10-11 months out of the year and is always looking to get better. He’s pleasure to coach; we have a good relationship.”

Finn is a next-level, Division I talent who is already closing in on 100 wins, a mark that will be surpassed early next season.

“It’s his attention to detail and willingness to always get better,” Silva said. “He hit three national tournaments last year outside of the season; he has a true love for the sport and has aspirations of wrestling at a Division I college.”

Senior Night! Let’s Clinch The CCC West Tonight!!! pic.twitter.com/H0NktwGZXm

— Simsbury Wrestling (@SimsburyWrest) February 6, 2019

A host of underclassmen have contributed to the stellar season in addition to Finn. Sam Bergin (160), John Mariano (126-132) and Saul Pera (126-132) are key components as well as senior Aiden Brown.

Simsbury finished third in the CCC tournament a year ago. There is no CCC tournament this year due to AD vote, giving the Trojans extra time to prepare for next Saturday’s Class L finals.

The eyed prize is even bigger for Simsbury, though. Winning a State Open or New England title is a goal after such a strong campaign and difficult schedule.

“I think we’re a better tournament team than a meet team,” Silva said. “I think we can place 14 guys at states to give us a shot at the Open title. I told the guys after each of our big wins, we’re not settling.”

FALCONS SOAR

No. 7 Xavier made a serious statement on the eve of the postseason, scoring several pins en route to a 55-12 win over SCC rival Foran on Wednesday night.

The two top programs in the conference went head-to-head in Middletown, but it was the hosts who dominated most of the night. Marcelius Ruiz, Tom Cullen, Jameel Salami Mike Rapuano and Dylan Sousa were just five of the many winners for Xavier, which finished the season 12-4.

The Falcons have won the past two SCC titles and will go for the three-peat this weekend at the SCC championships.

MILESTONES

Pretty special day for our wrestlers today – they go 5-0 to win the Foran Duals and Coach Bowen gets his 600th win! That is not a typo – 600 wins in his 32nd year as HC! Congrats coach!@lkelleyNB @WINYRadio @ciacsports @GameTimeCT @CT_Sports_Now @jeffjacobs123 @BCgenius pic.twitter.com/vYXztkfYDL

— Killingly Athletics (@kevinmarcoux9) February 2, 2019

Killingly coach Rich Bowen became just the second coach in state history to notch 600 career wins, accomplishing the feat in a 44-30 win over Foran on Saturday. Bowen is 12 victories off the top mark in the state (612), one that will likely be surpassed early next year. The Redmen sit at 26-2 ahead of the ECC tournament on Saturday.

⁦@FwhsAD⁩ ⁦@fciac⁩ Big Congrats to Coach Shaugnessey ⁦@wardewrestling⁩ on his 400th career win! Great accomplishment for a great guy! #fpsct #ctwres pic.twitter.com/JGgocBHP1Y

— WardeVolleyball (@WardeVolleyball) February 1, 2019

Fairfield Warde’s Jason Shaughnessy claimed his 400th win last week as the Mustangs earned several FCIAC wins, and Trumbull coach Charlie Anderson made it 300 wins Tuesday as the Eagles topped Stamford 66-15.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

Saturday will be a busy day across the state as each conference will crown team and individual champions. The SCC championships take place at Law High School while the FCIACs will be held in New Canaan. The ECC (Fitch), SWC (New Fairfield) and NCCC (Granby) will also take place, as well as the Berkshire Valley. Xavier, Danbury, Killingly, New Milford, Canton and Gilbert will look to defend their tournament titles.

Avon was the lone team in the top 10 poll to finish the season undefeated, posting a 22-0 mark. No. 1 Danbury, No. 2 Simsbury, No. 3 Bristol Eastern and No. 5 Warde all finished with a single loss, against one another or an out-of-state power.

MEHAN McGORRY

Megan McGorry is in her first season as coach of the Cheshire boys swimming team, but she’s certainly no stranger to the state’s swim scene.

McGorry arrived at Cheshire after guiding the Hamden boys squad for four seasons and serving as an assistant girls coach at East Haven for one year.

A 2007 West Haven High School graduate, McGorry was an all-state swimmer for the Westies, before taking her swim skills to Central Connecticut State University and Fordham University.

Sign up for The Whistle Newsletter for the latest high school sports news sent to your inbox

Now she’s heading Cheshire’s traditionally strong program, which has continued to thrive. Heading into Thursday night’s home meet against SCC rival Daniel Hand, the Rams sported a record of 8-1, with their only defeat coming against conference foe Fairfield Prep.

So indeed, things have gone swimmingly for the Rams and McGorry.

“We are 8-1 and thrilled about that,” McGorry said. “Our team stepped up and swam well in our loss against Fairfield Prep and we had a big win against Xavier, where our boys also really stepped up. More than half the team got best times.”

Cheshire’s first-year coach knew she was taking over a squad that placed a strong ninth as last season’s Class LL championships and 12th at the State Open finals, but she’s pleasantly surprised at the consistent performances she’s seen from each competitor.

“I didn’t expect to see so many personal-best times this early in the season,” McGorry said. “When we start tapering as the postseason meets approach, they will be even quicker. Everyone has been working really hard in practice and swimming fast each meet.”

Junior Sam Hanke is one of the swimmers who has sparked the Rams. Hanke placed eighth in the 100 backstroke at last season’s Class LL finals (54.38) and was 12th at the State Open. He also had a top-20 finish in the 200 freestyle and continued his success in each event this winter.

“He’s somebody who steps up every meet,” McGorry said of Hanke. “We always expect a first- or second-place finish from him. Sam also helps with our motivational talks to the team, keeping them pumped up.”

Hanke has provided plenty of points for the team by posting impressive times in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. The relay events have also seen him make his mark.

“His freestyle and backstroke are equally strong at this point of the season,” McGorry said. “Against Xavier, he anchored our relay (200 freestyle relay) and we got the win in the relay, then competed in the 100 backstroke without any rest. He has a lot of fight in him.”

Like last season, senior Joseph Cannata, one of the captains, has excelled in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley. Cannata, who will swim at Fairfield University next season, has also registered solid times in the 100 freestyle.

At the 2018 State Open championships, Cannata was 10th in the 100 breaststroke (59.23).

“In one of our first meets, we had one relay with all brand-new swimmers,” McGorry said. “They were far behind everyone, so before they finished, he called everyone over to their lane to encourage them — he’s a great captain.”

Richmond Le and Peter Levens are also senior captains. Le is one of the team’s leaders in the 100 breaststroke and Levens helps key the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke events.

“All three captains provide great motivation to their teammates,” McGorry said.

A freshman, Shane Wynne has emerged as one of the Rams’ more versatile athletes. He provides depth in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

“He has been very consistent and we can always count on him to step up and give his absolute best,” McGorry said.

Junior Andrew Lou (50, 100 freestyle), freshman Vincent Zhu (100 breaststroke, 200 IM), senior Ankit Sahasrabudhe (100 butterfly), freshman Anmol Sapru (100 butterfly, relay events), sophomore Evan Levine (200 IM, 200 freestyle, 100 breaststroke), Justin Finkel (sophomore, 500 freestyle), Harry Hua (sophomore, 200 IM, backstroke) and Wesley Johnson (freshman, backstroke, relays) are among some of the swimmers who have ignited the team of more than 40 athletes.

“I feel so lucky coaching this team, and our coaching staff (diving coach Kim Christensen, assistant swim coach Patty Conte) are the glue that helps hold the team together,” said McGorry, who broke several school records while swimming for Fordham’s Atlantic-10 championship team. “My biggest goals are enabling everyone on the team to progress individually, so we can get stronger as a team.”

FINE PEFORMANCES

Thomas Cass, Greenwich: Finished first in the 500 freestyle (5:04.5) and the 200 freestyle (1:50.50) in the Cardinals’ win over Trumbull.

Daniel Chen, Daniel Hand: Was the 200-meter individual medley winner against Fairfield Prep in 2:18.29. He won the backstroke in 1:05.35.

Jack Crocamo, Seymour: Cromamo placed first in the 200-yard freestyle in 1:54, then touched the wall first in the 500 freestyle (5:30.41) in Seymour’s 88-82 loss to Naugatuck.

Keegan Drew, Brunswick: Finished first in the 50 freestyle (22.14) and 100 butterfly (53.49) for Brunswick against Hopkins. Competed on the winning 200 freestyle relay squad (1:28.57).

Ben Feldman, Westhill/Stamford: Won the 50 freestyle (23.20) and 100 butterfly (52.93) in a meet against New Canaan.

Owen Glifort, Hamden: Glifort won the 50 freestyle (24.07) and 100 freestyle (52.09) for Hamden in its 97-89 loss against Lyman Hall/Coginchaug.

Alex Hazlett, Brunswick: Hazlett registered first-place finishes in the 100 freestyle (48.57) and 200 freestyle (1:47.33) and was part of the Bruins’ winning 200 freestyle relay in the team’s 91-77 win over Hopkins.

Sam Hanke, Cheshire: Posted winning times in the 200-yard freestyle (1:47.23) and the 100 backstroke (56.10) for the Rams, who beat Xavier 102-79.

Jack Jee, Greenwich: Was the 200 IM (2:06.16) and 100 backstroke (58.11) winner against Staples and was part of the Cardinals’ first-place 200 medley relay team (1:47.37).

Thomas Kehoe, Fairfield Prep: Kehoe finished first on the 1-meter diving event for Fairfield Prep in its 97-79 win vs. Daniel Hand.

Patrick Keith, Hall: Produced first-place finishes in the 200 individual medley (2:09.54) and 100 freestyle (52.55) in Hall’s victory vs. Simsbury.

Andrew Lou, Cheshire: Lou touched the wall first in the 50 freestyle (22.58) and the 100 freestyle (49.85) for Cheshire in its win against Xavier.

Spencer Maher, Naugatuck: Posted winning a effort in the 100 butterfly (57.55 and was on the 400 freestyle relay squad that finished first in 3:44.37 against Seymour.

William McCleery, North Haven: McCleery took top honors in the 50 freestyle in 22.77 seconds, then won the 100 backstroke (59.56) for North Haven in its meet against West Haven/Platt Tech.

Andrew Mitchill, Xavier: Took first in the 100 butterfly in 55.04 seconds and competed on Xavier’s winning 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams.

Jake Ritz, New Canaan: Ritz was the 200 freestyle (1:5139) and 500 freestyle (4:58.78) winner for the Rams in their meet against Westhill/Stamford.

Joel Satir, Greenwich: Won the diving event for Greenwich vs. Staples, totaling 261.75 points.

MEETS TO WATCH

• Trumbull at Darien, Friday, 3 p.m.
• Amity at Fairfield Prep, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
• Norwalk/McMahon at New Canaan, Wednesday, 3 p.m.
• Shelton at Hamden, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.

NORTH HAVEN—When North Haven senior Erica Marriott entered her freshman year, she never competed on an organized track and field team. But she liked to run and decided to try out for the high school indoor track and field team and explored different events.

“The first time I saw her run as a freshman, watching her stride and her posture, everything she was doing was from her natural ability and without any formal training at the time,” North Haven boys and girls indoor track coach Marc Celmer said. “When she tried the long jump, she did very well and at that time her jumps came from pure athleticism. She’s a very strong girl.

“It was her first organized team experience as a freshman, but I knew back then she had the potential to be very good.”

Sign up for The GTCT Whistle Newsletter

Entering Friday’s Class L indoor track championships, Marriott has developed into one of the top high school girl long jumpers in the state. She is the top seed in Class L with a school-record jump of 17-10.75. Her success on the track hasn’t been too shabby, either.

She placed second at the SCC championships in the long jump last week, leaping 17-6. Nyimah Ambrose of Hillhouse won the event in 18-0.75.

CLASS L INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP OUTLOOK

Her improvement took off in the 2018 outdoor season. At the SCC meet, she was second in the long jump (16-11) and second in the 200 (25.12) and at the Class MM meet she won the long jump (18-4.5) and won the 200 (24.92). Moving on to the State Open she won the long jump (18-1.75) and was third in the 200 (24.85). At the New England meet she set the school outdoor record with a second in the long jump (18-5.75) and she was fifth in the 200 (25.42).

“I don’t ever expect to do that well when I compete, I actually put myself down,” Marriott said. “I don’t ever set goals because then you just get disappointed when you don’t meet those goals. I don’t ever think I’m the best out there because then you lose your grip.

“Did I think I would do as well as I did last season? Honestly, yes and no. What I do is when I hit a number, when I set a personal best in the long jump or I hit a personal best at a distance on the track, I say to myself ‘Okay, you can jump that mark, I can run that time. Now, let’s improve on that.’”

Last season, Marriott was a New Haven Register All-Area selection for indoor track and field and she was selected the Register’s MVP for the outdoor track and field season. Marriott understands she has natural talent. But she admits it has taken more than that to improve and be successful.

“My success really comes from hard work,” Marriott said. “You don’t just go out there and get good. You have to work at it and be in good condition. In the offseason I worked hard to build up my strength. I built up the muscle in my legs so this season I’ll be faster on the track and stronger in the long jump.”

Celmer also said Marriott has a handle on the mental aspect of the sport. Marriott said she is focused at her meets. She is left alone, focuses on the event at hand and stays silent the minutes leading into the event.

“Erica is an elite athlete with a high energy level beyond the high school level,” Celmer said. “She works well with our girls jumping coach Nancy Shriver and is able to get through anything when she is focused. She is highy demanding of herself and the people around her. Inspiring her teammates is important.

“Erica’s natural explosiveness is key to her success as a long jumper. On the track, she is fast coming out of the block but has another gear during the race. Honestly, she is so good I don’t know what she is capable of accomplishing. What separates her from others is what I saw as a freshman, her athleticism.”

Marriott said she prefers the outdoor season because of the sand in the long jump. The sand in the indoor long jump pit tends to be powdery because it is indoor and dry. Despite trying to wet down the sand, Marriott said the powdery sand flies into your face and limits the distance she can get indoors. The outdoor sand stays moist and doesn’t fly into her face.

Marriott said she plans to compete in college but hasn’t made a decision yet on where she will go.

“Erica has been a great experience for all of us,” Celmer said. “She’s a great young lady and should do very well at the next level.”

Four Immaculate High School student-athletes recently signed to play sports after graduating from the school this year.

Angela Saidman of Bethel will continue running cross country and track and field at Columbia University, where she plans to major in economics. While on these teams Angela won many awards and accolades, including being part of the cross country teams that won the 2018 Southwest Conference (SWC) Championship and Class State Championship four times in a row, from 2015-2018; individually she was a SWC champion twice, a three-time individual State champion, and three-time All-New England honoree.

Saidman was the state champion of the 1,600 in 2018 and a New Balance Nationals participant in the distance medley relay (DMR). During the 2018 indoor track season, she also ran at New Balance Nationals in the DMR, was the SWC champion for the 3,200, was a State champion in the 1,600 and 3,200, and was All New-England for her mile run. She received the Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Award, the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the Holy Cross Book Prize. Saidman is president of IHS’ National Honor Society and is the editor-in-chief of the IHS school newspaper.

Mackenzy Garden of Danbury will play field hockey for the Stevens Institute of Technology, where she will major in biomedical engineering. At IHS, Garden played almost every position on the field hockey field and was a captain this past season. She is also on the school’s golf team and will be a captain this season. In her junior and senior years, Garden was named to the All-Patriot Division team for field hockey. She has also been named to the CHSCA Junior Select team and named the team’s Most Improved Player, also for field hockey. She helped lead her IHS field hockey teams to the 2017 SWC and the 2018 Class S State championship titles. Garden is a member of Immaculate’s Brave Engineers team which just won the state-level Real Word Design Competition and will compete with her team in the national contest in April.

Kayla Mingachos of Danbury, a soccer All-American, will play at Quinnipiac University and is still determining her major. Mingachos played center midfield and was captain her senior year for the Mustangs. Her list of accolades and honors is impressive, most notably that she was selected to the prestigious 2018 Fall High School Girls All-America Team by United Soccer Coaches. Mingachos is one of only 58 girls in the country to receive this honor this past season. Mingachos was also named an All-New England and All-State First Team.

Spencer Brown of New Milford will participate in the school’s track and field program, including the long and high jump, at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland where he will major in special and elementary education. Brown is an important member of the IHS outdoor track and field team all four years at Immaculate, where he is a jumper and a sprinter and a captain senior year. He broke school records for the long jump and the high jump as well as the distance medley run for outdoor runs. He also ran indoor track 10th through 12th grades.

He is a Top 100 U.S. long jumper and high jumper by MileSplit, and qualified at the New Balance Nationals. He is still competing in this year’s indoor track season and soon outdoor track and field. A High Honors student all four years at IHS, Spencer also participates in the Culinary Club, Model UN, the Special Friends Club, the Chess Club, the Pottery Club, the Yearbook Club and the Film and Animation Club.

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Inside of the Box high school hockey podcast.

First-year Hand head coach Brian Gonsalves joins the show to talk about the Tigers turnaround this season. 

After what was a weird season, last year, for the Tigers, Gonsalves has come in and got his team to buy into a new culture. 

What has resulted, is an 11-1-1 record making Hand one of the hottest teams in Division III and the state.

Pete and Mike then recap the past week, including Pete’s favorite game, is Fairfield Prep back?

Remember, if the embed to listen doesn’t show, you can always listen by clicking here.

As always, you can subscribe to GameTimeCT podcasts on iTunes.

We are also now on Spotify, so you can listen to us there now. 

Rundown

• 1 – Pete was on vacation so Mike catches him up from the past week
• 5:43 – Hand coach Brian Gonsalves
• 24:46 – Is Fairfield Prep back? Plus a look ahead to this weekend and next week. 

Sign up for the Whistle Newsletter from GameTimeCT and get this and other CT HS sports news sent straight to your inbox

PREVIOUS EPISODES

VIII — West Haven native and former NHLer Eric Boguniecki

VII — West Haven coach Joe Morrell

VI — Darien coach Mac Budd

V — Hamden coach Todd Hall

IV — Greenwich coach Chris Rurak and captain Matt Davey

III — NFI forced to leave Christmas tournament early, should they have had to?

II — Wild Wednesday recap and some D2, D3 talk

I — Intro, Season Outlook