T-Birds’ Boys’ Hoops One Win from State Berth; Girls Lose Two
Boys’ Basketball
The North Branford boys’ basketball team moved to 7-5 this season after splitting its two games last week. The T-Birds are now one victory away from securing their spot in the State Tournament.
On Jan. 24, North Branford defeated Shoreline Conference foe Haddam-Killingworth by 68-65 margin. Only four Thunderbirds put points on the board, but it was enough for them to come away with the three-point victory. Jake Haeckel led the way for North Branford by netting 26 points, including six three-pointers. Brett Lequire was right behind in the scoring column with 25 points, while Gianni Lavorgna nailed five triples to finish with 15. Sydney Franklin scored the other two points for North Branford, which outscored the Cougars 19-13 in the final frame to walk away with the win.
Then on Jan. 27, the T-Birds were defeated by East Hampton, 60-34. Lequire led the way with 19 points for the T-Birds, who were unable to score more than nine points in any quarter.
Girls’ Basketball
The Thunderbirds lost a pair of close contests last week and their record now sits at 6-7 for the season.
On Jan. 26, Branford needed double overtime to defeat North Branford by a 69-65 score. The two teams traded baskets throughout the game and went into the extra session tied at 50. Both squads scored 11 points in the first five-minute overtime period, but the Hornets edged the T-Birds 8-4 in the second OT. North Branford connected on 20-of-26 from the free throw line and made 22 baskets from the floor. Morgan Violette scored a team-high 17 points and Jess Kilburn added 16 points. Others contributing for North Branford on the scoreboard included Stephanie Seymour with eight points, Marie Zampano with seven, Angelina Ramada with five, and Danielle Ramada with four.
The following night, East Hampton bettered North Branford by a 46-35 score. The T-Birds were held to eight points or less in each of the first three quarters before scoring 16 in the fourth to inch closer in the loss. Violette led the T-Birds with 12 points, plus Danielle Ramada scored 10.
