After having lost five of its last six games, the Guilford boys’ basketball team bounced back in a big-time way last week. The Grizzlies picked up two wins on the week by earning home victories over Wilbur Cross and Hamden, both by double digits, to improve to 5-6 this season.

On March 9, Guilford hosted Wilbur Cross and claimed a 59-44 victory. Three days later, the Grizzlies faced Hamden for another home game and prevailed by the score of 61-45.

Guilford faced Hand in its regular-season finale on March 15 (after press time), after which the Grizzlies will compete in the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament that gets underway on Thursday, March 18.

Senior captain guard Jake Ciocca and sophomore guard Justin Hess have proved crucial to the Grizzlies’ success in their last few games. In Guilford’s 59-44 win versus Wilbur Cross, Hess scored 20 points and Ciocca had 14 points to help the Grizzlies get the win. Hess went on to score 21 points, while Ciocca poured home 19 points, when Guilford notched its 61-45 victory against Hamden on March 12.

“We have been fortunate to play a nine-man rotation in most games. All nine guys are embracing their roles and making contributions in every game,” Head Coach Jeff DeMaio said. “Hess and Ciocca have carried the bulk of the scoring, but we are getting outstanding performances from all nine of our core players. We continue to try to improve on our mental toughness and taking care of the basketball in games when it’s late and close. We continue to emphasize being confident on the floor, as well.”

Guilford received contributions from several other athletes in its two wins last week. Among the athletes who helped the Grizzlies sweep the week were senior captain guard Jack Stanton, senior guard Evan Ghoreyeb, senior forward Aidan Buchanan, senior center Jackson Tandler, junior guard Theo Freeman, sophomore guard Luke Ste. Marie, and sophomore forward Kevin Goldberg.

Goldberg had seven points, while Freeman, Stanton, and St. Marie pitched in with five points apiece when the Grizzlies defeated Wilbur Cross. Guilford was down 26-25 at halftime, but then outscored the Governors in both the third (13-9) and fourth (21-9) quarters to pull away for the victory.

In the game against Hamden, Ste. Marie scored nine points and Stanton had five points to help the Grizzlies come away with the win.

“We are doing a very good job of spacing the floor and making good decisions on offense,” said Coach DeMaio. “That has been the key.”

Coach DeMaio and his players have seen the impact that COVID-19 has had on high school sports in the state of Connecticut. Several teams have been forced to quarantine during the winter season due to potential exposure to COVID, including the boys’ basketball team at Daniel Hand High School. Coach DeMaio is trying his best to help his players stay positive and keep focused through the midst of the pandemic.

“We have adjusted very well to the COVID protocols. We know that other teams have been impacted, but so far, we have been fortunate enough to make it through the season in good shape,” DeMaio said. “We have not let too much bother us at all, and we simply are trying to keep a positive approach throughout the program. Our expectation for the rest of the season is to continue to improve and to take steps forward. We hope to play very well in the upcoming SCC Tournament.”

DeMaio is in his 12th year as head coach of the Guilford boys’ basketball program. Although COVID-19 has had an affect on the shape of the season, DeMaio’s approach to the game and commitment to success remain the same.

“The season has been interesting, but our approach has been the same as every other year. We prepare and practice as we always have,” said DeMaio. “We value every game, and we compete as hard as ever. I give our guys a ton of credit for all they have done this year.”