Printer Friendly Version - NH Girls’ Hoops Staying Focused and Grounded With Winning Record

Center Ava Halovatch is one of three stellar senior captains for the North Haven girls’ basketball team, who have all helped pilot the Nighthawks to a 7-3 record thus far for the 2023-2024 campaign. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

The North Haven girls’ basketball team took major strides forward after a run to the Elite Eight a year ago. Now, with a strong core from that club returning to the fold, the Nighthawks are looking to leap one step forward this year with a group focused on strengthening as a cohesive unit.

North Haven collected a 15-5 regular season mark last winter, earning spots in both the SCC and Class L State Tournaments. For the league draw, the seventh-seeded Nighthawks defeated No. 10 Amity, 54-38, in the first round, prior to a 76-56 quarterfinal loss to No. 2 Sacred Heart Academy. North Haven was then the ninth-ranked club for states–routing No. 24 Maloney 57-28 in the first round, besting No. 8 Bristol Central by a 58-46 decision in the second, and then losing 61-32 to top-seeded Pomperaug for the quarterfinals. This concluded a strong campaign at 18-7 overall.

The Nighthawks entered last week’s action sitting with a superb mark of 6-2. Then, on Jan. 9, the girls hosted Guilford and won 69-48, before traveling to Amity on Jan. 12 and falling 72-59.

Even with the fast start, Head Coach Jessica Neuweiler and the North Haven club are handling the success with a great sense of humility, while slowly building towards the bigger picture and objectives.

“Our goals are to continue to compete every game. We work hard everyday, and will look to continue to build off of the strong start to the season that we have earned,” said Neuweiler. “We will look to hopefully go deep into the playoffs in Class MM, but we take it one day, one game at a time. We are also focusing on getting a little better every single day.”

Protecting the paint and leading the daily grind for the Nighthawks is senior center Ava Halovatch as one of its captains. Joining her as co-captains are forward Ava Johnson, and Ava Papa in the backcourt at guard. Besides sharing the leadership responsibilities and first names, each girl embodies high marks of a scholar athlete that any coach would want their pupils to emulate.

“All three captains lead by example. They each have a tremendous work ethic and are excellent teammates,” said Neuweiler. “They are true student-athletes, meaning they work hard and excel in the classroom, in addition to basketball. Each captain is unique. They play different positions on the court, and bring a great deal of experience and energy to our team. They are always positive, and they are all extremely coachable. They truly set a great example for their teammates.”

Additional sparks have come from senior forward Damaria Williams-Davis and junior guard Olivia Ball at guard within the upperclassmen tier of the team. At the point, freshman guard Lia Calderon has made the shift quite smoothly to the high school scene as a dual-threat force.

“This year, our team has been successful because of the contributions of all of our players. It takes a complete team effort day in and day out for us both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Each player, whether JV or varsity, has been working hard and contributing to our overall success,” said Neuweiler. “Olivia is a great three-point shooter and overall offensive threat, and she has helped the team early on this season. Damaria has helped our team on both ends of the floor. Damaria is great on defense, and helps give our team a strong defensive presence. She also has been contributing to each game offensively, which has added to our team's success. Lia is our point guard, transitioning to the high school level in a strong way. Lia has played with poise, confidence, and helps run our offense. She plays both ends of the court.”

The Nighthawks will certainly be battle tested come playoff time by competing nightly in one of the deepest leagues in Connecticut. Yet the first steps to the desired destination start with each cog in the team machine performing to its fullest function.

“We compete in a very talented and competitive conference. Everyday we work hard to earn the wins that we get, and we will continue to try to compete with the best in the SCC,” said Neuweiler. “We will look to hopefully make our way to a deep run in the state tournament this season. I want to continue to focus on our team mentality. We will be successful this season by everyone continuing to work hard and doing the best that they can at the role the team needs them to play. Every player is important, and each person helps propel our team forward. We will continue to focus on growth and make progress each day.”

The 2023-2024 North Haven girls’ basketball team roster is comprised of seniors Alyssa Collins, Halovatch, Johnson, Papa, Cameron Ryan, Williams-Davis; juniors with Ball, Christa Colonis, Brooke LaPierre; sophomore Ella Couture; plus freshmen Chloe Belcher, Calderon, Alexis Ori, Chloe Perito, Emerson Rooney, Bianca Watts, and Addison Whitcomb.

Neuweiler is back for her second season at the helm with the Nighthawks. She is assisted by Paul Olivia and Caroline Lacy, also both in their second campaigns with the team.