This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
05/13/2024 12:48 AMBoys’ Outdoor Track
The Branford boys’ outdoor track team finished the regular season at 6-3 after defeating Notre Dame-West Haven 76-66 at home on May 7.
At the meet, the Hornets were paced by senior Enaji Muhammad, who won all three jumping events. Other notable performances were registered by Tyler Peterson who finished first in the 400 meters (57.0) and in the javelin (117’7”). Nolan Weted was first in the 800 meters (2:09) and Justyn Velasquez was first in both hurdle events, the 110 meters (18.7), and the 300 meters (46.4). Senior Jeremiah Coleman finished first in the discus with a toss of 93 feet, two inches, which is his personal best.
“I’m hoping that we can use this meet as a stepping stone for next week’s SCC sectional meet and beyond,” said Head Coach Bing Miller. “I mean Enaji is just having another spectacular season, but there were also several good performances by the guys which bode well for them moving forward this season.”
Branford swept the top three spots in both the 400 meters and the javelin. In the 400, Peterson was followed by senior Ryan Andrus and junior Supremee Shrestha, while in the javelin, junior Scott Penner took second and Velasquez finished third.
“There are just a lot of positive takeaways from today. For one, I was pleased with Ryan’s performance, which shows his continued improvement,” Miller said. “It is great to see Supremee log another strong performance, as he’s been a solid, steady contributor all year. And some of our new competitors, like Scott and Jeremiah, have worked hard to learn the events and become valuable members of the team.”
Miller applauded all of the team’s throwers, who are coached by first year coach Brett Joly, for their enthusiasm and efforts to learn new, more advanced throwing techniques for competition. Branford’s top finisher in the shot put was freshman Nick Marciano.
“We have some nice young talent on this team,” Miller said.
Girls’ Outdoor Track
The Branford girls’ outdoor track team traveled to Sacred Heart Academy on May 8 and fell 111-39. In the long jump, Ella Stone took first place (17' 4”), ZuZu Pont Strong was third (15’10”), and Avery Clouse took fifth (15’6”). Stone won the triple jump (33’4”), Pont Strong was second (32’), and Clouse took third (30’7”). Clouse also finished second in the high jump (4’10”).
The 4x100 meter team took first place (52.4), and it was comprised of Pont Strong, Djamilla Toukour, Cheyenne Wilson, and Stone. Toukour (27.6) also took first in the 200, and Wilson took fourth (28.9). In the 100 meters, Toukour came in second (12.9), while Wilson took fourth (13.5). Violet Marrandino claimed first in the 1600 (5:50), and in the discus, Wilson took third (78’5”), and Zayna Cella took fourth (70’6”).
“Ella Stone had one of her best days as a track athlete, with PRs (personal records) in the long jump and triple jump and took on a new role as the anchor in the 4x100. She is a versatile athlete who puts in a total effort everyday,” said Head Coach Kevin Connell. “Djamilla Toukour ran really well in all three events (12.9 /100, 27.6/200, 4x100). We were down a number of athletes, but the juniors really stepped up today with outstanding efforts in the jumps and sprints.”
Softball
On May 6, Branford softball traveled to North Haven and fell 7-0. Shelby Burnham went 2-for-3 in the contest, and Madigan Lawler and Italia Bruno each recorded a hit. Burnham pitched 4.1 innings, giving up four hits and four earned runs. She also recorded five strikeouts. Tatum Lipka then pitched 1.2 innings and struck out one while giving up no runs.