The Branford girls’ basketball team shows a healthy mix of upperclassman mainstays returning to action this winter, while injecting an all-important addition of fresh faces. It may take some time to mesh and unlock that perfect court cohesion and synergy while simultaneously competing in one of the preeminent leagues in the state, though the collection of girls on the roster is more than up to the task.

Last winter following a 9-11 regular season, in the first round of the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Tournament on Feb. 15, Branford girls’ basketball fell to Sheehan by a score of 66-31. The team then entered the Class MM State Tournament as the No. 26 seed, where the Hornets fell by a score of 72-32 vs. No. 7 Rocky Hill in the first round on Feb. 27.

The Hornets started off on a winning note this season with a 68-53 Opening Night victory over Lyman Hall on Dec. 13. Head Coach Alyson Croughwell detailed that while the girls are riding some momentum heading into the upcoming campaign after those playoff showings, they are certainly not acting complacent. The Hornets know each squad is unique and must cultivate its own chemistry, while striving to strengthen defense and individuals’ belief in their personal abilities.

“Our goals this season involve building a community of confident, strong-minded young ladies that not only communicate, but support each other on and off the court, and who are willing to make mistakes and learn from them,” said Croughwell. “We also want to focus on defense. We need to focus on our communication and tenacity, while all moving as one. If we can execute this, our pressure will lead to our offensive strengths. Lastly, we want to qualify for the SCC and state tournaments.”

Shelby Burnham is back for her fourth campaign as a starter for the Hornets, as the lone captain doubles as a point and shooting guard. Burnham has led the team in scoring over the previous three seasons and is Branford’s incumbent leader in steals. Off the court, she has become a focal point and glue to bond all the ranks of the squad.

“Shelby is constantly making an effort to welcome everyone on and off the court,” said Croughwell. “Shelby has also done a great job of supporting and connecting with our underclassmen and youth.”

Sophomore Jess Radziunas will also oscillate between the two backcourt positions. She was right behind Burnham for the 2023-2024 slate with being the team’s second leading scorer, yet she captured the club’s top spot in total blocks. She is an individual never hesitant to stretch herself thin for the greater good, and she is a terrific spiritual spark.

“I love that she's willing to try any position that will be for the betterment of the team,” said Croughwell. “She also is a great advocate for her teammates; she is always rooting for them to succeed on and off the court.”

Fresh off a fantastic field hockey campaign in which she set the program’s single-season scoring record by a freshman, Ellie Meyran has dove right into the fray on the floor. She houses the right mentality for a rookie as someone who is quite coachable.

“Ellie is already making an impact on the floor every practice, and we’re looking forward to seeing this transfer over to game days,” said Croughwell. “We love that she's willing to learn on the fly and adjust to whatever we need.”

The Hornets will have plenty of pivotal clashes while traversing the tricky and competitive waters of the SCC. Namely, Branford has some big matchups against local rival East Haven, along with Hand and Lyman Hall. The Hornets host the Yellowjackets of East Haven on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m., and they opened the regular season at Lyman Hall on Dec. 13 and prevailed by 15. Branford hosts the Trojans two weeks later on Friday, Dec. 27 at 1:15 p.m. Additionally, Branford travels to Madison to face Hand on Friday, Jan. 10 for a 7 p.m. tipoff and hosts the Tigers on Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.

Against Lyman Hall to tip off the campaign, Burnham led with 25 points, while Radziunas added 19, and Meyran also hit double figures with 10 points.

As the Hornets look to continue their prominence as a playoff mainstay, they will do so with a balanced and eclectic mix of savvy veterans and hungry newcomers looking to learn and grow daily to make immediate impacts.

“We are lucky enough to not only have a strong group of returners to the program this year, but a strong incoming freshman class, as well,” said Croughwell. “We are thrilled about our team and can’t wait to see not only how the girls compete this year, but how they grow, as well. They are constantly challenging one another and giving it their all every day to build a strong collaborative community. With their hard work and dedication, we look to return to the SCC and (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) CIAC postseason tournaments for the fourth-straight year.”

Croughwell is now in her fourth year as Branford’s head coach. She is assisted by Ellery Riccio (also in her fourth season) and now two-year member of the staff Chris Guandalini.

The Branford roster is comprised of seniors Burnham, Randee Chobian, Alyscia Solano, Nneoma Obi; juniors Stella Andresen, Kendall Fagan, Aziley Crespo-Morris, Saige Fries, Kamryn Stackpole, Ariel Barnes; sophomores Radziunas, Marin Roussat; plus freshman Meyran.

2024-2025 Branford Girls’ Basketball Regular Season Results and Schedule

Dec. 13: Branford 68, Lyman Hall 53

Thursday, Dec. 19: at Career at 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 27: vs. Lyman Hall at 1 :15 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 30: vs. Foran at 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 2: vs. Cheshire at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 7: vs. Cross at 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10: at Hand at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14: vs. Lauralton Hall at 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17: vs. Shelton at 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20: at Mercy at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 22: at Cheshire at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25: vs. East Haven at 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28: at Foran at 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31: at Waterford at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4: at Cross at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7: vs. Hand at 6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 10: at Lauralton Hall at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12: at Morgan at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14: at Shelton at 7 p.m.