Some guys go on and on. Elmer Deschaine, Art Hamm and Ron Diorio are the fine wines of officials. They get better with age. But after 31 years of officiating high school and college basketball games, Dan Scavone has put away the whistle.
Scavone, 56, the former athletic director at Woodland and Nonnewaug and currently the commissioner of the Central Connecticut Conference, has not totally removed himself from the game. He is now a CIAC guy, the new assistant director for boys and girls basketball tournaments.
Yes, indeed, there’s a new guy to blame for everything. You can never have enough. Sorry, Dan, just kidding. Really.
Scavone takes over for the retiring Tom Murray, and the job is the toughest on record: to assign officials for all tournament games, boys and girls.
“I had been an athletic director for so long, an official, and on so many committees across the state, this was the perfect job for me,” Scavone said. “I couldn’t pass it up.”
It is a part-time job for a full-time guy. “In late February, the job ramps up,” Scavone said. “It takes a lot of hours to assign all the officials for all boys and girls tournament games.”
But Scavone will not wait until tourney time to do tourney work. When the first ball is tossed up in December, he will be in a gymnasium, as always, and in countless gymnasiums before the tournaments begin.
“My goal is to go to as many games as possible and see as many officials work as I can,” he said. “I still want to get out there. I plan to be busy for the entire season.”
Scavone is built like a gymnasium, but even he has been worn down by the long season and the many miles on the roads and on the courts across southern New England. “My legs couldn’t take three or four games a week anymore,” he said. “Sometimes, it took a few hours before I was able to walk normally, but I would probably still be doing games if this hadn’t come along.”
Scavone will take notes and rate officials during the season. He might even miss having Crosby’s Nick Augelli or Sacred Heart’s Jon Carroll whisper sweet nothings in his ear. In the midst of frantic Naugatuck Valley League games Scavone always wandered over to the press table, if there was one, to smile and say how much fun it was being on the floor for a great game. We will miss that.
But Scavone will still be part of the great tournament games to come. He will put the best officials he has on the floor, except that now he won’t be one of them.
“We have to look for younger officials,” Scavone said. “There is a shortage. Our officials are getting older, and there are not enough new candidates for the future.”
And now there is one more official to replace.
Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com and follow on Twitter @RAOffTheRecord.

By JOE PALLADINO

WATERBURY — Lovers of high school boys and girls basketball, do we have a weekend for you.

The city girls basketball jamboree, already scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8, now has a weekend companion: the city boys basketball jamboree Sunday, Dec. 9.

Grab a comfy cushion. You’re going to need it.

Kennedy High will be the site for two days of city basketball, Saturday and Sunday. Somebody pinch me — no, not today, but that weekend, if I should doze.

The girls jamboree will tip off at noon Dec. 8 at Kennedy’s Jack Taglia Gymnasium. On Sunday, the boys come to the Jack for a 1 p.m. tip.

Wilby athletic director and boys basketball coach Al Piccolo confirmed the jamboree dates Friday and said that he expects all city schools to attend, although he has not yet received confirmation from all.

WCA has already posted the jamboree date on the CIAC boys basketball schedule, so you know the Spartans are fired up.

“The jamboree is exciting for the kids and a great way to set the season off in the city,” said WCA coach Ronan O’Leary. “It is more or less a scrimmage, but much more competitive than a normal scrimmage.”

WCA first played in the jamboree in 2015, its first season of varsity basketball and the one season its competed as an independent. That jamboree appearance was so important for the Spartans that O’Leary reminded us, “I wore a shirt and tie to it. We had talked about not showing too much and not tipping our hand, but I ended up throwing in everything I had to beat Holy Cross for one quarter,” he added.

So the jamboree means something, eh?

“It was huge,” O’Leary said. “It was a way to introduce ourselves to the city.”

O’Leary and the Spartans already have a plan for the day: “We will have practice in the morning, take a bus over and play hard.”

That sounds like a plan, a city jamboree plan. The first time they played it was 1963. It’s 2018, and they just can’t kill the city hoop jamborees.

Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com and follow him on Twitter @RAOffTheRecord.

By JOE PALLADINO

Here’s our team, Waterbury.

Here are the best players to ever tread the hardwood in the city. They played in tiny gymnasiums that barely sat 100 fans at the old Wilby and Crosby High Schools. They played during the glory days at the State Armory, when more than 2,200 fans packed the proverbial smoke-filled gym for wondrous scholastic doubleheaders. And they played in the new gymnasiums of today.

These are the best we have ever seen: Tony Hanson, Billy Finn, Dick Clary, Phil Lott and Steve Johnson.

We have been playing basketball in this town since they first started hanging peach baskets, but we really got intense about it in the 1940s. It was 1945 when this newspaper first printed All-City and All-NVL all-star teams. Two years later a feisty backcourt wizard named Jimmy Piersall led a bunch of tech school kids to a New England basketball championship. Waterbury went so crazy over the game at that point that the city’s fans helped establish a record for attendance at Boston Garden for a basketball game.

It helped change the course of history too, because a young radio personality with a baritone voice and a keen sense for the dramatic decided to tag along. Allie Vestro Sr. broadcast the games from Boston back to the city, establishing a radio tradition like none other that exists to this day. We’ve been basketball crazy around here ever since.

Here is our list of the best of the best as selected by a panel of local basketball lovers. Our panel includes men who played the game, coached the game, officiated the game, broadcast the game, wrote about the game and just plain loved the game. We tried to cover every era and by the looks of the final team, the panel did the same thing.

We asked each voter to give us 10 picks for the best city high school players of all time. If you think there are a few names missing, no one would argue. Though we asked the panel for only 10 names, they often went well beyond that limit. In almost every instance they said, “There are so many other players I’d like to mention.” One panelist, Allie Vestro Jr., had to be physically restrained from adding more names to his list.

We used a simple point system. Voters were asked to list their top 10 and we assigned 10 points to each first pick, nine for those picked second and so on, down to one point for being No. 10.

Tony Hanson, the former Holy Cross High and UConn star, was the top vote getter and the only player whose name appeared on every ballot. He was named either the top player of all-time, or the second best, on seven of 12 ballots. The second highest tally went to Billy Finn. He was named No. 1 or No. 2 on seven ballots too, but his name was omitted completely by two panelists.

That’s how we did it, low-tech though it may be, and here are the best of all time from this town, as selected by our panel.

All-Time City 5 The starting 5 (listed in order of final vote totals)

1. Tony Hanson

Holy Cross, 1973

The skinny: He was the top voter getter in our poll and surprisingly, the only player who was mentioned on every single ballot cast for the all-time All-City basketball team. A two-time All-City selection and All-State selection, remarkably, Hanson was only picked to the All-NVL team once, in his senior year. But don’t blame the coaches for that. Holy Cross didn’t enter the NVL until Hanson’s senior season. In that final season Hanson was selected as the top schoolboy player in New England. He averaged 22.8 points a game, and 17 rebounds. He received the Billy Finn award and was the only unanimous All-City pick.

What the panel said: “He played center in high school, but handled ball like a point guard,” said one voter.

What Hanson said: Of the honor Hanson said, “With Holy Cross being a brand new school, and having an opportunity to be part of it at the beginning, I guess it was fate that brought me and coach (Tim) McDonald together. I guess we kind of set the tone for all the things the school has accomplished.” Always a believer that the city was the hub of high school basketball, Hanson added, “Give my love to everybody in Waterbury.”

2. Billy Finn

Sacred Heart

The skinny: Like Hanson, Billy Finn was an All-NVL selection only once, in his magical senior season. He was an All-City pick in 1959 and 1961. He missed most of the 1959-60 season with an ankle injury suffered in an automobile accident. His premature death just after graduation led to the naming of the Billy Finn award, presented each year to the city’s top senior player. The first winner was Art Moore in 1963. Finn averaged 14.2 pts. per game as a 15 year-old sophomore, but it was as a senior that he secured his legend, when he averaged 22.5 points. Because he missed much of his junior season, Finn never reached the magical 1,000 point total, but in his day, scoring 1,000 points had yet to become a benchmark. But still, it was Finn’s historic night in 1961 when he scored 52 points against Naugatuck that still stands as one of the greatest performances in city basketball history.

What people said about Finn: Naugatuck coach Ed Mariano said of Finn at the time in 1961, “I have never seen a boy shoot like that. If he missed a shot, it must have been in practice.” As one voter said, “He did more with a basketball than anyone I ever saw in high school. He was the Bob Cousy and Pete Maravich of his time.”

3. Dick Clary

Wilby, 1954

The skinny: The most dominant player of his era Clary, at 6-3, is said to be the first player to play a modern game, by that it is meant that he played the game above the rim. Dunking was still a novelty in the early 1950s and also against the rules, but fans would urge Clary to dunk a ball during warm-ups. Along with teammate Carl Niesobecki, Clary was the first three-time All-City selection. Clary led the city in scoring two straight years, averaging 14.7 points per game in that span. Clary will be forever remembered for his play in leading Wilby to its last state championship in 1953, and also to the semifinals of the New England tournament. In the state title game against New London, Waterbury fans set a New Haven Arena attendance record when they packed the place with 6,200 madcap fans. Clary scored 25 in the state semis, 20 more in the final, and then 29 against Portsmouth, N.H., in the New England tournament.

What the panel said: One voter called him “the one guy who could have played in any era.” No less a personage that former UConn coach Hugh Greer said of Clary, “He’s the best player I have ever seen driving to the basket.” Another panelist called him the “most dominating physical presence I have ever seen in high school sports.” Clary died in 1986.

4. Phil Lott

Wilby High, 1988

The skinny: You know you’ve accomplished something when your playing career is described as an “era.” That’s exactly what the newspaper headline said the day after this man’s final high school basketball game: “Phil Lott era ends.” A three-time All-NVL and All-City selection, the 6-4 Lott averaged 35 points per game as a senior; 29.6 as a junior; and 23.8 as a sophomore. He is the greatest scorer in NVL history, finishing with 2,230 points, and yes, that total is different than the number you see on the Lott banner hanging in the Reggie O’Brien Gymnasium. It was discovered just a few years ago that one varsity game was inadvertently scored in the junior varsity book, robbing Lott of 28 points on his career total.

A 60-point game in his senior season was, at the time, the highest single-game scoring total in city and NVL history, surpassing the 52-point night of Billy Finn that stood as the NVL record for 27 years.

What the panel said: As one voter put it, “He never saw a shot he didn’t like, or one that he thought he couldn’t make.” Another said, “Lott could score in all kinds of ways. He was deceptive inside, he could jump and get his shot high on the glass, and his touch was phenomenal. And if he wanted to shut you down, he could shut you down.”

What Lott said: On being named to the all-time All-City team, “There are a lot of great players in Waterbury that I never saw, and some I never heard of, but it is a great thing to be thought of as one of the best.”

5. Steve Johnson

Crosby

The skinny: Perhaps the leader of the greatest brother act in city high school history, Steve Johnson was one of three Johnson brothers, the others being Bruce and Clay, to earn All-State honors. It is only the second time three brothers made All-State in Connecticut history. Like Lott, Johnson was a three-time All-NVL pick and when he finished at Crosby his total of 1,494 points was the all-time scoring record in the city and the NVL. He averaged 18.7 pts. per game for his career at Crosby and led the league with a 21.3 average as he helped bring Crosby to the Class L semifinals in his junior year. As he likes to say, “I am the all-time two-point basket leading scorer. If they had had the three-point line when I played, they’d still be shooting trying to catch me.” But it is still the team accomplishments that Johnson cherishes the most, especially the city and NVL championship of 1975.

What the panel said: One voter called Johnson, “The most complete player I ever saw.” One panelist listed Johnson No. 1 on his all-time list and called him, “Probably the most prolific scorer I have ever seen, but his defense was just as effective. He could play any position. If there was a three-point shot when he played Johnson would definitely be the all-time leading scorer.”

What Johnson said: “It was all about my teammates. We had great unity, especially my junior year.”

Second Five

Edmund Saunders

Holy Cross, 1997

The skinny: Saunders was a force in all four years that he started at Holy Cross. He averaged 28.9 points per game to lead the league in scoring as a senior; scored more than 2,000 points for his career; and was the only player from New England named to Parade High School All-American. Was a member of UConn’s first national championship team in 1999.

Marty Sweeney

Sacred Heart, 1957

The skinny: A three-time All-City selection, the 6-4 Sweeney was a giant of his era. He averaged 19.3 points per game as a senior, and later went on to coach another city great who made the all-time list, John Booker. “He was so big and so quick, and he could shoot the light outs,” said one voter.

Ryan Gomes

Wilby, 2000

The skinny: No Waterbury basketball player has had a better career than Ryan Gomes. A Providence College All-American, he is the first from this city to play in the NBA. He was just as good in high school earning All-State, All-NVL and All-City honors. He led the league in scoring as a senior with a 25.9 average and he averaged 16 rebounds a game. Without question Gomes possessed the softest hands of anyone who has played the game in this city.

Jerome Malloy

Kennedy, 1991

The skinny: Perhaps the best pure shooter the city has ever seen, Malloy led the Eagles to three straight NVL titles. He averaged 29 points per game and 14 rebounds for both his junior and senior seasons. He is the second-leading scorer all-time in the city and NVL with 2,124 points; a two-time All-State pick and he holds the unusual distinction of being named the MVP of the 1990 Class M state championship tournament, even though the Eagles were runner-up to New London in the final game that season.

Bob Markovic

Sacred Heart, 1949

The skinny: The hero of the 1949 Sacred Heart state championship team, Markovic was the NVL star between the Piersall and Clary eras. He scored 26 of his team’s 41 points in a win over Darien in the state title game. He averaged 19 points per game as a senior and led the city in scoring three straight years.

Honorable mention

John Booker, Kennedy; Gary Franks, Sacred Heart; Jim Abromaitis, Holy Cross; Jim Piersall, Leavenworth; Carl Spencer, Crosby; Joe Summa, Sacred Heart.

Last season was quite a year for the Wamogo boys basketball team.

The Warriors finished the season 16-4. They then won the Berkshire League tournament, beating top-seeded Northwestern in the final. That was the start of a great postseason run for Wamogo.

In the state tournament, the Warriors got hot and won three straight (following a first round bye) to reach the state championship game at the Mohegan Sun. There they met a Cromwell team that was just a bit too tough, and Wamogo fell, 58-40, in the final.

It was the third state championship game for the Wamogo boys, who also lost in the final in 2005 and 1970.

This year veteran coach Gregg Hunt returns nearly all of the team that played in the state final as the Warriors will be a solid favorite to win the BL title this winter.

FLASHBACK: 2018 state final

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By STEVE BARLOW

LITCHFIELD – From the floor to the bleachers to the backboards to the smell of fresh paint, there’s a lot that’s new in the Wamogo High gymnasium this winter.

On the court, though, it’s the same old team – and that’s a good thing.

The Warriors have basically the same roster that last year reached the school’s second state championship game, losing to Cromwell, 58-40, in a game that was closer than the final score.

“I’ve been coaching for 39 years,” said Wamogo coach Gregg Hunt, “I can’t remember a year where all five starters were back.”

And Hunt isn’t even sure yet who his five starters are.

Four appear to be locks: All-State senior guard Garrett Sattazahn (19.0 ppg.), All-Berkshire League junior guard Ethan Collins (12.4), senior guard Reid Turtoro (12.4) and senior forward Sean Coffey (10.6).

The fifth spot is up for grabs between juniors Cole Higgins, Eric Odenwaelder, Matt Mazzarelli, Ben Roy and Jack King and senior Jasper Brodhead. Whoever doesn’t start, Hunt promised, will still see plenty of time.

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“The kids have all improved. Skills-wise, they’re stronger. And the juniors who weren’t varsity last year are going to give us more depth,” he noted.

One thing has definitely not changed: the Warriors’ plan of attack. They’ll press teams from baseline to baseline, hoping to create turnovers, fast breaks and open 3-pointers.

“We want to try to hold teams to under 40 points,” Collins said.

“That’s the goal, 10 per quarter,” Sattazahn agreed.

Wamogo (22-5 last year) is the overwhelming favorite in the BL, with Shepaug and Lewis Mills, which returns leading scorer Josh Schibi (19.1), the other top contenders. But no one else returns the same level of talent and depth.

“There are a lot of high expectations,” Sattazahn said. “Everybody knows we have everybody back. We better play well.”

Is there a danger of overconfidence?

“We have to make sure we avoid all the traps,” said Hunt. “We’ve got to be sure we respect all our opponents and are ready to play every single night.”

“Everybody is pushing each other hard in practice,” Turtoro said.
One other thing is new. Instead of Division V, small-school Wamogo was bumped by the CIAC up to Division III, where it could face schools with four times its enrollment in the state tournament.

The move, which occurred because Wamogo is a vo-ag school and classified as a school of choice, stunned the players, coaches and fans when it was announced last spring.

“It is what it is,” Sattazahn said. “We’ve just got to play as hard as we can, get home games (in the tournament) and see how far we can go.”

“We were shocked,” said Collins. “But when we go through the bracket, no team stands out that we couldn’t beat.”

The Warriors won the Torrington summer league and went 16-3 in the Waterbury fall league, losing only to teams with players from Sacred Heart, Crosby and Holy Cross. That has boosted their confidence even more.

“Once you get to the state tournament,” said Turtoro, “anything can happen.”

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GIRLS BASKETBALL
Natalie Hodak put in a game-high 24 points to lead the Taft School girls basketball team to a 48-45 victory over Pomfret on Wednesday. Kayla Robinson grabbed 21 rebounds and added eight points for the Rhinos (3-0).
BOY’S BASKETBALL
MacDuffie 86, Cheshire Academy 61: Asa Beyah netted 23 points and Justin Allen added 21 for the ‘Cats (0-3).
Chase 57, Forman 27: Rafael Mahario led the Highlanders (1-0) with 16 points, while Ryan Capazucca led Forman (0-1) with 11.

Boys basketball
MACDUFFIE 86, CHESHIRE ACADEMY 61
Cheshire Academy (0-3): Ian McCutchen 0 3-3 3, Marco Barosi 0 1-2 1, Asa Beyah 7 9-12 23, Max Mazzella 0 1-3 1, Ethan Okwuosa 3 2-4 8, Justin Allen 7 3-4 21, Anuar Alampys 1 2-2 4. Totals 18 21 61.
MacDuffie (4-1): J. Bouknight 13 2-3 29, T. Pehway 6 0-0 12, M. Pelletier 3 0-0 6, M. Niemczuva 2 2-2 6, Gorham 1 1-3 3, Sprangs 2 5-8 9, Archer 4 0-0 10 3 2-2 9, Samuels 1 0-0 2, Massoud 3 2-2 9 Venning 1 0-0 2. Totals 36 10 86.
Cheshire Academy 14 16 15 15— 61
MacDuffie 24 23 12 27—86
3-point goals: CA — Allen 4; M — Archer 2, Bouknight 1, Massoud 1.

CHASE 57, FORMAN 27
Chase (1-0): Rob Jones 4 0 10, Anthony Molina 4 3 12, Rafael Mahario 5 5 16, Rohan Singh 0 0 0, Stefanos Bilis 4 0 8, Jamal Clarke 4 0 8, Jaiden Paniagua 0 0 0, Colby Calabrese 1 0 3, Evan Harte 0 0 0, Neel Avancha 0 0 0. Totals 22 8 57.
Forman (0-1): Jake Silbernan 1 2 5, Ryan Capazucca 4 2 11, Antonio Garcia 0 0 0, John Blake 1 0 2, Jackson Beers 1 1 4, Ethan Krammer 1 0 3, Harrison Day 1 0 2. Totals 9 5 27.
3-point goals: C—Molina 1, Jones 2, Calabrese 1, Mahario 1. F—Silberman 1, Beers 1, Capazucca 1, Krammer 1.

Girls basketball
TAFT 48, POMFRET 45
Taft (3-0): Sophie Webb 1 0 3, Maggie O’Leary 1 0 3, Anna Csigirinszkij 2 2 6, Natalie Hodak 10 0 24, Lauren Villanueva 0 0 0, Anna Koziol 0 0 0, Tessa Graebner 1 0 2, Elise Moreira 0 0 0, Celine Anyaegbunam 0 0 0, Kayla Robinson 2 4 8, Eliza Ford 1 0 2. Totals 18 6 48.
Pomfret (0-2): Zahansky 5 1 12, Schipper 2 0 4, Vincent 1 1 3, Srinivasan 8 4 22, Travers 0 0 0, Schauder 2 0 4, O’Hara 0 0 0. Totals 18 6 45.
3-point goals: T— Hodak 4, O’Leary 1, Webb 1. P—Srinivasan 2, Zahansky 1.

Here are team previews for the area school boys basketball teams (information supplied by team coaches):

CHASE COLLEGIATE

Head coach: Tim Fitzpatrick (3rd season, 9-27)

2017-18: 5-13

Key players: Seniors Rob Jones (5 ppg, 3 assists), Stefanos Billis; Junior Jamal Clarke (6 ppg, 10 rebs, 3 blocks); Sophomore Rafael Mahario; Freshmen Anthony Molina, Jaiden Paniagua

Coach’s comment: “It’s difficult to lose your top three scorers, but we have some young, hungry guys that will immediately be making some noise. The HVAL (Hudson Valley Athletic Conference) has been dominated by Wooster, Harvey, and Watkinson for the last couple years. It is our goal to force our name into that conversation and to qualify for the NEPSAC New England Tournament.”

O’BRIEN TECH

Head coach: Craig Behun (4th season, 20-53)

2017-18: 1-19

Key players: Juniors Jamesyn Brothers, Trayvon Pharr; Sophomores Stu Vargas, Nashua Colon.

Coach’s comment: “We are young, we have no seniors, but we have speed, depth, and intensity. Personality-wise, this is my favorite team in four years here.”

SOUTHINGTON

Head coach: John Cessario (5th season, 37-49)

2017-18: 17-8 (Division III quarterfinal)

Key players: Seniors Ryan Gesnaldo, Colin Burdette, Adam Hunter, Jacob Flynn; Juniors Jared Kelly, Jake Napoli, Billy Wadolowski, Zack Zembrzsuski, Joe Gaudio, Sean Olson, Austin Carta, Jake DelMonte

Outlook: Southington made a terrific run to the D III quarters last season, and has been rewarded with a move up to D II. This deep team should be successful in the always-tough CCC.

Coach’s comment: “This is a mature team that works extremely hard. We will try and compete in the Division II bracket and be competitive in the CCC.”

TAFT

Head coach: Shavar Bernier (6th season)

2017-18: 11-13

Key players: Seniors Connor Printz, Tyler Arbuckle, Ben Barrett; Junior Kai Kostmayer; Sophomore Blessing Agbonlaho, Skyler Bell.

Outlook: Plenty of local talent here, in Waterbury’s Printz, and also Arbuckle who starred at St. Paul Catholic last season. Another newcomer is Agbonlaho, from Nigeria, and he’s 6-9.

Coach’s comment: “Taft looks to have a successful year behind Printz and newcomers Arbuckle and Barrett. Nigerian forward Blessing Agbonlaho will add a steady presence inside.  Combo guard Skyler Bell will add offense at the guard positions. Hoping to get rolling and make a push for the post season.”

CHESHIRE ACADEMY

Head coach: Jim McCarthy (1st season)

2017-18: 7-14

Key players: Seniors Justin Allen, Eamon Fitzpatrick, Marco Barosi; Junior Asa Beyah; Sophomores Ethan Okwuosa.

Outlook: Cheshire Academy will once again play a challenging schedule in NESPAC Class AA, one of the strongest leagues in the country. First-year head coach Jim McCarthy comes to Cheshire Academy with an impressive college coaching resume. McCarthy most recently served as an assistant at the University of New Haven, and has also coached at Yale, Towson, Northeastern, and Williams. The Cats will feature a strong inside-out attack with solid post play and attacking perimeter players. Allen will provide a formidable post presence, while Fitzpatrick will stretch defenses with his shooting ability. Also, look for talented newcomers Beyah and Okwuosa to make an immediate impact.

POMPERAUG

Head coach: David Yachtis (10th season, 110-89)

2017-18: 15-7

Key players: Seniors Chase Breyer, Ryan Cant, Jack Messina, Dan Minchella, James Ortale, David Satkowski, Michael Stirk; Junior Cam Collette.

Outlook: Lost to graduation were four Panthers who combined for 86 percent of the team’s points last season. Can you say OUCH?

Coach’s comment: “We will need to find at least one or two players to step up into a scoring role this year to be competitive in the SWC. Despite our inexperience we will be deep and athletic this season. With three of the five state champions playing in the SWC last season the league should again be strong. As usual Notre Dame, Immaculate, and Kolbe Cathedral should all be very good along with Newtown.”

WOLCOTT TECH

Head coach: Dean Pergola (2nd season)

2017-18: 4-16

Key players: Seniors Chris Speaker, Hunter Miket; Juniors Connor Tyrian; Sophomores Jaden Ortiz, Jordan Schaer.

Coach’s comment: “The team is working hard every day in the gym and showing strong leadership on and off the court. We are reworking our offensive strategy, and they are responding well to the changes. We have a dedicated group of athletes that are enjoyable to work with, and they will have a successful season. The CTC has many strong teams and Wolcott Tech is looking to be competitive and work our way into the state and league tournament. With the positive attitude of this team, their goals are within their reach and obtainable.”

Here are team previews for the boys basketball teams in the Berkshire League (information supplied by team coaches):

GILBERT

Head coach: Mark Douglass (15th season, 164-149)

2017-18: 8-14

Key players: Seniors Ryley Weiss, Juan Sarmiento (10.1 ppg), Joe Brugman (12.7 ppg), Conor Bailey; Junior Hunter Smith (10.2 ppg); Sophomore Dylan Crowley (10 ppg).

Outlook: It is time for the Yellowjackets to be a problem in the BL again, and also be the toughest place to win on the road. Most everyone can score.

Coach’s comment: “The team has experience. They are working on team concepts.”

HOUSATONIC VALLEY

Head coach: Spike Magyar (7th season)

2017-18: 1-19

Key players: Seniors Caleb Shpur (12.6 ppg), Mike Peirce (11.7 ppg), Zach Onegley (9.2 ppg), Evan Miller, Charlie Kaufman, Cameron Ackerman (5.5 ppg).

Outlook: The Mountaineers will absolutely, positively, no doubt be a better team this season and pile up more wins. Are BL and state tournaments within reach?

Coach’s comment: “We have a senior-heavy team this season, with lots of experience. I believe this experience and leadership will lead to a much more competitive team. Our goal is constant improvement throughout the season compete for a spot in our league tournament.”

LEWIS MILLS

Head coach: Jim Barone (3rd season, 39-10)

2017-18: 17-7 (Division IV quarterfinal)

Key players: Senior Josh Schibi (19.6 ppg, 7.7 rebs, All-BL, All-State); Junior Matt Geissler.

Outlook: The Spartans were second in the BL last season and had a solid state tourney run. Schibi, who has already crossed over to the other side of 1,000 points, is one of the region’s best players. However, Mills must find a way to fill in around its star.

Coach’s comment: “We graduated four starters. They had been starting the past two seasons. It will be a much different lineup this year. Hoping we can learn how to play together and learn to compete consistently.”

LITCHFIELD

Head coach: Dan Goscinski (6th season, 48-63)

2017-18: 10-12

Key players: Seniors Jared Guilmart (10.5 ppg, 5 rebs), Tom Brady (8.3 ppg, 5.4 assists), Tripp Melk (11.2 ppg, 6 rebs), Matt Gostkowski, Miles Chapman; Juniors Evan Fischthall, Ajani Campbell, Luke Parsons; Sophomores Zajans Crapo, Matt Rousseau; Freshman Daniel Dieck.

Outlook: No one is talking Cowboys in the BL this season. Why is that? It is a mistake.

Coach’s comment: “We graduated four seniors, most notably, Matt Schweter, but return a slew of varsity experience. We welcome a few new additions to the bunch that can help add depth. We will need to dedicate ourselves to getting better on both ends of the floor. Our intensity on the defensive end will be paramount. Our goal is to compete every single day.”

NONNEWAUG

Head coach: Devonne Parker (2nd season, 8-14)

2017-18: 8-14

Key players: Seniors Jarrett Michaels (13.4 ppg), James Gengenbach (10.8 ppg, 9 rebs); Juniors Jackson Baker, Colby Steinfeld; Sophomore John Khazzaka.

Coach’s comment: “The majority of our players are young. I’m expecting our seniors to carry the young players. We had a great momentum during the second half of the season. Looking to build off that success. We should be right in the mix of the league. We have two returning starters from last year who played a huge role.”

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Doug Sebach (15th season, 230-105)

2017-18: 22-5 (BL champion, Division IV semifinal)

Key players: Seniors Owen Maltby, Casey Weingart, Pat Heuschkel; Junior Levi Delaney.

Outlook: Well, the Highlanders lost just about everyone from a very good team that was on the brink of playing for a state title. This team always bounces back fast, however.

Coach’s comment: “We have a great group of players that are learning and working hard to improve as a team.”

SHEPAUG VALLEY

Head coach: Matt Lefevre (6th season)

2017-18: 14-9

Key players: Seniors Ethan Hibbard (12 ppg, 10 rebs), Joe Brunelli (15 ppg, 5 assists All-BL), Jack Schneider, Tiernan Crossley, Dominic Perachi; Juniors Cole Donaghey, Jayden Cornwall; Sophomores Owen Hibbard (9 ppg, 4 assists), Michael Perachi, Cole Davenport.

Outlook: The Ted Alex Gymnasium will be rocking this winter. Start printing tickets. The Spartans are gosh-darn good and a definite threat in the BL race. There is talent and depth and these guys will run up and down the floor.

Coach’s comment: “We return players who now have significant varsity experience, including a solid senior class. We have a hard-working team with very competitive athletes that have a mixture of speed, strength, and a little bit of size.”

TERRYVILLE

Head coach: Mark Fowler (19th season)

2017-18: 7-14

Key players: Seniors Colin Bamrick, Kyle Miranda; Juniors Zach Rinkavage, Devonne Dao, Albert Molina, Jacob Zappone; Sophomore Dylan Matulis

Coach’s comment: “The team may be small but they are quick and athletic. The hope is that athleticism will lead to some easy points. There is also some depth at the guard position which will keep a steady rotation of players fresh in the lineup. The big question the Kangaroos will need to answer is where will the points come from. The hope is to find a balanced attack with multiple players contributing.”

THOMASTON

Head coach: AJ Bunel (5th season, 30-50)

2017-18: 4-16

Key players: Senior Andrew Colacecchio (14 ppg); Juniors Ian Bethin, Matt Fabiano, Isaiah Johnson; Sophomores Keegan Daigle, Chad Suckley.

Outlook: The Bears have a leader and scorer to build around in Colacecchio.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve got some size and we’re deeper than we’ve been.  We’re on the young side and will have to grow up fast but I expect us to be extremely competitive on a nightly basis.”

WAMOGO

Head coach: Gregg Hunt (35th season, 292-240 at Wamogo, 415-357 overall)

2017-18: 22-5    (BL tournament champion, Division V finalist)

Key players: Seniors Garrett Sattazahn (19 ppg, All-BL, All-State), Reid Turtoro (12.5 ppg), Sean Coffey (10.6 ppg), Jasper Brodhead; Juniors Ethan Collins (12.9 ppg, All-BL), Cole Higgins, Eric Odenwaelder, Ben Roy, Matt Mazzarelli, Jack King.

Outlook: The Warriors gave us one of the great stories of 2018 when they ran all the way to the Mohegan Sun Arena and the D-V final. Everyone is back and primed for more fun. The BL will be a good test, but figure Wamogo to provide most of the County’s hoop highlights. Sattazahn is flat-out terrific, but what makes the Warriors sensational is that the entire cast is outstanding.

Coach’s comment: “Returning entire rotation. Players have all improved skill wise and are bigger and stronger. Competition among juniors has been intense. We will be deeper than last year and should be better rebounding squad.”

Here are team previews for the boys basketball teams in the NVL’s Copper Division (information supplied by team coaches):

ANSONIA

Head coach: Shane Kingsley (5th season, 42-35)

2017-18: 5-15

Key players: Seniors Martin Antoine (16.9 ppg), Alfonso Smith (8.9 ppg), Glenn Hines (7 ppg), Devonte Weaver, Seth Roselle, John Nimmons, Sorreall Bestman; Sophomore Sheldon Schuler (12.9 ppg).

Outlook: Take this one to the bank: The Chargers are a tourney team. There are hoop players here, and scoring depth.

Coach’s comment: “We have a lot of guys back who gained valuable varsity experience last year. Our seven seniors and a good core of underclassmen should provide us with more depth then we have had in years past. The team is looking to put last season behind us and compete for an NVL and state tournament berth.”

DERBY

Head coach: Eric O’Toole (3rd season, 9-41)

2017-18: 8-13

Key players: Senior Jahwan Cody (16.8 ppg); Juniors Shymar Robinson (9 ppg), Davont Addison (9 ppg).

Outlook: One word describes the Red Raiders from last season: Awesome. Can they be awesome again? Yep. After the long bus ride to Derby, you had better be ready to play.

Coach’s comment: “We are going to work hard to try and get better everyday. Our goal is to compete every game, which can be tough in such a talented league. As always, the league is very good from top to bottom. Regardless of the division, every game will be competitive.”

OXFORD

Head coach: Matt D’Amico (5th season)

2017-18: 3-17

Key players: Charles Flowers (10.9 ppg); Juniors Cayden Mitchell, Tanner Sorracco (8.8 ppg).

Outlook: The nucleus is in place. Can Oxford challenge in the Copper and get into state tourney?

Coach’s comment: “We have a good nucleus back from last years very young team. They have been working hard at the start and we expect to be much improved.”

SEYMOUR

Head coach: Joe Carrafiello (16th season)

2016-17: 13-10

Key players: Seniors Ian Sadick (9 ppg), Max Gayle (6 ppg, 6 rebs), Markel McKnight, Luke Venier; Juniors DJ Miller, Daniel Manente, Matt Oczkowski, Dhruv Kapadia; Sophomores Dion Perkins, Joe Orlando.

Outlook: The Wildcats have a lot of rebuilding to do, but should still contend for a Copper title.

Coach’s comment: “We’ve lost three starters and six rotation players overall to graduation, from a team that won 28 games over the past two seasons. We have very talented kids that will eventually do good things for our program. However, they are inexperienced on the varsity level outside of Gayle and Sadick, who is recovering from collarbone surgery. How quickly they come together and figure things out is the question.”

WOODLAND

Head coach: Tom Hunt (12th season)

2017-18: 8-13

Key players: Seniors Zach Bedryczuk (15.7 ppg), Mickey Meier (11.3 ppg), Justin Marks (9.5 ppg); Juniors Trey Mastropietro, Tyler Bulinski, Nick DeLucia, Steve Persico, Mike Szturma, Jason Blanc, Chris Cavallo; Sophomores Nathaniel Smith, Joey Giuliani.

Outlook: The Hawks return their three leading scorers from last season and are a vastly experienced crew. This is going to be a good team. Woodland is new to the Copper Division. Bedryczuk is on the brink of 1,000 career points.

Coach’s comment: “The guys are working hard everyday. With the depth of the roster, the underclassman are competing hard to gain their spot in the pecking order for playing time. With our move to the south this year we look forward to starting new rivalries  in the battle for the Copper division.”

Here are team previews for the boys basketball teams in the NVL’s Brass Division (information supplied by team coaches):

CROSBY

Head coach: Nick Augelli (40th season, 675-258)

2017-18: 15-9

Key players: Seniors Kerwin Prince (19 ppg, 12 rebs), Tyler Spears (17 ppg, 6 rebs, 4 assists, All NVL), Markeese Days (12 ppg, 10 rebs), Rahmel Reid (6 ppg, 5 rebs), Jordan Santos (6 ppg, 3 assists); Junior Justin Davis (14 ppg, 6 assists).

Outlook: The Bulldogs are the No. 1 contender for NVL crown, but how close they can get to Sacred Heart is the question. Know this, those will be terrific games with the Hearts. Crosby is now in Division II, and you have to think a state-title threat there.

Coach’s comment: “I have a veteran team returning and we need to be more consistent every game. Team chemistry will develop as the season progresses. Our quickness is our strong point. Game experience is also a plus. Hopefully the players will step up to the challenge to be a contender for the league title and be a team to watch in the state tournament. Well balanced team with a good 8- 9 man rotation.”

HOLY CROSS

Head coach: Ryan Olsen (3rd season, 39-12)

2017-18: 18-6 (NVL finalist)

Key players: Seniors Jack Greene (7.6 ppg), Kyle Moser, Gaeley Etienne, Qaron Brown, Alex Ward; Juniors Akili Evans (6.2 ppg).

Outlook: The Crusaders graduated two 1,000-point scorers, NVL all-stars, plus all-everything guard and leading scorer, Mikey West (19.5 ppg) who transferred to a prep school. Cross will be scrappy, but points may be tough to come by. Evans is a serious perimeter threat.

Coach’s comment: “We have some big shoes to fill. We lack varsity experience but have a great group of kids that have been working extremely hard. As we gel and gain in game experience I hope that we will be playing our best basketball down the stretch.”

KENNEDY

Head coach: Ryan Sullivan (18th season, 57-36 at Kennedy, 226-168 overall)

2017-18: 7-14

Key players: Seniors Jay Turner (8.7 ppg), Matt Torres (16.1 ppg at WCA), Dimitri Calle; Juniors Kyle Brown, Jaquane Jones (6.9 ppg), Harold Garcia, Khazirr Norwood; Sophomore Derek Yates; Freshmen Manny Beamon, Synciere Dozier.

Outlook: No team seems more interesting this season than Kennedy. The Eagles will have Jay Turner now for a full season, and with Torres coming over from Waterbury Career there is something really dangerous about this team.

Coach’s comment: “Our first goal is to get eight wins and qualify for the CIAC sate tournament. Last year was a extremely disappointing season and we are looking to improve upon the seven wins. This year we are looking to push the pace on both offense and defense. What we lack in height we make up for in quickness and athleticism. We have nine guys in our rotation and we will rely on two of our seniors in Jay Turner and Matt Torres to be leaders both on and off the court.”

SACRED HEART

Head coach: Jon Carroll (14th season, 238-87)

2016-17: 24-3 (NVL champion, Division I finalist)

Key players: Seniors Omar Rowe, Jamaal Waters, Brady Perotti, Nyron Drunnamanio; Junior Nate Tabor; Sophomores Connor Tierney (7.9 ppg), Caleb Sampson, Justice Carter, Trevahn Duncan; Freshman Steve Alseph.

Outlook: The Hearts have won four straight NVL titles and 86 straight games in the league, but the state title run came to an end last season in the D-I championship game. And with all the talent lost they remain the favorite in the NVL and I’ll be dashed if they aren’t right back at Mohegan Sun Arena next March. Nate Tabor is back and he will be fun to watch. Word is that Connor Tierney is no longer 6-11. He’s a 7 footer now. Good grief.

Coach’s comment: “We have good size and will try to develop some chemistry, integrating the returning parts with the new. The goal is to prepare the guys to compete every play, every night.”

WCA

Head coach: Ronan O’Leary (4th season, 24-21)

2017-18: 16-8

Key players: Seniors Marquan Watson (20 ppg, two-time All-NVL and All-State), Langstun Racine (7.4 ppg), Khalil Simon, Noah Anthony; Junior Jonathan Edwards.

Outlook: The Spartans have one of the state’s premier players in Watson, who reached 1,000 points as a junior. But graduation and transfers hit WCA hard. So it’s all bad news, right? Absolutely not. The Spartans will be in the thick of all things.

Coach’s comment: “We will have a much different look to our team this season. We have to replace six varsity players. It’s a great opportunity for our younger players to step up into varsity roles. We look to improve on our regular season record from last year and hope to make a deeper run in the NVL tournament and in the very tough Division II state tournament.”

WILBY

Informaton not yet supplied by coach.

Here are team previews for the boys basketball teams in the NVL’s Iron Division (information supplied by team coaches):

NAUGATUCK

Information has not been supplied by coach.

ST. PAUL CATHOLIC

Head coach: Steve Phelps (28th season)

2017-18: 13-10

Key players: Seniors Donavan Symes, Kevin Ashworth, Tyler Garry (injured); Juniors Jack Noli, AJ Brooks, Noah Waters, Rudy Otero (injured).

Coach’s comment: Coach Phelps gave us his message to the team: “Patience. Willingness to sacrifice for the team. Up to the challenge. Progress daily.”

TORRINGTON

Head coach: Eric Gamari (10th season)

2017-18: 15-7 (Division III quarterfinal)

Key players: Seniors Joel Villanueva (11.4 ppg), Dontae Thomas (12.5 ppg), Kevin Dixon, CJ Root; Juniors Tyreek Davis, Nick Balducci, Zach McLaughlin, Brian Ballesteros, Adam Vanotti, Justin Mattiello.

Outlook: This is a solid lineup for the defending Iron champions, and what a battle it will be again in the Iron. There is size, speed, and lots of scoring.

Coach’s comment: “If we stay health and continue to work on the little things we could be very competitive this season.”

WATERTOWN

Head coach: J. Paul Vance, Jr. (3rd season, 80-90 overall)

2017-18: 2-18

Key players: Seniors Sam St. Hilaire (7.8 ppg, 2.8 rebs), David Aquavia, Matt Morrissey; Juniors Miron Justafi (6.5 ppg), Matt Hardisty; Sophomore Cam Garcia.

Outlook: As if it wasn’t tough enough in the Iron Division for Watertown, here comes St. Paul Catholic too. The Indians do not have an easy path.

Coach’s comment: “We have a mix of young guys who are learning the game and older guys who want to turn their hard work into wins.  We will compete and will play hard every night.   Our goal is to be a better team at the end of the season than we are right now. If we are tough and play Watertown basketball, we may have some success and sneak up on some teams.”

WOLCOTT

Head coach: Matt Craig (10th season, 78-123)

2017-18: 8-13

Key players: Seniors Jack Drewry, Chris Harris (10.3 ppg), Elmin Redzepagic (15.8 ppg), Dean Howell, Jeff Nicol; Juniors Ty Goldberg, Brian Perzhilla.

Outlook: The Iron Division, top to bottom, will be excellent, and the Eagles are in the thick of this race. Wolcott will score. There will be some fun nights in Morris Gymnasium this winter.

Coach’s comment: “We look forward to an exciting season. We bring back a lot of experience with three starters from last season (Harris, Redzepagic, Drewry). If we are going to be competitive we need to be sure that we execute offensively and end possessions on the defensive end. As always the league is going to be extremely competitive. Each night is going to be a dog fight whomever we play.”

By JOE PALLADINO

WATERBURY – They are the twin titlists of Naugatuck Valley League basketball. Can they repeat? We’ll know more soon.

The Sacred Heart boys and girls both captured the NVL championship in 2018, the fourth straight for the boys, the first in three decades for the girls. Hearts hoops had a combined record of 45-9.

Let’s look first at the boys:

Good luck, NVL.

The Hearts are still on an 86-game NVL win streak, but with a significantly altered personality. The team graduated a Billy Finn Award winner in Isiah Gaiter and a Connie Donahue Award winner in Raheem Solomon, so slick guard play will be replaced by size and muscle.

“We’re a lot bigger this year,” said sophomore center Connor Tierney, who is no longer 6 feet, 11 inches. He has made it. He’s a 7-footer, officially, although I am still tempted to bust out a tape measure if I can find one big enough.

“We have size in the post and on the wing, and we can all run the ball up the floor,” added Tierney, who returns as the team’s leading scorer at 7.9 ppg.

Yeah, that’s where the questions must be asked. Remember, the only two players back from last season who saw any time on the floor are Tierney and sophomore Caleb Sampson, and Sampson did not start.

But back to the size … check this out: Tierney, 7-0; Omar Rowe, 6-6; Nate Tabor, 6-5; Jamaal Waters, 6-6.

Waters is a newcomer, a senior from Cheshire Academy. Tabor, a guard, was with the Hearts as a freshman, but left in midseason. Last year, he was at Our Savior New American School on Long Island, but did not play. He comes back off knee surgery.

Rowe was a state champion with the Hearts in 2017. He left school, attended Lincoln High in Brooklyn for a year, but came back to Sacred Heart this year. He is eligible again and is a senior.

Oh, yes, the talent is there, but can all these parts be put back together?

“We’ve got to get everybody to play together and go in the right direction,” said coach Jon Carroll, “and be the best team we can be in February and March. That’s the goal, and having them understand that every time they walk into a gym, people will take their best shot at you. That’s something they will have to learn quick.”

Tabor watched the Hearts from the bench at the end of last season as he rehabbed his knee. He saw the NVL title run and watched the state title run end one victory shy.

“We’ve got to come back stronger,” he said. “We know what we’ve got to do. It’s business this year.”

The girls bring most of the pieces back, except for guard Treasure Coleman, who opted to play prep basketball at Berkshire School. Fear not, the Hearts remain deep and quick and are bigger as well.

So, how do the girls make it all happen again? Hayley Tucker (6.1 ppg.) said there is no mystery to that.

“We have to work hard, work as a team, run our plays and be fast,” she said.

Ah, fast they are. Even without Coleman, the Hearts fly. They feature a lot, but there is no doubt that their lightning-quick guards, junior Aamya Rivera (13 ppg.), sophomore Mikayla Mobley (8.9) and senior Adalena Francis, will keep NVL defenses in a tizzy.

“We are a fast-paced team, and we can just run the ball up and down the court,” Francis said.

The key word there is run.

But what coach Ron Picard loved most about the Hearts of 2018 was the team-first mentality. It did not come overnight and, he said, it was not lost in the offseason.

“There is chemistry; the whole team has great chemistry,” the coach said. “They play for each other. It shows a lot this year, and it bodes well for the team.”

OK, Hearts, get ready. Everyone is after you.

Send comments to jpalladino@rep-am.com, and follow on Twitter @RAOffTheRecord.

By JOE PALLADINO

WATERBURY — Remind me again why this is not a good thing? Why is it that coaches and athletic directors dislike the city basketball jamboree?

Maybe there were too many fans in the gym, like, close to 800 people at Kennedy High’s Taglia Gymnasium. Maybe it was the two thrilling overtime quarters. Maybe it was the two buzzer-beating hoops for victories. Or maybe it was just too much gosh-darn good basketball. 

VIDEO: Jamboree highlights

Yes, 4 1/2 hours of hoops is a lot, and OK, Crosby sat around for 2 1/2 hours in between quarters, but Sunday’s jamboree was mega good in all ways and a fitting way to get this season rolling.

And by the way, the Hearts won again.

Sacred Heart claimed wins over Holy Cross, Kennedy, and Crosby to let us know what we already knew: The four-time defending NVL champions are frontrunners again.

And the Hearts did it without the player who is their consensus best. Nate Tabor was out of town on Sunday, in New York, at Madison Square Garden, on a recruiting trip to St. John’s University. No problem, newcomer Jamaal Waters, a transfer from Cheshire Academy, picked up the slack. He scored 25 points on the day to pace the Hearts.

“I see that we are all hard workers,” Waters said after he scored eight points in the slim 19-18 victory over Crosby in the championship final. “We get after it, and we’re trying to win this year. We had some turnovers in the beginning, but we stayed in it and got the Ws.”

The team with the best chance against the Hearts, most people think anyway, is Crosby. The Bulldogs fit that description on Sunday. Tyler Spears led all jamboree scorers with 32 points as Crosby had big wins over Kaynor Tech and Chase Collegiate, and were a few missed layups away from really making the final interesting.

Here is the jamboree roundup:

Game 1

Crosby 31, Kaynor Tech 18

Tyler Spears scored 14 points and Kerwin Prince added seven for the Bulldogs. Masai Johnson led Tech with six.

Game 2

Chase Collegiate 24, Wilby 23 OT

Stefanos Bilis sank a 15 foot jumper at the buzzer in OT to win it for the Highlanders. “I don’t know, we got the ball, they passed it to me, and I shot it,” said Bilis, who broke down the winning play, sort of. “That was pretty much it.” Rafael Mahario scored 15 to lead Chase, and Jeremiah Tripp had nine, all on 3-pointers, for Wilby. 

Game 3

Kennedy 17, WCA 14

Freshman Manny Beamon scored in the final minute to tie it for the Eagles, and then freshman Synciere Dozier hit a 3-pointer with 2.3 seconds on clock as Kennedy rallied. “The coach told Jay to penetrate, kick it out, and I’d have a big shot to make,” Dozier said. He made it. Marquan Watson led the Spartans with 11.

Game 4

Sacred Heart 17, Holy Cross 9

Jamaal Waters scored nine to lead the Hearts, while Omar Rowe added four. Jack Greene led Cross with four.

Consolation 1

Kaynor Tech 23, Wilby 17 OT

Nashua Lovette scored 11, including the only hoop in OT, to lead the Panthers. “We played as a team and everyone came together,” Lovette said. Jeremiah Tripp had 11 for Wilby.

Consolation 2

Holy Cross 23, WCA 21

Akili Evans scored on a put-back at the buzzer to win it for Cross. Evans scored seven, as did Jahvon Myrthil. Langstun Racine led the Spartans with 10.

Semifinal 1

Crosby 33, Chase Collegiate 13

Tyler Spears scored 11 and Kerwin Prince 10 as Crosby rolled into the final. 

Semifinal 2

Sacred Heart 25, Kennedy 11

Waters led the Hearts with eight points as eight different players scored. Turner led Kennedy with seven, all from the free-throw line.

FINAL

Sacred Heart 19, Crosby 18

Waters hit for eight points as the Hearts captured another jamboree title. Steve Alseph added four. Spears led Crosby with seven points, and Prince had six.

The boys basketball season begins on Thursday and as always the action in the NVL in particular promises to be heated.

A sampling of what might be in store came Sunday in the Waterbury city jamboree, but all you need to really know is that Sacred Heart is loaded once again and everyone else is chasing the Hearts.

Brass Division previews

Iron Division previews

Copper Division previews

The boys basketball season begins Thursday and will end in mid-March at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Last year there were two area teams playing in state finals. The Sacred Heart boys were back at the Sun (of course), while Wamogo made a rare appearance to cap off a great late season run.

This year both of those teams appear ready to contend for big things again, while several other teams could find themselves playing games that count as March rolls along.

And aside from the strong teams, there are individual players who are certainly worth a trip to a warm gym this winter to watch perform.

After consulting, watching and studying, we can present the second annual All-Hoop Zone Preseason Team. It was tough to whittle this down to five, but we did just that and you can see who made the ultimate cut below.

First, here are links to the team previews:

NVL boys basketball previews

BL boys basketball previews

Area team boys basketball previews

For the second straight year the Hoop Zone experts have put together a preseason All-Hoop Zone team, comprised of the best boys basketball players heading into the 2018-19 season.

Preseason All-Hoop Zone team

Kerwin Prince

Crosby, Sr. C/F, a smooth post player, at 6-6 Prince can bang inside, step out for jumpers, and he will lead the break too. He averaged 18.5 ppg for the Bulldogs.

Garrett Sattazahn

Wamogo, Sr. G, scored 19 ppg and led the Warriors to the Division V state title game in 2018, Sattazahn can get any shot he wants, and make it. He may be the best jump shooter in the area.

Nate Tabor

Sacred Heart, Jr., G, a 6-5 man on the point, he can shoot, take it to the hole, and dunk on you. Played for Sacred Heart briefly as a freshman. He’s coming off knee surgery.

Jamaal Waters

Sacred Heart, Sr. F., he’s played at Canterbury, Cheshire Academy, now the Hearts, and he’s the real deal. He will get above rim and stay there, all night. He can score for any spot on the floor.

Marquan Watson

WCA, Sr. C/F, he averaged 20 ppg for the Spartans and has already passed 1,000 career points. Watson typically plays on the blocks and is one of the toughest post players in the NVL, but he has a jump shot too.

Honorable mention

• John Lukau Mbalandanka, Naugatuck
• Josh Schibi, Lewis Mills
• Rafael Mahario, Chase Collegiate
• Elmin Redzepagic, Wolcott
• Nashua Lovett, Kaynor Tech
• Drew Colacecchio, Thomaston
• Akili Evans, Holy Cross
• Langstun Racine, WCA
• Joe Brugman, Gilbert
• Caleb Shpur, Housatonic
• Matt Torres, Kennedy
• Omar Rowe, Sacred Heart
• Calvin Hicks, Wilby
• Jay Turner, Kennedy
• Connor Tierney, Sacred Heart
• Tyler Spears, Crosby
• Martin Antoine, Ansonia
• Ethan Hibbard, Shepaug
• Jahwan Cody, Derby
• Charles Flowers, Oxford
• Zach Bedryczuk, Woodland
• Justin Davis, Crosby

BOYS BASKETBALL
Jared Guilmart scored 14 points to lead the Litchfield High boys basketball team to a 58-45 win over Housatonic in the two teams’ season opener Thursday night in Litchfield.
Tripp Melk added 12 points and Evan Fischtal 11 for Litchfield. Evan Miller led Housy with 10.

Newtown 65, Torrington 55: Dontae Thomas led the Raiders with 16 points in the road loss. Joel Villenueva added 14 and Tyreek Davis 12.

Amity 54, Pomperaug 42: Chase Breyer scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Panthers in Southbury.

Chase Collegiate 71, Marvelwood 64: The Highlanders handed Marvelwood its first loss behind 27 points and eight rebounds by Rafael Mahario.
Freshman Anthony Molina contributed 19 points and four assists for Chase Collegiate (2-1), and Jamal Clarke 12 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
For Marvelwood (4-1), Guillermo Duany had a game-high 26 points.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Housatonic 44, Litchfield 23: Madelynn Olownia scored a team-high 14 points for the 3-0 Mountaineers in Falls Village. Anna Conaghan had eight points for Litchfield.

Lewis Mills 40, Thomaston 22: Samantha Chadwick hit for a game-high 28 points, nailing six 3-pointers, to lead the Spartans (2-0) to the road win.
Emma Sanson and Sydney Stevenson each had seven to lead Thomaston (0-2).

Oxford 43, Ansonia 29: Kelly Shpak scored 15 points and Molly Sastram added 14 to lead the Wolverines (1-1).

Crosby 35, Wolcott 31: Tiahna Pulliams put in a game-high 17 points to lead the Bulldogs to their second win. Adriana Ferrucci had 12 points to pace Wolcott (0-2).

St. Paul 52, Woodland 25: Janessa Gonzalez had 20 points and Jade Udoh added 19 for the Falcons (2-0). Jillian Barbarito scored nine for Woodland.

Seymour 59, Bassick 42: Sydnie Drezek netted 23 points and Morgan Teodosio grabbed 11 rebounds for the Wildcats (1-1). Megan Condo had four steals and four assists, while Kenzie Sirowich had six assists and five rebounds.

BOYS SWIMMING
Pomperaug 99, New Fairfield 85: Connor Nee won the 200 freestyle and was a member of the winning 200 free relay to lead the Panthers in the opener.

LITCHFIELD 58, HOUSATONIC 45
Housatonic (0-1): Caleb Shpur 3 1 7, Ivan Pascasio 1 0 3, Zack Ongley 2 2 7, Evan Miller 4 0 10, Troy Brazee 1 0 2, Mike Peirce 4 1 9, Briceson Barry 2 1 5, Cam Ackerman 1 0 2. Totals 17 5 45.
Litchfield (1-0): Daniel Dieck 0 0 0, Miles Chapman 3 0 6, Luke Parsons 0 0 0, Tripp Melk 3 6 12, Jared Guilmart 5 4 14, Matt Rousseau 2 0 5, Matt Gustkowski 2 0 6, Zajans Crapo 0 4 4, Evan Fischthal 5 0 11. Totals 20 14 58.
Housatonic 11 6 15 13 — 45
Litchfield 15 17 11 15 — 58
3-pointers: H — Tascasio 1, Miller 2, Ongley 1. L — Gustkowski 2, Rousseau 1, Fischtal 1.

NEWTOWN 65, TORRINGTON 55
Torrington (0-1): Dontae Thomas 6 1 16, Tyreek Davis 5 2 12, Joel Villenueva 5 3 14, T.J. Calabrese 1 1 3, C.J. Root 0 2 2, Kevin Dixon 2 0 4. Totals 19 9 55.
Newtown (1-0): Riley Ward 9 2 21, Tucker Garrity 5 2 12, Robert Disibio 7 1 16, Max Bloomquist 4 0 9, Jack Mulligan 3 0 6. Totals 28 5 65.
Torrington 7 9 15 24 — 55
Newtown 15 10 17 23 — 65
3-pointers: T — Thomas 3, Villenueva 1. N — Ward 1, Disidio 1, Bloomquist 1.

AMITY 55, POMPERAUG 42
Amity (1-0): Sebastian Formica 0 0 0, James Van Hise 5 3 15, Mike Young 2 0 5, Joe Benedetti 2 0 5, Marc Chodos 0 0 0, Cole Wissink 2 4 8, Joe Digello 3 0 8, Thomas Tanner 5 3 13. Totals: 19 10 54.
Pomperaug (0-1): Dion Zhuta 2 0 5, Cam Collette 0 0 0, Michael Stirk 3 0 8,
Dan Minchella 1 0 3, Jack Messina 1 2 4, Chase Breyer 6 6 20, James Ortale 1 0 2, David Satkowski 0 0 0. Totals: 14 8 42.
Amity 18 6 14 16 — 54
Pomperaug 12 5 10 15 — 42
3-point goals: A — Van Hise 2, Digello 2, Young, Benedetti; P — Stirk 2, Breyer 2, Zhuta, Minchella.
Note: Breyer 11 rebounds.

CHASE COLL. 71, MARVELWOOD 64
Chase (2-1): Rob Jones 2 2 7, Anthony Molina 7 2 19, Rafael Mahario 10 6 27, Rohan Singh 0 0 0, Stefanos Bilis 2 1 5, Jamal Clarke 6 0 12, Jaiden Paniagua 0 0 0, Colby Calabrese 0 0 0, Evan Harte 0 1 1, Neel Avancha 0 0 0, Howard Fu 0 0 0, Asher Gao 0 0 0. Totals 27 12 71.
Marvelwood (4-1): Avante Walker 8 5 19, Guillermo Duany 10 2 26, Harrison Velasquez 2 0 4, Jacob Roth 4 0 9, Justin Decoteau 1 1 4, Dante Thain 1 0 2, Ryan Cameron 0 0 0. Totals 26 8 64.
Halftime: Chase 35-23.
3-pointers: C — Molina 3, Jones 1, Mahario 1. M — Duany 5, Roth 1.

WILCOX TECH 71, O’BRIEN TECH 29
O’Brien (0-1): Trayvon Pharr 1 0 2, Jamesyn Brothers 1 0 3, Stuar Vargas 3 0 7, Nashua Colon 5 2 12, Elijah Moore 1 0 2, Marques James 1 0 2, Xavier Gonzalez 0 1 1. Totals: 12 3-10 29.
Wilcox Tech (1-0): DJ Ransom 12 10-12 37, Bryce McClendan 2 2 6, John Soto 4 4 12, Derek Strillacci 2 1 6, Kelvin Santos 1 1 3, Joe Scala 1 0 2, Isaiah Thomas 1 0 3. Totals: 24 18-24 71.
O’Brien 6 14 6 3 — 29
Wilcox 19 18 23 11 — 71
3-point goals: OB 2 — Brothers 1, Vargas 1; WT 5 —Ransom 3, Thomas, Strillacci 2

PLAINVILLE 68, WOLCOTT TECH 33
Plainville (1-0): S. Lestini 2 0 4, Ramirez 3 0 6, Stephens 4 1 11, Snyder 1 0 3, Mills 0 0 0, Dougherty 3 0 6, B. Callahan 9 2 21, Warnat 0 0 0, T. Callahan 0 0 0, Paradis 6 0 13, AJ Lestini 0 0 0, Couture 1 1 4. Totals: 29 4 68.
Wolcott Tech (0-1): Schaer 0 0 0, Petersen 0 1 1, Fogarty 2 0 6, Tyrian 3 0 6, Ortiz 0 0 0, Miket 0 0 0, Galinski 1 0 2, Dell’Agnese 0 0 0, Chris Speaker 5 4 16, Sanford 0 0 0, Stockno 1 0 2. Totals: 12 5 33.
Plainville 23 6 14 3 —68
Wolcott Tech 8 4 15 5 —33
3-point goals: P — Stephens 2, Snyder 1. B. Callahan 1, Paradis 1, Couture 1. WT — Speaker 2, Fogarty 2.