North Branford Boys’ Hockey Clinches State Tourney Berth
Boys’ Ice Hockey
The North Branford boys’ ice hockey squad earned its eighth victory of the season last week to clinch its spot in the Division II State Tournament. After splitting its two games on the week, North Branford improved to 8-8 overall.
The week started with a 3-2 win over East Catholic on Feb. 8. Brian McKee scored twice, including the game-winner, for the Thunderbirds, who also saw Marc Daddio score a goal. Nico Giatralis finished with two assists, while Sean McKee and Brendan Dupuis had an assist apiece for the T-Birds. John Lovelace made 21 saves in goal to earn the victory.
North Branford finished last week by taking a 10-0 loss to East Haven on Feb. 11. Lovelace made 47 saves and Tyler Odice had 10 for North Branford, which took 27 shots on goal.
Boys’ Basketball
The T-Birds split their two contests last week to put their record at 9-7 for the year.
On Feb. 7, North Branford topped Morgan 65-48. The Thunderbirds were bolstered by a 21-point night from Gianni Lavorgna, who drained five three-pointers, along with 20 points by Brett Lequire in the win.
North Branford was then defeated by Cromwell, 50-39, on Feb. 11. Lequire had 16 points, plus Lavorgna and Jake Haeckel each scored nine for North Branford.
Girls’ Basketball
North Branford dropped two of three last week to move its record to 9-9 this season.
On Feb. 7, Morgan topped North Branford 44-34. Kelly Oliver scored 10 points for North Branford.
The T-Birds rebounded with a 57-35 victory over Haddam-Killingworth the very next night. Oliver scored a game-high 22 points, while Jess Kilburn added 12. Morgan Violette scored 10 and Danielle Ramada contributed nine to the victory. North Branford closed out the week with a 72-38 road loss to Cromwell on Feb. 11.