This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/07/2017 11:00 PMBoys’ Basketball
The Westbrook boys’ basketball team is showing flashes of brilliance on the court thus far in the winter season as the Knights’ record currently sits at 4-1. In last week’s action, Westbrook won a trio of games by double digits.
On Dec. 30, Westbrook topped Old Lyme 72-44 on the road behind a solid first quarter where it scored 25 points. The Knights energized for this one, according to Head Coach Jeff Beeman, as they scored 24 baskets on 15 assists and got to the free throw line for 32 attempts. Liam Bell had an outstanding game as he scored a game-high 32 points to go with 13 rebounds and six assists. Cory Muckle added 13 points, while Dave Amendola scored 11 and grabbed seven boards. Vincent Dyer also had seven rebounds in the win.
After the short New Year’s break, Westbrook hit the road again and delivered a 61-47 win at Coginchaug on Jan. 3. The team converted on nine three-point attempts in the victory. Muckle, who scored a game-high 28 points, connected on five of them, plus Bell hit three threes and contributed 19 points in the win.
On Jan. 5, Westbrook hosted rival Old Saybrook and came away with an 82-70 victory. Westbrook again came out strong with a 25-point first quarter. Muckle netted 18 of those on his way to a 39-point performance. Liam Bell recorded a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds and Amendola added 10 points. The Knights shot 47.5 percent from the floor and 71 percent from the charity stripe in the victory.
Girls’ Basketball
The Knights are off to a strong start this season and currently boast a five-game winning streak with a record of 5-1.
On Dec. 29, Westbrook defeated visiting Oxford 55-45, led by Savannah Marshall with 26 points and Adara Bochanis with 12 points. Westbrook received strong defensive games from Erin Metcalfe and Biance Ferrucci to secure the win. The Knights also shot 14-of-15 from the free throw line.
Westbrook faced Old Lyme the next night and grabbed a 17-10 first quarter advantage on its way to a 56-29 victory. It was the best game of the season for Westbrook, according to Head Coach Kelly Landino. Marshall led the group with 31 points and Kelly Donlan scored 11. Bochanis added eight points, while Metcalfe, Zoe Ehlert, and Ferrucci led a solid defense effort.
On Jan. 3, the Knights defeated Coginchaug 58-51 for their second overtime victory of the year. Westbrook was up 28-20 at the half after a half-court buzzer beater by Marshall, who led the team with 27 points. Coginchaug made a run in the fourth to force overtime, but Westbrook showcased its sharp free throw shooting in the extra frame by converting on 9-of-12 tries to clinch the victory. Bochanis scored a season-best 17 points as she and Donlan hit clutch free throws down the stretch. It was the Knights’ first win over Coginchaug in two years.
“Last year, Coginchaug beat us twice, so it was a great win for our team and our program. This is our second overtime win in six games, so our girls are learning to play mentally tough and smart down the stretch,” Coach Landino said. “A year ago, I don’t think we would have won either game. Both overtime wins are against teams that beat us last season. I am proud of the mental toughness I am seeing from these girls.”
Westbrook then recorded a 41-30 win over Old Saybrook on Jan. 6 in its second meeting against the Rams this year. The Knights avenged a 46-30 opening night loss with this victory. Marshall scored 18 points, Ehlert had 10, and Metcalfe finished with a season-high seven for Westbrook.