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03/11/2017 11:00 PMBoys’ Basketball
The Old Saybrook boys’ basketball team claimed victory in its Class S State Tournament opener before dropping its contest in the second round. Old Saybrook tipped off states against 22nd-seeded Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) in the first round on March 7 and beat the Dragons by a 75-54 final at home. On March 9, 11th-seeded Old Saybrook was on the road against Trinity Catholic and took an 83-69 defeat to the No. 6 seed Crusaders. The Rams finished their season with an overall record of 15-9.
Against MLC, the Rams dominated both offensively and defensively in the first quarter and led 23-4 going into the second. The Dragons were only able to close the gap slightly as Old Saybrook led 35-19 at halftime. The Rams outscored MLC 24-18 in the third and it was smooth sailing to their 75-54 victory.
Senior captain guard Connel Henderson led the Rams with 22 points, while also adding four rebounds and seven assists. Senior center Jake Tully scored 13 points, plus sophomore guard Shane Henderson added 10 points. Junior guard Victor Pascoe had six points and five rebounds in the victory. Old Saybrook Head Coach Patrick Quinn was pleased that so many of his players got involved in the game, with nine Knights making their way to the score sheet.
Facing Trinity Catholic in Stamford, Old Saybrook struggled in the first quarter and trailed 28-15 entering the second. By halftime, Trinity led 39-28. Although the Rams tried to climb back in the second half, their early deficit proved too much to overcome as the Crusaders took the 83-69 victory.
This game marked the 71st consecutive start for Connel Henderson, who led the team with 16 points and added five assists in his final game as a Ram. Shane Henderson and Pascoe added 15 points apiece, while Pascoe also corralled eight rebounds. Tully rounded out the scoring attack with 14 points to go with his seven rebounds.
Despite the defeat, Coach Quinn was pleased with the campaign that the Rams put together in his first year as head coach. Old Saybrook qualified for postseason play for the seventh straight year this winter.
“Great kids and great season all around,” said Quinn.
Boys’ Swimming and Diving
Old Saybrook was represented by a pair of athletes at last week’s Class S Trials, which were held at Plainville High School on March 11.
Senior Mac Coppes took first place in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.34 seconds and he also placed third for the 100 freestyle behind a mark of 50.27 seconds. Also, junior Will Brodeur posted a time of 54.62 in the 100 free and came in 30th place. Coppes and Brodeur advanced to the Class S State Championship in their events by virtue of these performances.