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01/27/2019 11:00 PMThe Morgan boys’ basketball team is heading to the Division V State Tournament for the first time in three years after picking up the win that it needed to qualify during last week’s action. The Huskies qualified for states by beating North Branford and then went on to defeat Haddam-Killingworth to improve to 9-3 this season. The team has won its last five games.
Head Coach Frank Rossi feels especially proud for his senior athletes who have worked tirelessly to get Morgan basketball back to the big dance. It took a few seasons, but the Huskies’ hard work is paying off.
“I’m mostly proud for the seniors. To get eight wins is special, particularly when that group only won four games each of the last two seasons,” said Rossi. “The kids did everything we asked them to do. They knew what was at stake and went after it.”
On Jan. 21, Morgan punched its postseason ticket by earning its eighth win of the year with an 83-43 victory at North Branford. The Huskies pulled ahead early and never looked back in the 40-point blowout. Senior captain Chris Nuzzo led the Huskies’ attack with 19 points with nine rebounds, shooting 70 percent from the floor. Fellow senior captains Garrett Johnson (13 points, 5 rebounds) and AJ Fritz (12 points, 4 assists) also reached double digits in scoring.
Coach Rossi appreciates what this trio is bringing to the Huskies both on and off the court. Rossi believes that his captains have made his job much easier in his first year coaching at Morgan.
“I feel like they have done a great job as a group being great role models. It’s a challenge coming into a new program and implementing new schemes, particularly with a senior group,” Rossi said. “All of the seniors have bought into the things we are trying to teach them. When you look at our practices, the captains have done a great job setting the tone and holding each other and their teammates accountable.”
Sophomore big man Robbie Zirlis had 10 points with four rebounds, senior JP Nye scored seven points and grabbed five boards, and sophomore Jason Cohen added eight points in the win versus the Thunderbirds.
Four days later, Morgan notched a 54-52 victory at Haddam-Killingworth (H-K) in a nail-biting game. The Huskies held a 32-24 lead at halftime behind a 50-percent shooting performance from the field. H-K mounted a comeback in the second half and tied the game at 50-50 with just a minute left in regulation. On the next possession, Fritz made a pair of free throws to give the Huskies a 52-50 edge.
After that, Nuzzo secured the rebound on a potential game-tying jumper from the Cougars, forcing them to foul. Nuzzo extended the lead to 53-50 and, after an empty possession from each team, H-K made a shot to cut the lead to one. H-K fouled on the inbounds play, and then Zirlis hit a free throw for a 54-52 lead. Following a Cougars’ timeout, the Huskies needed just one more stop. Seniors John Murray and Fritz helped force a steal for Nuzzo, who ran out the clock to solidify the win.
Nuzzo had a monster game by scoring 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds for Morgan. Coach Rossi said that Nuzzo’s recent performances stem from the senior growing more and more comfortable with his role on the squad.
“Chris has had three double-doubles in the last four games he’s played. I think the biggest thing with him is that he’s settled into a comfort zone, and that’s been the case for everybody,” said Rossi. “Early in the season, we were trying to learn our system and trying to find our way. Chris just settled into his role, and he’s been taking great shots with what the defense is giving him and not forcing anything.”
Fritz contributed 11 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists in the victory. Fritz shares much of the ball-handling responsibilities with fellow senior captain Johnson, and the two of them are key pieces to the Huskies’ puzzle.
“AJ’s one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached. He’s our motor with tremendous speed. We want to force the tempo, and he’s that guy. He plays so hard, and he sets the bar offensively and defensively,” Rossi said. “We don’t have a true point guard, and Garrett and AJ share that responsibility. While AJ is the motor, Garrett is a tremendous leader. He plays different positions and understands where everyone is supposed to be. He has a great basketball IQ. When Garrett comes off the floor, we’re a different team.”
Nye provided eight points and five rebounds in the win against H-K, while Zirlis netted seven points and had six rebounds. Coach Rossi feels that one of Morgan’s biggest assets this season is the diversity of its scoring attack. Anyone on the team can score those crucial points that are needed to grab a victory.
“One thing about this team is our tremendous balance. We don’t have to rely on any one person. Chris has been big all season for us, but it can be anybody, really. It’s not just on offense, either. AJ and Paddy Murray made tremendous defensive plays to hold that win against H-K. Everyone contributes in some way, shape, or form,” Rossi said. “Outside of Cromwell and Old Lyme, I don’t think any other team in the Shoreline is as balanced as we are. Any night five or six guys are going to contribute at some level, and that is a huge advantage to us.”
From the Sidelines
The Morgan boys’ basketball team’s varsity roster includes senior captains AJ Fritz, Garrett Johnson, and Chris Nuzzo; seniors Lee Broderick, John Murray, and JP Nye; juniors Nicolas Colebank and Jonathan Fiorillo; and sophomores Cameron Carlson, Jason Cohen, Zach Johnson, Gavin Krott, and Robbie Zirlis.
Morgan’s wins this year have come against Portland (64-40), East Hampton (55-43), Branford (78-60), Coginchaug (50-45), Hale-Ray (51-37), Amistad (50-47), Westbrook (63-35), North Branford (83-43), and Haddam-Killingworth (54-52). The Huskies have also taken losses versus Valley Regional (57-51), Platt (57-54), and Cromwell (68-44).
Frank Rossi is in his first season as head coach of the Huskies. Rossi’s coaching staff includes assistant coach Jordan Bean and JV coach Ryan Florentine.
For the rest of the season, Morgan’s schedule includes home games against Haddam-Killingworth, Coginchaug, North Branford, Valley Regional, and Tourtellotte, along with road games versus Cromwell, Old Saybrook, and Old Lyme.