Printer Friendly Version - Valley Boys’ Hoops Begins with Two Wins; Girls’ Hockey Takes Season Opener

Sophomore Jeremy Arnum had an incredible week after scoring 47 points in two games. Arnum poured in 22 points against NOrth Branford on Feb 10 , and he added 25 more points against East Hampton on Feb. 12. File photo by Kelley Fryer/The Courier

The Valley Regional boys’ basketball team busted out of the gate with a pair of victories in the opening week of the 2021 season. The Warriors secured a blowout 70-29 win over North Branford and a more modest 57-48 victory against East Hampton.

On Feb. 10, Valley hosted its home opener against North Branford, and the Warriors more than doubled the Thunderbirds’ score. The Warriors grabbed a 20-6 lead through the first quarter, and then expanded that advantage to 41-13 at the end of the half. Valley outscored North Branford 29-15 in the second half, en route to the lopsided victory.

Sophomore Jeremy Arnum had a stellar showing with 22 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Senior Kyle Montecalvo grabbed 10 points and a steal, while junior James Marsden scored seven points to go with eight rebounds and two steals. Senior captain Marcus SantaMaria added seven points and five rebounds.

Two days later, the Warriors hosted East Hampton and grabbed a 57-48 over the Bellringers. Valley took a quick 13-10 lead after the first quarter, and then added on to make it 24-16 by halftime. The Warriors really pulled away in the third quarter to make it 44-26, and even though the Bellringers mounted somewhat of a comeback, it wasn’t enough as the final score stood at 57-48.

Arnum had another outstanding performance with 25 points, five boards, four steals, and an assist. Junior Simon Partyka earned 14 points, three steals, two assists, while Marsden grabbed 11 points, seven rebounds, and four steals in the victory.

The Hand-Coginchaug-Valley-Old Lyme girls’ ice hockey team was on the road to face the Hamden co-op for its season opener last week. The Tigers claimed a 4-2 victory over Hamden-Wilbur-Cross-Lyman Hall-O’Brien Tech at Lou Astorino Ice Arena on Feb. 10.

The East Haven co-op boys’ ice hockey squad faced off against North Haven for its first game of the year last week. The team, which features athletes from several local schools, including Valley Regional, took a 3-0 loss to North Haven in its season opener at Northford Ice Pavilion on Feb. 11.

North Haven scored a goal in the first period to take a 1-0 lead over East Haven. North Haven added two more goals in the second period on its way to a 3-0 victory. Junior goalie Ethan Roach made 37 saves for East Haven in the game.