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| Crosby and Kennedy each played first round road games in Division I on Monday. The Bulldogs picked up a big road win while the Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69, 2018 file) |
The No. 17 seed Crosby boys basketball team had a long bus ride to get to Monday’s Division I first round state game against No. 16 Norwich Free Academy.
It was over 60 miles one-way to the game, but the Bulldogs made the most of the trip and returned home with an 80-62 win over the Wildcats.
A big first quarter (19-6) was key for Crosby, whose balanced scoring was key on an uncharacteristically rough night for Tyler Spears. Tarique Foggie (19 points, 7-of-12 shooting) and Kerwin Prince (18, 7-of-10) were efficient with their opportunities. Foggie knocked down a team-high four 3-pointers, and Prince did his damage inside. Both were terrific on the glass with each recording a double-double (Prince 12 rebounds, Foggie 10).
Markeese Days also had a big game with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Justin Davis hit three 3-pointers on his way to 14 points, and Rahmel Reid made all four of his shots for 10 points.
Crosby shot 47 percent on 3-pointers, 46 on 2-pointers. The Bulldogs were also 17-of-23 (74 percent) at the foul line.
It all added up to a great win, but the next round is an even bigger challenge. Crosby (15-8) heads for No. 1 East Catholic (24-0) on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Also in Division I, No. 19 Kennedy had a win in the bag against No. 14 East Hartford, until the fourth quarter. The Hornets outscored the Eagles 28-16 in the final eight minutes, and DeAndre Kelly’s basket with six seconds left sent them home with a 58-56 loss. Jeremy Acosta and Lashawn Smith each scored 15 points while Jay Turner added 11. Kennedy trailed by five at the half, but stormed into the lead with a 22-7 third quarter. It was the final game for Eagle seniors Acosta, Smith, Adrien Williams, Josiah Parilla, Eric Quintero and Devae Wells. Kennedy finished 7-14.
In Division III, No. 11 St. Paul earned a 60-51 home win over No. 22 Joel Barlow. The game was likely the last in the gym on Maltby Street before upcoming renovations. Tyler Arbuckle had 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Mike Palmieri added 11 points. Seth Foley contributed six points and four rebounds for the Falcons, who face a familiar foe in the second round on Thursday.
St. Paul plays Thursday at No. 6 Torrington at 7 p.m. The Red Raiders won the regular season matchup, but the Falcons are a better team.
No. 24 Wolcott led No. 9 Avon by two points at halftime, but the Falcons turned up their defense and sent the Eagles home with a season-ending loss. Elmin Redzepagic led Wolcott with 15 points while Chris Harris added 11. It was the final game for seniors Alex Martinez, Chris Ligi, Mike Tessarzik, Mike Polzella, Mike Rousseau and Devin Blier. The Eagles finished the season at 8-13.
