its first-ever state championship on Sunday
against Bloomfield at the Mohegan Sun Arena. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69, file)
The Waterbury Career Academy boys’ basketball team will attempt to make history in the Division III state final Sunday against Bloomfield.
The Spartans are going for the first state championship in program and school history in what is the first-ever appearance in a state final. Tip off is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. Bloomfield is the No. 1 seed and WCA is No. 2.
Here are some keys for the Spartans:
Go Drew Go
When junior guard Drew Williams is aggressive and attacking the basket, WCA’s offense is brutally tough to stop. Williams is so good at finishing around the basket that a defense has to pay attention to him. What that means is less attention paid to teammates like Sonny Pierce, Zaire Lott and Jason Canady. All can light it up from the outside, and Canady can attack the basket off the bounce as well.
Don’t rely on 3s if they’re not falling
WCA can be streaky shooting from the outside. If the three-point shots aren’t falling, the Spartans should attack the basket.
Guard the three-point line
Bloomfield is no stranger to launching shots from behind the arc, so WCA will need to defend well against that mode of attack.
Team rebounding
WCA was able to deal with the height of Platt, and it will need to do so against Bloomfield as well. Everyone must be all in on rebounding the basketball for the Spartans.
Take a deep breath
The Warhawks are defending champions and know what it takes to succeed at Mohegan. This is the first trip for the Spartans. WCA needs to step back and take a deep breath. Early nerves are to be expected, but they don’t have to last all game.
