Capt. Mike Berezecky's winning goal with 25 seconds left in game.
January 30, 2006
Winfrey's
Explosion Propels Batter's Box
By Richard Shultz
Marquis Winfrey poured in 18 points along with six assists to propel Batter's Box past Equipment Rentals 54-44. Brandon Zanders (12) and power forward Nao Ohedera (6) helped in the win. Equipment Rentals was led by the dynamic duo of Bam Carr (18) and Jordan Carr (12).
Batter's Box continued their winning ways by crushing Tri-State 48-23. Box's well-balanced scoring attack of Fateem Hopkins (13), Ryan Moore (10), Jamarr Hailey (8) and Quinn Smith (5) was just too much for Tri-State. Trayon McKnight (7) and Skylar Mendez (5) paced Tri-State.
Abcon Environmental remained undefeated as they also
won a doubleheader. In the first game Abcon used a 20-point fourth
quarter to outlast Tri-State 56-41. Rookie Dell Young poured in
(13), followed by Kris Williams and Ron Baldwin with 10 points each.
Tri-State leaders were Trayon McKnight (15), Skylar Mendez (13)
and Chris Heath (4).
In the second game, Abcon scored six points in the last 30 seconds
to sprint by Colonial Tymes Restaurant, 44-38. Abcon's Ron Baldwin
controlled the boards and led all scorers with (16), Kris Williams
chipped in 12 and Jesse Anigala added an NBA range trey. Colonial
Tymes was paced by Jason Handley (16), Antwan Baldwin and Danny
Gibbs, both with six.
The McClendon's raced past Ken's Citgo Carwash 55-44. McClendon's
saw a balanced scoring attack led by Randy Perry (13), Jamel and
Jared Jenkins, both with 10, Tymek Williams (8), and Ed Aponte and
Jeff "TANK" McCormick, both with six. "TANK"
McCormick also controlled the boards during the entire first three
quarters which propelled the offense's fast-break attack. Ken's
Citgo was paced by Ian Phiri (15), Darrell Cleveland, John Brandi,
Cedric Perkins, all with seven points each, and James Narrow's turnaround
jumper.
Earlier in the day, Ken's Citgo thumped Colonial Tymes 60-43. Ken's
broke the game wide open scoring 19 points in the third quarter.
Four players for Ken's had double digits -- Cedric Perkins (14),
Nate Schier (13), John Brandi (12) and "Captain" Justin
Chabot (10). Colonial Tymes was led by Jason Handley (12) and Brian
"Porkchop" Hamilton with (4).
The law firm of BS& W held on to beat Colonial Funeral Home
49-41. BS& W's Idris Hassen led all scorers with (22), while
Ryan Fraser chipped in with nine, and Trevor Briggs and Leon Andrade
each added seven points. Colonial's Reorn Jones hit three treys
and 15 points. Anthony Crews scored (8) and Aaron Spann added (6)
for Colonial.
Aqua Pa Chocolate scored 37 second half-points, which was too much
for Massey Trucking in a 56-42 triumph. Aqua Pa was led by Anthony
Mitchell (15), Austin Cirino (14) and newcomer Eric Concepcion (11).
Massey Trucking which lost their first game of the season was paced
by slick-ball-handling guard Josh Massey (18), Bigmen Feron Young
(8) and Troy Caldwell with (4).
Standings:
Abcon Environmental, 4-0
Law firm of BS& W, 2-0
Batter's Box, 3-1
Massey Trucking, 2-1
Aqua Pa Chocolate, 2-1
Ken's Citgo Carwash, 2-2
Equipment Rentals, 1-1
The McClendon's, 1-2
Tri-State, 1-3
Colonial Funeral Home, 0-3
Colonial Tymes Restaurant, 0-4
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By Keith Hodder
Hamden Father's Basketball Association girls' scores
9-11-Year-Old Girls
Allison Martino scored a game high 15 points to lead CSR Properties to a 19-12 victory over JD Environmental last Saturday. Taylor Campano and Shayna Mills added two points apiece for CSR. Avery Owers led JD Environmental with six points and Ashley Girola chipped in four.
Colonial Funeral Home led by Nicole Anderson's eight points defeated DiAdamo & Fitch Bail Bonds 14-8. Hailey Trasacco added two points for Colonial Funeral. Alysia Carrero led DiAdamo & Fitch with three points and Mariah Soto added two.
Sea Breeze Restaurant defeated Security First Insurance Group 13-8. Barbara Fredericks, Maria DellaCamera and Gabriella DiSito all scored four points each for Sea Breeze. Kendrea Threatt led Security First with four points and Lauren Singleton with two.
In a makeup game, DiAdamo & Fitch beat Security First 14-11 in an exciting game. Alysia Carrero led DiAdamo & Fitch with eight points, April Uzzle and Camila Garcia Millan each had two. Rebecca Rogoz led Security First with six points and Kendrea Threatt added three.
12-14-Year-Old Girls
Amber Kountz scored a game high 19 points to lead Specialized Packaging to a 31-7 win over Shoff Darby Insurance. Olivia Matteo added six points along with two points each from Kathryn Napolitano and Ashley Mongillo for Specialized. Symone Watson led Shoff Darby with five points and Cassie Webb added two.
Team Renzo Gracie led by Trinity Barnes defeated Colonial Funeral 21-14. Lianna Carrero scored four points for Team Renzo and Taylor DeRosa added two. Alex Sparks led Colonial Funeral with six. Ashley Jordan added three points for Colonial and Shannon Connelly two.
One
Loss & One Fine Victory
Capt. Mike Berezecky's winning goal with 25 seconds
left in game.
Story and photos by Edward C. "Ned" Burt Jr.
The Hamden Bantam A Hockey Team, sponsored by Burt Law Office, had two fine games this weekend losing to the powerful ECHO team and defeating Wallingford in a thrilling contest.
The trip to Munson Chocolate Land last Saturday was anything but sweet. The Bolton-based ECHO team is one of the strongest in the state and despite pro-like goaltending by TJ Shea the Hamden squad fell 4-0.
Shea had another of his outstanding games making 43 saves. Harley Pretty, Steve Sorrentino and Jason Novak continued to contribute strong defensive performances, and Ricky Fusco, Mike Berezecky and Pat McGovern led an offense that was stymied by the ECHO squad. Alex Sullivan, Mark Fracasso, Ryan Coleman and Nick Castaldi also had fine games on offense.
Stood Up, But Worth It
For the second weekend in a row the team was left waiting at the altar at the Lou Astorino Rink for their Saturday night game. This time it was East Haven who failed to show up, which left the team with nothing to do but practice in their game jerseys. Sunday evening that practice paid off.
Coach Dan Vigliotti calling to see where the
East Haven team was last Saturday night.
Choate Rink in Wallingford is still one of the coldest in the state. It got colder during the first period as the Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead despite fine goaltending by Karl Zukufnt. Ellis Reilly had been called up to help shore up an undermanned defense, and played an aggressive, smart game.
The Hamden team would not fold away into their skylight locker rooms as the ever-ready Rick Fusco fed Pat McGovern who came streaking in to score a backhander to make it 2-1. That was how the second period ended.
Fusco then opened the third period by beating two defenders off the puck behind the net, and coming out front and beating the goalie with a backhander of his own. This gorgeous, unassisted goal knotted the game with 10:25 left to play and left the ever-talkative Delores Fusco -- grandmother of Ricky and the team -- speechless.
Hamden then scored on the power play when Berezecky fed the puck to Jimmy Burt who hit Danny Cusano who promptly rifled a wrist shot into the twine to put Hamden up 3-2. Burt had hooked up with Berezecky and Cusano a few times during the evening only to be foiled by the Hawks goaltender.
Unfortunately, with just 2:34 to play Hamden gave up the tying goal on some sloppy play in its own end. The team had fought back from a 2-0 deficit and seemed determined to leave town with a victory.
Jason Novak, who has been playing the best hockey of his career, stopped the puck at this blue line and passed to Cusano -- who had a fine all-around game. Cusano made a quick move to avoid a check and hit Berezecky who was screeching up the right side of the ice as if he was late for a date with Jessica Simpson. Berezecky powered past one defenseman and let go with a rocket wrist shot before he was hit. His shot went five hole and under the goalie for the winning score with just 25 seconds remaining in the game.
The Hamden team poured out onto the ice and left the
arena with the type of hard-fought victory that will serve them
well in the upcoming state tournament.
Jim Miller and Dan Vigliotti coach the Hamden team, assisted by Roger Keyes.
Undefeated Batters Box, Unitas Club, Axman Chiro win again
By John Sheehan
Here are the results of the Hamden Fathers' Basketball Association Boys 9-10-year-old league for Jan. 21.
Batters Box beat Flanagan & Co. 26-12. Batters Box was led by Kevin Walton with 15 and Jordan Coley had six points, while Nathan Bailey had eight and Eric Wyche had four for Flanagan. Hamden PBA outscored RWA Credit Union in the fourth quarter to win 24-21. PBA was led by Jeremi Yakerson with seven points and Val Gissentanner with four, while Matt Hamilton had 11 and Christian Burdick had two for RWA.
A strong fourth quarter led DiSorbo's Bakery to a
22-17 victory over Colonial Funeral Home. DiSorbo's was led by Bryce
Barnes with 12 points and Keon Simpson with four while Colonial
was led by RJ Williams with 14 and Amaadi Cohe two points.
In 11-12-year-old action, Ercolano Cleaning won over Access Capital
Mortgage 30-15. Ercolano was led by Ivan Fernandez with 14 points
and Rohan Dennie with four, while Alex Wetmore had four and Adam
Todd had two points to lead Access Capital. Flanagan & Co defeated
Mr. Trophy 34-14. Flanagan was led by Wesley Johnson with 18 and
Adam Martinez with eight points. Robbie Lilly had six and Cole Perry
had two for Mr. Trophy.
Unitas Club was victorious over WW Tolson PC 32-8. Unitas was led by Brian Bissoondial with four and Avery Haith with two points, while Kevin Majneber and Ysan Frasier each had two to lead Tolson PC. Axman Chiropractic came back in the fourth quarter to beat Colonial 27-26. Axman was led by Devante McCreary with 13 and Roddy Bunch with two, while Reggie Mayo had 16 and Gulian Carmona had six to lead Colonial.
League Standings
9-10 Boys
Batters Box 6-0
DiSorbo's Bakery 5-1
Colonial Funeral 2-4
Flanagan & Co. 2-4
Hamden PBA 2-4
RWA Credit Union 1-5
11-12 Boys
Unitas Club 6-0
Axman Chiro 6-0
Ercolano Cleaning 4-2
Flanagan & Co 3-3
Colonial Funeral 3-3
Mr. Trophy 1-5
Access Capital Mtg 1-5
WW Tolson PC 0-6
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Hamden Fathers' Basketball Association girls' results
By Keith Hodder
9-11-Year-Old Girls
In a makeup game, the battle of the top two teams
at 4-0 took place last Saturday. Colonial Funeral Home came out
victorious with a 12-5 win over JD Environmental. Zoe Fanolis and
Nicole Anderson led Colonial with six points each. Ashley Girola
led JD with five points.
The Hamden Father's Girls Basketball 9-11-year-old program would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hamden High School girls' varsity basketball team and its coaching staff for their time and dedication in putting on a clinic for the girls Saturday. Giving them a chance to see what the high school basketball program is like and learning from the players and meeting the coaches sets the foundation for what lies ahead for our girls when they go to Hamden High.
12-14-Year-Old Girls
Colonial Funeral Home led by Alex Sparks' 11 points defeated CSR Properties 23-13. Danielle Hannon and Shanece Jordan each added six points for Colonial. CSR was led by Destiny Waldon with eight points, and Susan Riello along with Stephanie Chabot with two points apiece.
Team Renzo Gracie scored a season high 37 points to defeat Shoff Darby Insurance 37-17. Trinity Barnes led the scoring with 10 points while Jillian DeGiacomo and Currin DeRenzo each added nine points and Lauren Marchetti had one. Jenna McPhail and Cassie Webb led Shoff with five points. Anosha Campbell added two.
By Sharon Bass
It's going to look a little different this year, the Hamden High Hockey Alumni game.
Instead of playing amongst themselves, they will challenge their No. 1 rival, West Haven High. The teams are considered two of Connecticut's best.
The game-not-to-miss is on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Louis Astorino Arena. The money raised will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's disease research -- a condition former Hamden High head coach Astorino is struggling with. It was during his tenure at the school, from the early 1960s to the mid '80s, when Hamden and West Haven played, said Bob Callahan, an alumni hockey player and husband of Councilwoman Gretchen Callahan.
"This is the first year that we have brought two rival towns together, unified in our goal of honoring coach Astorino and funding research in his name," he said. "We thank West Haven for being a part of our team." This marks the alumni's fourth season.
It's no secret that the new mayor is an ice-hockey devotee. Henrici said he has not missed an alumni game yet. Though he abandoned men's hockey leagues seven years ago, he said he still plays informally.
"I have my skates in the car and I'm trying to get some ice time in before the game," he said.
Asked if he's going to work out harder to prepare for the alumni game, Henrici said he'd likely do his usual routine of running 3-7 miles, three to four times a week, and lifting free weights at the Hamden/North Haven YMCA. Oh, and he occasionally swims.
Not every player is likely to be in as good shape as the may. These are "older" alumni, from Astorino's time.
"It's going to be a slower game," Henrici said with a smirk.
Callahan said nearly all those playing have won a state championship.
The game is being sponsored by Quinnipiac University. Attendees are asked for a $5 donation. For more info, call Rick Gentile at 287.2611.
From the Hamden Fathers' Basketball Association
By Keith Hodder
9-11-Year-Old Girls
Colonial Funeral Home remained undefeated with a 17-10 victory Jan. 14 over Security First Insurance Group. Zoe Fanolis led Colonial with eight points while Olivia Wilson had three and Jasmine Andrews two. Security First was led by Kendrea Threatt with eight points and Laneshia Porter two.
Allison Martino had a game high 16 points to lead CSR Properties to a 30-20 win over DiAdamo & Fitch Bail Bonds. Nandi Carter, Taylor Campano and Shayna Mills added four points each. Alysia Carrero led Fitch Bail with 12 points. Camila and Julieta Garcia Millan each had two.
JD Environmental also remained undefeated with a thrilling 13-12 victory over Sea Breeze Restaurant. Ashley Wendland led JD with six points. Ashley Girola scored three and Ciara Fennelly added two. Ezra Massey led Sea Breeze with six points and Barbara Fredericks added two.
12-14-Year-Old Girls
Colonial Funeral -- led by Danielle Hannon's and Alexis Sparks' seven points apiece -- beat Shoff Darby Insurance 28-10. Shanece Jordan added six points and Adebanke Otumba-Payne had two. Cassie Knights led Shoff with six points and Anosha Campbell had two.
Amber Kountz scored a game high 18 points to lead Specialized Packaging to a 27-17 victory over CSR Properties. Olivia Matteo had four points for Specialized and Sara Winnick added two. Melissa Lockery led CSR with eight points. Destiny Waldon added six and Tiana Loveless two.
In a makeup, team Renzo Gracie edged out Colonial
Funeral Home 34-28 in an exciting game. Lianna Carrero led Renzo
Gracie with 12 points while Currin DeRenzo and Trinity Barnes each
added six and Jillian DeGiacomo and Destiny Cooper had four points
apiece. Colonial Funeral was led by Shanece Jordan with 10 points,
Adebanke Otumba-Payne seven points and Alexis Sparks with five.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Edward C. "Ned" Burt Jr.
The Hamden Bantam A Hockey Team, sponsored by Burt Law Office, had two fine games last weekend but came up short in each. The squad lost to Washington 5-2 and Central 2-1.
Friday night saw the team truck on out to the Gunnery School on a fog-filled night. The ghosts and goblins were the only souls singing as a caravan crept up the mountains of Sir Gaylord in northern Hamden. Lights from houses flickered like stars in the distance and headlights bounced off the wall of fog that surrounded the landscape.
The game was a mere afterthought as even the coaches got lost on their way to the coldest indoor rink in the state. And Hamden started out cold as the Washington skaters jumped out to a 1-0 lead despite fine play from Jason Novak and Harley Pretty on defense.
Hamden came back as Mark Fracasso and Nick Castaldi were banging bodies off the puck-scarred sideboards, and Pat McGovern was working his magic with the puck. The line of Ricky Fusco, Mike Berezecky and Jim Burt came off a fine shift just in time to see Karl Zukufnt make one of his many early fine saves.
Fracasso then sprinted with the puck into the offensive zone and got off a hard shot that the opponents reversed and came up ice only to have Steven Sorrentino steal it at his blue line. The multi-talented defenseman then made the rush of the year.
Up through the middle of the ice he skated past two defenders with the grace of Michele Kwan. Sorrentino jitterbugged at the sideboard blue line, past another and raced down to the goal line where he was cut off by two larger opposition players. Undaunted, "Steven the Slick" stopped on a dime, let one man pass him, accelerated to full speed, stopped again instantly as the other flew by him, and then with the speed of a Star Trek Beam headed behind the net to one side and around in front on the other with a defenseman on his back and one to his front -- and somehow backhanded the puck past the goalie for a tying score.
This goal got the Hamden team rocking and Berezecky came out and scored on fine work along the boards by Fusco and Burt. Both players came crashing in to keep the puck in the zone and got it to the bruising winger for a score. McGovern continued his fine play as did Danny Cusano, who fed McGovern with an outstanding pass that just went off his stick. Ryan Coleman had his typical hustling game, and Alex Sullivan had another nice game for the depleted Hamden team that is down three players due to season-ending injuries.
Zukufnt continued to play well in net while Pretty and Novak were spanking people coming into their zone. The score remained close until three late goals made the game seem more lopsided than it was.
Hamden then traveled to Newington to play the strong Central team that has won over 20 games this year. Hamden gave them all they could handle as TJ Shea turned in another sparkling performance in net.
Berezecky and Cusano made great plays as did Castaldi and Coleman on this cold Sunday afternoon. Shea kept making the saves while Pretty and Novak were hitting and blocking shots. Both defenders have really picked up their game after having lost Mike Taddei, Kingley Birdsall and Ralph DiFonzo this season.
Sorrentino continued his fine defensive play and solid work at the point on the power play. Burt was aggressively hitting everyone who was in his way as was Berezecky and Fusco. Coleman and Castaldi created a couple of offensive chances, and McGovern had a couple of chances as the first period ended 0-0.
The second period started as Fusco fed McGovern with an innocent tip pass in center ice, which the crafty winger put on his jets to motor past the defense and came dashing in for a shot. Not far behind was the ever-charging Burt who cleaned up McGovern's rebound while on his knees backhanded to put Hamden up 1-0.
Sorrentino then laced an ice high rocket from the point that both Berezecky and Fusco just missed putting in on the rebound. Pretty blocked a shot at the expense of his upper arm, and fear was that the Hamden team had lost another defenseman. But the tough and burly Pretty didn't even miss a shift in his most outstanding game of the year.
Cusano was flying all over the ice setting up Berezecky but nothing was going in for Hamden as they fell behind 2-1 on two nice goals. Shea was continuing his marvelous goaltending in net despite falling behind in this well-played game.
Fracasso had another fine physical and intelligent game, and Alex Sullivan got into the fray getting his clock cleaned a couple of times along the boards but coming back more no worse for the wear. The winger seemed to grow in this game as he continued to push the puck forward with an aggressiveness not seen since his first games with the team. Both he and Fracasso had a fine weekend which should mean good things for the Hamden squad.
Hamden almost scored when Burt raced up the sideboard,
bounced off and threw a hit to make a gorgeous pass to Berezecky
that was robbed on a fine save by the Central goalie. The game ended
with Hamden pulling its goalie but unable to get the tying goal
in one of the team's best-played games of the year.
Jim Miller and Dan Vigliotti coach the Hamden team, assisted by Roger Keyes.
Two Wins, Two Losses For Hamden Hockey
By Edward C. "Ned" Burt Jr.
The Dec. 29 Game
The Hamden Bantam A team, sponsored by the Burt Law Office, traveled to Simsbury on a cold, rainy, dark night to play the strong Simsbury squad. The Zambonis were not working at the rink but that did not stop the big and powerful Simsbury team from beating Hamden 7-5 in a strong game for the green and gold squad.
TJ Shea had an outstanding game in net. Ellis Reilly was summoned once again to help the depleted defense and had his typical strong game. The game seesawed back and forth with Simsbury never trailing. Hamden tied the game at 1-1 on a Pat McGovern goal with assist going to Harley Pretty and Mike Berezecky.
Ricky Fusco, who has been playing outstanding hockey for weeks, had another outstanding game. He stole a pass early in the game and fed McGovern with a pass who fed to Brezecky who was robbed on a hard wrist shot. Berezecky, fully recovered from a recent groin pull, was flying up and down the ice with forceful strides.
Fusco, Danny Cusano and Mark Fracasso were playing well as were Jason Novak and Alex Sullivan, who scored his first goal on assists from Ryan Coleman and Cusano. Sullivan scored on a backhander, putting a rebound under and through a defenseman's legs.
McGovern then entertained the crowd and brought Hamden back to 4-3 with an unassisted shorthanded goal.
"This team never gives up," said team nurse Peg McGovern. "They all hustle and pull their weight. As we say in my family, everybody in the boat gets an oar to row and everyone on this team is rowing in the right direction." The diminutive blonde and former magazine model gushed after her son Pat's goal.
Berezecky then scored a well-deserved goal on feeds from Burt and McGovern to make the score 5-4. And Berezecky again scored on an assist from McGovern to make the score 6-5 before Simsbury ended it with a 7-5 victory.
The Jan. 1 Game
The Hamden Bantam A Team unloaded on the Greater Bridgeport team to open the New Year. Shea and Karl Zukufnt split the game in net as Hamden cruised to a 9-2 win. Steven Sorrentino, Harley Pretty and Jason Novak had outstanding games on defense with their physical play being rewarded with few shots by the opposition.
The scoring was as follows: Cusano had three assists and a goal; Fracasso had a goal and an assist; Berezecky and Burt had four assists and two goals each; Fusco had three assists and a goal; McGovern and Sorrentino each had an assist and a goal; and Novak had an assist.
The Jan. 7 & 8 Games
The Hamden Bantam A Team followed up this impressive win with another as they beat the talented Danbury squad 2-1. Hamden opened up the scoring on a Burt goal that was assisted by Berezecky. Cusano scored the winner on assists from Berezecky and Sorrentino late in the third period.
Shea was outstanding in net. Castaldi, Coleman and Fracasso were wrecking balls all over the ice, as were Pretty and Novak on defense. The team welcomed back Mike Taddei who had an outstanding game but may have re-injured his shoulder. Taddei had a steadying influence not only on the defense but on the entire team as a whole.
Hamden finished off a flurry of games with a lost to the best team in the state last Sunday against Darien. Cusano scored a pretty goal deking the goalie and putting a backhander in the net on a fine feed from Burt for Hamden's lone goal.
Jim Miller and Dan Vigliotti coach the Hamden team,
assisted by Roger Keyes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Edward C. "Ned" Burt Jr.
The Hamden Bantam A Team, sponsored by the Burt Law Office, was runner-up in the recent holiday tournament named in honor of a wonderful man, John McKeon, who gave so much to this town.
Hamden got behind in its first game to Greater New Haven, 2-0, before staging a comeback that resulted in a 2-2 tie.
Ricky Fusco had a marvelous game as the centerman. He was all over the ice. He assisted on the first goal by Dan Cusano after getting off a hard shot of his own. Fusco doggedly chased down his own rebound, fed the puck to winger Mark Fracasso who fed Cusano who lifted the puck to the roof of the net for a score, to make it 2-1.
Hamden tied the game late in the third period when Jimmy Burt fed Cusano who passed to Pat McGovern, playing the point on the power play, and the talented centerman wristed a hard shot past the goalie. Karl Zukufnt had a solid game in net as Hamden was down another defenseman as Kingsley Birdsall was lost for the season with a broken clavicle. He joined Ralph DiFonzo (broken ankle) and captain Mike Taddei (broken clavicle) on the sidelines.
Alex Sullivan joined the team and put in a solid effort. Nick Castaldi and Ryan Coleman were outstanding, hitting opponents and creating chaos for the other team. Harley Pretty and Steven Sorrentino along with Jason Novak played well on defense.
The second game of the tourney found Hamden on the short end of a 2-0 game versus East Haven, leaving the team in the position of having to win their third game against West Haven by seven goals in order to make it to the championship game.
Hamden exploded, scoring on its first shift of the game. McGovern and Mike Berezecky had assists as Burt opened the scoring on a fine goalmouth tip as he was getting pancaked by two defensemen. It was then Cusano who scored on a pretty fake on feeds from Mark Fracasso and Rick Fusco. The floodgates stayed open as Burt returned the favor to Berezecky on a feed for a 3-0 lead which was also assisted by McGovern. Hamden closed out the first-period onslaught with a goal by McGovern on assists from Pretty and Castaldi.
Hamden almost made it 5-0 when Fusco hit Cusano with a fine pass from the boards, which the streaking southpaw rifled off the crossbar. Castaldi had another fine game as he was all over the ice exerting his physical presence as was Fracasso and Steven Sorrentino. Berezecky and McGovern almost had shorthanded goals as Zukufnt had another solid game in net.
Burt scored again on feeds once again by McGovern and Berezecky. Cusano then made a great play in keeping the puck in the zone, fought off two defensemen and fed Fusco who smashed a forehander that bounced off the goalie to Cusano who poked it in the net to make it 7-0.
Pretty was playing strong defense and Fusco had a blocked shot that Pretty passed to Burt who fed McGovern who twirled a backhander into the net for an 8-0 lead. Burt finished the scoring with his second hat trick of the season on feeds from McGovern and Sorrentino.
Burt had three goals and an assist; McGovern two goals and three assists; Berezecky two goals and two assists; Cusano two goals and an assist; and Fusco two assists in this must-win game for Hamden. Unfortunately, this effort obviously took a lot out of the team as they succumbed in the championship game the next day.
Jim Miller and Dan Vigliotti coach the Hamden team, assisted by Roger Keyes.
Way
to Skate!
The Pre-Juvenile team. How cute are they?
By Lyndell Betzner
Team Esprit, the Hamden Figure Skating Association's competitive skating team coached by Sherri Siclari-Maturo, Jillian McCarthy and Heidi Richetelle, earned medals last weekend at the Colonial Classic in Lexington, Mass. This follows their recent medal-winning performances at the Thanksgiving Classic Synchronized Skating Competition in Plymouth, Mass., the Cape Cod Synchronized Skating Classic in Bourne, Mass., and the Terry Connors Synchro Skating Open in Stamford.
The Open Junior team.
The Open Junior team earned fifth place in a large field performing to a medley of dance music from the movie "Shall We Dance?" They received silver and pewter medals at their two prior competitions. Skaters include Lisa Abbagnaro, Amy Carlson, Tricia Currie, Lea Faticone, Gina Ferrucci, Melissa Fruin, Brianna Gibson, Rebecca Horton, Rebecca Houde, Kristin Kunze, Maggie Mayer, Victoria Miller, Mary Phelan, Monica Phelan, Megan Schide and Belinda Wenke.
The Pre-Juvenile team earned the gold medal by besting seven other teams with a fast-paced routine for their third consecutive first-place finish. Skating to music from "Hairspray," team members are Kaitlin D'Agostino, Kristina D'Agostino, Jaimie Gagliardi, Julia Gritzbach, Nicole Guidone, Ariana Jankovic, Elizabeth Kiley, Jenny Liu, Tasiya Mia, Alaina Reed, Jodie Richetelle, Amie Savakis, Katie Sciulla and Tory Stosse.
The Preliminary team.
The three teams will compete in the Eastern Sectional Championship in Atlanta, Ga., from Jan. 27-29.
Hamden
Fathers' 15-17 League Opens With a Bang
By John Sheehan
The HFBA 15-17-year-olds' season opener kicked off
with hotly contested games in the well-balanced league.
Massey Trucking beat Colonial Funeral Home 42-32. With a brilliant
display of passing skills, Massey broke away during the final minutes
to thwart Colonial. Josh Massey (12), Josh O'Donnell (12) and Andrew
Kinlock (9) led the way for Massey. Colonial was paced by Anthony
Crews (11), Stephan Mendez (9) and Kahlis Mills (6).
The law firm of B, S & W survived a late frenzy
by Colonial Thymes Restaurant, coming out on top 47-43. The game
was a dogfight to the closing minutes when Idris Hassan (17), Trevor
Briggs (11) and DJ Connor (7) kept the energy level up for B, S
& W. Scrappy Mike Rivera (15), Chris Armfield (9) and Tyler
Johns (6) sparked a late-game rally for Colonial Thymes that fell
just short.
Ken's Citgo Car Wash battled back and forth with The McClendons'
and prevailed 52-44 in what was to be the highest-scoring game of
the day. Newcomer Nathanial Schier poured in (23), Justin Chabot
(10) and Derrell Cleveland (6).The McClendons' balanced scoring
attack -- every player scored -- was paced by Randy Perry (10),
Ben Plotke, Jared Jenkins and Tymek Williams, each adding eight
points with Richard Shultz chipping in five.
Abcon Environmental in yet another barnburner bested Batters' Box
39-33. With a diverse scoring attack, Abcon was led by Jabarge Williams
(9), Kris Williams, Ronald Baldwin and Nick Mirarda each netting
six points Batters' Box Ryan Moore threw in two long-range treys
and finished with 12 while Brandon Zanders and Mike Rawls each scored
four.
Aqua Pa Chocolate held on to beat Tri-State 43-38. Little big man
Robert Rice (11), Agustin Cirino (10) and Anthony Mitchell (8) led
the way for Aqua Pa. Tri-States' Trayon McKnight fired in three
treys from downtown and finished with 18 to help with the late-game
charge. Skylar Mendez's strong point guard skills and stellar ball
hawking chipped in 11.
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From the Hamden Fathers' Basketball Association
By Keith Hodder
9-11-Year-Olds
Gabriella DiSito had a game high of 15 points to lead Seabreeze Restaurant to a 21-11 victory over DiAdamo & Fitch Bails Bonds, on Jan. 7. Emily Battapaglia added two points for Seabreeze. Alysia Carrero led DiAdamo & Fitch with seven points. Janelle Cooper and April Uzzle each added two points.
Colonial Funeral Home, led by Nicole Anderson's six points, defeated CSR Properties 15-11. Aliyah West added four points and Olivia Wilson had two. Allison Martino led CSR with eight points, and Ashley Taylor added two.
Ashley Girola and Ashley Wendland each had six points to lead JD Environmental to a 20-12 win over Security First Insurance Group. Brittany Needham and Danielle Wendland added two points apiece. Kendrea Threatt led Security First with six points and Jennifer Pilchik with two.
12-14-Year-Olds
In an exciting game, also on Jan. 7, Danielle Hannon scored the winning basket with 44 seconds left on the clock, and Colonial Funeral Home hung on to beat Specialized Packaging 23-21. Alexis Sparks led Colonial with 12 points while Shanece Jordan scored four and Alyssa Lotto two. Amber Kountz led Specialized with 15 points, Olivia Matteo had five while Rebecca Napolitano and Shannon Knox added two points each.
Team Renzo Gracie, led by Lianna Carrero with 14 points, defeated CSR Properties 30-20. Destiny Cooper added nine points and Currin DeRenzo had seven for the winners. Destiny Waldon led CSR with 11 points while Stephanie Chabot added three and Zakiya Harris two.
Keith Hodder is with the Hamden Fathers' Basketball
Association's girls program.
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From the Hamden Fathers' Basketball Association
By John Sheehan
9- & 10-Year Olds
DiSorbo's Bakery beat Hamden PBA 24-21 on Jan. 7. DiSorbo's was led by Bryce Barnes with 21 and Carl McCalla had one, while Jeremi Yakerson had 10 and Chris Emerson had two for the PBA. In a fourth-quarter comeback, Batters Box was victorious over Colonial Funeral Home 34-27. Batter's Box was led by Kevin Walton with 17 points and Christian Wingate with 10, while RJ Williams had 25 and Ernest Harold had two points for Colonial.
In a game that pitted former player, now rookie coach,
versus his old travel coach, Flanagan & Co held on in overtime
to beat RWA Credit Union 16-14. Flanagan was lead by Nathan Bailey
with seven points and Jeremy Phillips with four, while RWA was led
by Matt Hamilton with seven and Terrell Garrett with two points.
11- & 12-Year Olds
Flanagan & Co won over WW Tolson PC 29-21. Flanagan was led by Wesley Johnson with 23 and Matt Isenstadt with two points, while Genois Nelson and Christian Tillery each had four. Unitas Club defeated Colonial Funeral Home 38-27. Unitas was led by Malcolm Thomas and Troy Miller, each with eight points. Colonial was led by Reggie Mayo with 14 points and John Olyzck with 11. Axman Chiropractic was victorious over Access Capital Mtg. 27-14. Axman was led by Roddy Bunch, Gabe Aprea and Kason Santos, while Access was led by Alex Wetmore, Aaron Boykin and Tyler Shields. Ercolano Cleaning defeated Mr. Trophy 32-6. Ercolano was led by Marcus Perry, Rohan Dennie and Blake Gattison. Robbie Lilly, Bryson Hebron and Melvin Younger led Mr. Trophy.
Yesterday, Hamden Fathers' Boys 13U travel team defeated Woodbridge 42-9, led by Jason Lassiter, Jordon Massey and Brian Smith. Hamden Fathers' 12U beat Old Saybrook 57-24, led by BJ Davis, Malcolm Thomas and Deante Horton. Hamden Fathers' 11U lost to North Branford 33-23, led by Tyrell Walden-Martin, Cole Perry and Avery Haith. Hamden Fathers' 10U was victorious over North Branford 24-14, led by Thomas Hopkins, Bryce Barnes and Kevin Walton.
The Hamden Fathers' Girls travel game was postponed.
