Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team turned the calendar on a winning note with a 65-52 victory at New Milford in the first South-West Conference clash of the campaign, on January 3.

Aidan Walker had a team-high 24 points, hitting a trio of 3-pointers along the way, had three assists, and three steals; Marcus Gerace finished with 16 points, highlighted by four baskets from downtown, and had three rebounds; and Asher Williams led the Nighthawks with 14 rebounds as Newtown ended the game with a 41-22 advantage in rebounding. Williams also had four assists and two steals.

Luke Stewart had ten points and two steals; Drew Bradley scored seven to go along with 11 rebounds, two assists, steal, and two blocks; and Quinn Velez had five rebounds and four steals.

This game marked the lowest point total scored by an opponent in six games to begin the slate.

“We were able to play solid team defense, getting two back-court violations. We still have lots of work to do but this is one of our better performances so far this year,” Coach Matt Murphy said.

The Hawks got back at it with a home game as Joel Barlow of Redding visited on January 7 and won again, 60-51 to improve to 3-4 overall and 2-0 in SWC action. The Hawks trailed 12-9 after one quarter and 27-26 at halftime but went ahead 43-41 through three quarters and pulled away with some key baskets and free throws down the stretch.

Walker led the way with 22 points, including five 3-pointers, two of which came in the fourth. Bradley scored 15, including seven in the fourth. Stewart and Velez had a dozen and half dozen, respectively.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.