The Newtown High School boys’ junior varsity basketball team ran its record to 9-5 this season with a 63-47 win over Bethel Tuesday night. It was the Nighthawks’ eighth straight win.

Junior Jeff Wolcott and sophomore Ryan Walker, who both see some varsity time, have been playing at the jayvee level over the past month and have made a big difference. Wolcott led the way Tuesday night with 25 points and Walker added 10. Colin Armstrong chipped in with 10.

Wolcott scored 17 points in an 84-57 win over Brookfield February 2. In that game, sophomore Matt Pachniuk hit for 11 points off the bench. Pachniuk became the team’s sixth man after Walker and Wolcott moved down the jayvee. Coach Jason Arnauckas said he has played well in that roll. In fact, the team chemistry has been the key to the Nighthawks’ recent success. TJ Maguire scored 10 points and Mark DeFeo added nine against Brookfield.

In a 66-60 win over Bunnell February 1, Walker scored 25 points, Wolcott added 11, and Colin Anderson threw in 10.

Wolcott scored 21 points in a 57-40 victory over Immaculate January 28, while Walker and Pachniuk each added 10. Sophomore Danny Murphy scored seven points and played his usual near-flawless game at the point.

“Dan Murphy has been probably the most valuable player. He’s so steady on the court. It’s like having a coach on the court,” Arnauckas said.

In a 79-63 win over Masuk January 21, Walker scored 18 points, Wolcott hit for 12, Grant Putnam tallied 11 and Armstrong and Pachniuk each tossed in 10.

Wolcott scored 16 points and Pachniuk added 11 in a 65-44 triumph over New Milford January 18.

Newtown beat Notre Dame of Fairfield, 60-50, January 14 as Wolcott and Walker scored 18 and 17 points, respectively.

Girls Win Close One

“What a spectacular game!”

Those were the words of coach Cynthia Klebon moments after the Lady Nighthawks edged Immaculate, 45-41, in overtime.

“We have been struggling with players over the past couple of games,” said coach Klebon, “but this particular game, I must say, was the best effort our team has performed thus far.”

Erin Saunders led the way with 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She even had two steals. The downside, though, was she later injured her knee while falling into the bleachers and should be lost for the remainder of the season.

Shannon Kohn tossed in 13 points of her own in the win, hitting 9-of-14 from the foul line. She also grabbed eight rebounds and dished off a pair of assists.

Jessica Philipps contributed 11 points and had a season-high 13 rebounds for a double-double. She added five steals, three blocked shots and an assist for a full day.

Christine Manfredonia had three points while Monica Zigman and Kristen McGrath chipped in two apiece. Monica Cluff grabbed three rebounds and five steals for a nice floor game.

“I’m extremely proud of the toughness the girls have shown,” said coach Klebon.