A stellar three quarters of defensive dominance propelled the Newtown High School girls' basketball team past visiting East Hartford 45-38 in the first round of the Class LL State Tournament on February 26.

The No. 7 Nighthawks built a 24-10 halftime lead and were ahead 31-13 through three quarters. No. 23 East Hartford put up 25 points in the fourth quarter to pressure the Hawks into hitting their free throws to close out the win.

Newtown got 20 points from Izzy Caron, who made five of six free throws down the stretch, and five apiece from Jenna Lagan, Mo Murphy, and Bridget McCleary. Cassie Pickering scored four points and provided strong defense in a significant role off the bench. Sam Diaspro also scored four and Addy Cordova added two.

The Hawks advance and will travel to No. 7 Newington in the second round on Thursday, February 29. Game time is set for 6:30 pm.

Read more about this game in the March 1 print edition of The Bee.