No. 12 Newtown High School defeated No. 21 and visiting New Canaan 51-23 in the first round of the girls' basketball Class L State Tournament on March 1.

The Nighthawks jumped out to a commanding 31-9 halftime lead and added to it, going up 45-13 heading to the fourth quarter.

By the time the game was done 13 NHS players got into the game and nine scored points. Sam Diaspro hit five 3-pointers and scored 18 points and Ava Rochester had ten points to lead the Nighthawks.

Cassie Pickering scored six and Mo Murphy and Kendall Khazadian both scored four points. Addy Cordova had three points, Ana Morris, Leah Morris, and Macey Arcario each had two.

Deirdra McCleary, Ava Lombardo, Kyla Kopp, and Madi Weston also saw playing time.

The Nighthawks will visit No. 5 Amity of Woodbridge in the second round, Tuesday, March 4. Tip is at 6:30 pm (subject to change).

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