Girls Capture Division Title

Newtown’s fifth grade girls’ basketball team claimed the A Division title in the Fairfield County Basketball League playoffs this past week.

Newtown defeated Norwalk 29-8 in the title game at a packed Danbury PAL gymnasium on Sunday. This was the third matchup of the season between the foes.

In the first meeting, back in November, Newtown came up short, suffering itsonly league loss of the season, 22-21. In the second matchup, in late February, Newtown avenged the loss with a 26-17 victory.

In the third clash, a battle of the top two teams in the division, the fans were expecting a physical, aggressive contest and the girls on both teams did not disappoint. Newtown turned out its best overall team performance of the year..

At the end of the first quarter, the game was close with Newtown in the lead, 9-6. Once the nerves settled, Newtown’s smothering defense prevented Norwalk from scoring a single point in the next two periods.

Jackie Matthews and Kim Buttery (2 points) shut down Norwalk’s leading scorer, limiting her to only one field goal in the game, and forcing multiple turnovers. Annika Brady (2 points) played her toughest game of the season, chipping in one basket and dominating the glass before fouling out late in the third quarter. Alison Kelleher (1 point) and Lauren Adams were fierce on the wing, trapping their opponents, stealing the ball, and feeding the post. Nicki DaPra (2 points) drove hard to the basket, snagged rebounds and hurled the ball down court to waiting teammates for easy scores in transition. Carolina Stubbs boxed out for numerous rebounds and contributed 4 steals. Tess Davenport (2 points) was a menace to her opponents as she hustled on both ends of the floor and denied Norwalk’s passes. Kristen Cirone and Jenna Lavelle led all scorers, combining for 20 points, while also grabbing numerous rebounds and playing ferocious defense.

With a score 15-6 after three quarters, Newtown put the game away with a dominating fourth quarter performance, outscoring the opponents 14-2 to secure the win.