Newtown Youth Basketball’s Senior League Championship Night was held at NYA Sports & Fitness on March 8. More than 250 people came to watch the games — two All Star matchups and a boys’ championship battle, as well as a 3-point shooting contest. There was no girls’ Championship game since the girls had a smaller number of participating teams.
The night started with the girls’ All Star game. The best senior and junior girls played were divided into two teams: Blue and Gold. The Gold Team won 40-19. Julia Berry scored 11 points for the Gold Team, and Izzy Khazadian scored five for the Blue Team.
The main event was the boys’ Championship game. Hayden Conklin’s team played against Charlie Hanson’s team. Hanson’s team won 61-55. Charlie Hanson scored 32 points to lead the way. Zach Clouden scored 13 points for Hanson’s team. For Conklin’s team, John Sclafani scored 14 points, and Jack Carta and Noel McLeod each scored 13. The game was tied at the end of the third quarter, making for an exciting final stanza.
The boys’ All-Star Game was also played. The Yellow Team, led by J.J. Haddick, played the Blue Team, led by Hanson. The Yellow Team prevailed 61-59. Haddick scored 16 points and Graydon Brand scored 13 points for the Yellow Team. Luke Kellerman scored ten points and Hanson and Timmy Via scored 9 points each for the Blue Team.
More than 50 boys and girls participated in a 3-point competition. Each player shot 25 attempts from behind the 3-point arc per round. The final round was between Jojo Meriano and Kaelen Schmitt. Meriano won in an extra round.
Awards were also given out. Hanson won the Most Valuable Player award, Bryan Reyes won the Defender of the Year award, and Jonah Kaiser won Freshman of the Year recognition.
The NYBA Senior League has more than 200 students on 24 teams. The teams are led by student captains who apply for the job each year. High school students of all ages and skill levels can play. Parents may register their children for the league in October and November at newtownhoops.com, and the season runs from early December to early March.
Team Via and Team Lavelle compete during Senior League action on the court this winter. Pictured are, from left: Miguel Guiterrez, Johnny Barzetti, Cole Wanzer, and JoJo Meriano. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
J.J. Haddick (No. 14) of team Conklin topples over Noel McLeod of Team Hanson during a play under the basket in the Senior League Championship game. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
Teammates Hayden Conklin, left, and Jack Carta go for a loose ball in the title game. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
Charlie Hanson dribbles up the court in the pinnacle game.
Team Hanson won the Senior League Championship. Pictured are, from left, front: Captain Charlie Hanson and Zbo Clouden; back: Aiden Doyle, Gavin Doyle, Kyle June, William Lokey, Nick Pavia, Connor Kelly, and Noah Thorsson. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
Members of the runners-up from Team Conklin are, from left: Jude Cappiello, Noel McLeod, John Sclafani, Jack Carta, Parker Paulos, Jake Roszman, and captain Hayden Conklin. Not pictured: Antonio Arguello and Thomas O’Connor. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
All Star representatives are, from left: Timmy Via, James McMahon, Brady Lavelle, Graydon Brand, Rinor Limani, Zbo Clouden, J.J. Haddick, Kaelen Schmitt. Missing: Dhilan Amin, Marty Dunn, Charlie Hanson, Jake Mottola, Evan Nikolis, Sean Reilly, Hayden Conklin, Jayden Cordova, Luke Kellerman, Thomas Selner, Jayden Taylor, and Cole Wanzer. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
Kenzie Del Pozo, left, is defended by Bri Pellicone during the girls’ All Star game. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
Izzy Khazadian looks to make a pass as Gabby Soltis defends during All Star game action. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
Senior League MVP Charlie Hanson, left, and Freshman of the Year Jonah Kaiser. Not pictured: Defensive Player of the Year Bryan Reyes. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
The 3-point contest winner was JoJo Meriano. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
Kaelen Schmitt, the 3-point contest runner-up, left, with winner JoJo Meriano. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
The Gold All Stars are, from left: Sofia Caruso, Francesca Glazier, Gabby Soltis, Ryan O’Neil, Julia Berry, Bri Pellicone, Brooke Jackson, Lyla Accousti, and Gabby Ansman. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
The Blue All Stars are, from left: Kenzie Del Pozo, Julia Dimyan, Sydney Oltran, Izzy Khazadian, Summer Harrell, and Ella Morits. —Bee Photo, Hutchison
Scorekeeper Thomas Tzakas with brother George Tzakas in the background during the Senior League Championship contest. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
Ken Good, left, and John O’Leary were the officials for the Senior League title game. —photo courtesy Jenn Dalton
