By Steve Bigham

It was a great opening night for the Newtown Middle School basketball program Tuesday as both the eighth grade boys and girls were victorious. Both games were played at home before a packed house in the Queen Street gymnasium.

John Girard’s boys looked very impressive in knocking off Memorial Middle School of Middlebury, 63-41. Brennen Coakley led Newtown in scoring with 16 points. Marcus Tracey added 13.

The Lions got off to a slow start, but managed to reverse their fortunes thanks to an attacking defense that forced numerous turnovers. Off the turnovers, Newtown scored a flurry of fast break points to put the game away.

The Newtown defense relies on trapping the opponent’s ball handler into a bad pass and was led by Stephan Lamb, Josh Rouse, Anthony Santonella and Peter Dittmar.

Kyle Lyddy and John Collins gave Newtown depth off the bench with their inspired play.

Bill Girard’s girls trailed by four points at halftime, but rallied in the second half to defeat a quick, sharp-shooting Memorial squad, 40-37.

Jacqui Curran poured in 11 of her game high 15 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win. Ashley LaRocque contributed 12 points to the cause.

Curran, LaRocque and Jessica Palermo controlled the boards in the second half, limiting Memorial to just 18 points. Emily Nezvesky led Newtown with three assists. Every player saw action in the victory.

Both teams were scheduled to be back in action Thursday night (December 14) against Seymour. The boys play at home, while the girls go on the road. Both teams head to Rochambeau Middle School in Southbury December 19 before taking two weeks off for the holidays.