The Newtown junior varsity girls’ basketball team got off to an impressive start – much like their varsity counterparts – with wins over St. Joseph’s of Trumbull, Norwalk, and Joel Barlow to begin the season at 3-0.

Freshman Julie Iwanicki and sophomore Christine Manfredonia captain a team that defeated St. Joseph’s, 48-26, and Norwalk, 52-46, before easily defeating Joel Barlow on Tuesday night at the Newtown gym.

The jayvee Nighthawks include Kelley Haines, Shannon Kohn, Victoria Filler, Stephanie Logan, Monica Cluff, Julie Reitch, Erin Murdoch and Kaitlyn Murphy.

“The start of each season opens your eyes to the talent you have and the combinations that work,” said coach Cynthia Klebon. “This year brings a lot more talent, but yet more time on preparing for our new freshmen.”

In the win over St. Joseph’s, Haines – who has seen a lot of minutes on the varsity floor already – helped lead the ‘Hawks with 10 points.

“This player is a sight to see,” said coach Klebon, “and will be a player to look out for in the upcoming years.”

Iwanicki, another freshman who saw her first varsity minutes on Tuesday, tossed in 11 points. Logan, though, led all scorers with 15 points. Kohn contributed eight points of her own while Manfredonia and Murphy added one bucket each.

The win helped the ‘Hawks start off on the right foot on their quest for an undefeated season - the second in recent memory (in the 1998-99 season the jayvee girls were 17-0).

That quest got an additional boost with a 52-46 win over Norwalk last Saturday. Haines poured in 17 points (including a three-pointer in the third quarter) to help the ‘Hawks overcome a formidable opponent.

“What an exciting game,” said coach Klebon. “You could see the intensity right from the tip off. Norwalk has an extremely strong program but we were able to beat them with strong, full-court pressure.”

Haines added a rebound, a steal and two assists.

Logan tossed in nine points (3-for-5 from the line) with four rebounds and two blocked shots. Iwanicki finished with eight points and drove the lane well against the Lady Bears. Going 6-of-9 from the line, Iwanicki also added five rebounds, a steal, and six assists.

Kohn and Filler contributed six points each with Filler grabbing five boards and making three steals. Kohn was 4-for-4 from the line with five rebounds, a steal, and three assists. Manfredonia added four points and Cluff chipped in with two.

“Besides out victory,” said coach Klebon, “I had to thank the varsity girls for beating the No. 1 team in the state and to tell them how proud of them I am. They never backed down or showed any signs of intimidation.”