By Kim J. Harmon

 

There were no steak dinners for the Newtown High School girls’ basketball team, but there certainly were two very impressive wins last week.

The Lady Nighthawks defeated South-West Conference powerhouses Notre Dame and Kolbe Cathedral (snapping Kolbe’s 32-game winning streak) and had they defeated Notre Dame again on Monday head coach Shawn O’Brien supposedly would have taken his team out for steak dinners.

Well, that didn’t come to pass but the ‘Hawks still turned in a couple of impressive wins to run their record to 3-2. Meanwhile, the swimmers pounded Masuk and New Milford and alerted arch-rivals Brookfield, Pomperaug and New Fairfield with some remarkable times.

The theme this winter is rebuilding and the wrestlers began their rebuilding project by rallying past Masuk; the boys’ basketball team began its rebuilding project with a win over Kaynor Tech; and the hockey team began it’s rebuilding project with wins over Joel Barlow and Masuk to open the 2005-06 season at 2-1.

Take a look –

SWIMMING

Newtown 91, Masuk 74

Newtown 93, New Milford 62

Brookfield, Pomperaug and even New Fairfield may still be too powerful for the Newtown High School swim team, but judging from the first two meets of the season those three South-West Conference rivals will certainly have their work cut out for them.

The Nighthawks hammered Masuk (91-74) and New Milford (93-62), but those numbers are unimportant. The numbers that speak volumes about the ‘Hawks and their chances in 2005-06 are the numbers already turned in by swimmers like senior Max Barrett, sophomore Stefan Toi and freshman Brenden Deveney.

While Barrett swam a blistering 23.42 in the 50 freestyle and 51.40 in the 100 freestyle in the win over Masuk, Toi swam a 56.45 in the 100 butterfly and Deveney swam a 1:54.81 in the 200 freestyle and 5:06.40 in the 500 freestyle.

All of those times are within a breath or two of a school record.

Deveney and Barrett were double winners against Masuk while Toi (100 butterfly), Max Hoagland (diving) and Zack Moliver (100 backstroke) were solo winners. Anthony Fiore, Toi, Barrett and Mike Parker got together to capture the 200 medley relay while Barrett, Fiore, Toi and Deveney teamed to capture the 200 freestyle relay.

Head coach Matt Childs was able to mix up his lineup quite a bit against New Milford and in that win Parker (50 and 500 freestyles) was a double winner while Deveney (200 individual medley), Hunter Cedergren (diving), Moliver (100 butterfly) and Toi (100 freestyle) were solo winners. Fiore, Hubbard, Deveney and Jeff Bonnacorso captured the 200 medley relay.

The ‘Hawks closed out both meets by swimming the final two events unofficially.

With two easy wins in the books, though, the locals faced their toughest test on Wednesday (after press time) with a trip down to Westport to take on Staples. And when they return to the pool on January 3 after the holiday break, it will be in Southbury against Pomperaug.

Newtown 91, Masuk 74

200 medley relay – 1. Newtown (Anthony Fiore, Stefan Toi, Max Barrett, Mike Parker) 1:50.71, 2. Masuk, 3. Newtown (Zack Moliver, Allen Hubbard, Chris Fragoso, Nick Maurer). 200 freestyle – 1. Brendan Deveney (N) 1:54.81, 2. Lui (M), 3. Mueller (M), 4. Scott Whalley (N), 5. Tony Fragoso (N). 200 individual medley – 1. Kovach (M) 2:11.88, 2. Mike Parker (N), 3. Zack Moliver (N), 4. Horton (M), 5. Rob Morlath (N). 50 freestyle – 1. Max Barrett (N) 23.42, 2. McMillan (M), 3. Anthony Fiore (N), 4. Nick Maurer (N), 5. Fitch (M). Diving – 1. Max Hoagland (N), 2. Chris Hoagland (N), 3. Jackie Hornak (N). 100 butterfly – 1. Stefan Toi (N) 56.45, 2. Kovach (M), 3. Nick Maurer (N), 4. Mueller (M), 5. Chris Fragoso (N). 100 freestyle – 1. Max Barrett (N) 51.40, 2. Anthony Fiore, 3. Kevin Herring, 4. Horton (M), 5. Rainey (M). 500 freestyle – 1. Brendan Deveney (N) 5:06.40, 2. Horlath (M), 3. Scott Whalley, 4. Alister Ratcliff (N), 5. Jacobsen (M). 200 freestyle relay – 1. Newtown (Max Barrett, Anthony Fiore, Stefan Toi, Brendan Deveney) 1:37.78, 2. Masuk, 3. Masuk. 100 backstroke – 1. Zack Moliver (N) 1:02.84, 2. Mike Parker (N), 3. Lui (M), 4. McMillan (M), 5. Tony Fragoso (N).

NOTE: Due to a malfunction with the scoring system at Masuk High School, only the winning times were available. Also, the Nighthawks swam the final two events unofficially.

Newtown 93, New Milford 62

200 medley relay – 1. Newtown (Anthony Fiore, Allen Hubbard, Brendan Deveney, Jeff Bonnacorso) 1:53.58, 2. Newtown, 3. New Milford. 200 freestyle – 1. Max Barrett (N) 1:56.83, 2. Alister Ratcliff (N), 3. Chris Fragoso (N). 200 individual medley – 1. Brenden Deveney (N) 2:07.79, 2. Scott Whalley (N), 3. DiGiacomo (NM). 50 freestyle – 1. Mike Parker (N) 25.80, 2. Jeff Bonnacroso (N), 3. Schneeman (NM). Diving – 1. Hunter Cedergren (N) 94.00 points, 2. Marissa Bobkowski (N), 3. Allison Jagoe (N). 100 butterfly – 1. Zack Moliver (N) 1:04.07, 2. DiGiacomo (NM), 3. Rob Morlath (N). 100 freestyle – 1. Stefan Toi (N) 53.36, 2. Nick Maurer (N), 3. James O’Connor (N). 500 freestyle – 1. Mike Parker (N) 5:43.87, 2. Allen Hubbard (N), 3. Ali Swink (N). 200 freestyle relay – 1. New Milford 2:04.82, 2. New Milford, 3. Newtown. (Newtown swam the final three events unofficially).

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Newtown 64, Kolbe 58

Notre Dame 62, Newtown 43

 

So hot, so cold.

Four players scored in double figures and the Newtown High School girls’ basketball team snapped two-time defending state champion Kolbe Cathedral’s 32-game winning streak last Friday … but just three days later those blistering hot shooting touches turned ice cold in a 62-43 non-league loss to Notre Dame in Fairfield.

Against Kolbe, Christie Iwanicki poured in 22 points with five field goals (one of those a three pointer) and an amazing 11-of-19 shooting from the free throw line. Kristi Nowak (14), Carly Curran (11) and Ciara Simek (10) also scored in double figures as the Lady Nighthawks nailed down 16 field goals and hit an incredible 31-of-46 shots from the foul line (67.4%).

In just three days, though, that all changed.

The locals were attempting to pull off an impressive three-game win streak – starting with a conference win over Notre Dame last week and culminating with wins over Kolbe on Friday and Notre Dame this past Monday.

But the Lady Lancers were not accommodating at all. Tough defense on their part, coupled with dreadful shooting on the part of the ‘Hawks, told the tale as the locals dropped a 62-43 decision to fall to 3-2 on the young season.

Iwanicki was the only ‘Hawk in double figures as she canned 19 points. Kacy Foehrenbach chipped in with nine points. Iwanicki, Foehrenbach and Lauren Ciccomascolo all dropped in three-point baskets while Katie Condon scored her first varsity points.

The ‘Hawks have spent past Christmas breaks at the Masuk Holiday Tournament, but this year they will hit the highway for games against Waterford on December 22 and Wilton on December 28. They will return to their South-West Conference schedule on January 4 when they host Immaculate.

Newtown 64, Kolbe Cathedral 58

NEWTOWN (64): Ciara Simek 1 8-8 10, Carly Curran 4 3-6 11, Kacy Foehrenbach 1 0-0 2, Christie Iwanicki 5 11-19 22, Kristi Nowak 3 8-11 14, Darcy Fiscella 2 1-2 5, Lauren Ciccomascolo 0 0-0 0, Morgan Knees 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 16 31-46 64.

KOLBE CATHEDRAL (58): Deja Mann 2 3-4 7, Ashley Prim 3 9-12 16, Kamila Burwell 1 3-4 5, Bianca Young 3 1-4 8, Lina Francasini 3 3-4 9, Curtaia Humbert 5 0-1 13. TOTALS: 18 19-29 58.

Three-pointers: Iwanicki (N), Humbert (K), Young (K), Prim (K).

Notre Dame 62, Newtown 43

NEWTOWN (43): Ciara Simek 1 1-2 3, Carly Curran 1 0-0 2, Kacy Foehrenbach 4 0-0 9, Christie Iwanicki 4 9-14 19, Kristi Nowak 2 1-3 5, Darcy Fiscella 0 0-0 0, Casey Frobey 0 0-0 0, Morgan Knees 0 0-0 0, Lauren Ciccomascolo 1 0-0 3, Katie Condon 1 0-0 2, Kelley Tenney 0 0-0 0. TOTALS: 14 11-19 43.

NOTRE DAME (62): Rose Bajda 1 6-8 8, Ryan Simmons 6 0-0 13, Candace Williams 4 0-1 8, Taylor Simmons 7 5-6 19, Courtney Berard 6 0-1 12, Natalie McLaughlin 0 1-2 1, Bridget Thayer 0 1-2 1. TOTALS: 24 13-20 62.

Three-pointers: Simmons (ND), Foehrenbach (N), Iwanicki (N), Ciccomascolo (N).

WRESTLING

Newtown 42, Masuk 35

Newtown 5th at Guilford

Maybe the whispers were true.

Before the 2005-06 season even commenced, there were whispers around the South-West Conference that the rebuilding Newtown High School wrestling team was going to suffer through a very tough season. Some even said that the Nighthawks would be winless.

And some had to be pondering if those whispers were, in fact, true after the ‘Hawks fell into a 23-0 hole against Masuk last week in the opener.

No – they weren’t true at all.

The ‘Hawks tore through the middle weights and with Kenny Cardille (160 pounds) and Jagi Enhkbaatar (171) recording pins in the final two classes rallied for a thrilling 42-35 win under the light at Newtown High.

Eric Puffer (189), Bryan Aliaga (215) and Aadil Ansari (275) were pinned to open the match and Kim Solheim (103) suffered a technical fall to put the ‘Hawks in the 23-point hole. But then the rally started.

Dana Van Buskirk (112) and John Gouveia (119) earned pins to shift the momentum before Mark Bonamici (125) and Jeff Lipnick (130) earned three-point decisions over the Flashmans, Zach and Micha to bring the ‘Hawks to within five points.

Andrew Kmetez (135) was pinned, but then Colin O’Connor (140) and Jeff Bray (145) earned pins to put the ‘Hawks on top for the first time, 30-29. Although the lead was short-lived as Gary Andrews (152) was pinned in 4:53 by Samuel Molina, Cardille and Enhkbaatar came up big in the final two classes to hand the ‘Hawks the win.

It was a good momentum boost for the locals as they headed into the annual Guilford Tournament last weekend.

With Lipnick (130) and Bray (145) reaching the finals before ultimately being defeated, the ‘Hawks took fifth at the tournament. Lipnick lost to a wrestler from Ward Melville High School in New York while Bray lost – by one point – to a wrestler from Brunswick.

Meanwhile, Andrews (152) placed third in the consolation finals and Gouveia (119) placed fourth.

 “I was impressed with many of my wrestlers today,” said head coach Alan Potter, “but the one that stands out is the 119-pound freshman, John. His guts, heart and desire were all tested in his match against a senior, New England prep school champion. He scored a 100 in guts, 100 in heart and 100 in desire. He is the real deal.”

The ‘Hawks opened the elimination round of the tournament fairly well and were briefly in first as they advanced several wrestlers into the second round (which guaranteed everyone at least two more matches). The second round was a little tougher on the ‘Hawks, but Andrews, Gouveia, Lipnick and Bray continued to move through the tournament.

The ‘Hawks wrestled Joel Barlow on Wednesday and will travel to Southbury on Friday to take on Pomperaug.

Newtown 42, Masuk 35

189: Bill Ryan (M) pinned Eric Puffer 1:03.215: Ahn Reis (M) pinned Bryant Aliaga 1:54. 275: Paul Senaroli (M) pinned Aadil Ansari 1:53. 103: Kenny Pancoast (M) tech. fall Kim Solheim 16-0. 112: Dana Van Buskirk (N) pinned Nick Boccarella 1:52. 119: John Gouveia (N) pinned Ken Duclas 1:18. 125: Mark Bonamici (N) dec. Zach Flashman 8-4. 130: Jeff Lipnick (N) dec. Micha Flashman 12-9. 135: Jim Giff (M) pinned Andrew Kmetez 1:49.140: Colin O’Connor (N) pinned Nik Confortini 1:18. 145: Jeff Bray (N) pinned Brandon Kennedy 2:53. 152: Samuel Molina (M) pinned Gary Andrews 4:53. 160: Kenny Cardille (N) pinned Cory Schamick :30.171: Jagi Enhkbaatar (N) pinned Dave Lazerick 2:21.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Newtown 66, Kaynor Tech 48

 

The 2005-06 rebuilding project undertaken by the Newtown High School boys’ basketball team got off to a decent start last Saturday with a 66-48 season-opening non-conference win over Kaynor Tech of Waterbury.

Sophomore Kevin Troy canned 22 points in his first game as a starter, dropping in a pair of three-pointers. Troy, who averaged just 4.5 points a game in limited action a year ago, had just two field goals but when 12-of-15 from the free throw line.

Junior co-captain Joe DeVellis popped in 16 points with 4-of-4 shooting from the foul line. Shawn Coakley (2), Mike Kennedy (4) and Jack Quinn (8) scored their first varsity points for the youthful ‘Hawks while transfer Mike Mitchell chipped in with seven points.

The ‘Hawks took 40 shots from the charity stripe while the Panthers took just 17.

The locals hosted Immaculate on Wednesday and will be at Norwich Free Academy on Friday for a 6 pm tip. They will then compete in the Staples Holiday Tournament on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.

Newtown 66, Kaynor Tech 48

NEWTOWN (66): Shawn Coakley 1 0-0 2, Joey Devellis 6 4-4 16, Marc Ingerman 0 0-2 0, Mike Kennedy 0 4-6 4, Dave McLaughlin 2 3-5 7, Mike Mitchell 3 1-2 7, Jack Quinn 2 4-6 8, Dan Smith 0 0-0 0, Jason Smith 0 0-0 0, Kevin Troy 4 12-15 22. TOTALS: 18 28-40 66.

KAYNOR TECH (48): Brian Merritt 4 1-2 12, Reggie Wilson 2 1-2 5, Mark Spellman 3 1-2 7, Joshua Byron 8 0-2 18, Chet Ward 0 1-3 1, Addison Duarte 0 0-2 0, Harvey Saunders 1 1-2 4, Cedric Stevenson 0 1-2 1. TOTALS: 18 6-17 48.

Three-pointers: Merritt (K) 3, Byron (K) 2, Troy (N) 2, Saunders (K).