Newtown High School basketball standout and senior captain Izzy Caron leads the Nighthawks on the court, regularly scoring key baskets and setting up plays on the offensive half as well as battling for rebounds and loose balls on both ends of the court.

Caron was recognized as the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Basketball Player of the Week and South-West Conference Player of the Week in mid February following stellar performances on the hardwood.

It was quite a stretch of games for Caron, and included a record-tying performance. She had 13 points in a senior night win over Masuk of Monroe on February 8, following a performance in which she scored 21 and had 13 rebounds in Newtown’s 31-27 victory over New Fairfield on February 5. Caron has recorded double-doubles, compiling double digit point and rebound totals in multiple games this winter.

“She deserves it, she’s earned it and we’re really proud of her,” Newtown Coach Jeremy O’Connell said of the state and conference recognition.

Caron scored 26 in a 55-54 double overtime loss at Pomperaug of Southbury on February 12. Caron hit six 3-pointers against both New Fairfield and Pomperaug. The half dozen baskets from beyond the arc tie a school record which Caron equaled once in her sophomore year against New Milford and another time this year, in victory over Stratford.

“It feels good to be recognized. My teammates definitely helped me out by getting me the ball. And I made a lot of shots those games,” the point guard said.

Caron and the Nighthawks went 16-4 in the regular season and will look to make a run in the Class LL State Tournament.

Standing at about 5-foot-6, Caron gives up several inches to some of her counterparts but finds a way to get to rebounds and take on taller defenders on her way to the basket. She works hard game in and game out, diving to the court for possession, driving to the hoop and, of course, setting up shop from long range.

“Being my senior year I want to leave it all out on the floor, play my hardest, and have fun,” said Caron, who averages 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and a trio of assists per game.

After the state playoffs, Caron’s strong NHS career will come to an end but basketball will continue. She will attend St Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. to play basketball and major in health science.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.