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Articles by Michael Woolfson
New Britain area boys tennis teams will face changes in new season - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
New Britain and Southington were among the teams to take a bit of a step back last season, while Berlin and Plainville showed some improvement. Newington is coming off back-to-back 12-6 seasons but, like the other local teams, will have to replace some key players from last season that graduated. There are some big time players that are returning this year and there will likely be players that take a big step forward to help their teams improve.
New Britain area boys tennis teams will face changes in new season - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
New Britain and Southington were among the teams to take a bit of a step back last season, while Berlin and Plainville showed some improvement. Newington is coming off back-to-back 12-6 seasons but, like the other local teams, will have to replace some key players from last season that graduated. There are some big time players that are returning this year and there will likely be players that take a big step forward to help their teams improve.
Spring Preview: Local boys lacrosse teams looking to contend again - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The boys lacrosse season is nearing and there is a lot of hope among the local high school teams. Last season, two of the three in the area (Berlin and Southington) were able to qualify for the postseason. Each won a game in the qualifying round of before suffering blowout losses in the first round against teams that would go ultimately on to lose in their respective state championship games.
Spring Preview: Local baseball teams look to move on from last years postseason woes - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Each team has lost some key players from a season ago, such is the nature of high school sports, but there is plenty of talent returning and there is no reason to think this season will break the string of all six teams qualifying for the playoffs. While all of the teams made the postseason in 2016 only one was able to make it as far as the quarterfinals and that was Southington.
Spring Preview: Newington, Southington boys volleyball ready to kick off title runs - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Both schools are coming off yet another strong season in which they competed with the top teams in their respective classes. Southington went 15-3 and although it lost in the second round of the Class L tournament, that loss came to the eventual state champions in Ridgefield. In that match the Blue Knights brought it to five sets and lost by two points. Newington, on the other hand, made it to the semifinals of the Class M tournament yet again but fell short in three sets to Joel Barlow.
Southington wrestler Paul Calo broke through at New Englands, now headed to nationals - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
As a freshman last year he made it to the Class LL finals before losing and he suffered the same fate at this season’s Class LL meet. Even at the State Open, Calo was unable to come out on top in both years But at the New England Championships this season he finally broke through to get that elusive championship.
Newington girls basketball seniors Murray, Keen will be tough to replace but should have lasting impact - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
Despite being eliminated in the first round of the Class LL tournament, the Indians won more games (13) than it had in a decade and qualified for the CCC Tournament for the first in the same time span. Newington is only losing two players from this season’s team so the team is in good a good position to maintain that kind of success, but those two players that will graduate will be key losses.
For New Britain boys basketball the playoffs have already started - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The 69-34 loss to Middletown though, dropped New Britain’s record to 5-11 and the team is now hanging on by a thread to its slim postseason hopes. The Hurricanes have four games remaining on their schedule and they must win three of them in order to qualify. The game against Middletown started a stretch of games against playoff caliber teams with the Blue Dragons being the best of the bunch, as they have now won 15 in a row.
New Britain boys basketball faces step up in competition in Middletown, not up for challenge - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
New Britain was up to the task for the first quarter but after that the talent differential showed itself as the Hurricanes’ win streak ended and Middletown extended its own to 15 straight after dropping New Britain 69-34. “They are a fantastic basketball team top to bottom,” Hurricanes head coach Todd Stigliano said. “They work their butts off, they are well coached and they are disciplined.
New Britain Herald Athletes of the Week are Berlin's Gabby Vasi and Spencer Duke - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
There are many different ways to help a team succeed. There is the star player that puts up huge numbers and has an obvious impact game-in and game-out. On the other hand though, there are players that do the little things that sometimes go unnoticed to the casual observer. The star player gets all the headlines but that star likely wouldn’t be able to do what he/she does without the role players around them.
Berlin girls basketball missed opportunity to clinch playoff berth, still just one win away - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
It was certainly a missed opportunity for Berlin against a beatable opponent, but the good news is that there are still three games left on the schedule. No game is a guaranteed win, but the odds remain in favor of the Redcoats qualifying for the postseason. “Oh yeah we will definitely be in there,” said Berlin head coach Sheila King confidently. Eight wins is all that is needed to qualify for the tournament, but Berlin has its sights set higher than just getting the bare minimum.
Southington boys basketball thriving on defense while offense tries to catch up - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Almost three-quarters of the way through the season the Blue Knights have a 6-7 record, but have yet to score more than 58 points in any game. That is a testament to how good they are at preventing teams from filling up the score sheet. “Defense is always something that I pride my teams on and I pride myself on teaching in a practice setting,” head coach John Cessario said. “I know that the kids pride themselves on their defense too.
Southington boys basketball thriving on defense while offense tries to catch up - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Almost three-quarters of the way through the season the Blue Knights have a 6-7 record, but have yet to score more than 58 points in any game. That is a testament to how good they are at preventing teams from filling up the score sheet. “Defense is always something that I pride my teams on and I pride myself on teaching in a practice setting,” head coach John Cessario said. “I know that the kids pride themselves on their defense too.
Southington boys basketball excels in first half, falls apart in second in loss - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Blue Knights put forth a dominant defensive effort in the first half, holding the Lions to just 13 points, and had a seven point lead at the break. After halftime though, Northwest Catholic ratcheted up the pressure and Southington had trouble adjusting en route to a 55-40 loss. A big factor in the change at halftime was the fact that the Blue Knights were without Mike DeFeo for much of the game. The senior point guard left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and was unable to return.
Southington boys basketball excels in first half, falls apart in second in loss - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The Blue Knights put forth a dominant defensive effort in the first half, holding the Lions to just 13 points, and had a seven point lead at the break. After halftime though, Northwest Catholic ratcheted up the pressure and Southington had trouble adjusting en route to a 55-40 loss. A big factor in the change at halftime was the fact that the Blue Knights were without Mike DeFeo for much of the game. The senior point guard left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and was unable to return.
Sports Roundup: Arborio named most outstanding again as Berlin wrestling finishes third at Bobcat Classic - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
COLCHESTER — The Berlin High wrestling squad came in third as a team in the Bobcat Classic at Bacon Academy on Saturday afternoon, with seven wrestlers placing among the top four in their brackets. Berlin finished with 127 points, trailing only New London (157) and Middletown (156). Nick Arborio won his bracket at 115 pounds and was named outstanding wrestler of the meet for third time this season, improving his personal record to 32-0.
Berlin girls basketball struggles to score in loss to Platt - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Berlin (7-10) did have a huge third quarter, scoring 18 points, in which it even took a brief lead, but the lack of consistent offense ending up being the team’s undoing. “The offense has been a struggle all season,” Redcoats head coach Sheila King said. “We have been trying to figure out what’s going on with it and we have tried different things but we have yet to figure it out.” “I think tonight it was a confidence thing,” said Gabby Vasi who finished the game with just two points.
Berlin boys basketball needs more than just standout senior Duke - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
“Spencer is having an excellent season,” Berlin head coach Mike Veneziano said. “I have been here for 10 years and he might be having as good of a season as any player that I have ever had. “He can score from anywhere on the floor, he grabs a lot of rebounds and plays some really solid defense for us. There isn’t much on the basketball court he can’t do.” Duke is in the middle of a tremendous individual season but his team is still just 5-8 so far.
Berlin boys basketball cannot complete comeback in loss to Maloney - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
“It’s a miracle that we even have five wins,” Berlin head coach Mike Veneziano said. “We tried a different routine tonight and that clearly didn't work, but we keep digging ourselves huge holes and it’s tough to climb out of.” Berlin (5-8) was close to climbing out of a double-digit hole against Maloney (6-8) as it tied the game up midway through the third quarter but the Redcoats could never take the lead themselves.
Whittingham’s, Bowles’ returns have added much needed depth for CCSU men's basketball - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
The team would regularly have just a seven-man rotation and the guys getting playing time would have to play a lot of minutes than normally required. The result of that short rotation was a 0-7 start in the NEC. Recently, the Blue Devils have gotten Eric Bowles and Tafari Whittingham back from injury and have been giving the team minutes off the bench. The regular rotation is now up to nine players and it is no coincidence that since the rotation has expanded Central has gotten better results.
Whittingham’s, Bowles’ returns have added much needed depth for CCSU men's basketball - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The team would regularly have just a seven-man rotation and the guys getting playing time would have to play a lot of minutes than normally required. The result of that short rotation was a 0-7 start in the NEC. Recently, the Blue Devils have gotten Eric Bowles and Tafari Whittingham back from injury and have been giving the team minutes off the bench. The regular rotation is now up to nine players and it is no coincidence that since the rotation has expanded Central has gotten better results.
Whittingham’s, Bowles’ returns have added much needed depth for CCSU men's basketball - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The team would regularly have just a seven-man rotation and the guys getting playing time would have to play a lot of minutes than normally required. The result of that short rotation was a 0-7 start in the NEC. Recently, the Blue Devils have gotten Eric Bowles and Tafari Whittingham back from injury and have been giving the team minutes off the bench. The regular rotation is now up to nine players and it is no coincidence that since the rotation has expanded Central has gotten better results.
New Britain Athletes of the Week are New Britain's Inanna Rice and Isaiah Jenkins - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The New Britain girls basketball team is having itself a nice season as it has already qualified for a spot in the Class LL tournament. The Hurricanes though, started off the season 7-3 and had a three-game losing streak a couple of weeks ago. Head coach Tasha Manzie said that was just a typical midseason lull, but it extended over to the team’s game against Plainville on Tuesday night.
Andi Lydon makes game winner with six seconds left as CCSU women's basketball ends two-game skid against Bryant - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The Blue Devils would get a stop on the other end and run the clock out to win the game and snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon. “We had actually called something different at first, but that wasn’t working,” CCSU head coach Beryl Piper said. “In the timeout I figured Andi was having such a good game that she deserved the shot.
CCSU men's basketball holds on to second half lead in upset win over LIU Brooklyn - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Blue Devils have been giving up halftime leads all season and seemed primed to do the same this time. That ended up not being the case on this occasion though. CCSU made some big plays down the stretch and knocked down enough free throws to win for the second time in three games, 61-52. “I think we finally executed down the stretch for the first time in a while,” CCSU head coach Donnell Marshall said. “We had guys stepping up and making big plays.
CCSU men's basketball holds on to second half lead in upset win over LIU Brooklyn - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
The Blue Devils have been giving up halftime leads all season and seemed primed to do the same this time. That ended up not being the case on this occasion though. CCSU made some big plays down the stretch and knocked down enough free throws to win for the second time in three games, 61-52. “I think we finally executed down the stretch for the first time in a while,” CCSU head coach Donnell Marshall said. “We had guys stepping up and making big plays.
Andi Lydon makes game winner with six seconds left as CCSU women's basketball ends two-game skid against Bryant - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
The Blue Devils would get a stop on the other end and run the clock out to win the game and snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon. “We had actually called something different at first, but that wasn’t working,” CCSU head coach Beryl Piper said. “In the timeout I figured Andi was having such a good game that she deserved the shot.
CCSU men's basketball holds on to second half lead in upset win over LIU Brooklyn - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The Blue Devils have been giving up halftime leads all season and seemed primed to do the same this time. That ended up not being the case on this occasion though. CCSU made some big plays down the stretch and knocked down enough free throws to win for the second time in three games, 61-52. “I think we finally executed down the stretch for the first time in a while,” CCSU head coach Donnell Marshall said. “We had guys stepping up and making big plays.
Andi Lydon makes game winner with six seconds left as CCSU women's basketball ends two-game skid against Bryant - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
The Blue Devils would get a stop on the other end and run the clock out to win the game and snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon. “We had actually called something different at first, but that wasn’t working,” CCSU head coach Beryl Piper said. “In the timeout I figured Andi was having such a good game that she deserved the shot.
Berlin native Matt Carasiti looking to be more consistent after getting his shot with Colorado Rockies - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
There were a few stops in between, including a Double-A stint with Hartford, but the Berlin native got his big league shot last season with the Colorado Rockies. Carasiti wasn’t someone that was really on the radar to be called up at any point last season, as he wasn’t in Spring Training with the big league club and wasn’t on the 40-man roster, but he got the call in August to join the team in Philadelphia for a series against the Phillies.
Berlin native Anthony Marzi prepared for full-time relief role with New Britain Bees this upcoming season - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The 24-year old was in the New York Yankees organization after graduating from UConn for a short time before being released. Marzi then latched on with the New Britain Bees where he spent all of the 2016 season. It is not official yet, but the southpaw expects to be back with the Bees again in 2017. “As far as I know, right now, I am going to be playing with them again,” Marzi said. “Contracts don’t come out until, I believe, February so I’m still waiting to hear about an official contract.
Former Berlin baseball stars Carasiti, Marzi key speakers at World Series Club of Hartford County - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Also on the speaking list was Orioles minor league slugger Conor Bierfeldt and new New Britain Bees general manager Gerry Berthiume. Tim Brennan, President of the World Series Club, started off the night talking about how the club usually has guests who have retired, so they usually talk about the past, but this time it is all about the future with guys either on the precipice of the Big Leagues or already there.
Former Berlin baseball stars Carasiti, Marzi key speakers at World Series Club of Hartford County - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Also on the speaking list was Orioles minor league slugger Conor Bierfeldt and new New Britain Bees general manager Gerry Berthiume. Tim Brennan, President of the World Series Club, started off the night talking about how the club usually has guests who have retired, so they usually talk about the past, but this time it is all about the future with guys either on the precipice of the Big Leagues or already there.
Plainville girls basketball's woes exacerbated by injury bug - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Key players Caitlin Barker and Cheyenne Emmendorfer have been lost for the season. Barker tore her ACL, while Emmendorfer is out with mono. All the while, Taleah McCrorey is just working her way back from a knee injury too. For a team that wasn’t very deep to begin with, these injuries have been killers and as a result, Plainville has now lost its last eight games, including a 67-39 loss to New Britain Tuesday night.
Mental toughness has been key for New Britain girls basketball this season - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Currently sitting at 8-6, the Hurricanes have already qualified for the Class LL postseason tournament and while the team has had its ups and downs, this year’s group has been more equipped to handle the downs more than in years past. Head coach Tasha Manzie credits that to the team’s mental toughness, something that has been lacking in previous seasons. Manzie admits there is room to improve in that area with this group, but has seen major improvement from just last season.
Plainville girls basketball's woes exacerbated by injury bug - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Key players Caitlin Barker and Cheyenne Emmendorfer have been lost for the season. Barker tore her ACL, while Emmendorfer is out with mono. All the while, Taleah McCrorey is just working her way back from a knee injury too. For a team that wasn’t very deep to begin with, these injuries have been killers and as a result, Plainville has now lost its last eight games, including a 67-39 loss to New Britain Tuesday night.
Bristol Eastern boys basketball hurt by loss of big man Gonzales - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
Prior to that game the season hadn’t been going the way the Lancers had hoped, so the thought was maybe an emotional overtime win, like they had over Central, could propel them into a late-season run. The first game after that huge win, against New Britain on Monday, did not go so well though, because the team was without center Tom Gonzales. The senior injured his ankle during practice the day before the game and was forced to miss the contest.
Plainville girls basketball falters after first quarter, suffers rout by New Britain - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
“We have been coming out and playing great first quarters,” Plainville head coach Jessica Neuweiler said. “After that, for whatever reason, we just don’t stick with what was working for us and it hurts us.” New Britain used an extended 41-5 run, which spanned the back half of the second quarter, the entire third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter, to take control of the game. The Hurricanes eventually went on to win the game 67-39.
New Britain girls basketball overcomes slow first quarter to cruise past Plainville - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
“We have been coming out and playing great first quarters,” Plainville head coach Jessica Neuweiler said. “After that, for whatever reason, we just don’t stick with what was working for us and it hurts us.” New Britain used an extended 41-5 run, which spanned the back half of the second quarter, the entire third quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter, to take control of the game. The Hurricanes eventually went on to win the game 67-39.
New Britain boys basketball's lineup changes lead to current winning streak - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Through 10 games, the Hurricanes had only won once and things were looking quite bleak. Since then though, they have won two in a row and seem to be moving in a positive direction. New Britain is still just 3-9 on the season, but it has tinkered with a few things rotation-wise and lineup-wise and those changes seem to be making a major difference. Through the early part of the season, it became apparent quickly that the Hurricanes were not a good shooting team.
Poor third quarter all but seals Bristol Eastern boys basketball's loss to New Britain - The Bristol Press: Bristol Press
That was how long it took for the Bristol Eastern boys basketball team see its game against New Britain slip away Monday night, eventually suffering a 49-37 loss. After a closely contested first half, the Hurricanes came out and dominated the third quarter against the Lancers. New Britain allowed just four points in the quarter and stretched what was a three-point halftime lead to nine at the end of the three and was able to maintain a comfortable lead for much of the fourth quarter.
New Britain boys basketball uses size advantage to defeat Bristol Eastern - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
That was how long it took for the New Britain boys basketball team to finally build a solid enough lead that ultimately led to a 49-37 win over Bristol Eastern Monday night. After a closely contested first half, the Hurricanes came out and dominated the third quarter against the Lancers. New Britain allowed just four points in the quarter and stretched what was a three-point halftime lead to nine at the end of the three and was able to maintain a comfortable lead for much of the fourth quarter.
New Britain Herald Athletes of the Week are Berlin's Nick Arborio and New Britain's Dejia Santana - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Being the star player on a team obviously requires a lot of talent. But natural ability is far from the only thing necessary to be considered a star. Work ethic and the ability to make your teammates better are other qualities that are taken in account. This week’s Athletes of the Week, Berlin’s Nick Arborio and New Britain’s Dejia Santana, are stars for their team and it is not just because of their talent. The Berlin wrestling team is having a solid season.
Newington boys basketball showing it can win in multitude of different ways - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Against New Britain last Thursday, the Indians faced a zone defense and most of their offense came from the perimeter as they nailed 12 threes. Against Wethersfield on Friday night, Newington only made three three-pointers, yet its offense was just as prolific. Wethersfield played man-to-man defense throughout the game so the Indians did most of their work on the inside and had a high degree of success. The common denominator between the two games is that Newington won both by a convincing margin.
Newington boys basketball showing it can win in multitude of different ways - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
Against New Britain last Thursday, the Indians faced a zone defense and most of their offense came from the perimeter as they nailed 12 threes. Against Wethersfield on Friday night, Newington only made three three-pointers, yet its offense was just as prolific. Wethersfield played man-to-man defense throughout the game so the Indians did most of their work on the inside and had a high degree of success. The common denominator between the two games is that Newington won both by a convincing margin.
Tyler Savluk has become leader for Newington wrestling on and off mat during tough rebuilding phase - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The Newington wrestling team is young on the whole with 12 freshmen on a roster of 19 and just three seniors who could be competing in their final few matches this winter. As one of those few seniors, Savluk has become sort of an elder statesman on the team, taking on a leadership role as one of the few experienced wrestlers. “It was definitely an adjustment for me,” Savluk said.
Tyler Savluk has become leader for Newington wrestling on and off mat during tough rebuilding phase - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
The Newington wrestling team is young on the whole with 12 freshmen on a roster of 19 and just three seniors who could be competing in their final few matches this winter. As one of those few seniors, Savluk has become sort of an elder statesman on the team, taking on a leadership role as one of the few experienced wrestlers. “It was definitely an adjustment for me,” Savluk said.
Matt McKinnon's monster game leads Newington boys basketball to fifth straight win over Wethersfield - Central Connecticut Communications: Newington Town Crier
The center was unstoppable for the Newington boys basketball team against Wethersfield on Friday night. The senior big man scored 16 points in the first half for the Indians and finished up with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the 64-47 win, the team’s fifth in a row. “My teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in one-on-one situations and I was just able to finish,” McKinnon said.
Matt McKinnon's monster game leads Newington boys basketball to fifth straight win over Wethersfield - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
The center was unstoppable for the Newington boys basketball team against Wethersfield on Friday night. The senior big man scored 16 points in the first half for the Indians and finished up with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the 64-47 win, the team’s fifth in a row. “My teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in one-on-one situations and I was just able to finish,” McKinnon said.
Berlin's Arborio continues to dominate on the wrestling mat - Central Connecticut Communications: New Britain Herald
Arborio finished first at 120 pounds and went through his five matches fairly easily en route to being named the most outstanding wrestler of the tournament, as voted on by the coaches. What made it even more impressive was the 120 pound weight class was considered one of the most competitive at the tournament.
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