Girls and Boys Basketball Teams Celebrate Graduating Seniors

On Feb. 1, the Connetquot High School girls basketball team took on conference competitor Lindenhurst High School at home and celebrated the contributions of its graduating seniors. Connetquot recognized and thanked its seniors for their dedication and leadership. Congratulations to graduating players Sabah Bari, Ava Galante, Olivia Herrara, Emma Jasinski, Samantha Lankowicz, Kiarra Roth, Paige Shannon, Hayley Weltner and Brooke Zecchini.

The visitors got off to a quick and decisive start and overcame the T-Birds with their outstanding outside shooting and defensive pressure. Connetquot fell to Lindenhurst 47-27, but the T-Birds played hard for the entire game and didn’t quit. Coach Hafner gave everyone a chance to play, and the girls left the floor with their heads held high, outscoring Lindenhurst in the third and fourth quarters.

Top scorers for Connetquot were seniors Emma Jasinski with 13 and Hayley Weltner with 5. Emily Mohr and Jasinski each scored one 3-point field goal. The game allowed the team to demonstrate the tremendous spirit and intensity that it displayed all season long.

On Feb. 6, the Connetquot High School boys basketball team ended its season on the short end of an 86-57 score against crosstown competitor Sachem North. The Sachem game was also senior night for the T-Birds, as the community recognized and celebrated three graduating seniors and their families. Joe Banfo, Johnny Melville and Dylan Waring were introduced by Connetquot coach Andrew Clair to the applause of the T-Birds’ loyal fans.

Melville led Connetquot in scoring against the Flaming Arrows, scoring 29 points, including three 3-point baskets. Waring scored 8 points, followed by Banfo’s 7 points. Connetquot got off to an optimistic start, winning the first period 16-14. Sachem made several defensive adjustments going into the second period, including a full court press that caused many turnovers. Connetquot finished the season with an overall record of 1-17.