MAPLEWOOD'S boys basketball team has the early upper hand in the Northeastern Athletic Conference, starting with a 3-1 record.
One of the main reasons the Rockets (3-2, 3-1 NAC Stars Division) have begun so strong is the play of 6-foot senior guard Matt Spitler, who has averaged around 26 points per game.
He scored 70 points in his first two games and cooled down to put in 59 in his next three. Girard held the Maplewood senior to his season-low 14 points in one of the Rockets' two losses. Tanner Spencer, who has been solid for Maplewood this season, added 15 in that setback to the Indians.
Friday, Maplewood has a key non-conference game at Brookfield, which only lost to undefeated LaBrae by three points on Tuesday.
Both schools raised $2,395.77 and collected 359 toys for the Warren Family Mission. Michelle Beauchene, Director of Public Relations and Development, of the Warren Family Mission was presented with the donations after the game. In return, Mrs. Beauchene gave plaques to both schools to thank each district for their help.
This was an event presented by both the Bristol and Southington Beta Clubs and Danelle Wagner was the organizer of the event.
The advisors are: Ms. Vonnie Peterson (Bristol) and Mrs. Jennifer Mitchell (Southington), while the Beta Presidents are: Brianna Sloan (Bristol) and Scott Bauer (Southington).
Also, as part of the opening ceremonies, Coty Black (Bristol) and Alex Hatfield (Southington) were named most spirited fans, while Austin Rimer (Bristol) and Dillon McCoy (Southington) were game MVPs.
Cody Dillon led Newton Falls with 13 points, Dale Kernan had 12 and Chase Nichols added 10.
The Tigers have a chance to rebound Friday as they host Champion.
Friday will be a test for Liberty as it takes on archrival Liberty.
More importantly, Cash is getting help. Monday, it was in the form of teammate Kaitlynn Cassidy, who had 20 points.
That is the balance the Red Devils need going forward.
Tonight, the Golden Flashes face a tall task as they host Newton Falls (4-3) in a All-American Conference, National Division contest.
This season, the Lakers (6-2, 3-1 NAC Stars) haven't disappointed.
Monday, PV held off Sarah Bonar and Badger by four points in a low-scoring affair.
Tonight, the Lakers travel up state Route 7 to take on Conneaut (2-3).
The Irish have wins this week against archrival Cardinal Mooney and at Lake Catholic.
Courtney Powell has led the way for Ursuline with 45 points and 25 rebounds in both games.
The Rockets (7-0) have maintained a balanced attack with Allison Bell, Miranda Sloan and Brooke Dawson leading the way.