Week 2 of the Winter Scrimmages   In 9th grade, Team Cleveland outlasted Team Judah 67-59 in a highlight filled, up tempo game. Braden Moore's spin moves were out of control and he was sinking everything from the outside as well. Andrew Soltis and Matt Vivona each had approximately 20 points each. Ryan Noble turned it on big time with spins and reverses all over the court. Dillon Mannix single-handedly broke down full court pressure, and Keith Dulak got hot from long range.   In 8th grade, Team Cleveland fell 1 point short to Team Judah. Lenny Ialeggio and Colin Sherman attacked the basket. Luca Fusco dictated the offense. Dameer Phifer scrapped his way all over the court. Colin Reilly and Dylan Guth crashed the boards.

In the winter's first 8th grade scrimmage, Team Judah defeats Team Cleveland behind the hot outside shooting of Tate Mahoney and the all around attack mode of Jamie Fonseca.   In the 9th grade scrimmage, the boys got after it, but Team Cleveland had a tough time dealing with the balanced attack of Team Judah. Andrew Soltis anchored the defense - while Matt Vivona, Braden Moore and Jack Balsano spaced the floor offensively.

All three Fierce basketball teams participated in the Milford Knights Tip-Off Tournament this November.   7th grade won the championship! 7th grade was focused from the opening tip as they jumped out to a 24 - 0 lead in their first game against CT Dynasty of Danbury. They then defeated St. Theresa's. In their second weekend, 7th grade came up just short in overtime to Trumbull Travel Basketball. However the basketball gods scheduled these two even teams against each other once again in the Sunday semi-finals. In that game, it was the Fierce that pulled it out on a buzzer beating steal and layup by Luca Fusco. They kept it going in the Championship Game with a 45 - 38 win over a tough West Hartford squad. Devin Julious scored 21 points including three 3 pointers. Tate Mahoney also had it going from long range. Congrats Boys!   6th grade had themselves a great tournament as well. They won 2 of their 3 games to advance to Championship Sunday, with a 35-26 victory over St. Mark of Stratford and a nail-biting 24-23 victory over the Orange Wolverines. In their semi-final game, 6th grade found themselves in a 14 point hole against Seymour, and stormed all the way back to take the lead. However four Fierce players fouled out of the game in the fourth quarter of action and the tournament run came to an end.   5th grade performed well in their opening game with a 35-33 win over Guilford. They were then eliminated from the tournament with two consecutive losses including one to the eventual champion. They played hard all tournament and continued to show improvement.   Fantastic start to the season for all of our travel teams.

This weekend, 8th grade ran away from East Hartford 90 - 47 in Torrington to advance to the "AA" FCBL Semi-Finals next Saturday. Charlie Began and Jack Petrafesa scored from everywhere to tally 21 points and 19 points, respectively. Jordyn Davis packaged together an excellent game defensively, to go along with 13 points. Justyn Davis got hot from long range in the 2nd half, pouring in 21 points of his own. Harrison Keith, Matt Vivona, Andre Mead and TJ Martere anchored the stifling defensive attack. JB Krasnow and Liam Ryan both put in timely buckets -- every Fierce player scored -- a rare occurrence for the FCBL Playoffs.   6th grade battled hard in an exciting game vs Greenwich Select but came up 1 point short. John Kleinbeck and Jon Morris dominated the boards. David Melson and Gavin McCarthy carried the scoring loads. It was a great season for 6th grade!

Yesterday evening, 8th grade topped Wakeman Basketball for the 2nd time this season. The Fierce came out crisp and sharp with their passing and shooting. Wakeman fought hard to keep it close entering the 4th quarter, but the Fierce turned it up to finish the game and sweep the season "backyard rivalry" series.   JB Krasnow and Andre Mead were draining three pointers, Harrison Keith was locking down defensively and Jack Petrafesa's passing was setting up his teammates. Justyn Davis had one of his strongest games of the season with an estimated stat line of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Great job boys!

For the 2nd consecutive Sunday, the Fierce swept their home games!   8th grade took out United Youth (Norwalk) by a final score of 74 - 57. From the tip the Fierce were cohesive with their ball movement, energy and defensive tenacity.   6th grade put together an exact replica of last Sunday, as they used the final possession in a tie game to hold for a final shot -- and ended up on the free throw line. This week the hero was David Melson who calmly sunk both shots from the charity stripe. The final score was 49 - 47 over TMT Norwalk.   4th grade ran away froom Weston Basketball with a great all-around performance. Cole Krollman led all scorers with 16 points. Brennan Davis and Chase Mehta showed off the shooting touch as well. Crew Davis had an unofficial 10 steals which breaks the single game record for any 4th grader in Fierce history.

8th grade sends away Westport PAL basketball 74 - 54 in an intense League Game. The Fierce locked down defensively for all 32 minutes. Harrison Keith anchored the tenacious defense. Jordyn Davis, Charlie Began and Matt Vivona led the offensive attack. Jack Petrafesa sealed the game in the 4th quarter by knocking down 8 of 8 free throws.   6th grade escapes Darien 50 - 49. Luca Fusco was fouled on his buzzer-beating shot attempt, and won the game by sinking the first free throw. David Melson and Ben Davenport were hitting long-range shots from all over the court. John Kleinbeck was ripping down every rebound and finishing at the rim.   4th grade continued their great recent play with an impressive 20 - 13 win over Shelton. They followed that up with a down-to-the-wire 28 - 24 defeat at the hands of Bridgeport YMCA.

A clean sweep by the Fierce in today's home games!   8th grade turned away a pesky Bridgeport YMCA squad 64 - 48. Jack Knott had himself a block party.   6th grade topped Westport PAL 39 - 37 in an intense nail-biter. Emmett Derby played a great game on both sides of the ball, and Gavin McCarthy sealed it from the free throw line. Westport had a chance to tie with 9 seconds remaining, but the Fierce locked down to pull it out.   4th grade came out rolling and never looked back in a 32 - 19 win over Bethel. Troy Spencer drilled a 3-pointer to close out the 1st quarter, which sparked the Fierce from there on out. Crew Davis was a monster with rebounds and steals everywhere.   Hard to top 3 for 3!

The Fierce finished the weekend strong by taking 2 out of 3 at home on Sunday.   8th grade took care of Ridgefield 73 - 42 with high energy defense for all 32 minutes and a fun display of offensive unselfishness.   6th grade used great team defense of their own to defeat Wilton 32 - 22 and extend their impressive winning streak.   4th grade fought hard but couldn't overcome the size and physicality of a tough Brookfield squad.   Great way to start the new year!

8th grade defeated Greenwich Select 64 - 39 on Saturday, and then Wilton 60 - 54 at home in a hard-fought game on Sunday.   6th Grade topped Wilton 33 - 26 on Saturday but came up short on Sunday against a big, athletic New Rochelle team.   4th grade rallied late but ran out of time vs Milford.