MHSS Basketball Opening Night

Today’s' schedule worked out great. The Boy's varsity basketball game started at 5:30 PM at Middletown North and when it was over at around 6:45, it left enough time for the small group of South fans time to get back to the Girl's game without missing too much.

First, new Head Coach Kevin Cullen secured his first coaching win with a 39-36 victory at North. The Eagles had an 8 point lead going into the 4th Quarter, which they then extended to 12, but the Lions went on a 12-0 run to tie the game 36-36 with about 30 seconds left to go. Garret Thiel brought the ball up the floor and worked the clock. After a missed shot, Brian Dudzinski rebounded the ball and put it back with 10 seconds left, to give South a 2 point lead. Mike Roura stole the ensuing inbound pass and dished it off to Thiel, who was fouled. Thiel put in 1 of 2 free throws to make the score 39-36. The desperation shot by North was well short leaving the Eagles with a big road win, and a record of 1-0. Dudzinski led the Eagles with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Peter Clabby had a great game from the perimeter and Thiel passed the ball efficiently. Matt Callori had 7 points and a few key defensive plays in the first varsity game of his career. Roura, Clabby and Thiel all had great games defensively.

The Girl's team dominated the entire game. Winning by a score of 69-28, they shut the Lions down defensively and scored almost at will. An important note from the game is the status of Jill Gannon, who injured her ankle in the 2nd half. She had to be helped off the court by Coach Tom Brennan. The defending A-North Division Champions have a record of 1-0.