Bridgeport, CT — Boys’ Cagers Will Have Rematch With Immaculate In SWC Playoffs By Ally McCarthy Published: Feb 25, 2022 02:00 PM PrintTweetEmail Text Size The Newtown High School boys’ basketball team defeated visiting New Milford 57-37 on February 18 to extend its winning streak to five games. The Friday night victory came on Senior Night as the Nighthawks honored three senior captains, Joe McCray, Liam O’Connell, and Isaiah Williams. Every victory in the streak so far was by a margin of 16 or more. The New Milford game was tight throughout the first quarter, ending with a three point Newtown lead at 16-13. At the half, Newtown led the Green Wave by four, 24-20. After halftime, the Nighthawks ramped up the pressure, outscoring New Milford 24-5 in the third. Thirteen of those points came from O’Connell, who had a standout game. The Nighthawks’ defensive pressure was key in the run that allowed them to be up 48-25 at the end of the third quarter. O’Connell hit four from behind the arc and led all scorers with 20 points. Eli Williams had a strong game as well, working the low post with 12 points of his own. He also had key defensive blocks and a dunk that, although it did not count, electrified the team and had the crowd on their feet. McCray added 11 points to the tally and dropped several dimes on his senior night as well. Makai Coleman scored five points. Connor Hintze, Charlie Sepp, Saahil Ray, and Tyson Mobley combined for nine. Williams had a disappointing season-ending injury in the matchup against Immaculate in late January; however, he was still honored on Friday night and started his final game. It was a ceremonial start to recognize Williams, agreed upon by New Milford’s coaches, and Williams was immediately substituted out of the game. Looking ahead, the Nighthawks are optimistic about the postseason and want to keep their winning momentum going. “The energy and cohesion we were able to show on Senior Night and the games prior is what we need to carry into the playoffs. We believe that if we can keep that agenda going, we have the talent and ability to beat any team,” O’Connell said. Newtown was right in the game for a half in a visit to Kolbe Cathedral of Bridgeport on February 22, before falling 75-56 to end the regular season at 14-6 (9-4 in South-West Conference play). NHS led 36-35 at halftime before Kolbe went on a 20-9 run in the third quarter. Coleman had 15 points, Mobley 13, and McCray 11. Kolbe finished 18-2 (12-1) and earned the second seed in the SWC playoffs. The Nighthawks are the fifth seed and will visit fourth-seeded Immaculate of Danbury which went 14-6 (9-4 in the SWC). Immaculate and Newtown were in a close game before the injury to Williams and the Mustangs pulled away for a 52-28 win on January 21. The SWC quarterfinals are scheduled to get underway Saturday, February 26, at 6:30 pm due to weather canceling school the day before.