Roundup: Defense carries Avon boys past Enfield and into first place

ENFIELD, Jan. 24 – In the past three seasons, Enfield has been the top team in the NCCC. The Raiders have won the last three league titles and three straight NCCC Tournaments. They’ve beaten Avon five times in seven games.

But on Thursday night, the Falcons played some stellar defense in the first half, took a 16-point lead at halftime and rolled to a 59-35 victory over the Raiders on the road. It’s the first loss in 12 games this season for Enfield and Avon’s biggest win over the Raiders since a 25-point win in the NCCC Tournament semifinals in 2008.

Ryan Marioni led the way for the Falcons with 24 points while Patrick McKearney added 11 points. Sean Herrmann chipped in with 10 points, including a pair of three-point goals. Marioni drained three 3-point shots.

The win lifts Avon (10-2, 9-0 NCCC) into a first place tie with Granby (11-1, 9-0) with Enfield (12-1, 8-1 NCCC) just a game back. Avon, which has won nine of its last 10 games, challenges Farmington (5-6, 3-4 CCC West) at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Farmington High.

Avon will be looking to snap an eight-year-old, 10-game losing streak against the Indians, dating back to 2005.

Granby 72, Canton 45
CANTON, Jan. 24 – The Warriors dropped their fifth straight game with a loss to Granby. The Bears’ defense had life extremely difficult for Canton (4-8, 2-7 NCCC) which was held under 10 points in the second and third quarter. Cam Daley led Canton with 11 points while Patrick Sullivan finished with nine, including three 3-point shots.

It was the end of a rough week for Canton, coming just two days after a 75-56 loss to three-time defending league champion Enfield.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Avon 52, East Windsor 28
EAST WINDSOR, Jan. 22 – Avon remained in a first place tie with Bolton in the NCCC after easily beating East Windsor on Tuesday. Avon (12-2, 9-1 NCCC) is tied with Bolton (10-4, 9-1 NCCC) with Granby (9-1, 8-1 NCCC) close behind. Michaela Marcus led the way for the Falcons with 15 points while Anna Schrecengost added 14.