Middletown

FROM PAGE 1 born’s two low post hoops capped the Blue Dragons big first half.

“We like to play up tempo,” Smernoff said. “This year we have a team that most times all five kids on the court can score and we feel pretty comfortable with all five. That’s really helped us. We knew if we picked the tempo up it was going to work in our favor.”

Middletown opened the third quarter with an impressive 17-3 run. Highlights included a Highsmith 3-pointer and a nifty bounce pass from Fudge to Highsmith for another fast break hoop. After Wilborn converted a basket from the lane, the Blue Dragons lead ballooned to 54-18.

The Cougars (1-3) were without junior center Tara Murphy (injury). H-K also lost junior guard Daijah Rich (seven points) to an ankle injury late in the third quarter.

“I don’t like making excuses but injuries have been a factor,” Medeiros said.

H-K senior guard Alyx Stevenson made two 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, while senior forward Meg O’Brien chipped in six points.

“The kids are fighting through it,” Medeiros said. “This is a long stretch. We have another tough battle against Cromwell on Friday. Hopefully, after the new year we can regroup, get our injured kids back and get some momentum towards the latter part of the season.”

Middletown was coming off a 53-49 win over Bolton the night before. And Smernoff liked the way his club responded.

“I couldn’t be more happier how we bounced back,” Smernoff said. “We specifically scheduled back-toback games to test their mental toughness and I thought they passed with flying colors. You can’t complain when you’re 6-0.”

JIMMY ZANOR - THE MIDDLETOWN PRESS Middletown’s Amanda Fudge drives to the basket during the first half against Haddam-Killingworth on Wednesday.