SHA apologizes, suspends coach in aftermath of 92-4 win
Sacred Heart Academy issued an apology and suspended its head coach Tuesday after its girls varsity basketball team beat Lyman Hall 92-4 Monday night in a SCC game in Hamden.
“Sacred Heart Academy values the lessons taught and cultivated through athletic participation including ethical and responsible behavior, leadership and strength of character and respect for one’s opponents. Last night’s Girls’ Basketball game vs Lyman Hall High School does not align with our values or philosophies,” Sacred Heart Academy President Sr.
Sheila O’Neill said in a statement released by the school. “Sacred Heart Academy Administration and Athletics are deeply remorseful for the manner through with the outcome of the game was achieved. We are in communication with Lyman Hall High School, the Southern Connecticut Conference and CIAC, and are addressing these concerns internally to ensure that our athletic programs continue to encourage personal, physical and intellectual growth.”
Sacred Heart coach Jason Kirck was not available for comment Tuesday and Athletic Director Raymond Degnan said he had nothing more to add to the statement from O’Neill.
An email obtained by Hearst Connecticut sent to athletic directors in the SCC stated the school wanted them to be aware Kirck has been suspended for Sacred Heart’s next game, which is scheduled at rival Hamden Thursday at 7 p.m.
“Sacred Heart pressed for most of the first half then called it off and went into a tight man-to-man half court defense trying to get steals,” Lyman Hall coach Tom Lipka said in an email to Hearst Connecticut Media. “They fast breaked the entire game right to the end. They never went into a zone and continued to push the ball up the court and shoot threes wherever they could. They showed no mercy throughout.”
Sacred Heart Academy, 3-0 and ranked third in the GameTimeCT girls basketball poll, led 29-0 after a quarter, 56-0 at halftime and 80-0 after three quarters. Before beating Lyman Hall, the Sharks defeated Stamford 83-48 and Shelton 80-37.
Lyman Hall is 0-5. The team has lost games to Coginchaug (43-31), Amity (55-37), Sheehan (72-38) and Middletown (65-36).
Twelve players scored for Sacred Heart Academy, led by Rosa Rizzitelli’s 13. Rizzitelli also had 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists. As a team, Sacred Heart Academy made five 3-pointers and made 15 of 19 free throw attempts.
Lyman Hall’s baskets were scored in the fourth quarter by senior reserve guard Mercedes Cestaro and sophomore Sophia LaPlant.
The CIAC handbook, under its “Class Act” Sportsmanship Standards, states: Coaches will be aware of the competitive balance of contests and will manage the score in a manner that is sportsmanlike and respectful of opponents.
This was the first meeting between the two teams since Dec. 27, 2017 when Lyman Hall beat Sacred Heart 58-32.
Lyman Hall is scheduled to host Sacred Heart Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.