By Ava McCullough
(March 3, 2025) — On March 1, 2025, the Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Basketball Team prevailed over the Bulkeley Bulldogs to advance to round two in the state tournament.
With a final score of score of 52-51, it was a dramatic win. The Cougars were tied with the Hartford team 26-26 at halftime, thanks to junior Declan Moriarty’s assist to senior Andrew Crayton for three points, with three seconds on the clock, and this time the three-pointer was good.
After three quarters, the Cougars led 40 – 33. With eight minutes to play the Cougars simply had to hold the lead. At one point the Cougars were up by ten points. A late fourth quarter surge by the Bulldogs found the game tied with under a minute to go. Cue Cody Robinson to the free throw line to sink the game-winning basket, followed by the play of the game by senior Jake McKenzie, snagging a rebound from a Bulldogs missed layup with less than four seconds on the clock.
Also coming up big for HKHS, junior powerhouse Spencer Savoy with three rebounds and nine points. The Cougars saw strong defensive play from junior Jay Evans and senior Joe Slane. Moriarty led in assists with six on the night. Leading all scorers Cody Robinson had nineteen points followed by Andrew Crayton with thirteen and Declan Moriarty with eight. Sophomore Brody Ferguson contributed two points in the pivotal fourth. Crayton led with eight rebounds and four steals while McKenzie again showcased his sharp play with two critical steals, two assists and one block.
Next up for the Cougars is undefeated Shepaug Valley, an away game at Shepaug Valley in Washington, Connecticut on March 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. See you on the Court.
Photos by Erin Crayton
