Submitted by Ava McCullough
(February 28, 2024) — The Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Basketball team fell to the Cromwell Panthers in the Shoreline Conference semifinals on February 27, 2024 by a score of 48-37. The game was much closer than the score indicates.
HKHS’s strong defense was led by senior co-captains Bryce O’Linn and Luke Mauri, who helped keep Cromwell’s Victor Payne in check. The game remained close with the Panthers pulling ahead after 2. HK narrowed the Panthers lead to 7 starting the 4th and closed the gap to within 5 with 2:48 remaining in the 4th. However, HK couldn’t get baskets to drop. The scoring drought coupled with a few questionable calls helped turn the tide in the Panthers’ favor.
HK was led by junior Andrew Crayton, who had 17 points and 9 rebounds, followed by senior co-captain Blake Kamoen, who had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Mauri and O’Linn had 3 steals each. O’Linn had 4 points while sophomore Jay Evans had 3 and senior Ryan Erskine rounded out the scoring with 2 points.
HK’s 4th place ranking in the Shoreline Conference, a first in over a decade, bespeaks of a changing of the tide on the horizon. Next up for HK, the state conference tournament. HK has a bye for the first round and will tip off against an opponent TBD, on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at home. Game time will be updated once confirmed. Come out to support the Cougars as they look to advance in states. See you on the court.
Photos by Erin Crayton
