Please note, this is my personal blog and has no work affiliation. These are games that I was at as either a fan, coach or worked in some capacity that has nothing to do with my regular job.
Every year, when we look back on the year, we look at the games and moments that stand out. Here are 10 of MY top games or moments in games from the year. There could be many different reasons that a game makes my list, some may be around the game, some may be more personal reasons.
Obviously, there is a lot of Ludlowe in here.
Remember, these are only games I was in attendance for. Also, these are in order by date, no other reason.
Let's go.
1) John Dailey's 100th career victory
Ludlowe boys' basketball head coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career victory on January 19 in a 49-29 victory at home vs Westhill. The win was also the eighth of the season for the Falcons, clinching them a state tournament berth.
2) Tate Mahoney sets the Ludlowe single-game points and three-points record
On February 14 at home vs Darien, Ludlowe's Tate Mahoney set both the Ludlowe record for points in a game and three-pointers made in a game. Mahoney scored 39 points, passing Cooper Dailey, who scored 38 in February of 2022.
Mahoney also hit eight three-pointers which passed Kevin Bentivegna and Brian Tharp's record of seven, set in 2011 and 2007, respectively.
3) Ludlowe boys' basketball win over No. 3 Wilby
After defeating Killingly at home in the first round of the state tournament, the Ludlowe boys' basketball team went on the road and took down Wilby, who was the three seed in Division 3, by a 44-42 score.
4) Ludlowe/Waterford State boys basketball quarterfinal
While this was not a great game on the scoreboard, Ludlowe came away with a 70-48 victory, there were a lot of other factors that had this game make my list.
It's about friendships. Waterford featured Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan, who Rob Adams and I had seen in prior summers broadcasting Babe Ruth baseball.
That led Rob to broadcast the game and have Mike Buswell, who coaches Trumbull Babe Ruth, to join Rob for the call. Trumbull and Waterford Babe Ruth have a great relationship and have had many terrific battles over the years.
Give it a listen here.
5) Ludlowe Baseball's Ben Crawford HR vs Southington
This one is very similar to when I wrote about the Ludlowe baseball playoff game against Hamden a year ago.
In this case, Ben Crawford came up in the fifth inning of a second-round state tournament game vs Southington, who was the number one seed in Class LL. There were two men on base, with Ludlowe trailing 2-0.
Crawford proceeded to hit the first pitch he saw over the left-center field wall for a go-ahead three run home run.
It was a great moment in the game, and a special moment for so many reasons.
Unfortunately, Southington would come back and come away with a 7-3 victory.
But that doesn't take away from what an awesome moment the home run was.
An awesome moment during Wednesday’s game as Ben Crawford goes deep to give us a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning. #ctbase pic.twitter.com/UlGeLVmp4l
— Fairfield Ludlowe Baseball (@LudloweBase) May 30, 2024
6) Stamford wins the CT 13U Babe Ruth Baseball Championship
What has been an annual tradition, Rob Adama and I broadcasted a Babe Ruth baseball tournament in Trumbull. This year it was the 13U tournament won by Stamford. Stamford defeated Easton in the Championship in a back-and-forth game. Honestly, there were many options of games from this tournament I could have picked, but the championship being a comeback was an easy choice.
7) Cole Gibson no-hitter for Barnums
Cole Gibson, pitching for the Bridgeport Barnums of the CCBL, threw a no-hitter on July 27 in a 5-0 victory over Wallingford. Gibson walked just one and struck out 10. You can read more here.
8) Warde/Ludlowe Girls Volleyball
The two teams split the first two sets before Warde took the third. In the third set, Warde's Lalia Henry notched her 1,000th assist of her career and was recognized for that.
Ludlowe took the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set.
In the fifth set, Warde came out on top with a 15-11 set and to win the match three sets to two.
9) Ludlowe Football win over Wilton
In a game that propelled Ludlowe football to their first state tournament berth in school history, Ludlowe defeated Wilton 21-14, including getting a late defensive stop to seal the victory. Ryan Tompkins had two rushing touchdowns, and Ryan Menozzi had a TD catch from Grant Stupak.
10) Ludlowe girls' basketball edges Warde to win the Todd Burger Memorial Tournament
In a game in which Ludlowe had to come from behind to take the lead, Warde had a chance to tie the game late, but Ludlowe came away with a close 46-43 victory to capture the Todd Burger Tournament.
I realize I did not include any Ludlowe boys' soccer. A team I watched a lot of that had success. There just did not seem to be any game or moments that truly stood out to me. I could have gone with one of Charlie Jones' hat tricks, I guess. Let's give that an honorable mention.
I'm sure there are other teams and games I should have included also. Maybe I missed something. But again, it's my thoughts.
Looking forward to what 2025 has to bring!
