Saturday at The Sun

Greenwich celebrates their championship 

Saturday was a day and an experience I will never forget. 

It was Championship Saturday for winter sports for the CIAC in Connecticut. 

I was fortunate enough to be asked by Rob Adams if I wanted to join him, Dan Murphy and Sean Adams for the Division I basketball championships they were calling at Mohegan Sun. 

I helped out with social media and tried to help out "producing" in any other way I could. Thanks to Rob for having me along for the ride. 

We saw the Greenwich Cardinals girls' basketball team defeat Northwest Catholic 51-46. It's the first championship for the Lady Cardinals. 

Greenwich was led by Zuri Faison who had 16 points and 14 rebounds and Madi Utzinger with 16 points of her own. Utzinger's layup with 26 seconds to play was the difference. 

Congrats to all the players and coaches on the championship. 

In the boys' championship, the West Haven Blue Devils* defeated the Staples Wreckers 79-72 in triple overtime in a tremendous game that we are going to talk about for a while. 

*Apologies for initially calling West Haven the Blue Knights in my Tweet. 

West Haven was led by Aaron Johnson's 27 points and Loshon Roman's 20. Mason Tobias led Staples with 21 and Dihlan Lowman had 17. 

It was a tremendous season for Staples, who finishes at 26-1. Congrats to great friends and people, Wreckers Head Coach David Goldshore and assistants Jake Sullivan and Joe Black. A program that had had a ton of success over the past few years, including winning back-to-back FCIAC Championships in 2024 and this season. 

There were also Unified games played throughout the day, including games at halftime of the Greenwich game. It's awesome to have these kids have this cool opportunity. 

As for our experience, it was nice to get up to Mohegan Sun early, walk around and hang out with friends. 

We were able to get some food. We had donuts from Krispy Kreme. I think this was my first time having Krispy Kreme and it was pretty good. Then, we had a late lunch/early dinner at the Pepe's Pizza. 

There's likely no reason to tell you this but as much as the day is about the games, it's also about the experience for everyone. 

Great job by everyone involved with the CIAC, including Dave Schulz and John Holt, among others. 

A tremendous day 

Rob, Dan, me and Sean (Photo courtesy of John Holt)

Fairfield Rivalry Basketball

Sacred Heart vs Fairfield University Men's Basketball

This blog post is not completely what you think it is about by reading the headline. Maybe you figured that out by the photo. 

Yes, we will talk about Ludlowe vs Warde basketball from Friday night. 

However, first we go back to Thursday when Sacred Heart hosted Fairfield University in men's basketball at the William H. Pitt Center on the SHU campus. 

The Pitt Center was renovated prior to the 2024-2025 season. We know I do not like change, and I enjoy nostalgia, but it was cool to see the new arena. Different than the old one, but very nice. 

There were also plenty of Town of Fairfield people there, including Triple Double Basketball, who played at halftime. There were fans of both schools, and students from both Universities at well. It felt like a community event and that's what a town rivalry game, even at the college level, should be. 

Fairfield came away with a 92-87 victory. The Stags had a double-digit lead, but the Pioneers cut into the deficit late in the fourth quarter, but could never get the game tied, or take the lead. 

The game getting completive made for a fun atmosphere. I see a lot of basketball, but mostly at the high school level. It was fun to watch some good local college basketball. 

You can read Chase Coburn's recap of the game here. 

Now we get to Friday. 

The annual Ludlowe vs Warde basketball doubleheader took place at Ludlowe High School. 

The girls' game was first up. Warde came away with a 50-38 victory. Sofia Hardiman led the Mustangs with 13 points. Ivy and Ava Feay had 10 points apiece for Warde as well. (H/T to @WardeGBB on X for the stats.)

Ludlowe and Warde girls' basketball action. 

The boys' game was back and forth and close throughout with Ludlowe coming away with a 60-57 victory. The Falcons were led by 25 points from Carlo Noecker and 13 points from Lorenzo Stabilini. Warde was led by Ryan Tully's 25 points. 

The doubleheader was used as Coaches vs Cancer games to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Players wear Coaches vs Cancer T-Shirts, players and coaches get donations and fill out Coaches vs Cancer cards in honor of who they are playing for. Additionally, funds were raised though other activities during the games. 

It's an important cause that I am happy we recognize and support. 

It was another wild, fun night. In fact, two fun nights of basketball. 

**This blog post, and this blog, is my personal blog and does not represent my job in the Fairfield Schools Athletic Department and do not represent anyone other than myself. 

What a Run

Another Ludlowe boys' basketball season is in the books. 

And what a season it was. 

12-8 regular season, with a state tournament and FCIAC tournament berth. 

This was the first playoff appearance since the 2020-2021 season, which was the COVID schedule/postseason. 

It was a tremendous run in the state tournament this season, advancing all the way to the Division III Final Four. 

Wins in the state tournament over Killingly, number three ranked Wilby in dramatic fashion and Waterford to get the chance to play Lewis Mills in the state semifinals in what was an exciting finish, coming up just a point short. 

Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a tremendous season. 

Tate Mahoney had an amazing season. He set a number of school records and put himself high on the list for others. A couple records that he set were points in a game with 39 and three-pointers in a game with eight. Both of those Tate set on February 14 in a win vs Darien on Senior Night. 

Tate was named All-FCIAC first team and Charlie Mahoney was named All-FCIAC third team. 

Head Coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career win on January 19 with a 49-29 victory over Westhill. 

There were so many other great accomplishments. 

However, it's about so much more than that. This was just a tremendous group of young men, both on and more importantly off the court. 

A senior group who cared about the entire team, from the freshman all the way up. To the seniors, Jake Medor, Luke Cristodoro, Porter Davis-Whatley and Tate Mahoney, Congrats on a tremendous season and careers and best of luck. 

A total group of kids who cared about each other and the program and were incredible fun to watch and be around. 

Besides the seniors, it was guys like juniors Charlie Jones, Charlie Mahoney, Ryan Torello, Juan Stcherbina Castro, Jack Short and Andrew Fraise. It's sophomores Brennan Martino, Arlo Sollinger, Devin Brenner. Finally, it's the freshman like Timmy O'Neill, Gavin Mertz, Tyler Geriak, Carlo Noecker and Johnny Stauss. And that's just the varsity and JV guys. Then you have the freshman team. Too many to name. Bright future for all. 

To the juniors, sophomores and freshman, use this run to feed into next season! 

Tremendous job by the coaching staff of John Dailey, Joe Bossio, Darren Lee, Marty Conlon and Earl Coleman. These guys put in so much time and effort and just want what is best for the kids. 

Always a pleasure to help out in any way I can. 

Looking forward to see what these guys do next season. 

What a season this was. 

Relationships Through Sports

Rob Adams and Mike Buswell interview Ludlowe Head Coach John Dailey following the Falcons win

In sports, there are so many relationships and friendships made. 

Between, players, coaches, fans, and so much more. It's part of the aspect of being part of a group. 

These relationships are between those on the same team, and those on opposite teams. 

There are also relationships formed between other people involved in sports. 

With all the different aspects of sports I am and have been involved with, I have made so many relationships. 

From playing to coaching to working in sports, to covering as a writer and broadcaster. 

Some of those relationships transcend through multiple teams and sports. 

Well, what I am getting at and burying the lede, was tonight Ludlowe hosted Waterford in the CIAC Division III quarterfinals. 

Where have we seen Waterford before? Well, in the Babe Ruth baseball coverage. 

That leads us to Matt Shampine and Colby Sheehan, who were a part of the Waterford Babe Ruth team that Rob Adams and I have seen and covered often as part of the Trumbull Babe Ruth coverage. 

Shampine, who we have gotten to know well, and Sheehan, are both a part of the Waterford boys' basketball team. 

When we saw the matchup last Thursday and I realized they were on the team, I mentioned it separately to Rob and Mike Buswell, who is the Trumbull Babe Ruth coach as well as a former FCIAC assistant boys basketball coach (including Ludlowe at one time.)

Well, that led to Rob and Mike deciding to call the game tonight. 

As Rob said, Matt Shampine, (Ludlowe Coach) John Dailey, and some other guy (me) all involved in the game, why not? 

It was great to chat with Shampine and Sheehan for a bit. Great young men and terrific multi-sport athletes as well. 

As for the game, it did not go in Waterford's favor, as Ludlowe came away with the 70-48 victory to advance to the state semifinals. The Falcons led 16-0 after the first quarter and never looked back. 

Ludlowe will play Lewis Mills on Wednesday at a time and site to be determined. 

A fun night of hoops and friendships. 

Ludlowe/Warde Basketball 2024 Edition

The crowd at one point in the night. It would get bigger than this. 

Friday night was the annual Ludlowe vs Warde girls' and boys' basketball doubleheader. 

This year, the games took place at Ludlowe as they rotate ever year. 

This was a big discussion, as Ludlowe is a lot smaller than Warde and with online tickets, the game was a sellout. Now, it's often been a sellout when at Ludlowe, but it sold out earlier in the week due to the pre-sale of tickets. 

It made for a crazy packed gymnasium but overall, I thought everything went very smooth. 

As for the games, it was a split decision. 

Ludlowe won the girls game, coming away with a close, hard fought 29-26 victory. 

In the boys' game, Warde came out on top, 50-36. 

The crowd was terrific for both games. From the Nest (Ludlowe student section) to the Stampede (Warde Student Section), to the youth basketball players, parents and other Fairfield community basketball fans.

The games are also Coaches vs Cancer fundraiser games as money is raised in a variety of ways including but not limited to the players raising money in advance, the concession stand at the game and a 50/50 raffle. I've heard a lot of money was raised for cancer research, which is phenomenal. 

Great job by everyone. From Athletic Director's Todd Parness and Gina DiGiacomo to the rest of the staff, parents who were involved, players, coaches, fans and all of the other support staff. It was a crazy day and week, but happy to get it over with and move on with the rest of the season. 

A great night of basketball and a great night for the Town of Fairfield. 

Warde Basketball Saturday

It was a Saturday of Warde basketball. 

The Mustangs hosted Ridgefield in a girls and boys basketball doubleheader. Games were played at all three levels. Freshman, JV and varsity. 

On the girls' side, the teams came into today 1/2 game apart (Ridgefield has played one more game) overall and the same FCIAC record. The Tigers were 10-3, 6-2 in the conference. The Mustangs were 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the conference. 

For the boys, both teams were unbeaten in league play at 6-0 and Ridgefield again 1/2 game better than Warde at 10-1 vs 9-1. 

I went over to Warde to watch both varsity games. 

Both games were very good games with Ridgefield coming away with wins in both games. 

It took overtime and a late three in regulation for the Tigers to come away with a 52-47 victory. 

Ridgefield three ties the game with 1.6 left in regulation. #ctgb pic.twitter.com/X0Hv1FNJRl

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) January 27, 2024

In the boys' game, Ridgefield led from start to finish, coming away with a 59-56 victory. 

It was good to get to watch both of Warde's basketball teams play. I don't often get to see them play as most games conflict with Ludlowe games. I see the Warde boys a couple times a year, but rarely ever get to see the Warde girls, other than when they play Ludlowe or in the holiday tournament. 

It's always different for me at a Warde game than a Ludlowe game but good to see and talk to many people at Warde. From people I see more often at work, to people I don't see as much. 

Looking forward to another exciting week of basketball with the Ludlowe/Warde doubleheader on Friday at Ludlowe. Girls game at 5pm, boys game at 6:30pm. 

100 Wins

Team Photo Following John Dailey's 100th win 

Friday was a special night at Ludlowe. 

Ludlowe boys' basketball head coach John Dailey picked up his 100th career win in the Falcons 49-29 victory over the Westhill Vikings. 

The win for the Falcons is their eighth of the season, clinching them a state tournament berth. Ludlowe sits with an 8-2 record at the midway point of the season. Lots of basketball to play in the regular season before the postseason. 

Making the state tournament is always great, but even more special after not making it the last couple of years. 

It was very cool to have the 100th win for Dailey also be the eight win of the season. Lots to celebrate for the Falcons. 

It's been 10-years for John with many highs and some tougher seasons, as every coach has. 

So many players who he's coached any many assistant coaches who have been with him. Too many to name without forgetting some important people. However, a very cool part of this is Darren Lee, who played for John on the 2014-2015 state quarterfinal team, now coaching with him. 

Darren (No. 10) playing for John, now coaching alongside him. 

It's been a great week for the Ludlowe basketball coaches as Sara Kinsley, the head girls' basketball coach, picked up her 100th win last Friday, January 12, in the Falcons victory over Danbury. 

The girls team currently sits at 7-4, 5-2 in the FCIAC. 

Two terrific coaches who are even better people. Two people who put so much time, effort and care into their programs. A lot more than people see. 

Lots of great things happening with the Ludlowe basketball programs. 

Should be a fun remainder of the season. 

Super Saturday of FCIAC Basketball

Warde's Brendan O'Hara plays defense against Trumbull (My photo)

It was Super Saturday in high school boys basketball, also known as the FCIAC boys basketball quarterfinals. 

Eight teams, four games, all at Fairfield Warde. Always a fun, long, crazy day. 

The schedule and matchups were as follows: 

No. 3 Danbury vs. No. 6 Stamford, Noon

No. 2 Warde vs. No. 7 Trumbull, 2 p.m.

No. 4 Staples vs. No. 5 Wilton, 5 p.m.

No. 1 Ridgefield vs. No. 8 New Canaan, 7 p.m.

Danbury and Stamford was back and forth throughout the game. A good battle. The Hatters did enough late to come away with an 11-point victory, 52-41, but the game was closer to the score. 

Danbury was led by Christian Jeffers 24 points, including nine points from the foul line. 

Game number two featured Warde, on their home floor, taking on Trumbull. The Mustangs took a 17-10 lead after one quarter and built a double-digit lead in the second quarter. At halftime, Warde led by 10 in a high-scoring affair, 40-30. 

Trumbull cut Warde's lead to four late in the third, before Jack Plesser's buzzer-beating three-pointer put the Mustangs up seven, 54-47 after three quarters.

No. 3 Danbury vs. No. 6 Stamford, Noon No. 2 Warde vs. No. 7 Trumbull, 2 p.m. No. 4 Staples vs. No. 5 Wilton, 5 p.m. No. 1 Ridgefield vs. No. 8 New Canaan, 7 p.m.

Video of Jack Plesser’s third quarter buzzer beater. (Video posted earlier accidentally got deleted) #ctbb pic.twitter.com/qinNlPUYCO

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) February 26, 2023

Warde held a 62-54 lead with 4:47 to play before Trumbull began to chip away. With 1:58 left, Trumbull took a one-point lead, 65-64. 

Warde tied the game at 65 with 1:30 left and the game would remain that was through the end of regulation. Both teams has a chance to win in the closing seconds, but turnovers hurt both teams. 

Overtime was a free-throw contest, as only one basket was made, but Trumbull hit more free throws to come away with a 76-70 victory. 

Luca Antonio and Brandon Fowler each had 18 points for Trumbull, while Sean Racette added 12. Jack Plesser had 33 points for Warde in the loss, which was the high for all scorers across the four games. 

To the nightcap portion of the day. 

Staples and Wilton were up next. This was a good battle between two good, similar teams. Both teams can shoot and and are also physical. Staples kept a lead throughout much of the game and came away with a 10 point victory, 53-43. 

Samson Clachko led Staples with 14 points, while Chris Zajac and Cody Sale each had 13 for the Wreckers in the victory. 

The final game of the night was the top seeded Ridgefield Tigers taking on the New Canaan Rams. Two teams that play great defense, slow the game down and run good offensive sets. 

This often means low-scoring games. 

This was the case with this game. 

Ridgefield held a 9-7 lead after one thanks to a buzzer-beating floater in the lane by Evan Kozedba. 

End one: Ridgefield 9 New Canaan 7. Evan Kozdeba floater beats the buzzer. #ctbb pic.twitter.com/dx6zwO46hv

— Shawn Sailer (@ShawnSailer) February 26, 2023 

At the break, Ridgefield led by three 21-18. 

The Tigers tried to pull away in the third as the built up a seven point lead, 33-24 with two minutes left in the quarter, and were getting New Canaan into foul trouble, with seven team fouls in the first six minutes of the half. 

After three, Ridgefield led 35-27. 

Ridgefield just extended their lead in the fourth to pull away for the double-digit victory 47-33.  

Ridgefield was led by Sean Sosa's 10 points. He was the only Tiger is double-figures as they got very balanced scoring across the board. Jack Hladick led New Canaan with nine points. 

Danbury will face Trumbull in the first game of the FCIAC semifinals on Tuesday at 5:30pm at Wilton High School and Staples and Ridgefield will follow. The winners will meet in the FCIAC Championship on Thursday.*

*The dates are subject to change with possible snow this week. Visit FCIAC.net for updates/changes. 

It was interesting to see no media at the games. Normally, there are reporters from multiple outlets and often multiple reporters from the same outlet doing different things at these games. Also, we need professional, qualified broadcasters on these games. It's disappointing as the student-athletes and teams deserve the coverage.