Girls’ BB Team Loses to East Haven Rivals

The Branford girls’ basketball team had high hopes going into the game against their long time rival, the East Haven Yellowjackets, now ranked no. 8. But they fell short in their quest to upset their rivals, falling 67 – 39.

Branford entered the game with a 4 – 3 record with wins over North Haven, North Branford, Wilbur Cross, and Foran. East Haven came in at 6 – 1 with their only loss coming at the hands of the New London Whalers, the no. 1 girls team in the state.

“We were hoping to catch East Haven off guard,” said senior Emma Pierson, who led the Hornets with 16 points. ​“We knew they were good but thought maybe they wouldn’t look at us as a threat.”

The high scoring Yellowjackets opened up with a 17 – 12 lead after one quarter and increased it to 34 – 17 at the half. Here Karly King heads toward the basket.

Here Celia Turbert gets in position between East Haven co-captains Jessica Stettinger (20) and Marley Harold (13). 

And here Emma Pierson drives in for two of her 16 points.

East Haven was led by Alexis Pendziwater, who had a hot hand hitting seven three pointers for 21 points and Kylie Schlottman with 19. Here Marisa Minore drives around an East Haven defender.

During the second half East Haven continued the onslaught by outscoring Branford 33 – 22.

Besides Pierson’s 16 points for Branford, Sophia Araneo chipped in with 11. The next highest scorers were Victoria Raffone and Marissa Minore with four each.Here Araneo (20) and Raffone (12) puts pressure on Kylie Schlottman.

Since the East Haven game Branford defeated West Haven 47 – 42 but lost to long time SCC perennial power Mercy 67 – 24 and Guilford 74 – 40. Next up is an away game against Amity on Tuesday. Tipoff is 7:00 pm. The Hornets are now 5 – 6 on the season.

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