Bill O’Brien Photo
Senior co-captain Colin Tracy gets by Cross’s Robert Durant and make a reverse layup.
Over the past nine years the Branford Hornets gave their divisional New Haven foes Career and Wilbur Cross all they could handle in their twice yearly battles but always came up short.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Coach Palluzzi congratulates Anthony Miller of Cross on his 17 point effort for the Governors.
That all ended on Tuesday night at the James L. MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex Gym with a hard fought 48 – 42 upset victory over the Wilbur Cross Governors.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Coach Palluzzi calls out a play
“Any time you beat one of the New Haven teams (Cross, Hillhouse and Career) it’s a great feeling” said Hornet coach Jake Palluzzi. “It’s been nine years since we beat Cross and it feels good to finally win one.”
Bill O’Brien Photo
Jake Sullivan, a sophomore,clears out the lane and heads for the hoop.
It wasn’t pretty as there were many missed shots and turnovers by both teams but Branford never quit and came back from a 5 point deficit with 2:14 left in the third period to take the lead.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Junior Andrew Roach looks for an open man.
Then the Hornets outscored the Governors 21 – 12 in the 4th period to secure the win.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Senior Gerald DeLise hustles for an errant rebound.
The Hornets made 13 of 17 free throws in the second half marking the comeback.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Kory King heads for the hoop as Cross’s Anthony Miller gives chase.
Branford led 9 – 8 after one period and 16 – 14 at the end of the half with Joe Carbone and Kory King (pictured) leading the way.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Senior co-captain Joe Carbone hits one of his three 3 pointers as coach Palluzzi watches.
For the game Carbone scored 22 points and King 12 to pace the Hornets.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Rich Jacobson nails a 2 pointer.
Rich Jacobson (pictured) chipped in with 7 and Colin Tracy 5. Tracy also had 10 rebounds.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The scoreboard tells the tale.
However, the Hornets excitement was short lived as they played the Notre Dame Green Knights on Friday losing 64 – 29. The regular season will end on Monday with a home game against divisional foe Guilford. Four seniors will be recognized on Senior Night by the Branford Basketball Boosters. They are Joe Carbone, Colin Tracy, Gerald DeLise and Geoffrey Yasevac.
###
