Hornet Boys BB Team Wins Opening Games

The Branford Boys Basketball team has won their home opener with a 56 – 37 victory over Milford’s Jonathan Law High School, beginning the season with a strong start. Since the victory over Law, the Hornets split two games, defeating Shelton 59 – 56 at Shelton’s home court and then losing to Hewlett, New York’s tea 58 – 50 Saturday in the Branford Holiday Tournament.

They play West Haven, which lost to Hand 67 – 60, in a tournament home game tonight at 5:15 p.m. 

The season opener had been scheduled against Cheshire High but that game was postponed until January after the town suffered a tragic double homicide. Police reported that Chris Settembri, 18, who was graduated in June from Cheshire High, was shot to death by his father who then killed himself. Students mourned his death at events at the high school. 

At the first game of the season, the Hornets were led by Junior Richard Jacobson with 13 points. Seniors Griffen Pierson and Joe Carbone followed with 11 and 10 points respectively. Here is Carbone driving by Law’s Matt Marino.

And here is Pierson laying one up. 

Branford jumped out to a 13 – 7 quarter lead and increased it to 27 – 17 by half- time. Here is Kory King as he drives to the basket.

“Anytime you win the first game it’s a good thing,” said Hornet Coach Jake Palluzzi. ​“When you build up your lead you can get more kids into the mix,” he told the Eagle.

Branford also outscored the Lawmen in the last two periods 29 – 20, resulting in the 19 point margin of victory. Here is Colin Tracy pulling down a rebound as Joe Carbone and Bradley Valalik look on. 

Palluzzi (pictured)was happy with the performance of several players. ​“Griffin Pierson came off the bench and gave us some good minutes.

He said Richard Jacobson ​“did a good job for us,” Palluzzi added. Here is Jacobson popping one from the corner.

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