A Historic Victory for the Woodland Hawks

In a thrilling showdown at The Crosby Palace, the Woodland boys basketball team achieved a historic milestone by defeating the Crosby Bulldogs for the first time in their program’s 23-year history. The win marked a significant moment for the Hawks, who had never managed to beat Crosby since the team’s inception in 2001.

The game started with the Hawks struggling to find their rhythm, as the Bulldogs took an early lead and maintained a six-point advantage at halftime. However, Woodland’s second-half resurgence showcased their resilience and determination. With a renewed focus on pressure defense and outside shooting, the Hawks pulled off a 72-64 victory, securing their fourth win of the season.

Overcoming Adversity

Woodland coach Ryan Sullivan acknowledged the challenges faced by his team during the first half. “It’s the first time we’d faced adversity all year. We got punched in the mouth in the first half,” he said. “Our guys hung tough and fought back.”

The turning point came in the second half when the Hawks’ defensive energy picked up, particularly with their press defense. This shift not only energized the team but also allowed key players to step up and make crucial plays.

Senior guard John Napiello, who played in front of his father, Waterbury Police Deputy Chief John Napiello, overcame foul trouble in the first half to finish with 19 points, tying for the team-high with junior Aiden Pringle. Senior James Scampolino contributed 16 points, while Ean Pringle added seven.

Key Performances and Team Effort

Aiden Pringle was instrumental in the first half, scoring 12 of Woodland’s 24 points. His efforts were complemented by senior Markell Brown and junior Justin Pringle, who each scored a basket. Scampolino’s five points and Ean Pringle’s free throws helped keep the team competitive.

Napiello’s performance in the second half was nothing short of impressive. He scored 18 of his 19 points in the final two quarters, including 10 points in the third quarter that brought the Hawks within one point. Scampolino also made three of his four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, showcasing the team’s offensive firepower.

“Five guys working hard. Get your teammates open, let them knock down the shots,” Sullivan said. “If they miss, you go get the rebound. It’s a team game, and we need everyone.”

A Long Layoff and a Quality Win

What made this victory even more remarkable was that it was the first game the team had played since December 22. One game had been postponed due to an opponent’s double scheduling, and the Crosby game had to be moved because of snow. Despite the long layoff, the Hawks managed to secure a quality win.

Crosby’s leading scorers, Casleem Washington and Jamir Jackson, each scored 17 points. Julien Benjamin added 12 points, and Raquim Chapman contributed 10.

Game Highlights and Statistics

Woodland’s balanced attack was evident throughout the game:

• Markell Brown scored 9 points.
• John Napiello tallied 19 points.
• James Scampolino added 16 points.
• Ean Pringle contributed 7 points.
• Aiden Pringle matched Napiello with 19 points.
• Justin Pringle scored 2 points.

On the other side, Crosby’s top performers included:

• Julien Benjamin with 12 points.
• Jamir Jackson and Casleem Washington each scored 17 points.
• Raquim Chapman added 10 points.

3-Point Field Goals

Woodland’s 3-point shooting was a key factor in their success:

• Markell Brown made one 3-pointer.
• John Napiello hit one 3-pointer.
• James Scampolino connected on four 3-pointers.
• Ean Pringle added one 3-pointer.

Crosby’s shooters included:

• Julien Benjamin and Casleem Washington each made one 3-pointer.
• Cam Lovett and Raquim Chapman each hit one 3-pointer.

Final Standings

With this win, Woodland improved to 4-0 in the Naugatuck Valley League, while Crosby fell to 4-2.

This victory not only marks a historic moment for the Woodland Hawks but also highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in sports.