Maher Building Dynasty in Cromwell

 The Cromwell girls’ basketball team was one of the better sports teams in the area when Kelly Maher was a player and captain for the team in 1995. Now, eighteen years later, she has elevated the program to a new level of excellence as the lady Panthers head basketball coach.
 
The fifth year coach has won 86% of her games, since taking over for former coach Mark Blythe following the 2008 season, and during her tenure Cromwell has compiled a record of 98-14. Her stamp on the basketball program was sealed last season when she helped guide the team to an undefeated season, which culminated with a state championship. Last season’s perfection would seem to be just the beginning for the former Panther player turned coach.
 
Things haven’t been quite as perfect this season for Maher and the Panthers, who suffered their first loss in 29 games when they fell to the Morgan Huskies in Clinton on December 13th. However, since the loss, the team has reeled off three impressive victories and looks primed for another tournament run this season.
 
The team is led on the court by Janelle Harrison, who has committed to play collegiately at the University of Hartford. As a junior, she was key contributor to last season’s title team and has now assumed more of a leadership role in her senior season. The versatile 6-footer can dominate the game from inside and also has the ability to step outside the key and knock down jumpers.
 
Emily Appleby is another player whose role has increased this season. She is the teams’ court general and fearless leader. The senior point guard helped the Panthers shake off the early season loss to Morgan by scoring 12 points, grabbing three rebounds, dishing out two assists, and stealing three passes in a three-point road win over Haddam-Killingworth.
 
The success of last season has set a high bar for Cromwell and they will be looking to make another miraculous tournament run come February. In order to do so they will rely on superb sophomores Mya Villard and Araya Lessard to fill the voids left by Kelly Flanigan and Lindsay Langenauer, both who graduated last year.
 
Next, Cromwell (4-1) will travel to Deep River and face the up-and-coming Valley Regional Warriors on Thursday, January 2nd. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
 
Boys Basketball Round-Up
 
Wethersfield Wallops Newington
 
The Wethersfield Eagles improved to 3-1 by defeating the Newington Indians, 77-63, in an early season rivalry showdown. The Eagles look to keep their early season momentum going when they travel to Vernon to face the Rockville Rams. Tip-off will be Friday at 7 p.m.
 
The loss drops Newington to 1-3. The Indians will look to snap a three game skid Friday night when they host the Bristol Eastern Lancers. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at Newington High School.
 
Cromwell Suffers First Loss
 
Last season, the Cromwell girls finished without a loss on their way to a title. This season, the boys were hoping to duplicated that feat, but they suffered their first loss of the young season at the hands of the Bristol Central Rams on Saturday, 47-35. The loss came on the heels of a nail-biting 51-49 victory over Terryville on Friday.
 
Cromwell will look to get back of track when they travel to the shoreline and battle the Hale Ray Noises of Moodus. Tip-off is Friday at 7 p.m.
 
Rocky Hill Splits at Maloney Tourney
 
The Rocky Hill Terriers upended the Newington Indians, 68-59, and then lost to the host Maloney Spartans, 76-60, during the Maloney Holiday Tournament this past weekend. Rocky Hill has lost two of their last three games after starting the season with an impressive road victory over the Southington Knights.
 
The Terriers will play their home opener this Friday night when the welcome the Weaver Beavers (3-3) to Rocky Hill High School. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.