Nor’easters Best Panthers on Hardwood

Newington girls’ basketball shook off an early deficit to come from behind and defeat Cromwell 64-44 on Jan. 31. 
           
The Panthers jumped out to a 20-14 lead after the first quarter and held a seven point lead at the half before Newington rallied behind a tremendous defensive effort in which they held Cromwell to 12 second half-points.
           
Four Newington players scored in double figures with freshman Bela Cucuta leading the way with 15 points, 12 coming from downtown. Fellow freshman Kendall Miller added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals. Senior Lilly Ferguson added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while fellow senior Marlie Zocco chipped in 10 points.
           
Cromwell was led by Nevaeh Clark, who had 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Adela Cecunjanin added 12 rebounds, nine points, and blocked four shots. 
           
Newington wrapped up last week with a win over Bristol Eastern, 55-41, upping the team’s record to 16-1. Ferguson scored a game-high 20 and Cucuta added 15 in the win over the Lancers. Next up for the Nor’easters is a rematch at powerhouse Windsor on Fri, Feb. 11 at 6:45 p.m. They close the regular season at home on Mon., Feb 14 against Wethersfield for a 5:30 p.m. tip.
           
​Cromwell rebounded from the loss to Newington with back-to-back wins over Haddam-Killingworth (53-42) and Coginchaug Regional (38-33) to close the week with a record of 11-2. Cecunjanin combined for 24 points and 28 rebounds in the two wins. The Panthers close out the regular season with two of three at home beginning with a game against Canton on Sat. Feb 12 at 2:30 p.m.