rare reminder Starting Five: Athletes of the Week

Wethersfield High School junior Ryan McDonough was named an Athlete of the Week after pinning Glastonbury’s Na-Zir McDonough last week at WHS.

Ryan McDonough - Wethersfield High School (Wrestling): McDonough scored an impressive victory in a home meet last week, pinning Glastonbury’s Na-zir Johnson in the third period to win the 170-pound match on Jan. 18. First-year head coach Anthony Piscitello called McDonough’s performance his best all season, crediting him for his growth in the mat and dedication to the sport he entered the program with an extensive background in Jiu-jitsu background and had to learn the nuances of wrestling.       
           
Bela Cucuta - Newington High School (Basketball): Cucuta scored a team-high 16 points as the Nor’easters defeated Glastonbury 38-32 in a pivotal Central Connecticut Conference clash on Jan. 20. The win was Newington ninth victory this season and snapped Glastonbury’s 10-game winning streak. Brianna Gadarowski (nine points, six rebounds), Kendall Miller (six points, nine rebounds), and Selah Prignano (five points, ten rebounds) also helped pace Newington, who improved to 9-3 with the win. Next up is a road test at Ledyard High School (tonight) Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. before returning home for a pair of games against Simsbury (Jan. 30) and Southington (Feb. 3). Both games at NHS tip at 6:45 p.m.  
           
Bayden Bayek - Rocky Hill High School (Track & Field): Bayek had a pair of wins, winning the 3,000 meters at the 8th Wintergreen Invitational 9:13.88 Jan. 5 and the 1,600 meters Hillhouse Varsity Meet Night 4:28.50 on Jan. 13. Both times were personal-bests for Bayek, who has committed to keep running and continue his education at George Washington University starting in the fall. Bayek and the Terriers team will next compete at the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) championships at the Floyd Athletic Center in New Haven on Saturday, Jan. 28, starting at 9 a.m.      
           
Jessica Grodzicki - Cromwell High School (Basketball): Grodzicki continued her terrific all-around season last week with three more stat-stuffing games in wins over Westbrook, Canton, and Hale Ray. Grodzicki, a senior, combined for 21 points, 24 assists, 15 rebounds, and 17 steals in the three games. Her eight steals in the win over Hale Ray on Jan. 20 was a season-high and helped the team win their fourth straight game and improve to 10-3 overall this season. The Panthers are on the road this Friday, visiting Coginchaug Regional High School, before returning to CHS for a bout with Morgan on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Both games tip at 7 p.m.  
           
​Sophia Hedge - Mercy High School (Basketball): Hedge scored a team-high 16 points as the Tigers defeated Hillhouse 75-56 on Jan. 17, improving the team to 8-2 this season. Hedge, senior, was one of four Mercy players to score in double figures, joining junior Winnie Ciccarello (13), senior Ava Giansiracusa (12), and freshman Maddie Benigni (12). Next up for the Tigers is a home bout with Norwich Free Academy this Saturday, Jan. 28. Tip-off is 3 p.m.