The Starting Five: Local Athletes of the Week

James Grodzicki- Cromwell (Basketball): Grodzicki scored 19 points and grabbed a dozen rebounds as Cromwell handily defeated Old Lyme last Thursday. The senior center has been a steady force for a Panthers team that has won six of their last seven games entering the week.

Lilly Ferguson- Newington (Basketball): Ferguson continues to be an all-around dynamo, filling up the stat sheets on a weekly basis. The junior point-forward scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had six assists in a 59-49 win over Middletown last Wednesday and then followed it up with a 17-point, 11-rebound, four-steal performance in a come-from-behind win over Wethersfield last Friday, helping Newington stay undefeated (10-0).

Quinton Zakarian- Middletown (Swim & Dive): Zakarian filled a much-needed diving slot as Middletown celebrated a win on Senior Night. The sophomore learned six dives in two days, helping the Blue Dragons chalk up a victory over rival Avon. Head coach Trevor Charles praised Zakarian for his flexibility, saying “Kid showed some true character last week!”

Matthew Mitchell- Rocky Hill (Swim & Dive): Mitchell is the Terriers top diver and currently holds the school record in six dives, which he broke twice last year. The junior placed 3rd at the CCC diving championships a season ago and he also swims for the team when needed, performing well. Outside of the pool, Michell is an honor roll student and is also an accomplished vocalist, who completes at Northern Regionals.
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Declan Hallinan- Wethersfield (Swim & Dive): Hallinan swam a lifetime best in the 100 Fly, breaking the minute barrier with a time of 59.58 to finish second in a meet against Conard last week. The senior is helping pace an Eagles team that is competing hard and surviving on depth this winter.