The Starting Five: Local Athletes of the Week

Kyle Klimas- Newington (Ice Hockey): Klimas scored a pair of goals as Newington blanked Southington 5-0 on Dec. 30. Goals from Braeden Humphrey, Harrison Ranger, and Joshua Grimm, and three assists from Blake Blackwood added to the offensive output. Goalie Jeremy Wagner stopped 14 shots to register the shutout as Newington improved to 3-1.  
 
Gianluca Albert- Cromwell (Basketball): Albert scored a game-high 26 points as the Panthers defeated East Hampton 67-45 at CHS on Dec. 28. The senior guard is a main scoring threat for a Panthers team that is 4-0, outscoring their opponents by nearly 25 points per game, entering the week.  
 
Christina DeNovellis- Rocky Hill (Basketball): DeNovellis scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and had seven steals as Rocky Hill crushed Ellis Tech 53-13 on Dec. 29. The junior has been tasked with a leadership role this season for a team without a senior. Fellow junior Kate Oostendorp is also taking on a leadership role, starring in a 44-39 victory over Plainville on Dec. 20 with nine points, nine steals, and five rebounds. 
 
Jada Bryant- Middletown (Basketball): Bryant scored a career-high 17 points as Middletown beat Lyman Hall 65-36 on Dec. 27. The junior was following up on her 12-point performance in a win over Bristol Central prior to the winter break. Entering the week, the Blue Dragons have won five of six games.  
 
Holden Speed- Wethersfield (Track & Field): Speed ran 6.99 in the 55 meters and had a long jump of 18-10, showcasing his all-around athletic ability at the Saulsbury Invitational in New Haven on Dec. 29. The senior has a rare combination of speed, power, and agility, which allows him to compete on both the track and in the field.