The Morgan girl’s basketball team is ready to kick off their season with high hopes and ambitions. After rigorous preseason training, the team is eager to hit the court and demonstrate their hard-earned skills. Coach Woods and coach Lynch have focused on developing a balanced approach, emphasizing offensive plays and full-court defensive strategies to ensure a well-rounded performance.
Leading the team is a dedicated captain known for her exceptional play-making abilities and leadership qualities. Lili Luciani has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and determination among her teammates.
She carried her leadership from the girl’s soccer team to basketball this year. She works alongside the other two captains, Cora Dunham and Alana Zirlis, to push the team to their fullest potential. Luciani said, “We have definitely tried to be more inclusive to the freshman and underclassmen.” She explains that this “has really helped our team chemistry.”
The roster includes a lot of experienced players and only a couple of newcomers, creating a dynamic and versatile lineup that promises to be competitive in every game. Sophomore point guard Sadie Passante claimed, “Our chemistry drives our hard work, as we all have the desire to win and do the best we can for ourselves and each other.”
The girls started their season strong when they took the win against Valley Regional on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024. They ended the game with a score of 65-22. They continued this trend of pulling away with the win when they faced North Branford and Cromwell, winning both games by over 20 points. They took the loss away at, out-of-conference, Grandy Memorial on Saturday, December 28th, 2024. The Huskies lost with a score of 28-40. These ladies play at home against the Portland Highlanders on Friday, January 17th at 7:00 pm.
The team is determined to make a strong start and build momentum, aiming to win the Shoreline championship. “After losing last year in the Shoreline championship, we definitely want to avenge ourselves and win shorelines,” Luciani expressed.
The Morgan boy’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting start to the season. With a mix of seasoned players, and promising newcomers, the team is looking forward to showcasing their skills and teamwork on the court. The preseason practices have been intense, with the coach, Rossi, focusing on building a strong foundation of fundamentals and strategy. Captains, Wyatt Luke and Luke McComiskey, hope to push the team to continue the hard work from last year. Coming off an 18-3 overall record is tough to improve, but if any team can do it, it is the Morgan boys basketball team.
The team’s captain, a senior with a reputation for leadership and high performance, Wyatt Luke, is optimistic about their chances this year. Luke says the whole team “has something to prove this year.” The players have been working hard to improve their fitness, refine their techniques, and develop a cohesive playing style that emphasizes both offense and defense.
Senior forward, Hunter Mancini, says that the team has done “a lot of open gyms since the summer.” Mancini said that “they would do the basic summer and fall leagues against better competition than the Shoreline Conference” to prepare for the start of the season competitions. Luke carries on by saying that the team “wants to show everyone what type of team we are.”
The boys took on their first game against Valley Regional on Tuesday, December 17th. They fought hard but lost with a final score of 56-68. Later that month, they faced Old Saybrook in a winter tournament hosted by Morgan. They took away the win, ending the game with a 59-44 score. Their next game is away at Portland High School on Tuesday, January 7th at 7 pm. The Huskies hold a record of 1-5 and hope to turn things around in their upcoming games.
On behalf of the whole team, Mancini says their goal for the season is to win the Shoreline championship, and then continue in the tournament to win the State championship. The boys are determined to start strong and set the tone for the rest of the year, aiming to make Morgan proud with every game they play.
The Morgan wrestling is set to begin their season with a sense of anticipation and readiness. After weeks of intense training and conditions, the wrestlers are eager to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The coach, Jimmy Lewis, has been emphasizing technique, strength, and endurance, ensuring that the team is prepared for the challenges ahead of them. He is pushing the rookies to gain more understanding and basic techniques while encouraging the returners to set their own goals. To help them achieve their goals and get better.
The team captain, a senior with a history of impressive performances, Ariana Farr, is confident in their prospects this year. Her leadership and experience are invaluable assets, helping to guide the younger wrestlers and build a coordinated unit. But she doesn’t do it alone; Dominic Larabee, Carson Dowd, and Tyler Farrell are also helping hands when it comes to captains taking responsibility. The team features a mix of returning wrestlers, along with promising new athletes, each bringing their unique strengths to the mat. Farr said that “the team dynamic has definitely changed, especially now with a new [head] coach.” She explains that “the pace in the room is much faster.” She continues to go into detail about how the team, “has a more variety of weight classes in [the] room so they are more open to everyone getting an opportunity.”
The team has participated in many tournaments and duals so far this season. On December 21st, senior captain Dominic Larabee won 5th place in the 150 weight class and won again on January 11th in the Canton tournament in the 144 weight class. In the same tournament there were placements from Tyler Farrell in the 150 weight class, Hayden Darr in the 120 weight class, and Lessandro Gonzalez-Gomez and Nick Farr in the 106 weight class.
The team is continuing their determination throughout the season, aiming to set a positive tone for the rest of the season and achieve their goals with every match.
The start of Hockey season has arrived for the East Haven Co-op hockey team. The team was buzzing with energy as they hit the ice rink for their official first practice on Monday, December 2nd, 2024. Our Morgan players are all seasoned players who have been on the East Haven team for 2–3 years. Each hockey player is ready to prove themselves and work together with their team, toward a common goal: a successful and high-energy season after their 8-2 conference season last year.
The coach Lou Payne, a seasoned strategist, gathers the team together to motivate them, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Morgan athletes, juniors Benji Brown and Zach Veins, and sophomore Braeden Steal, along with the rest of their East Haven teammates, know the road ahead will be challenging, but they are ready to face it head-on.
As the practices progress, the players showcase their skills, from shooting to offensive and defensive strategy. The camaraderie among them is evident, regardless of what town and school they go to. The team, a blend of individual talent and collective spirit, is poised to make an impact on surrounding towns and fans this season. Captains, Lorenzo Defilio (Sheehan), Preston Cantele (Sheehan), and Cameron Lacroix (East Haven), all work to “show that [the team] is legit and can make a run for the championship” according to junior left-winger, Zach Veins.
The East Haven Yellow Jackets competed in their first game on December 18, 2024, against Amity High School. The game went into overtime, resulting in a 3-3 tie. They went on to win their next three games against Glastonbury, Cheshire, and Branford, but fell short against New Milford, ending in a 2-1 score. The East Haven Yellow Jackets, and the Morgan Huskies, are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season with their record already being 4-1-1. The players are ready to leave it all on the ice, driven by their passion for the game and the desire to bring glory to their schools.
The Morgan Indoor Track geared up for another season, with high hopes of succeeding this year. The Husky runners attended their first meet on December 17, 2024, at James Hillhouse High School. The sound of footsteps and the rhythmic thump of spikes against the floor is what the normal soundtrack sounds like for these runners. The team is a mix of experienced veterans and eager newcomers, all united by their passion for the sport.
Coaches Mr. Esposito, a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at Eliot Middle School, and Antonyo Serrano, coach of Morgan boy’s soccer team are plotting out the season, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete. There’s a sense of intensity in the air each practice. Each athlete focused on their personal goals, along with the teams.
Returning this year is the boys 4 by 200 relay run by seniors Aidan Campion, Mark Rodriquez, Micheal Fusco, and junior Jake Lichack who made states last year and is looking to “do better than last year,” said Campion. Campion said that he and Rodriquez, “are both expected to be top 10 in the shoreline for Long Jump.” Campion’s personal goal is “to medal in the long jump this year” in shorelines or states.
They are determined to improve and push their limits to achieve their full potential this season. Senior captain Gabi Navarra spoke on behalf of the team saying that their goal this year is to “find the events that they are best at and to make it to shorelines and states this year.”
The Morgan fencing team was poised to start their season with enthusiasm and determination. After a diligent preseason of drills and strategy sessions, the fencers were ready to demonstrate their agility and precision. Coach, Jim Barnett, focuses on honing fencers’ technique and building a strong mental game, essential for success in this fast-paced sport.
The team captain, a skilled and experienced fencer, is optimistic about their chances this year. Meredith O’Brien’s leadership and tactical knowledge have been crucial in preparing the team for the challenges ahead. Coming off of a successful season last year, with four 1st team, seven 2nd team, and two academic all-conference awards, along with Coach Barnett being named coach of the year, the team is determined to continue the Morgan Fencing legacy. The team is coming back with seasoned athletes, along with 15 new fencers who are trying the sport for the first time, creating a versatile squad ready to take on any opponent. Captains Meredith O’Brien, Riley Brachler, Joey O’Brien, and Henry Tessman work to show the underclassmen and rookies what it means to be a part of the team and train them to fence to the best of their ability.
The fencers have made a strong start to the winter season and continue aiming to set a high standard and achieve their goals throughout the rest of the year. On January 4th, senior captain, Joey O´Brien earned his 100 career high school win, fencing as an epee. On January 11th, the JV fencing team went to North Haven to compete in a tournament. They left the gym with eight placed fencers. Sophomore, Mekai Howard won 3rd place for Men’s Foil and sophomore Taylor Breen placed 6th for Women’s Foil. For Women’s Sabre, sophomore Molly O’Donnell placed 2nd, and sophomore Seren Howard placed 3rd. Joey Morrissey won 2nd and Jude Watson won 3rd place for Men’s Sabre. Lastly, for Women’s Epee, sophomore Saorirse O’Biern placed 2nd, and sophomore Annabelle Parent placed 6th. With all these young fencers succeeding so early in their careers, the future is looking up for the Morgan fencing team.
Morgan Cheer is taking a step away from the field, and moving onto the court. With 17 girls on the team, there will be a lot of excitement brought to both the boy’s and girl’s basketball games this winter. Senior, captain Katie Nguyen, says that she is looking forward to “learning a new routine and trying new stunts before competing later in the season”.
These cheerleaders made their first appearance on December 17, 2024, at the girls’ basketball game against Valley Regional.
Coach Tina, focuses on “learning cheers, jumps, stunting and a halftime routine.” This helps to prepare the cheerleaders for all situations when cheering at basketball games. Nguyen said that their cheers consist of “Tip It, W-I-N, Huskies Attack, and Go Huskies Let’s Go” to get the crowd and student section excited before and during all games.
All cheerleaders will have the opportunity to try out for competition cheer. This year, tryouts were on December 13, 2024, and the first practice took place on December 18, 2024. For tryouts, each athlete was asked to perform “a cheer, dance, tumbling individually and jumps and [are] scored out of 50.” Based on their scores, they make the team or are an alternate. This year, everyone made the team and has practices about 3-4 times a week. They will have the chance to bring home a first-place title and compete against other surrounding schools to see who does the best. These girls continue to make Morgan proud and bring the school spirit to every game and competition.
