Girls Final at Mohegan Sun; Spring Practice Starts Monday

E.O. Smith's Maggie Sundberg scored 16 points in her final high school basketball Saturday. The game was played in an arena where professionals play before a crowd larger than any she had played in front of before. The only problem was the final score.

E.O. Smith lost to Hillhouse-New Haven 77-50 Saturday in the Class L final.

For the Academics, it was their third straight championship. For Sundberg it's a memory to take with her into life. For her teammates it's a memory to keep with them next season when, perhaps, they will get another chance at a title.

The Panthers were not confused about what needed to be done against Hillhouse. Stop the duo of Bria Holmes and Andreana Thomas and you stop the Academics.

“It's not like we didn't know who they were,” E.O. Smith coach Kirk Murad told Patch's Tim Jensen after the game.

This is easier drawn than executed.

Murad followed a logical course, opening the game by collapsing in the paint and hoping the bright lights and big arena would cause Hillhouse to be cool from outside.

Thomas destroyed that strategy.

The task was hindered further when Murphy Murad, the Panthers top perimeter defender, was injured in the first quarter. After that Holmes and Thomas had their way.

Sundberg and her teammates were talented and fortunate enough to reach the finals but the simple math says only four teams can end their season with ultimate victory.

As Windham put the finishing touches on its championship season with a victory over Weaver-Hartford in the Class M final, Tolland was no doubt consumed with thoughts of what might have been. The Eagles had an 18-point lead against Windham in the semifinals but could not hold off a Whippets rally. Windham beat Tolland in overtime.

The Eagles will be back next season.

Kristin Schatzlein, Alli Gallo, Jess Olson and Jenna Lovett will all be back, which means Tolland will be among the preseason favorites to cut down the nets at Mohegan Sun next season. If they do, the heartbreaking loss to Windham will seem like a prelude. Something they all had to go through to get to the next step.

Except for Sarah Anischik. She is the lone senior and deserved a better ending.

Spring Springs

The first day of spring practice is Monday. There is hope in each town.

Will Somers be able to make it past the Class S softball semifinals this season?

Has Enfield improved enough to make the state tournament?

Will Brianna Allen and Chalsea Clarke help Windsor to the State Open track championship the Warriors narrowly missed last season?

Can Suffield improve on a 10-6 record in girls lacrosse and work its way through the Division I tournament usually dominated by Fairfield County?

Can Windsor Locks' Amanda Kulas build on a strong indoor season in pole vault?

What about Rockville junior Kelly Walker in the hurdles?

The answers to these questions and many others will start to take shape this week.