Williston’s Boys Varsity Basketball team defeated a spirited Hotchkiss School team, 57-49, in the first round of the NEPSAC Class A Playoffs.  The reigning Class A Champion Wildcats are now one step closer to defending their title.

Hotchkiss started the game with energy and enthusiasm. The visitor’s dynamic guards drove to the basket effectively, and the determination of their big men off the boards helped them to mount an early lead.  Despite Williston’s slow start, key players for the Wildcats stepped up to keep the score close.

Sam Geschickter ’16 and Jamal David ’16 were instrumental in helping the Wildcats settle into their offensive rhythm.   Geschickter drained a few shots from distance to reel in the visitors, and David was able to finish his penetrating drives with graceful layups.

After numerous lead changes, the hotly-contested first half ended with a 1-point advantage for the hosts, 25-24.  Coach Shelton was able to settle his players down at halftime and prepare them for an excellent second half performance.

In the second half, Williston rediscovered its balanced scoring attack and tough team defense that served them well during the regular season. Senior Jake Ross ’16 played a critically important role for the Wildcats late in the contest.  His 10 second-half points helped the Wildcats start important scoring runs to widen their lead; however, Hotchkiss responded quickly with consecutive baskets of their own to keep the game close.

Williston held on to a 1-point lead going into the final minutes of the game, when Geschickter ’16 drained a three-pointer that inspired his team and electrified the crowd.  Williston played their best basketball of the night to stretch their lead to 7-points, but the stingy visitors were fortunate to finish two three-point plays, narrowing the lead back down to 1-point with just seconds to play!

But this would be Williston’s night! In a moment of great confidence and competitive brilliance, Sam Geschickter nailed a Steph Curry range 3-pointer to solidify the win.  “During that play I knew the shot clock was running down and we had to get a shot up, so as soon as I caught the ball I put it up,” said Geschickter about decision to shoot from distance. “It went in because I didn’t think twice about shooting it. I didn’t even realize how deep it was until my teammates told me after the game.”

“Tonight was a great March basketball game,” said Coach Shelton of today’s tournament game.  “Hotchkiss is extremely well coached, and they made it difficult for us on both sides of the court.  Our guys showed resilience, toughness and made huge shots down the stretch to pull it out.”

Geschickter finished the contest with a game-high 20 points, and Jake Ross finished with 14. Williston will host #6 Suffield Academy this Saturday at 1 pm for a spot in the NEPSAC Class A Final.  “We are excited to play Suffield this Saturday,” added Coach Shelton.  “It is a huge rivalry between our two schools and it will be a fantastic atmosphere!”

 

Girls Varsity Hockey defeated a hard-working Milton Academy team 3-1 to advance to the NEPSAC Tournament semifinals.

Although the Wildcats carried much of the momentum throughout the opening periods of play, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 going into the decisive third period.

Williston showed its quality in crunch time. Gabby Jones ’18 finished off a beautifully-constructed power play goal to make the score 1-0 in the opening minutes of the period.

Once Milton’s net was breached, the Wildcats’ confidence grew as they pushed for a second goal.  Delaney Belinskas ’16 blasted a shot from the slot that ricocheted over the goalie’s shoulder and trickled into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

Milton was able to cut the lead in half after a laser wrist shot beat standout goaltender Morgan Fisher ’16 against the run of play.  The Wildcats were quickly able to regroup and set up Caroline Difore ’19 for an insurance goal with three minutes remaining.

Despite a hectic finish that saw the Wildcats kill off a penalty against six Milton skaters, Williston hung on for the 3-1 win.  “We had an excellent effort today, and it was great to see us really come together in the third,” said Coach Talbot-Syfu about her team’s performance today. “We had a variety of players play a part in our three goals, and we had a great defensive effort.”

With their win over Milton today the Girls Varsity team has set a new record for most wins in a season with 21!  “It’s great to break the school record for wins,” added Coach Talbot-Syfu. Williston will host #3 Loomis this Saturday at 2:45 pm in the semifinals of the NEPSAC Tournament. Go Wildcats!