Branford Hornets' Boys’ Hoops Makes States and SCCs

Branford boys’ basketball recorded a pair of SCC Oronoque victories last week, first earning a 58-49 home win against North Haven on Jan. 15, followed by a 58-45 triumph at East Haven on Jan. 18. Jake Palluzzi’s squad now stands at 8-3 overall and 3-1 in the Oronoque, having clinched berths in both the SCC and state tournaments.

The game against North Haven was close until the Hornets outscored the Indians 23-11 in the third quarter to distance themselves en route to victory. Andy Klarman scored four points to go with eight rebounds and three blocks, Rustinel Lomotey scored 19 with seven boards and four assists, Alexander King scored 17 with four assists and four rebounds, Jon Fuller scored five with six boards and five assists, and Curtis Sutherland netted 10 points and snagged five boards for Branford.

Then in the win against the rival Yellowjackets, Klarman had a monster game with 14 points, 18 boards, and four blocks, Lomotey scored 16 with nine boards, King had 10 points with five assists, Sutherland scored nine with 10 rebounds and four steals, and Jeff Mahon scored nine for the Hornets.

“This was another big road win for the Hornets without junior point guard Jon Fuller, who was nursing a thumb injury. Klarman dominated the inside and we received good performances from Sutherland and Lomotey,” said Palluzzi. “This was a big week for the Hornets that ties us for first place in the Oronoque Division.”