Ledyard — It wasn't lost on the players or coaches at Ledyard High School that the latest New Haven Register/GameTimeCT top 10 poll featured the Colonels several spots lower than Waterford in the "also receiving votes" section. This after the Colonels spent the first two weeks of the season beating several brand names around Connecticut.

Ledyard needn't worry about next week's rankings, provided the voters were paying attention Tuesday night.

The Colonels snapped a 51-51 tie with a 12-0 run late in the third period and pulled away from the Lancers 88-74 at Standish Gym, handing Waterford its first loss.

Junior forward Trevor Hutchins led the Colonels (5-1) with a career high 30 points, helping his team overcome Waterford's Mike Buscetto, who finished with a career high 40.

"I told the guys they are surprising me how they're doing this," Cornish said, alluding to his team's impressive start.

They're doing it with athleticism, rebounding, a perimeter game and Tuesday night, an overwhelming post game. Ken Turner added 16 inside for the Colonels, who ate Waterford for lunch underneath.

"I told Trevor he's got to get 15 a night minimum. I know he can get 20," Cornish said. "He's got some great post moves. He doesn't now that, though."

Waterford coach Bill Bassett said, "Hutchins absolutely ate us up inside. Our game plan was to neutralize their two great guards (Steven Fletcher and Isiah McNair) and make someone else beat you. Well, they did. I tip my hat to them."

Fletcher had 17 and McNair scored 16 for Ledyard, which trailed by one at halftime but led by 10 after three.

Buscetto, meanwhile, proved worthy of his preseason mention among the state's top 25 players to watch.

"He had how many?" Bassett said, unaware after the game that Buscetto finished with as many as 40. "What can I say? Big-game player. He noticed there were opportunities to break down his defender and do what he does best: create. When his shot is going, who am I to say, 'don't shoot that?' He also gave opportunities to other players. Big-time player."

Cornish: "Mikey is a handful. Oh my goodness. I told our guys that Mikey is going to get his, let's keep the rest of the guys under control. But Mikey is great."

Waterford plays for the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II lead Friday night against Stonington while Ledyard plays the region's marquee game against New London at Standish Gym.

"We are both good teams," Bassett said. "I told coach Cornish after the game, 'we want another crack at you.' He said, 'I hope not.'"

The teams could meet again in the ECC tournament.

m.dimauro@theday.com