Ledyard — It is doubtful anyone affiliated with Ledyard High School basketball would feel fortunate today, particularly not in the wake of a 56-52 loss to New London on Friday night.

But the Colonels were witnesses to a pair of all-time performances at Standish Gym this week, perhaps making for good conversation fodder, if nothing else.

A few nights after Waterford's Mikey Buscetto rained 40 points on Ledyard from everywhere but the restroom, New London's D. Major Roman was just as dominant, even if his numbers weren't quite as gaudy Friday.

Roman finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks, four dunks and one charge taken, captivating a standing room only crowd. Three of his blocks either banged off the wall or went into the crowd.

"He had a big effect on the game and was the reason we only scored 52," Ledyard coach Dave Cornish said. "We handled the ball like it was a grenade because of him. We couldn't get rid of it fast enough. We were thinking about him blocking our shot instead of attacking him."

Roman and the Whalers evened their record at 3-3 and 1-1 in Division I of the Eastern Connecticut Conference. Ledyard is 5-2, 0-2.

"To be honest, I got a tooth knocked back early in the game and I got upset about it," Roman said. "I always thought I had pretty nice teeth. (Assistant) coach (D.J.) Exum told me to channel my aggression toward the game."

Exum never delivered better advice. Roman, too, might have seen the 30 points counterpart Trevor Hutchins of Ledyard scored against Waterford the other night, too, perhaps calling into question the true sheriff of the post in the league.

"There's been talk about who the best big man in the league is," Roman said. "I've been trying to establish some things."

Edwardo Gonzalez led the Whalers with 14 points. New London led by as many as 10 in the second half and then held on, thanks to a clutch free throw from Melquann Gomez in the final minute.

"Major played big in our game last week against Hartford Public and he played big tonight," New London coach Craig Parker said. "If he's active, he's the best big man in our league hands down."

The Whalers, with wins over Danbury and Ledyard, will be heard from throughout the Division I regular season and tournament. They're likely a few free throws away from being unbeaten.

"It was a big win in the sense we got to .500," Parker said. "Now we want to get over it."

Steven Fletcher and Isiah McNair had 15 apiece for Ledyard.

m.dimauro@theday.com