Old Lyme — Old Lyme's gym came alive when senior Sam Koenigs nailed a 3-pointer with over two minutes left in Thursday's game and ended whatever hope North Branford had of coming back.

Old Lyme's bench went crazy. The junior varsity, seated in the bleachers across from the bench, erupted in cheers. And Koenigs' family enthusiastically cheered and clapped from the front row.

Thursday night was Old Lyme's Senior Night, so the families of Colbe Andrews and Koenigs were both allowed to attend even though the school has not allowed fans all season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It made a 58-51 Shoreline Conference win over the Thunderbirds extra special for both seniors.

"I came out this senior season not knowing (if I was going to make the team)," Koenigs said. "It meant a lot to my mom (Robin) seeing me play. My brother (Dan) was here, too. It meant a lot. It really meant a lot."

Andrews said, "To have family (here) was 100-percent important because they supported me through my journey through baseball, basketball and football. Just having them here to be able to watch me for one game meant the world to me."

Andrews' mother (Gigi), father (Douglas) and sister (Peighton) were there to watch Colbe.

Andrews had eight points and six rebounds and junior Nick Cox had 10 points, five assists and four steals for the Wildcats (4-3). Junior Frank Sablone added seven points, nine rebounds and two steals and classmate Jacob Ritchie had 15 points and three steals.

Sophomore John Onofrio made four 3-pointers and scored 16 for North Branford (0-8). Sophomore Jack Meehan added 12 points.

The topic of allowing spectators to attend indoor events has been a thorny issue across the state with both sides have well-meaning arguments. Parents want to see their kids play in person rather than watching a livestream, especially if their child requires medical attention. School districts want to do everything they can to keep student-athletes safe and lower the chances of spreading the virus.

Governor Ned Lamont announced in late February that the number of fans allowed at youth events was increased with a cap at 25-percent or 200 fans, whichever is the lower number. The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference has still recommended against spectators but has left it up to its membership to make their own decisions.

Most leagues around the state have left it up to the schools. The Eastern Connecticut Conference hasn't allowed fans this winter. The majority of the Shoreline Conference hasn't allowed spectators, including Old Lyme. It has a small gym with one whole side taken up by both benches with everyone spread out.

"I understand why they can't be here," Koenigs said, "but it really meant a lot to me (to have them here)."

Andrews said, "It was great to have a little bit of a crowd tonight. It was awesome."

The Wildcats started fast by scoring the game's first seven points and led by as much as 19-4 with over two minutes left in the first quarter.

North Branford increased its defensive pressure in the second quarter and the game got sloppy. The teams combined for seven points and 17 turnovers, nine of which were by Old Lyme after it didn't have any in the first quarter.

The Thunderbirds got as close as 21-15 early in the third quarter.

Old Lyme led by nine early in the fourth quarter when it pulled away with a 10-3 run. Ritchie scored four during that run and Cox's layup pushed the Wildcats' ahead, 49-33, with over five minutes left.

North Branford had just scored on successive possessions when Koenigs made an open three by his team's bench to give them a 54-39 lead with 2:16 remaining.

"That was very nice," Koenigs said about the reaction to his shot. "I immediately looked at my brother. Me and him have this thing. The energy was just ecstatic."

Andrews said, "Everyone stood up, I think. It was awesome."

n.griffen@theday.com