McConnell Looks to Become a Champion in Her Final Year With Bobcats

Junior Alex Goslin cut through the paint and kicked it out to the corner. Senior Amy McConnell received the pass and released a three pointer, her first shot in a Bobcats uniform since the conclusion of her sophomore year. It rattles around the rim before finally going down. Just like that she was back.

        McConnell established a love for basketball at the start of middle school. After witnessing friends, Lauren Biancardi and Sara Jackson, play travel basketball, she decided to take her position on the sport to the next level. Family friend Haley Garcia and her father took McConnell under their wing. They coached her, helping her land a position on the middle school basketball team and a future AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and SWHS star player was born.

McConnell joined AAU the following year as a seventh grader, and began to dial up her intensity. Her passion for the game grew and athletic skill were enhanced. "I've always been a competitive person, [I] work very hard and if I want something I'll go and get it," she said.

Along with having athletic ability and passion, McConnell understands that greatness is not limited to the one factor. "Mental toughness is big," she said. "You can practice your skills all you want, but having mental toughness is a real challenge."  

McConnell spends the hours prior to games picturing the possible scenarios. “I’ll visualize where I’m going to make the passes, follow through with my shot, going hard to the basket, how I’m going to play defense and make steals," she said. "[And] ultimately I visualize us winning. There's no other option."

McConnell was challenged with a setback that lasted her entire junior year. She suffered a torn ACL in July of 2013 while competing in an AAU tournament. This kept her from playing athletics until May of 2014. "It was tough," she said. "But I learned that 40% of the challenge was the knee and the rest of it was mental toughness. The hard part was sitting out and containing myself from jumping back into things. The worst you can do is come back too early."

Sitting out was difficult, but not a complete loss for McConnell. "I learned so much from just watching and I think I'm an even better player now than I was before," she said. "I saw things that I never noticed."

Despite achieving high prestige in the sport and having a healthy mix of skill and passion, there is one last thing McConnell wishes to check off. Much like her teammates, she wishes to once again compete at Mohegan Sun and this time, bring home the championship. "Going one win farther than last year would be awesome," she said. "Especially to end senior year [like that]. I want to have my chance. I want to lead the team. As a senior you have to be a leader."

In the fall, McConnell will be attending Bentley University, home of Division II basketball. She is wary of the potential change in the playing environment. "They have five freshmen this year who are really strong, so that's good for me. At least when I come in, there will be some strong upperclassmen. It's obviously going to be a lot [faster] paced. The players are going to be bigger than me, but I'll be ready for that," she said.

Don LeClerc has been McConnell’s coach for her four years at South Windsor. He said that she is widely useful on the court and on the bench. “Having a player like Amy is extremely helpful, not only with her scoring, but also with her overall leadership,” he said.“One of the things that Bentley recognized is that she is a great shooter, a great floor leader, and a great mentor to the younger girls. She brings a calm understanding for the game and is able to get her point across to the rest of the team in such a manner that she doesn’t have to raise her voice, they know exactly what she means.”

McConnell will be a big factor in the Run for the Sun (Part 2). Heading into January, she is averaging around 18.2 points per game.

When her high school career concludes, success will continue to be a possibility for McConnell. To Bentley she will bring a deadly efficient shooting stroke, and a knowledge for the game of basketball that is more enhanced than ever.

Girls Basketball Aims for Return to Mohegan Sun

It was not the outcome the girls’ basketball team had expected. As the clock wound down, their classmates showered them with an affectionate chant: “We still love you!” The warmth lasted until the chants were drowned out by an ecstatic Laurelton Hall crowd who had claimed the prize they lost at the buzzer one year earlier. Laurelton’s quest for redemption was over, but for South, such a quest was just beginning.

Coach Don Leclerc’s core of players have moved on, but team chemistry has not faltered. Those returning have inherited the heart, passion, and desire to win. Last year it was a matter of the team finding ways to compete without Amy McConnell and Kaitlyn LaBonte. “I was extremely proud of them. I know the girls were very disappointed, but they did what only one other team has done in the history of the school,” Leclerc said.

According to senior Lauren Biancardi the team is ready to take on a new and for some of them, final challenge together. “We’ve all known each other for a really long time,” she said. “[Last year] proved to us that we have the potential, because I don’t think we thought that we’d ever be able to get there. Last year proved that we could. This year we’re hoping to win that final game.”

Senior Sara Jackson says that the remaining players from last year’s state championship run are on the same page. “We have really good team chemistry,” Jackson said. “We all have the same motive and we want to work together. Next time we’re [at Mohegan Sun], we’ll definitely be ready.”

Leclerc has identified what must be done to return to the summit in States. “I think they have the potential to get back to Mohegan,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of work to do. They have to be dedicated, work harder than anybody else, and they have to put aside personal accomplishments for team accomplishments. I think we have the right group of girls to do that.”

On the court, the defining factor will be rebounding due to the loss of some height, according to Leclerc. “Because of our size, we’re [at a disadvantage] going into every game and we know that,” he said. “This year we have to rebound as a team, last year we could get away with two or three kids boxing out and a couple not. This year all five have to be boxing out or we’re in trouble on a nightly basis because there’s going to be few teams we outsize in this league.”

Off to a 9-0 start in the season, the team has looked to the returning girls. Junior Molly Murphy has the ability to score 10+ points each game, and has the height to be a rebounder in the paint. Alex Goslin has helped the Bobcats early: scoring in the paint, distributing and stealing the ball. Leclerc says that Goslin is of great value on both sides of the floor. “[Alex] will be in a leadership type role, she’s running the one/two for us along with Amy, so they’re both interchangeable,” he said. “Last year as a sophomore she helped a lot. She’s going to be called in nightly to defend, quite often, the [other] team’s best player, she’s going to be asked to run the fast break and push the ball up the court. She’s asked to be our floor general as well as our leading defender.”

Senior Amy McConnell who sat out all of last season with a torn ACL will be returning to the team. McConnell has shown that she can dominate offensively. She can cut to the hoop and finish with either hand, drain a three, or pass the ball off making her a trump card on the offensive end. She believes that speed is the team’s main advantages. “One of our strengths is that we’re all really fast, we’re not that big [but] we can run and tire [the opposition] out,” said McConnell.

Leclerc says the team can be imposing each night. “We pride ourselves in our defense,” he said. “We’re going to have to get back on defense quickly [when finished at the offensive end] and stop their interior. We need to make up for their size by harassing their guards, keep them from getting into the post.”

The chemistry that the team possesses has blended with the desire to win. They have obtained the fire and drive from their departed teammates from the class of 2014. They have speed and skill along with plans to utilize it. You’ve got yourself another potential dynamic team South. If the girls can control the boards we may once again be bound for Uncasville.

New Coach, New Era for Boys Basketball

Devyn Arel bolted towards the rim: stone-faced with determination, eyes wide. He beat out Plainville’s defense with a quick layup, resulting in applause. It was the first applause of the year and of a new era in boys’ basketball.

The hype of change can begin with the Bobcat’s new coach in Jim Dargati. Dargati arrived at South Windsor after a 24 year stint at Loomis Chaffee and has brought some notable accolades and moral experience and has been a part of success that South Windsor covets to reach. At Loomis, he was the head coach for 14 years, coaching one of the premier teams in New England, taking them to a New England Championship in 2009. 39 of his former players went on to play college basketball.

Dargati has taken over a frustrated program that has won 10 games in the last five years, and he understands the challenge ahead. “It’s going to take time and patience but I think we can get it done,” he said. “I’ve told them that the past is the past. They’re hungry for success, and I look forward for the team to make improvements throughout the course of the season.” However, he says patience is key. “We’re not setting any long term goals right now,” he said. “We’re going to approach this season as a 20-rung ladder. We’re not going to circle any games on the schedule, but instead take it one game at a time.”

Dargati is impressed with the current team chemistry, and believes they will not have to fight internal conflict in the slightest. Instead, it will be an aspect that they rely on. “That’s something you can’t teach,” he said, “Teams either have it or they don’t. It’s something that comes from within.”

Dargati has developed offensive and defensive schemes that are new even to the returning players. He is focused on maximizing strength and minimizing weakness. He wants to execute in the half court, establish a patient approach to each game and envisions the team thriving if they can become a solid defensive and rebounding team.

Senior Ben Callahan has played varsity basketball since his freshman year and is optimistic about the new coach. “He [has] a lot of plays that we didn’t have last year,” he said. “He wants everything a certain way, and I think it’ll help us in the long run.”

Callahan also hopes that the younger players can contribute off the bench. “I would love the young guys to turn it around, and create a winning environment.” As much of a process as it will be in getting boys varsity basketball to full strength, he hopes that the team can make the playoffs.  

Senior Jeff Czapla has transferred over from rival East Catholic and has been able to bring points in the paint and rebounding to the table early. Czapla along with Joe Hill make up the starting forward positions and are the giants of the front court.

Freshman Jake Donald according to Dargati is a strong power forward that has made early strides. He can be a player off the bench that fulfills Dargati's hope for defense and rebounding presence.

Callahan is a returning starter, along with Arel and starting guard Joe Tamburro. The team will have to press on without Adam LeClerc due to a leg injury, a senior who shot a good percentage last year and brought height.

A new era has begun in South Windsor, and a new plan has been set into motion. In time, boys basketball plans to emerge from the shadow of girls basketball and become a ferocious one-two punch. Something special may be brewing. The team is 6-4, already matching their win total from last year and has made an early push for a chance at a playoff position.

Boys Swimming and Diving (2014-15)

Record:  9-1  | 5th overall finish in Class L Championships (best finish in team history)

2/10: W v East Catholic 91-82, team breaks school record for 200 Free Relay with time of 1:32.69
3/14: G. Sartoris - best times in 200FR and 500FR
C. Madalena, P. Vander Vos, and B. Savidge all with best times in individual events

All-State Honors
(Class L Championships)
P. Vander Vos: 2nd in 100 Butterfly
C. Madalena: 1st in 100 Breaststroke

Ice Hockey (2014-15)

*Source: South Windsor Bobcats Hockey (hometeamsonline.com)

Record:    3-17   OTL: 1   Home: 1-9   Away: 2-8   Win %: .150  GF: 33   GA: 77   Points: 73

Results:
*=playoff game
12/17: L v Simsbury (A), 5-0
12/26: L v Mansfield (A), 4-1
12/27: L v Newburyport (A), 4-1
12/30: L v Enfield/Fermi (A), 3-2 
1/2: L v Northwest Catholic (H), 5-0
1/7: L v East Catholic (A), 4-1
1/10: L v Suffield/Windsor Locks/Granby (H), 4-1
1/14: L v Hamden (H), 8-3
1/17: L v West Haven (A), 1-0
1/19: W v Cheshire (H), 4-2
1/28: L v Glastonbury (H), 2-0
1/31: L v East Catholic (H), 4-2
2/7: L v Conard (A), 4-3
2/10: L v Notre Dame FLD (H), 3-1
2/16: L v Simsbury (H), 3-1
2/18: W v Northwest Catholic (A), 2-1
2/25: W v Avon/Farmington/Windsor (A), 7-3
2/28: L v Xavier (H), 2-1
3/2: L v Glastonbury (A), 7-1
3/5: L v Conard (H), 4-1
*3/11: L v Greenwich (A), 4-1 

Statistics:

Goals (33)                     Assists (40)                 Points (73)

1. P. Lawson 8            1. S. Swan  11             1. S. Swan  18

2. S. Swan  7               2.  J. O'Brien  7           2. T. Dowdy 11

3. T. Dowdy 5             3. T. Dowdy 6             3. P. Lawson 10

4. A. White 4              4. A. DeCasperis 4      3. J. O'Brien 10

5. S. King  3               5. S. King 3                 4. S. King 6

5. J. O'Brien 3            6. P. Lawson 2             5. A. White 5

6. M. Gore 1               6. L. Torres 2             6.  A. DeCasperis  4
                         
6. A. Frigugliett 1      7. A. Frigugliett  1      7. L. Torres  3

6. L. Torres 1             7. M. Gore 1               8.  M. Gore 2

                                   7. J. Buccigross 1       8. A. Frigugliett 2

                                   7. J. Feder 1                9. J. Buccigross 1

                                   7. A. White 1              9. J. Feder 1

Indoor Track (2014-15)

Results

12/12 (Wesleyan University):
-M. Otaluka          1st in 55m Dash
-B. Cullinane        Top 2 Finisher in 55m Hurdles
-E. Aries               2nd in High Jump

Accolades

M. Stoker: CCC North Champion (2014-15)
M. Otaluka: 55m Dash Champion

Wrestling (2014-15)

Record: 16-4 | CCC Northern Division Champions | 7th Place Finish in State Class L Championship

Results:
1/7 W v Platt 40-35
1/14 W v Manchester 55-24
2/4 W v Windsor 60-18
2/11 League Championship: W v Glastonbury 48-36

Accolades:
D. Shoenberger: Class L Champion
M. Odell: 2nd time Class L Champion

Winter Sports Photo Gallery (2014-15)

Basketball (2014-15)

Records

Boys: 12-8   Home 7-4   Away 5-4

Girls: 20-0   Home 11-0   Away 9-0    #4     CCC North Champions

Results
* = playoff game
12/10: 
Girls W v RHAM (H), 58-43, McConnell scores 31 in return, Murphy scores 12
12/12: 
Girls W v Windsor (A), 66-48, Goslin with 17 points 5 assists 4 rebounds and 4 steals, McConnell scores 21
12/16: 
Girls W v Bristol Eastern (A), 58-51, McConnell scores 21, Murphy scores 10, Goslin 17 points 2 assists 4 rebounds 4 steals
12/17:
Boys W v Plainville (H), 57-28
"We got off to a quick start, came out of the gates ready to play. We established an early double digit lead and never looked back. I think we executed well in the first half and played well defensively. Our offense was effective in the half court, I thought we executed pretty well, but I think that's the area where we have the most room for improvement." 
-Coach Dargati  
12/18:
Girls W v Hall (H), 62-27
"I liked how we started. I thought the girls were intense in their defense, we put an emphasis on that, I wasn't pleased with our rebounding, but I think defensively we got after it and forced them to make some mistakes and we capitalized on them." -Coach LeClerc
12/19:
Boys W v Manchester (A), 61-54, Tamburro scores 36 (23 in 1st half), Callahan scores 10, Czapla 8 points 10 rebounds
Girls W v Manchester (H), 60-28, Murphy 15 points 5 rebounds 4 assists, McConnell scores 14, Jackson 7 points 6 rebounds
"We hustled all over the court and we got ahead early and once we got up we didn't look back." -Alex Goslin
"We shared the ball, everyone contributed tonight, everyone was a factor, even our bench." -Molly Murphy
"Everyone pitched in, that was the key. Everyone was knocking down shots, everyone was communicating, we were all making good passes to the right spots, it was a good team effort tonight." -Amy McConnell
12/22:
Boys W v Hall (H), 51-39
"We're feeling great, this is a great win for us, we haven't been 3-0 in a looong time, so it feels great, looking forward to Tuesday against Rockville, hopefully we can go 4-0. Everyone's playing hard right now, we're clicking on all cylinders and that's what we want." -Joe Tamburro 
"[The rowd crowd] is great, when we have a crowd like that we can beat anyone in our conference. We love to have this every home game." -Ben Callahan 
12/26:
Girls W v New Britain (H), 65-24
"Once we started to take it to the hoop and started playing our style of basketball, everything started falling and we pulled away." -Sara Jackson
12/27:
Girls W v NFA (H), 48-42 [2014 Holiday Tournament Champions]
"We had some good looks that just didn't fall, had some unfortunate foul trouble, but our mindset is always to get one stop at a time and convert on the other end. It's been the same as last year, nothing has changed, the girls understand they've been in that situation before and they're battle tested. They know that when times come tough our defense is what's going to prevail us and our offense will come naturally." -Coach LeClerc
12/30:
Boys W v Rockville (H), 59-50
"[We hit] the boards and [got] it down low to our big men Joe Hill and Jeff [Czapla], they did great [grabbing] boards. We got out and ran, got a couple of fast break points, [and] we were able to get the tempo up." -Devyn Arel
"We've been playing together since 6th grade, we've been waiting our turn, [it's] senior year and this is how we've hoped [for it to start]." -Joe Tamburro
1/3:
Boys W v Conard (A), 53-34
1/5:
Boys L v Weaver (A), 71-50
Girls W v Weaver (H), 80-63, McConnell scores 26, Goslin scores 18, Murphy with 21 points and 10 rebounds
"[Weaver] is a very tough competitor, so in order for us to stay ahead, our offense propelled us: fast breaks, we got out in transition, we made buckets when it counted, made a lot of threes. We've been really working on our outside game because we know teams will be packing in on us; the girls made big shots when it mattered." -Coach LeClerc
1/8:
Boys L v Wethersfield (H), 55-40
"We're going to have to make some adjustments, we have to get better, we have to win games like this. We have to go back to the drawing board, work harder, and do a better job executing both offense and defense." -Coach Dargati
Girls W v Wethersfield (A), 62-44, McConnell scores 21, Goslin with 16 points 8 steals 4 rebounds 2 assists, Jackson with 10 points and 6 rebounds
1/15:
Boys L v Glastonbury (H), 38-31
1/16:
Girls W v Glastonbury (A), 65-49
1/19:
Boys L v Windsor (A), 64-52
Girls  W v Windsor (H), 50-45, bench finishes game strong
"We just need to keep playing with the same defensive intensity. All of our defensive sessions gets our offense 
going." -Molly Murphy  
1/21:
Girls W v East Hartford (A), 63-47
1/22:
Boys W v East Hartford (H), 72-71 (OT), Tamburro scores 42, 16 for 17, and hits game winning shot
1/30:
Boys W v Manchester (H), 33-31
"Cesar Rodriguez with the spark [tonight]. We're going into East Catholic tomorrow and getting a W." -Joe Tamburro
"It was all about defense [tonight], rebounding and defense that was it." -Cesar Rodriguez
"[What] we kept stressing [was] that we had to be patient on offense, we did a great job defensively. But we were impatient offensively, so we needed to get good shots on each and every possession [in order] to take control of the game. In the 4th quarter we executed offensively, took our time, got good looks, knocked shots down and were able to maintain the lead." -Coach Dargati 
Girls W v Manchester (A), 78-57
1/31:
Boys L v East Catholic (A), 64-52
Girls W v East Catholic (A), 73-47
2/4: 
Girls W v Tolland (A), 62-44
2/5:
Boys W v Fermi (H), 82-39, clinch spot in state tournament
"Defense has gotten us here, we made shots when we needed to, closed out some close games, [got] some big 
wins."  -Ben Callahan 
"This is a great accomplishment for the kids, this is the first time South Windsor has qualified for the tournament since they've been a member of the CCC North, which most people feel is the toughest conference in the state. But this is only step one; now we have to continue to win games. In the six games down the stretch we need to continue to improve, continue to get wins and get better so we can prepare ourselves and make a run in the state 
tournament."  -Coach Dargati
2/6:
Boys W v Wethersfield (A), 52-42
Girls W v Wethersfield (H), 58-34
"We never underestimate anyone; we need to turn around and play hard; we have Weaver tomorrow. They're a very tough opponent, they've only lost four games all year. Every game is a tough win, we don't look past 
anybody." -Coach LeClerc
2/7:
Girls W v Weaver (A), 76-69, Goslin with 26 points 6 rebounds 4 steals 5 assists, McConnell scores 18, Biancardi scores 11, Jackson with 8 points 7 rebounds 3 assists
2/10:
Boys L v East Catholic (H), 64-60
It's a tough loss, we turned the ball over too much, you can't throw the ball away and expect to win. We have to clean up our execution on the offensive end; defensively we're fine, but we left too many points on the floor. When we take care of the ball and limit our turnovers, we're a good basketball team." -Coach Dargati 
Girls W v East Catholic (H), 62-46
"There's always things for us to work on; we've had six games and one and a half practices, so we need to get into the gym and work on our routines. We've got a long way to go. The heart and the passion is [still here]. It's tough to continue to match the intensity without being able to practice, but I think the girls have done a tremendous job of coming out prepared for games  without actually having a practice because of the weather. Defensively they're as intense as they can be, but we need to get into practice to build it." -Coach LeClerc
"We're feeling great, we're working hard, taking one game at a time. We have to come hungry every game, and take it one step at a time. We're getting more intense [by the game]. We want it even more." -Sara Jackson
2/11:
Boys L v Weaver (H), 51-42
"We turned the ball over too much. This is a game we had a great opportunity to win, but [we had] too many empty possessions: travels, bad passes, poor shot selection, it cost us on the offensive end. "[But] again, we played great defense, [we] held [Weaver] to 40 points." -Coach Dargati
2/13:
Boys L v Glastonbury (A), 53-39
Girls W v Glastonbury (H), 60-47, Goslin with 15 points and 5 assists, McConnell scores 24, Jackson with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, Murphy grabs 7 rebounds
"[Rebounding] is still an area where we need to improve in. We need to do a much better job rebounding as a team. Every night we're out-sized so we know that rebounding is one of our keys, [we're going to need] 
team rebounding." -Coach LeClerc
2/16:
Girls W v East Hartford (H), 72-33, McConnell with 20 points 6 rebounds 6 assists, Goslin with 17 points 9 steals 8 assists, Biancardi scores 11
"I like the way we're playing as a team, the girls are moving the ball around very well, starting to shoot with confidence and getting everyone involved. I'd like to improve a little bit more on our defense, but I can't complain when we give up 33 points tonight [against] a team that's in the state tournament. Overall, I'm very pleased with their performance, I think they're playing well at the right time. Exciting things are ready to come." - Coach LeClerc
"I'm really proud of the team in everything we've done but we still have a lot of unfinished business, still have the playoffs to go through. We just have to keep playing how we've been playing." - Lauren Biancardi
"It's been a long ride, but it's well worth it. We have to keep going, take it one game at a time and play hard." -Sara Jackson
"We're really happy that we all came together and accomplish such a season. We're going to take our momentum from the regular season and bring it into the tournament." - Amy McConnell
2/17:
Boys W v Windsor (H), 58-50
"From the start we've said one team, one family, one mission and tonight I think we took one step closer to that. We want [the] state tournament, we want to win it all, we want Mohegan." -Ben Callahan
"That was a great game for us, everyone played well, everyone contributed, that was a great team win. And the crowd was into it, the crowd was great." -Joe Tamburro
"This game was no different than the others, we wanted to do the same things, patrol[ling] the defensive boards, defend like crazy in the half-court, share the basketball, and get good shots. When we do those things we're a very effective team, [we have to] trust the system [offensively], and trust each other; we did that tonight. Jeff [Czapla] did a great job on the defensive glass, we got good shots in the half-court, we got contributions from everybody. Joe Hill made key foul shots down the stretch, as did Ben Callahan, Joe Tamburro [and] Devyn Arel made big plays. South Windsor hasn't beat Windsor in a long time, it's a great win for the team on senior night." -Coach Dargati   
2/19:
*Girls (0-0) W v Wethersfield (H), 61-48, Goslin with 6 steals, Murphy scores 20
"When we can up the intensity level on the perimeter, it cuts down their size advantage inside." -Coach LeClerc
"Coming out in the 2nd half we picked up the defense intensity and that really changed the game." -Alex Goslin
"My mindset was to keep driving to the hoop, if they were going to leave me open in the lane I was going to keep taking it until they closed it off." -Molly Murphy on scoring 20
2/20:
Boys W v Rockville (A), 65-60
2/21: 
*Girls (1-0) W v Northwest Catholic (H), 64-55, Goslin scores 26, McConnell with 19 points and 8 rebounds, Jackson with 8 rebounds and 4 steals
"[Coach] was telling us to stay composed, no fouls on defense, and if we get to the line we have to knock them down. A game like that comes down to free throws, and we have to capitalize when we had the chance. We have to take [this] game as a learning game, it was a big test for us, and we just have to keep going forward with the defensive pressure and what we've been doing the whole season." -Alex Goslin
"We knew it was going to be a battle from the beginning Northwest Catholic is a very good team, well coached, we were down one of our starters, and we knew we needed to make plays. Defensively we needed to stop fouling, stop letting them get to the line, buckle down defensively and fortunately we all made plays when it mattered." -Coach LeClerc
2/23:
Boys W v East Hartford (A), 54-46
*Girls (2-0) W v Conard (A), 64-31, McConnell scores 23
"[The] fast break was our strategy [tonight], we wanted to push the ball up the floor, get good looks, make a lot of passes, move the ball around a lot to get a perfect shot." -Amy McConnell 
"Today we came in and were really focused on boxing out and taking care of the post. On Wednesday we're going to be dealing with big girls in the post, so we have to dominate down low, contain them, and we'll be 
successful." -Sara Jackson
2/25:
*Girls (3-0) L v Farmington (A), 61-52, Farmington crowned CCC Champion
2/26:
*Boys (0-0) W v Hartford Public (A), 55-53
2/28:
*Boys (1-0) L v Maloney (A), 55-48
3/4:
*Girls (3-1) W v New Milford (H), 69-24, Murphy with 17 points 9 rebounds 6 assists, Biancardi with 15 points 4 rebounds 4 steals 3 assists
"[The bench] is going to be a big factor for us, we need to get some quality play out of the bench to be able to rest our starters, we want to play deep. Tonight we were able to get everyone in the game, we were able to get everyone some minutes. It's going to be huge if we want to make a run." -Coach LeClerc
"We have unfinished business, our goal is to win the next five games and end our season [with] a win. We're not letting up on any team." -Lauren Biancardi
"Lauren had a tough game against Farmington, I think she wanted to come out and prove herself, and she did. She shot the ball with extreme confidence, she played well defensively. I just want Lauren to play like she's capable of doing. I believe in her, her teammates believe in her; so tonight I'm not surprised. It's just a testament of the kid that she is. She's a hard working, tough kid that can make shots when she has to." -Coach LeClerc on Lauren Biancardi's big game
3/6:
*Girls (4-1) W v Glastonbury (H), 72-41, Goslin scores 20, McConnell with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Jackson with 11 points and 7 rebounds, Murphy scores 17, Biancardi with 7 points 5 assists and 4 steals
"[Goslin and Murphy] have experience, they've been in the big games. They know that they need to be focused mentally and bring it every single night. They've brought a certain tenacity to counter the opposing team's height. Alex [Goslin] sets the tone out front with Amy [McConnell] and Lauren [Biancardi] to help push the tempo. Inside Molly [Murphy] has done a great job on the glass to counter with Sara [Jackson]; as well as our bench. It's a team effort, [it's] not just one or two kids." -Coach LeClerc on Goslin and Murphy's quality play in the playoffs
"[In] this game, our defense is what propelled us. We came out of the locker room saying that we need to shut them down offensively because our defense leads to our own offense. That was the big key for us tonight: [playing] tough defense and not letting them get to the basket." -Amy McConnell
"Alex [Goslin] and Molly [Murphy] are great. Alex gives us a lot of speed and [is] a feisty defender. Molly is a great shooter, great baseline driver; Alex is a good shooter too. Both have tremendous defense. We seniors match up well with them. Our starting five is a power house." -Amy McConnell
3/10:
*Boys (1-1) W v Wethersfield (A), 39-38 (OT), Tamburro with game winning shot in overtime
"I missed the buzzer beater [in regulation], air balled that one bad and I missed a couple in overtime. But I had to keep shooting. My teammates got me open, [I] got a good look, it was pretty deep but it went in, that's all we ask. The play worked out great." -Joe Tamburro
"We played very lack-luster in the first half, didn't think we executed well offensively, [there were] defensive lapses, and as a result we were losing at the half. In the second half  [there was] more patience on offense and did a better job defensively, got stops when we needed to. Then Joe Tamburro came to the rescue as usual. We've been down in games before and we've been able to come back. I think that's where the resilience sets in with this team. They believe in each other and they believe in the system. " -Coach Dargati  
*Girls (5-1) W v Greenwich (H), 69-66, McConnell scores 22, Goslin scores 15
"[The girls] are battle tested, mentally tough, and they knew what had to do to get it done. We knew that they had great three point shooters, we knew that they were going to be dangerous; [because] that [also] opens up their inside game. Tonight we sagged off a little bit [on the perimeter] and they burned us. Tonight we won because of free throws. We knew that they were going to be tough, I knew that our inside presence would protect us a little bit, the problem is that foul trouble dictated how this one was going to go." -Coach LeClerc
3/12:
*Boys (2-1) W v New London (A), 67-53
"We had a great day at practice yesterday, we had a scouting report, we knew who their shooters were. [New London] struggled but they started hitting in the second half. We manned them up in the 2-3 which [worked] great. We made shots, and we made our foul shots; we were great from the line tonight." -Devyn Arel
"We came down here, we had a tremendous amount of respect for New London, they were undefeated for a reason. We felt that we matched up well against them, [if] we defended [them], were patient on offense and got good shots then we would have a chance to beat them. Our kids executed our game plan to perfection, we got production from 
everybody." -Coach Dargati
3/16:
*Girls (6-1) W v NFA (A), 54-51, McConnell scores 21, South Windsor advances to the Class LL State Finals for second straight year
"We lost our focus for a few minutes, they forced us into some awkward shots. [But] we [were able to keep] our composure. [NFA] was really physical in the second half, they were trying to force us away from the basket.  Molly Murphy hit a big three [and] some clutch free throws [down the stretch] and we made plays when it mattered most. It hurt not have [Sara Jackson] out on the floor but our bench gave us considerable minutes." -Coach LeClerc
"It's been our goal all year [and] we did this together; I'm really proud of everyone. Keegan [Caffrey] stepped up in a big way, she gave us good minutes off the bench [tonight]. Height's been a problem for us all year, but we battled through it." -Amy McConnell on advancing to the State Final 
3/17:
*Boys (3-1) L v Bassick (A), 58-51
"Two years ago these guys were 0-20. It's been a battle all season long, [and] we've beaten some really good teams: Hartford Public, East Hartford, Wethersfield; just some great wins for these kids. We wanted to continue on but eventually you look back and realize [that] it was a really good year. We never gave up, [we did not give up] all season." -Coach Dargati
"It was a tough loss tonight, but we have some good underclassmen and we're all going to try to work hard this off-season, we all want to be as good as this team." -Shane Young 
"It was legendary. All of the seniors came together and got [the] work done every single day. It was great." -Devyn Arel on boys basketball's historical season
"We're hoping that it stays like this next year and the year after. We're hoping this is just the beginning. Hopefully a team can go farther than we did. It was a great run: thanks for all the support from everyone." -Joe Tamburro 
3/21:
*Girls (7-1) L v Wilton (A), 73-45
"We're happy that we made it this far, we're just disappointed at the fact that we couldn't achieve our ultimate goal which was winning a state championship, and bringing the trophy back to South Windsor. [Wilton] shot well and put us in the hole early, and we had to try and claw our way out from the beginning. That's difficult to do against a good team. [But] we'll be back." -Coach LeClerc
"It's been an honor. You're talking about three girls that represent what Bobcat basketball is all about. They go out there each and every night, give everything they have, and they're role models for the rest of the kids. There's a lot of kids that respect them and it's not just because of wins and losses it's more so what they do on and off the floor. They're great kids." -Coach LeClerc on seniors Lauren Biancardi, Sara Jackson, and Amy McConnell
"Overall it's been amazing, we had a great season. We can't be that upset; we went 27-2, so you can't be that upset going the regular season undefeated. We didn't end the way we wanted to but I wouldn't change this team at 
all." -Lauren Biancardi
"One of the best parts of playing for the team is representing South Windsor. Our fans tonight were amazing. They all believed in us." -Amy McConnell
"It's such a great feeling playing for this team, knowing that everyone: the fans, the town, everyone in the school supports us. You don't see that usually with other schools. It's great. You couldn't ask for anything else." -Sara Jackson




Latest Videos (for playoff footage, check out the "Crunch Time" Gallery for the winter):

Powderpuff Football (2014)

Girls Soccer Values Karpiej's Variety of Abilities

*This article was intended to appear in the Southwinds school newspaper in October. My apologies, they're rather out of date now, but it's posted here.  

     Blink and you might miss her move. 

     The opponent carries the ball into the Bobcat’s side of the field. The ball meets the area where she patrols, and attacking center midfielder Dani Karpiej strikes. She intercepts the pass so easily that it seems as though it was intended for her, sliding through the pursuing opposition effortlessly like water running through a creek. Her shooting and passing skills leaves spectators amazed.

     Varsity girls soccer has been blessed with impactful captains throughout the years; players who dominate on the field and exert their influence from the sidelines. Along with their reign of dominance, these players pass on their knowledge, merging their understanding with their teammates’ established skills. This year’s edition of such a player is seen in Karpiej.

     Her performance has been established through nourishment and perseverance. The path to success was long, but as she turns into the homestretch of her high school career, she values the things that helped her arrive at her current position. “I’ve learned to become a responsible student athlete and I’m the happiest when I’m on the field,” she said. “My parents have always been my biggest supporters. My dad has always pushed me to be my best. He’s always pushing me to run the extra sprint, extra mile.”

     Girls soccer added Karpiej as an offensive player from the middle school. She immediately jumped onto the varsity team and scored goals. She would also be able to occasionally dish off some assists. That was then-it is now a frequent occurrence in each game she plays. This year, she has proved her balanced approach, tallying six goals and three assists. 

     Ed Duclos has been Karpiej’s coach during her entire time at the high school and has seen her grow to her full potential as a player who can excel in every dimension of the game and cannot be fully contained by the opposition. “[She] has incredible technique. Her skill on the ball is phenomenal,” Duclos said. “She can distribute the ball quickly to the correct person, and she has incredible vision and creativity as well. Also, she has become a much better defender over the years,” he said.

     Duclos admires that Karpiej is able to effectively execute her responsibilities. As a cocaptain alongside Colleen Bouquot, Karpiej’s on-field task is to direct the team from the middle third of the field into the finishing third. 

     Duclos said that Karpiej has been able to not only consistently carry out this rather difficult task, but also do it at a high level, and her skills can stretch beyond high school soccer.

     Karpiej’s success has come from years of work and diligence. “I’ve worked hard outside of practice,” she said. “I go on runs alone, I work out alone, always getting touches on the ball when I can. I think extra time by yourself and independent [work] can make you better,” she said. 

     Along her personal journey through the sport she has pos­itively affected her teammates throughout the years. By doing this, she has scattered the seeds of the future for girls soccer. 

     Teammates have appreciated her spirit and desire to spread her knowledge and presence. 

     Senior Amy McConnell, who has played soccer with Karpiej since their youth, says she is a valuable asset to the team. “Dani is very soccer smart. She knows the game very well, so she knows what she’s talking about. Whenever she has advice everyone listens because she’s very experienced,” McConnell said.

     Sophomore Sam Faust also made the varsity team in his freshman year and recognizes the leadership skills Karpiej exhibits. “On the field and off the field she’ll talk to you and tell you what you need to do,” she said. “When I’m a junior and senior I want to be a leader like she is,” Faust said.

     Karpiej will continue to play soccer and take the competition to the next level at Division I school, Sacred Heart University.