Samson Reilly pours in 24, East Catholic beats Notre Dame-West Haven in a Division I championship recreation rematch – Hartford Courant

UNCASVILLE — Samson Reilly performed one minute within the Division I state championship boys basketball recreation towards Notre Dame-West Haven in March.

He had simply been cleared to play for East Catholic after breaking a metatarsal in his left foot in a recreation Feb. 14. He practiced two days and felt nice. His father and coach Luke Reilly subbed him into the state closing with East Catholic trailing Notre Dame by 11. A minute later, Samson felt one other bone give in his foot and he needed to go away the sport.

East Catholic received that recreation, and the state title. On Monday afternoon, the 2 groups had a rematch on the Day Vacation Basic as soon as once more at Mohegan Solar.

Now wholesome, Samson, a junior guard, scored 24 factors – 15 within the second half – and East Catholic rallied from a first-half deficit to beat the Inexperienced Knights once more, 62-50.

“I used to be positively hungry going into the sport,” Samson stated. “I needed my shot at them. They’re an excellent staff and I’m grateful to stroll away with the win for certain.”

Sophomore heart Preston Fowler added 14 for East Catholic (3-0) and James Jones, who led the best way for the Eagles within the 50-49 win within the state championship recreation final yr, had 11 factors.

Mekhi Connor (16 factors) and Timaury Homosexual (15 factors) led Notre Dame-West Haven (1-1).

Notre Dame led 17-11 after 1 / 4 and 29-26 at halftime. Samson, who had two fouls, didn’t play a lot of the second quarter.

However he got here again within the third, and East Catholic started clicking. The Eagles went on an 18-0 run to open the quarter. Samson had 10 factors throughout the run; the Eagles led 44-33 heading into the fourth.

“We have now some veteran guys who know how one can win,” Luke Reilly stated. “They had been keen to make changes and converse actually with one another and clear up some issues they knew we wanted to do in a different way.

“I believed we did a greater job guarding. James Jones was actually good. Preston Fowler was good on the glass. Rob Elliott. They had been warriors on the glass, holding them to at least one shot. These three guys had been pivotal.”

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Final yr, East Catholic had a tough begin, going 4-3 in its first seven video games. Samson and Jones had been the staff’s main scorers when Samson broke his foot towards Bassick.

“I went up and down as soon as, I couldn’t make it up and down the court docket,” he stated. “It was actually disappointing. You wait your complete life after which to not get to play in any state event, any CCC event…”

He was cleared proper earlier than the Eagles performed within the state closing.

“He acquired cleared and we knew what was at stake, however he’s like, ‘Hey, state championship, there’s no approach I’m not making an attempt to go,’” Luke stated. “I agreed with him, we rolled the cube and we misplaced.

“I’m comfortable for him. Completely happy for everyone, as a result of that’s a very good staff we simply performed.”

Lori Riley might be reached at [email protected]rant.com.