CIAC State Finals Standouts: Division I

<p>This year has been an incredibly rewarding one as I tackled my new responsibilities covering the great state of Connecticut and the New Haven area. I've made many new friends, seen a lot of new and familiar faces, and most importantly have watched a ton of really great basketball. The season's worth of work these gentlemen and ladies put into these events culminated in a big time opportunity to capture a state championship in front of a crowd of people at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. With high energy and a packet arena, these games left nothing to be desired.</p> <p>In the Division 1 Boys Championship game, the Notre Dame West Haven Knights faced off against the Eagles of East Catholic High. This game featured two very different offensive schemes. The Knights get after it on defense and find success when they can speed up their opponent and score in transition. The Eagles sit in a wonderful half court offense fueled by some incredible big man play and crafty guards. This game went back and forth for all 40 minutes, and after an exciting closing few minutes, Notre Dame West Haven fell to East Catholic, 50-49. Here were the game's standouts!</p> <p><strong>Andrew Lazarre, 6-1, 2022, Notre Dame-West Haven</strong></p> <p>Lazarre really was the only player on Notre Dame to get going early and keep it up for the entire game. Lazarre led both teams in scoring with 16 points on a very efficient 7-9 from the field. Lazarre's scoring came in a variety of ways. He knocked down two easy triples, was showing off his elite floater game, and getting easy looks around the rim. The ability to use the system efficiently made Lazarre stand out from his teammates. Lazarre effectively used post screens to cut and get easy buckets around the rim and became a reliable option around the rim solely because of his ability to get open and find the right moment to strike. Defensively, he's long and quick and incredibly difficult to shake off. While his team came up short, Lazarre did not. His stock definitely rose with this game and he left everything he had on the floor. </p> <p><strong>Allyn Wright, 5-8, 2024, East Catholic</strong></p> <p>This kid is flat out fun to watch. He's shifty and a traditional baby guard that every good team needs to catapult them to greatness. Wright was a great ball handler who set his team up in a variety of ways for success. His ability to get through the press forced ND to abandon their signature press in the second quarter, leaving East Catholic with opportunities to show their refined half court offense. Of offense, Wright got East Catholic after a weak first quarter with 8 of his 9 points coming in the second quarter. He's relentless going to the basket and has a deep bag to get finishes off over bigger defenders. Wright has some time to work on some of the softer skills of the game, but there's no limit to his ability as he continues to improve. </p> <p><strong>Preston Fowler, 6-6, 2025, East Catholic</strong></p> <p>Initially, I thought Fowler was a very good upperclassmen on a very good team. So, when I heard that he was a freshman, I was completely surprised. Fowler's offensive package was very well put together. His 9 points and 6 rebounds came on 80% shooting from the field. He was very effective at making smaller Notre Dame guards intimidated on the block and forcing them to alter their shots. On offense, his strength and finishing ability was much needed against a pesky Notre Dame defense that didn't have the size to match him. Fowler is still raw, but his physical assets and his ability to finish around the cup will make him a threat for years to come. He's on an upwards trajectory with his skillset and is garnering national attention, so I would keep an eye on this guy.</p> <p><strong>James Jones, 6-6, 2023, East Catholic</strong></p> <p>Jones is the engine behind this East Catholic team on both ends. He led the team with with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. This kind of efficient production across the board doesn't even tell the full story for Jones and his impressive arsenal. Jones was getting buckets down low, fighting on the block with anyone who wanted the smoke. His footwork is impressive and with his tenacious rebounding, second chance points is his primary game. Two 3-pointers in the first half set the tempo for Jones and Co. to keep rolling, and they never looked back. On defense, he's part of an incredible defensive scheme that heavily relies on him for helpside defense, which came in handy against the host of smaller Notre Dame players. Jones is an incredible talent with a knack for using his intelligence and skillset hand in hand. With his senior season around the corner, I have no doubts that he will be right back here in Mohegan Sun a year from now.</p>