Hornets Edged Twice in Holiday Classic

The Branford Hornets boys’ basketball team hosted the annual Branford Holiday Classic this past week, playing visiting Hewlett High School from Long Island on Monday and SCC rival Daniel Hand of Madison on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Hornets lost both games by a combined total of only three points.

Despite a 19-point effort by junior Jake Sullivan(pictured) and 18 by senior co-captain Rich Jacobson, Hewlett defeated Branford 56 – 54 to kick off the classic, and two nights later they fell again, this time to SCC rival Hand of Madison 61 – 60.

The Hornets had a 57 – 47 lead with 6:30 left in the fourth quarter against Hand and only scored 3 more points in the game. ​“It was ours to win,” said Branford coach Jake Palluzzi (pictured). ​“This was a tough loss for us. We had them by 10 and let it get away; you can’t let that happen and expect to win.”

Branford Leads At Half-time

Branford led 36 – 30 at the half and increased their lead to 54 – 45 after three periods. The Tigers outscored the Hornets 16 – 6 in the final stanza for the comeback win.

Senior co-captain Kory King hits a 3‑pointer for the Hornets. He had 21 against Hand.

With the score tied 60 – 60 and only 4.1 seconds left, Hand’s Garrett Noonan went to the foul line. He missed the first one but made the second to give Hand the 61 – 60 lead. Rich Jacobson attempted a desperation shot from past half court that hit the glass, but missed the basket. It was a hard fought game. Here Andre Albatini (pictured) drops one in over Patrick Kerins.

Here is King battling Hand’s Collin Roth for a rebound.

Senior co-captain Kory King was high scorer for the Hornets with 21 points, including four 3 pointers. He also had 8 rebounds. Pat Kerins led the Tigers with 22. Here is Jacob Raffone driving past Hand’s Curtis Henry (#13) for two of his 5 points. 

Rich Jacobson added 10 points for the Hornets with Jake Sullivan and Andre Albertini, an exchange student from San Paolo Brazil, each chipping in with 9 each. Senior Andrew Roach added 4 points for the Hornets. Here Jacobson is fouled by Hand’s Matt Evans as he drives down the lane.

Branford fell to 1 – 3 while Hand improved to 3 – 1. The Hornets have two home games next week against the Amity Spartans on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and Wilbur Cross on Friday, Jan. 8. Both games start at 7 p.m. at the high school.
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