Cromwell secured the Division IV boys basketball title against Ellington at the Mohegan Sun Arena, winning for the first time since 2018. Both coaches, John Pinone and Bob Freitas, have a good friendship, but they had to face each other as opponents. Cromwell’s junior Victor Payne led the top-seeded team with 23 points, while Cody Murphy scored 23 points for Ellington. Cromwell struggled in the first half but made a comeback in the second half, securing the win with a 53-46 score. The victory was bittersweet for Pinone, who defeated his good friend and former assistant coach. The two coaches know each other’s teams and plays, which made it difficult for either team to execute their game plan. Despite a slow start, Cromwell was able to make a comeback, thanks to Payne’s crucial points, improved defense, and reduced turnovers. Salafia, one of Cromwell’s six seniors, is thrilled with the win, calling it the perfect way to finish his senior year, having won the Shoreline championship and secured the state championship.
Cromwell Secures Division IV Boys Basketball Title Against Ellington
Cromwell’s John Pinone and Ellington’s Bob Freitas, who faced each other in the Division IV boys basketball championship, share a good friendship. Although the two coaches knew someone was going to be happy and someone was going to be unhappy, they were still thrilled to compete.
Freitas was once an assistant to Pinone from 2002-06, so they know each other’s teams and plays. Cromwell’s senior Jake Salafia said they even had to come up with new names and plays to prepare for Sunday’s championship game against Ellington.
Cromwell emerged victorious, winning the title for the first time since 2018 with a 53-46 score. Although Pinone feels for Freitas, acknowledging he did an excellent job with his team, he is thrilled with the win. Both coaches were aware of each other’s game plan and had to make it difficult for the other to execute. But for 32 minutes, both teams gave it their all.
Junior Victor Payne led Cromwell, the top-seeded team, with 23 points while Salafia added 11. Cody Murphy, from No. 2 Ellington, scored 23 points.
Cromwell started the game off slow and trailed Ellington 17-8 after the first quarter. By halftime, they were still down 21-16. However, they had been in a similar situation before, having trailed by nine points in the Shoreline tournament championship game, which they eventually won.
Payne, guarded by Ellington’s Elijah Miller, struggled in the first half but picked up in the second, scoring crucial points that helped lead Cromwell to victory. Payne’s three-point play with 1:36 left gave Cromwell a 30-28 lead, and Miller picked up his fourth foul.
Pinone credits their improved defense and reduced turnovers for their comeback in the second half. He was calm during halftime, and they made some adjustments and got some more shots, which helped them secure the win.
Salafia, one of Cromwell’s six seniors, is thrilled with the win, describing it as a perfect way to finish his senior year. Winning the Shoreline championship and securing the state championship is a great way to go out.
In summary, Cromwell secured the Division IV boys basketball title against Ellington with a 53-46 score. The coaches share a friendship, and Cromwell’s win was a little bittersweet for John Pinone, who defeated his good friend and former assistant coach. Junior Victor Payne led Cromwell with 23 points, and Cody Murphy scored 23 points for Ellington. Despite a slow start, Cromwell was able to make a comeback in the second half, thanks to Payne’s crucial points, improved defense, and reduced turnovers. Salafia, one of Cromwell’s six seniors, is thrilled with the win, calling it the perfect way to finish his senior year.
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