Preston Achieves Career Milestone In Enfield Victory At Somers

On many occasions this season, Tre Preston has provided the bulk of the offense for the basketball team as they strive for another shot at a state championship.

But on the night Preston achieved a significant career milestone, he gladly shared the spotlight with the members of his supporting cast.

Preston's first basket in Monday night's game at pushed him past the 1,000 career points plateau. He wound up with 23 for the night, as Enfield defeated the Spartans, 67-56.

The Raiders' offense was boosted greatly by the tandem of John Cerrato and Tony Romano, who combined for 25 points.

"They work hard in practice every day, and I always tell them, 'when you're open for that 15-footer, you always make them in practice, so take them in the game'," Enfield head coach Cory O'Connell said. "I told them to have fun, enjoy yourselves; that's when shots go down. They played loose tonight, and anytime you can go on the road and get a win, I'll take it."

Paul Lima contributed 11 points, as the Raiders placed four players in double figures. Hugh Lindo scored just seven points, but electrified the gym in the third quarter with a full court drive which culminated with a huge dunk.

"He's not refined as an offensive player, but he's getting better," O'Connell said.

Lindo also provided a pair of crucial defensive plays that stopped Somers when they appeared poised to make a move late in the game. He created a turnover by blocking a Spartans pass near the basket with a minute to play, then held his position and drew a charging foul on Evan Woicik with 15 seconds remaining.

Woicik drained a three-pointer just 16 seconds into the contest, and Jayce Haynes scored moments later to provide Somers an early 5-0 lead. Enfield then embarked on a 13-0 run to assume a lead they would never relinquish.

A 16-5 second quarter gave the Raiders a 33-19 halftime lead, and they extended the margin to 16 near the end of the third quarter. Somers rallied in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to five with 1:08 remaining, but eight Enfield free throws in the final minute put the game away.

Woicik and Haynes each had 19 points for the Spartans, with Haynes collecting 17 in the second half. Josh Patsun was also in double figures, netting 10 points.

With their seventh straight victory, the Raiders improved to 14-2 heading into Tuesday night's game at Granby. Somers (10-5) also plays Tuesday, traveling to Stafford. Both games begin at 7 p.m.