Raiders Capture Crosstown Matchup, 56-33

Tre Preston fired in 28 points and survived a shaky opening four minutes to defeat crosstown rival 56-33 in boys basketball action Wednesday night.

Prior to the game, Senior Night festivities were held, honoring the senior Fermi cheerleaders and players Joe Bowker, Conor Ellis, Dean Thomas, Mitchell Rhodes, Pat Bordeau and Jeff Kraucunas.

Inspired by the emotion of the pregame ceremony, the Falcons came out running, building up leads of 6-2 and 9-6 before a Sean McGuire basket provided Enfield its first lead with 1:07 left in the period. That hoop came amidst a 12-0 run that put the Raiders firmly in control, 18-9.

"I told them at the beginning that they're going to give it their best shot, so stick with our game plan no matter what happens and let our game progress," Enfield head coach Cory O'Connell said.

Enfield slowly began pulling away in the second quarter, doubling the Falcons by halftime at 32-16. Preston had 13 points in the opening half, while Hugh Lindo contributed 10.

The Raiders increased the margin to as much as 20 in the third quarter, and peaked with a 24-point advantage twice in the final period.

"My hat's off to Enfield, because even up 20, they're still beating us to every 50/50 ball," Fermi head coach Vern Mitchell said. "I want to quote Geno Auriemma, 'they've got Tre, and nobody else does'. I'm proud of my kids, and I love all of them."

Lindo finished with 11 points for Enfield, while Bordeau topped the Falcons scorers with 14 points, including a pair of three-pointers.

Enfield (17-3) will host a first round game in the North Central Connecticut Conference tournament Saturday evening. Fermi (2-17) closes its season Friday, hosting Tolland at 7 p.m.