Middletown Hangs Tough, but Falls in Class L Basketball Final

UNCASVILLE, CT - For the second time in three years, the East Catholic High School boys basketball team came to the Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday night in search of a state championship.

In 2014, the Eagles defeated Weaver 87-60 for the Class M title. Two years later, and a step up in class, East Catholic returned to southeastern Connecticut to face Middletown for the Class L crown.

After opening up a 19-point lead through three quarters, the Eagles had to withstand a valiant comeback attempt by the Blue Dragons before coming away with a 62-51 victory and the fifth state title in program history.

Mike McGuirl led the offensive attack, draining 16 points before fouling out with 3:53 to play. Mark Carbone had 12 points and Joe Reilly added 10.

DeAron Lawrence was the only Blue Dragon in double figures, netting 12 points.

East Catholic scored the game's first five points in the opening 24 seconds, and a McGuirl dunk electrified the large crowd. McGuirl scored 12 points in the first half, when the Eagles assumed a 28-17 lead by intermission.

After trailing by 19, Middletown hung tough, closing to within 12, but foul trouble cost the Blue Dragons in their quest for the program's first state title since 1994.

Photo credit: Tim Jensen