Simsbury Sports Digest for March 9

There is a saying in sports that goes like this ... "there are no moral victories." The boys basketball team (9-12) may be feeling that way at the moment after losing to Ridgefield in the first round of the Class LL state tournament, 66-46. Adam Ziewacz led SHS with 19 points while Karon Beckford chipped in 10.

Still, when the Trojans started off the season with 3 straight losses, the post season was at best a dream. And later when their record slipped to 5-8, a state tournament berth seemed more like fantasy than reality. But, after that game against Southington, their 8th loss, Simsbury came out on fire winning their next 3, including a spirited come from behind overtime victory over Newington. A game Coach Greg Stillman called "their signature win of the season." This winning streak ensured a state tournament appearance. Perhaps Monday's loss to Ridgefield was not a moral victory. But, just playing in the game was a triumph of sorts.

In other local sports news, the Simsbury boys swim team is sending 6 athletes to the Class L championships. Christian Gronbeck qualified with the top time in both the 200 and 500 freestyle. Ben Saperstein and Justin Voghel also qualified in multiple events. Doug Nicholson got the nod for the 100 breaststroke and divers Matthew Morrison and Meredith Miller also will compete for Simsbury. The diving competition will be held tomorrow at Hamden High School at 5:30 p.m. The swimmers will have time trials on Saturday at Hamden at 3:30 p.m. and the championships at Wesleyan University in Middletown at 7:15 p.m.