Hale-Ray Boys Beat Morgan, 62-34

What a difference a day makes in boy's basketball. Going into Saturday's home opener against the Morgan Huskies, the Hale-Ray Noises still felt the sting of a tough, one point loss against Westbrook.

Morgan, on the other hand, had soundly defeated North Branford by 15 points last Wednesday and hoped for a repeat performance.  But this game was not a repeat performance for either team.

The Noises lead the scoring through the first quarter to take a 10-3 advantage in the first five minutes. Hale-Ray's constant pressure made it difficult for the Huskies to get momentum. Morgan's first points were the result of Hale-Ray fouls. Hale-Ray's strength prevented Morgan from getting a clear shot from anywhere. The first quarter ended with Hale-Ray ahead 16-7, and leading in fouls, four to two. 

Hale-Ray kept the pressure on through the second quarter and continued to increase their point lead. The Noises played defense in every part of the court.  Hale-Ray fans were excited to see a 32-13 lead going into the second half.

Still, Hale-Ray's intensity came with risk. The Noises lead in points but also in fouls, earning seven more to Morgan's one in the third quarter alone. As the final quarter of the game progressed, Hale-Ray managed to slow down the fouls but maintain the pressure. Their passionate play broke down Morgan's scoring opportunities and brought Hale-Ray a 62-34 victory.

"Today we played four quarters, four quarters with a high level of intensity," said Hale-Ray coach Marty Ryczek.

Hale-Ray's high scores included Pat Miett with 20 points in the game, Tyler Gemme with 15 and JT Smith with 13 points.

By contrast, Morgan's high scorer, Will Thompson, tallied just 10 points.

"We didn't match Hale-Ray's intensity level, that's what did us in," said Morgan coach, Ken Beeman. 

With a record of 1-1, Hale Ray boys play Cromwell at East Haddam Dec. 20.  Morgan (1-1) is scheduled to play Haddam-Killingworth in Clinton the same day.