Hall Wrestlers: Young Team Prepares for the Season

Gone is Justin Scalise, last season's Class L champion at 160 pounds. Billy Lerner (189), a third-place finisher in Class L, and Adam Misiorski (171), fifth place, also graduated.

Memories are fine but, right now, the 2010-11 wrestling team needs experience, coach Anthony Weber said.

"This is a young team that is bonding together and learning the concept of hard work and perseverance," Weber said.

Hall, a six-time CCC West champion and a three-time state runner-up, was 19-9 last season and tied Newington and Simsbury for second in the conference behind Southington.

So Weber was realistic about the upcoming season. Though young, Weber said, the team is capable of finishing above .500 and is aiming for multiple CCC West individual champions.

The first test is Dec. 15 at East Catholic. After four more trips, including the Frank Chaves Invitational Dec. 28 at Simsbury and Glastonbury Duals Dec. 30, Hall entertains the home crowd Jan. 5 against Newington.

With 14 sophomores and 10 freshmen on the team, there is strength in numbers, Weber said.

"Although this is not a rebuilding year, it is one where our success will be measured on and off the mat," Weber said.

Leadership will come from senior captains Alex Einhorn (189), Artin Ghokasiyan (152) and Dan Little (145). Senior Mike Khiamov (103), junior Hunter Roberts (112) and sophomore Allen Currier (135) also are expected to contribute.

• Note to winter coaches: If you did not receive an email requesting a scouting report on your team, please contact John Howell at JohnHowell.Patch@gmail.com.

Shepherd scores 14 points for Conard

Jess Shepherd scored 14 points, including four three-pointers, but the  girls basketball team was overcome by the interior strength of Farmington in a 58-42 CCC West loss Friday at Conard.

The home-opener started to get away from Conard (0-2) in the second quarter as Farmington (2-0) took a 28-19 advantage at halftime.

Conard junior guard Steph Morales added 13 points, including nine from the free-throw line.

Farmington was led by Brittany Belisle (14 points), a sophomore guard. Uju Moman, one of four returning starters from a 16-9 team in 2009-10, had 10 points and 12 rebounds. Michelle Truncali added 10 points.

Morales, senior guard Sarah Markese and senior forward Caelese Brown are returning starters from last season's 3-17 team.

After a trip to East Hartford Tuesday, Conard is home Dec. 17 against Rockville.