Wildcats Battle Past East Hampton in Shoreline Quarterfinal

Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by Lyme-Old Lyme High School students Reagan Christopher and Reagan Weinstein. Christopher is a member of the school’s girls’ basketball team.

LYME/OLD LYME, CT – The Lyme-Old Lyme boys’ basketball team fought hard and secured a 66-48 win over East Hampton in the Shoreline Conference quarterfinals on Thursday, moving one step closer to its ultimate goals: a Shoreline championship and a berth in the state tournament.

Coached by Brady Sheffield and coming off a big win over Ellington, the Wildcats played an intense game against the Bellringers. 

A large part of the victory came from strong individual performances. Eddie Fiske Jr. led the team with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Ethan Trepanier added 14 points, including three three-pointers. Colman Curtiss-Reardon also contributed five assists and four rebounds. Overall, the team controlled the game offensively and defensively, finishing with 28 total rebounds.

The Wildcats stood out in the second quarter, when they extended their lead to 18 points by scoring 19 points in that quarter alone. Fiske grabbed six rebounds and took a charge, while Ryan Hill came off the bench to contribute seven points, including a three-pointer. When East Hampton pressed, the Wildcats handled it calmly and maintained control. The team also shot 95% from the free-throw line.

The team’s defensive effort was especially strong, forcing three offensive fouls and controlling the pace of the game.

Sheffield said the team focuses on defense at every practice, “working more and more on that skill every day.” 

Sophomore Will McKeever, a member of the starting lineup, described the team’s chemistry. 

“The team has gotten closer with each other over time. We started practice in June and naturally just clicked with each other. We spend five days a week with one another so we’ve become really close,” he said. 

The Wildcats’ next game in the Shoreline Conference semifinals will take place at home against North Branford on Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets are available online. 

Sheffield said everyone on the team plays hard. 

“They all communicate, have high energy, are physical, and are a fun team to watch,” he said.