ATHLETICS

Winter Sports Recap

A mild winter resulted in an undisrupted number of games played during the winter sports season, resulting in growth of many student-athletes’ skills and talents, and positive outcomes for the teams.

Half of the season was spent traveling due to the temporary closure of the Arthur Sheriff Field House, leaving teams at the mercy of the road, being driven around the region for practices and to compete against other teams.

Varsity boys’ basketball closed out February with eight wins and only two losses, finishing the season with a 15-10 record. Notable games include the 83-40 victory versus Saint Luke’s School, 82-53 win against Suffield Academy, and 91-62 victory versus St. Andrew’s School to end the season. A first-year at CA, KC Ugwuakazi ’23 was the team’s leading scorer, second leading rebounder, and first in blocked shots. Tanner Tedesco ’23, a two-year starter in the backcourt, handled the ball well, setting up plays for teammates and securing points on his own. Roderick Jones II ’24, another prolific shooter, made tremendous strides on the defensive end and looks to be a competitive player next season. Similarly, Luke Reynolds ’24 was a standout to the team, competition, and referees, as he set the competitive tone for the team.

Varsity girls’ basketball had a tougher season, ending with a 9-10 record. At home, they beat both The Canterbury School (44-30) and Pomfret School (48-34), while on the road resulted in victories against The Frederick Gunn School (68-38), Miss Hall’s School (42-25), and Canterbury School (52-31), among others. Postgraduate Miabella Diaz ’23 served as a vocal leader, making an immediate impact on the court with lockdown defense and amazing passes. Ava Kijewski ’24 demonstrated consistency and grit, taking on any challenges presented this season. De’Naya Rippey ’24 consistently displayed her intensity and focus, averaging a double-double this season and guarding the strongest players from opposing teams. Cecelia Torres ’26 was one of the team’s most consistent players, showcasing defensive intensity, attention to detail, and rebound abilities.

Coed fencing had a season of first-year fencers doing very well under the tutelage of coach Matthew Socia and leadership of returning student-athletes. First-years Feyza Horuz ’24 placed second in women’s foil at the novice state tournament, Chris Heo ’26 placed fifth in men’s saber at the novice state tournament, and Eliana Orlinsky ’24 closed out the season winning 13 of her last 14 matches in women’s foil. Returning fencers Lily Huang ’24 and Elise Lurix ’24 had successful seasons; Huang placed eighth in women’s saber at states, and Lurix won all but one of her bouts over the entire regular season.

Committed

Cheshire Academy has a longstanding tradition of student-athletes committing to play their sport of choice at the Division I, II, and III levels. After the start of the new year, several students formally announced their commitments to playing at Columbia University, Indiana University, the University of Maryland, Wesleyan University, Yale University, and many others.

Winter Sports Awards

Another season down, another group of Cheshire Academy student-athletes who went above and beyond the role of team player. The Winter Sports Awards, held on Wednesday, March 8, recognized the most valuable players, most improved players, and recipients of the Coaches Award for the basketball and fencing programs. Congratulations to the recipients — they earned it!