Key Contributors
The 2023-2024 season was a record-breaking year for Southington High School Girls Basketball, and much of the credit for the team’s success goes to the leadership and performance of the senior trio: Lily Cooper, Hannah Blanchard, and Isabella Leggett. These three players were pivotal not only in the statistical categories but also in leading the team with their veteran experience, helping to create a winning culture. Lily Cooper, in particular, made history by passing the 1,000 career points mark and becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,344 points.
Hannah Blanchard was the team’s leading rebounder and provided 13 points per game, while Isabella Leggett added 13 points per game as well. Their leadership on and off the court was a major factor in the team's success.
Season Overview
What began as an underdog story quickly turned into an outstanding season for the Lady Knights. In pre-season predictions, Southington wasn’t even mentioned among the top teams, but they stormed out of the gate, winning their first five games. After suffering a tough loss to an undefeated Conard team just after Christmas, the team embarked on an incredible 21-game win streak.
This streak was highlighted by huge victories, including wins over Ridgefield (16-4), Northwest Catholic (19-1), and East Catholic (19-1). The East Catholic win came in the championship game of the prestigious league tournament, a monumental achievement for the program.
The only blemish came in the LL State Championship Game, where they were narrowly defeated by Sacred Heart Academy. Despite the loss, the team set a school record for victories in a season and finished with an impressive overall record, making it one of the most successful campaigns in the program's history.
Defining Moments
The turning point of the season came after the loss to Conard. According to Coach Hewitt, that loss served as a wake-up call for the team. They regrouped, reassessed their goals, and came back stronger, winning their next 21 games dominantly. That loss was the catalyst for the team’s remarkable run.
Player Development
As the season progressed, several players stepped up and grew into larger roles. Freshmen Ari Quick and Nerea Maule, sophomore McKenna Crist, and juniors Gianna Mathews and Alexa Poutouves all played significant minutes and contributed to the team’s depth. Along with seniors Grace Russo and Katie Doherty, these players formed a solid 10-player rotation that gave the team a well-rounded and versatile lineup. Their development and integration into the team helped give Southington the depth needed to compete at the highest level.
Response to Challenges
One of the standout features of this team was their resilience. Whether it was dealing with injuries, tough losses, or high-pressure situations, the Lady Knights consistently responded with grit and determination. Coach Hewitt noted that the team was never fazed by challenges, and they consistently found ways to bounce back, maintaining their focus on their goals.
Senior Leadership
The senior class was the backbone of the team’s success. As previously mentioned, Lily Cooper, Hannah Blanchard, and Isabella Leggett not only led by example in terms of their performance but also with their leadership and energy. Madison Rizzuto, who overcame injuries from the previous season, brought a special energy to both practices and games, adding to the team's drive and intensity.
The seniors set the tone for the team, both with their achievements and their ability to bring out the best in their teammates. Cooper’s 1,000-point milestone and Blanchard’s dominance on the boards were key contributions, but perhaps the most significant impact they had was in creating a culture of excellence and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
The future of Southington Girls Basketball is extremely promising. Several players are set to return, and Coach Hewitt is excited about the potential of Alexa Poutouves, McKenna Crist, Ari Quick, Nerea Maule, Addison Lasek, and Katia Betros. These underclassmen gained valuable experience this season, and their continued development will help maintain the team’s success moving forward.
With a solid foundation in place, Southington is poised to continue its rise as a powerhouse in girls’ basketball in Connecticut.
Offseason Focus
For Coach Hewitt and the team, the offseason is not about resting but about improving. The focus will be on refining skills and getting better every day. Coach Hewitt emphasized that the offseason is the “improving season,” where the team will continue to develop both individually and as a unit in preparation for another strong campaign next year.
A Season for the Ages
The 2023-2024 season will go down as one of the most successful in Southington Girls Basketball history. From being counted out in pre-season predictions to setting a school record for victories and making it to the state championship game, this team proved that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and strong leadership.
With a talented group of returning players and a culture of success firmly in place, the future is bright for Southington Girls Basketball. Expect even bigger things to come.
, Northwest Catholic (19-1), and East Catholic (19-1). The East Catholic win came in the championship game of the prestigious league tournament, a monumental achievement for the program.
The only blemish came in the LL State Championship Game, where they were narrowly defeated by Sacred Heart Academy. Despite the loss, the team set a school record for victories in a season and finished with an impressive overall record, making it one of the most successful campaigns in the program's history.
Defining Moments
The turning point of the season came after the loss to Conard. According to Coach Hewitt, that loss served as a wake-up call for the team. They regrouped, reassessed their goals, and came back stronger, winning their next 21 games dominantly. That loss was the catalyst for the team’s remarkable run.
Player Development
As the season progressed, several players stepped up and grew into larger roles. Freshmen Ari Quick and Nerea Maule, sophomore McKenna Crist, and juniors Gianna Mathews and Alexa Poutouves all played significant minutes and contributed to the team’s depth. Along with seniors Grace Russo and Katie Doherty, these players formed a solid 10-player rotation that gave the team a well-rounded and versatile lineup. Their development and integration into the team helped give Southington the depth needed to compete at the highest level.
Response to Challenges
One of the standout features of this team was their resilience. Whether it was dealing with injuries, tough losses, or high-pressure situations, the Lady Knights consistently responded with grit and determination. Coach Hewitt noted that the team was never fazed by challenges, and they consistently found ways to bounce back, maintaining their focus on their goals.
Senior Leadership
The senior class was the backbone of the team’s success. As previously mentioned, Lily Cooper, Hannah Blanchard, and Isabella Leggett not only led by example in terms of their performance but also with their leadership and energy. Madison Rizzuto, who overcame injuries from the previous season, brought a special energy to both practices and games, adding to the team's drive and intensity.
The seniors set the tone for the team, both with their achievements and their ability to bring out the best in their teammates. Cooper’s 1,000-point milestone and Blanchard’s dominance on the boards were key contributions, but perhaps the most significant impact they had was in creating a culture of excellence and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
The future of Southington Girls Basketball is extremely promising. Several players are set to return, and Coach Hewitt is excited about the potential of Alexa Poutouves, McKenna Crist, Ari Quick, Nerea Maule, Addison Lasek, and Katia Betros. These underclassmen gained valuable experience this season, and their continued development will help maintain the team’s success moving forward.
With a solid foundation in place, Southington is poised to continue its rise as a powerhouse in girls’ basketball in Connecticut.
Offseason Focus
For Coach Hewitt and the team, the offseason is not about resting but about improving. The focus will be on refining skills and getting better every day. Coach Hewitt emphasized that the offseason is the “improving season,” where the team will continue to develop both individually and as a unit in preparation for another strong campaign next year.
A Season for the Ages
The 2023-2024 season will go down as one of the most successful in Southington Girls Basketball history. From being counted out in pre-season predictions to setting a school record for victories and making it to the state championship game, this team proved that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and strong leadership.
With a talented group of returning players and a culture of success firmly in place, the future is bright for Southington Girls Basketball. Expect even bigger things to come.
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