When it comes to playing the local rivals, you can often throw out all the stats and records as the adrenaline gets pumping and the fans from the rival schools urge their team on. So often emotions take over and elevate one player's game while rattling another. Meanwhile the coach is trying to keep the team loose and composed, likely repeating a Bill Belichick-like mantra of just "Do Your Job!" On Monday evening at the Beckerman Center, though there was plenty of emotion, both Hornet squads did their jobs with ruthless efficiency, sweeping the doubleheader against crosstown rival Hopkins.

        In the opening contest, Coach Megan Borelli's girls team displayed their trademark high press and up tempo game from the first whistle to the last, defeating the Hilltoppers 50-39. Despite a parade of injuries, the team took the game to Hopkins, regardless of who was on the floor. The Hornets were anchored by seventh grade standout, Jayda Johnson, who led the team with 16 points, including three from beyond the three point arc. Freshman Asha Parker dominated the glass at both ends, while chipping in 10 points. Senior Kai Clemons scored 12, while providing leadership and the combativeness to contest every possession. The Hornets rushed out to a 17-5 advantage and then extended their lead to 27-12 before the first half expired.

Hopkins still climbed back in the game and closed the gap to 28-19 early in the second frame. The teams each went on brief scoring runs, and Hopkins was able to to get within seven about midway through the half, but that would be as close as they could get as Clemons and Johnson were clutch down the stretch.

Click here to read the New Haven Register story, along with a picture gallery of the game:


        In the nightcap, the Boys team flexed its muscle and cruised to an 83-43 victory. Junior Christian Adams led the team in scoring with 19 points including 3 three pointers. Tre Breland chipped in 14 and Andrew Rice added 11 points as part of a well balanced attack. The Hornets scored 8 three pointers in total, with Chris Cahill and Tim Dawson netting 2 each. Coach Sean Doherty's team also executed a no-nonsense defense to deny the Hilltoppers many second chances, and eased to a 50-11 halftime lead. The second half was a wide open affair and the home crowd cheered their approval as others on the team chipped in. Dawson and senior Jack Schoonmaker each finished with 8 points; Corey Walters had 7; Cahill 6; Michael Johnson 4; Chris Wright and Luke Schoonmaker 3 each. The Hornets remain undefeated in the Fairchester League and enjoy an overall record of 13-3.