The Middletown High School Blue Dragons capped off a stellar performance at the West Haven Holiday Tournament, claiming the championship trophy after two days of intense competition. The tournament, held at West Haven High School on December 27th and 28th, featured four powerhouse teams who have all made at least the state quarterfinals within the past four seasons – making it a true battle of champions.
The Blue Dragons' journey to victory began on December 27th with a nail-biting 43-41 victory over Kolbe Cathedral in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, the West Haven Westies secured their spot in the final with a 49-40 win over Norwalk High School.
The championship game on December 28th lived up to the hype, with both teams battling it out point-for-point. At halftime, MHS held a narrow 25-22 lead, and after three quarters, they clung to a 38-32 advantage. But the Westies refused to back down, staging a fierce comeback to tie the game at 41-41 with just two minutes remaining.
It was in these final moments that the Blue Dragons truly showcased their poise and championship spirit. With nerves of steel and unwavering confidence, they pulled away to secure a thrilling 48-43 victory. This historic win marked the first time Middletown High School has ever participated in the West Haven Holiday Tournament.
The individual brilliance of several Blue Dragons players was instrumental in their triumph. Senior Captain Shalyn Smith, named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, led the team with her all-around performance, racking up steals, assists, and crucial points throughout the competition. In the championship game, senior Ava Studinski sizzled from beyond the arc, draining five three-pointers to finish with 15 points. The semifinal game saw sophomore Tessa Porch explode for 15 points, while sophomores Sophia Abanador and Gabby Butler chipped in 13 points and dominated the rebounding department, respectively.
Middletown's victory at the West Haven Holiday Tournament is a testament to the talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the MHS Girls basketball program. It serves as a powerful reminder that our Blue Dragons are a force to be reckoned with. Congratulations to the champions on a well-deserved victory!