West Hartford’s Conard High School advances to the state semifinals with a win over Middletown.

Conard’s Riley Fox puts up a 3 over Middletown’s Marshall Butler. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer

It is a season like no other in the history of Conard boys’ basketball. The 2021-22 squad has set a school record for wins in a season (22), has advanced to the state semifinals for the first time, and has the chance to win three state tournament games for the first time ever.

The only other Conard team to win multiple games in the tournament was the 1973-74 team – which won 2 games.

Achieving these high marks has not been easy, and Friday night’s quarterfinal 55-43 win over Middletown was no exception. It was a chippy, back-and-forth contest that at times appeared to be being played without rules as the three-man officiating crew shifted from calling everything to calling nothing. Playing on back-to-back nights under playoff pressure also took its toll early on.

“You are never comfortable the second night, especially playing against a good team like Middletown,” said Conard coach Jared Leghorn.

The first quarter of Conard’s final home game of the season saw the teams trade baskets and Middletown run a very effective screen game on offensive which had Chieftain defenders chasing the ball. Fittingly, it was tied at 12 after the opening eight minutes.

Jalen Hamblin shoots free throws in the win vs. Middletown. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Senior Jalen Hamblin – who has gotten better with each game this season – gave Conard some breathing room early in the second when he got hot, but Middletown’s Matt Steurewald and Chace Petgrave kept the Blue Dragons in the game. In addition to his scoring, Hamblin was a force on the boards – especially on the defensive end – as he and junior Ryan Bushnell controlled the rebounds and kept Middletown’s 6-8 Elijah Wilborn at bay.

“Bush was our MVP tonight as he did an elite job against their big man, boxing him out and holding him to 6 points,” said Leghorn.

For Bushnell, matching up with Middletown’s big man Wilborn was like a football game. “He’s a good player and I wanted to get him in foul trouble,” said Bushnell. “I play football, so tonight I tried to be physical on him.”

Michael Weiss of Conard guards Middletown’s Chace Petgrave. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

At the half, Conard held a one point lead, with Riley Fox leading all scorers with 13 points on four 3-pointers and a free throw, while Hamblin chipped in eight.

One of the few areas where Conard has fallen short  this season is playing consistent basketball in the third quarter. Friday they did just enough to stay in the game to keep a one-point lead after 24 minutes of play.

Declan McCann gets the contact on his drive to the basket. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hamblin, Bushnell, and junior point guard Declan McCann combined on some great passing and scoring plays, with Bushnell hitting a lay-in at one end, then getting the shot block at the other.

Entering the fourth, neither team had established control and with a berth in the state semifinals at stake, it was still anyone’s game. Conard’s Fox – the team leader in scoring – had just one point in the third, but his 3-pointer with 5:46 to go in the game gave Conard a 40-36 lead.

Bushnell took a charge at the other end and later Hamblin would grab a defensive rebound, run the court, and hit the lay-in and free throw to make it a six point game with just under four minutes to play.

Down the stretch, Conard had the chance to put the game away with frequent trips to the foul line, but the misses piled up and when Petgrave hit a big 3 for Middletown with 1:34 to play, it was just a four-point game. At one point, Conard missed seven of eight free throws before Hamblin and Fox each hit a pair to make it a nine point lead with just under 15 seconds to go.

Ryan Bushnell works down low. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

With just two seconds to play, things got heated as Hamblin was mugged by Steurewald as he went for a layup. Steurewald then shoved Hamblin after the play, sending security and coaches scrambling onto the court to keep the peace. After Hamblin converted the free throw, he and Steurewald shook hands, and the game ended with Conard winning 55-43.

For Hamblin it was another impressive night at both ends of the court. His 21 points and 19 rebounds marked the fifth straight game he has had a double-double with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Jalen Hamblin heads to the hoop. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

“I want to end my senior season with a bang,” said Hamblin, who was cut from the team as a freshman and sophomore. “I give all credit to my teammates for all their support.”

“He’s earned every minute of it,” said Leghorn of Hamblin. “He has been a stud since the post season started.”

Fox finished with a game-high 24 and Bushnell with six for Conard.

Up next in the semifinals will be familiar foe Northwest Catholic. The Lions have beaten Conard twice this season – once in the regular season and once in the CCC tournament.

“They are a great team,” said Bushnell of Northwest Catholic. “We have to come out stronger in the second half and keep up that momentum.”

His coach said hefeels the same. “They (NWC) are the best team in the state in transition. We have to make shots in that third quarter.”

Coach Jared Leghorn talks with his team during a timeout. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

The game is slated for Tuesday at a time and place to be determined, with the winner playing for the state championship at Mohegan Sun.

No matter how the rest of the season plays out, the coach and players know this has been a special season for a special group – which will only graduate two seniors.

“Pride,” said Leghorn of his team. “I’m very lucky to be their coach.”

For Hamblin, one of the seniors who will be leaving, this season and team will always be special. “Conard is my second family,” he said. “All the early morning workouts, the time together. I’m proud of this team.”

Conard’s student section goes green. Conard vs. Middletown. CIAC Division II quarterfinal. March 11, 2022. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.