The Conard boys basketball team defeated Farmington Friday night in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Cole Schweiger

The Conard boys basketball team continued its strong start to the season with a 56-36 win over Farmington on Friday night, completing a season sweep of the Riverhawks in a span of just 11 days.

Conard boys basketball previously defeated Farmington 61-41 on Dec. 22, and showed similar control in the rematch, improving to 3-0 on the season after moving down to Division II following a Division I campaign last winter.

Conard vs. Farmington boys basketball. Jan. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Under first-year head coach Mark Corey, Conard has not missed a beat. Corey took over the program after longtime head coach Jared Leghorn retired following last season, and the Red Wolves have embraced the transition early.

“We knew they were a better team than the one we went up against 11 days ago,” Corey said of Farmington. “They were at full strength now and they played two very competitive games that they had a chance to win over break. Coach Archambault is a tremendous coach who always has them prepared.”

Conard led 15-11 after the first quarter, punctuated by a buzzer-beating three from junior Ryan Barnum. The Red Wolves built momentum in the second quarter, highlighted by a powerful dunk from senior Shane Morris that energized the home crowd.

“I liked the way we finished the half for the most part,” Corey said. “At halftime we talked about making sure we prevented their three-point shooters from getting easy looks and playing without fouling. I was confident we’d get good looks offensively.”

Farmington briefly cut into the lead in the third quarter after switching to a 2-3 zone, but Conard adjusted quickly. Seniors Aidan Fox and Ryan Peabody, along with Barnum, connected on timely three-pointers to re-establish control.

Conard vs. Farmington boys basketball. Jan. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

“Our guys made adjustments,” Corey said. “Those shots really got us going in the right direction again.”

Barnum finished with 15 points to lead Conard. Morris added 15 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks off the bench. Senior Amur Hughes chipped in eight points and eight rebounds, while Fox recorded eight points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

“One of my favorite things about this team is how they compete in practice,” Corey said. “Playing time and starting roles are earned. We’ve had different starting lineups in all three games, and our guys are ready to step up and celebrate each other’s success. That makes it a really special, unified group.”

Conard vs. Farmington boys basketball. Jan. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Farmington High School boys basketball fell to 0-2 against Conard this season despite a more competitive showing in the rematch.

Conard will look to extend its winning streak on the road Monday against Bristol Central boys basketball (3-1).

Conard vs. Farmington boys basketball. Jan. 2, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

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.