Southington spoils the party with a win in West Hartford Thursday night.

50 years of Conard girls basketball was celebrated at halftime. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer

Thursday night was about celebrating the beginning of girls’ sports in West Hartford, and in particular the Conard girls basketball program. Even before Title IX had become law, assuring female athletes would have the same opportunities as male athletes, the West Hartford Board of Education said yes to creating programs – and among them was a varsity girls basketball team at Conard, that in just seven short years would be a state champion.

Five members of Conard’s first girls basketball team were honored Thursday night. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Players and coaches who built the tradition at Conard returned Thursday night to celebrate the past, the present, and the future of the program. Five players from that original team were on hand, and during pre-game warmups, players from the West Hartford Magic Girls Travel Basketball team lined the end line and high-fived the Chieftain players as they came through the  shooting lines.

Conard players high-five West Hartford Magic players during warm-ups. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Facing challenges has always been a part of the program, and Thursday was no exception. A Conard team that lists just three seniors was hosting the undefeated Southington Lady Knights. Despite a tight first quarter, Southington  was just too fast, too skilled, and too good to contain, and they would come away with a 40-19 win.

Conard’s Ciara Gaglioti works to deny the shot to Southington. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

The visitors used a full court trapping defense, forcing Conard to make quick decisions with the ball. When they did get a look at the hoop, the Chieftains had trouble converting. Southington also dominated the boards at both ends, rarely giving Conard a second chance on the offensive end.

Southington pushed what was a four-point lead after the opening eight minutes to 10 points with a 3-pointer with 4:41 to play in the second. By the end of the half, it was a 12-point lead, and the Lady Knights were controlling nearly every aspect of the game.

Despite the lopsided score, the heart and determination of the Chieftain players never wavered. They battled for every loose ball, hustled to try and contain Southington on defense, and never gave up. But it was a case of simply facing a better team.

Courtney McPhee of Conard looks for teammates on the inbound pass. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

One of the strongest statements of how hard head coach Laurie Cersosimo’s squad played all game came in the third period. Down 20 points, with just 23 seconds to play in the quarter, Conard’s defense denied Southington the chance to inbound the ball, forcing the 5-second violation and the turnover.

The Lady Knights were led by junior forward Allison Mikosz who scored a game high 13-points, and freshman guard Ciara Sockwell who chipped in 8. Sockwell was tenacious all-night, chasing down loose balls and battling every possession.

Callie Cosgrove of Conard battles for the loose ball against two Southington players. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Conard freshman Callie Cosgrove – the emotional leader on the floor this night – had a team high 8 points, with Tatiana Harrison chipping in 4.

The night was about celebrating all that has been achieved and all that will be achieved in the program and in girls sports at Conard and in West Hartford. Bringing together 41 alumni ranging  from last year back to the first team is what will be remembered long after anyone recalls the score of the game.

Just announced.. Eddie Litos to be inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 as a contributor @WeHartford ⁦@Conard_Hoops⁩ pic.twitter.com/pO5yfaYU9w

— We-Ha.Com (@WeHartford) December 23, 2021

A group of alumni from throughout the past 50 years gathered to celebrate the Conard girls basketball program. Conard vs. Southington girls basketball. Dec. 23, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletterso 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.