The Conard girls basketball team hosted Lewis Mills in West Hartford for its last home game of the season. 

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Brooklynn Knowles

The Thursday night game hosted by Conard was dedicated to celebrating the team’s one and only senior, Ryelle Gomes. Though the evening ended in a 64-40 loss to Lewis Mills High School, Conard’s energy and determination never wavered.

Lewis Mills came out strong, capitalizing on early Conard turnovers, and gaining an early 6-0 lead that quickly grew into a 19-7 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Despite the early deficit, it was Conard’s effort that set the tone for the rest of the night.

The Red Wolves refused to back down. Juniors Clara McClay and Ashley Gorman consistently sacrificed their bodies for loose balls, never hesitating to dive on the ground while Caroline Cersosimo applied relentless defensive pressure to force turnovers. Offensively, the whole team made a clear effort to feed Gomes in the post, ensuring that their senior had continued opportunities on her special night.

Ashley Gorman on defense. Feb. 12, 2026. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

Momentum shifted throughout the second quarter as both teams found rhythm offensively. Lewis Mills was led by Layla Ljubuncic, who scored a total of 20 points, highlighted by her strong 3-point game. Still, Conard’s hustle never let up heading into halftime.

Coming into the third, Conard took the court ready to play. An early foul sent Gomes to the line, where she calmly knocked down both free throws to bring the Red Wolves to 18 points. Though they trailed by 14 at that point, their intensity remained evident.

Ryelle Gomes on the line, shooting two. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

Lewis Mills built on its lead in the third, heading into the fourth up 52-26. But Conard continued to compete, bringing the same intensity in every possession.

Caroline Cersosimo, Bree Wilmes, and Ryelle Gomes executing Conard’s  man-to-man defence. Feb. 12, 2026. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

The fourth quarter was a clear example of Conard’s drive. Gorman opened with a 3-pointer off a turnover created by Cersosimo, then followed with a smooth euro-step finish and later assisted Gomes with 5:28 remaining. The Red Wolves continued to press, communicate, and compete until the final buzzer.

Subbed out with two minutes remaining, Gomes joined her coaches and teammates with a round of applause from the entire gym. Her teammates on the court continued playing hard until the final buzzer sounded to show their appreciation for everything she’s given to the team and the program in her time at Conard. 

Ryelle Gomes subbed off the court on her senior night. Feb. 12, 2026. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

While Conard’s regular-season record moves to 4-14 as the schedule winds down, this year’s senior night was not defined by the final score, but by the energy, teamwork, and commitment their team had in honoring their senior captain on this very special night.

Coming up, Conard will travel to Bristol on Tuesday for their second to last game of the regular season, facing Bristol Central. 

Brief mid-game communication between Maren McName and Bree Wilmes Feb. 12, 2026. Photo credit: Brooklynn Knowles

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