The Conard boys basketball team secured its spot in the state tournament with a close victory over Avon Friday night in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Kelly Flesichmann. Photos by Ben Munn

The Conard boys basketball team made it 3-0 this week, and secured their spot in states with their close win, 53-50, over Avon on Friday night.

The game began slowly, with both teams struggling to get points on the board. Conard’s Jack Faenza nailed a 3-pointer to bring the Red Wolves into the lead early on. Tristan Lee from Avon quickly responded with a drive to the basket and a layup, making the score 3-2.

Earning two more points, the Falcons made their way to the lead for a few short-lived moments, until Shane Morris hit a 3-pointer, putting Conard back in the lead, 6-4. Conard and Avon continued to trade baskets and the lead back and forth until the Red Wolves pulled ahead, 12-9, coming out of the first quarter.

Conard’s bench captivated by the court, Conard vs. Avon boys basketball, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ben Munn

Throughout the second quarter, the Red Wolves worked to improve their lead. Amir Hughes quickly got two points for Conard with a layup, followed by Faenza nailing a two-pointer from just outside the paint. Avon improved their score to 15, just in time for Ryan Peabody to nail his first, of many, 3-pointers. The first half ended with the score 21-15, with the Red Wolves in the lead. 

James O’Sullivan driving down the court, Conard vs. Avon boys basketball, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ben Munn

Starting the second half strong, Faenza hit a two-pointer, but Avon quickly retaliated with Tommy Mango sinking a 3-pointer. Hughes drove to the basket and made a layup, but shortly after, Leo Indomonizo made a two-pointer and then nailed a 3-pointer. 

The Falcons continued to make progress, tying the score at 30-30 with a few minutes left in the third quarter. Conard managed to pull out by the end of the third quarter, with the help of Ryan Peabody, who hit two 3-pointers, almost back-to-back. Going into the fourth quarter, the Red Wolves were ahead by 8, with the score 40-32. 

Conard’s head coach, Mark Corey, during a timeout, Conard vs. Avon boys basketball, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ben Munn

Once again, Conard started the last quarter strong with Morris’ drive to the basket and layup. The Red Wolves continued to stay in the lead, and the Falcons’ head coach, Kris Pedra, made the call for Avon to begin a full-court press. 

This did not stop Peabody from drilling another 3-pointer. Avon continued to focus on offensive efforts, with Lee hitting a two-pointer, and improving the Falcons’ score to 48, making them trail just two points behind Conard with 31.8 seconds left on the clock. Faenza made one free throw shot, followed by Morris drilling two more from the free-throw line. 

Ryan Peabody setting up a play, Conard vs. Avon boys basketball, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ben Munn

In a last effort to win the game, Leo Indomonizo made a layup, though Conard was still in the lead.

The game ended with the score 53-50, and Conard securing the victory and their spot in the state tournament. 

Conard (8-8) will next face Bloomfield (10-6), away, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with tip-off at 6:30 p.m. The Red Wolves hope to extend their three-game winning streak to four!

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