The Hall boys basketball team defeated Simsbury in a captivating basketball game Thursday night in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Liv Varellas

Hall boys basketball came out with the 64-45 win Thursday night against Simsbury to put their record at 11-4. Simsbury delivered an intense game, as they fought with high defense and quick handles around the arc.

The game began with Hall’s Maxwell St. Arromand winning the tip off against Simsbury’s Luke Smith. The possession created a gateway for senior Eli Kramer to receive the ball and put the first two points on the board with a layup. Just seconds later, Kramer drained a 3-pointer to give Hall an early 5-0 lead.

The Hall team warms up before the start of their game against Simsbury. Feb. 5, 2026. Photo credit: Jackson Tucker

Simsbury remained unbothered, with their first points on the board about three minutes into the first quarter. No. 11, Matthew Watson scored his first points for the Trojans on the arc. Despite the slow start, this junior for the away team played with fierce defense and high stamina to follow the speed of the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Trojans fought back to take a two-point lead, ending the first quarter 12-10. 

Hall coach Bryan Moretti advised Eli Kramer to push up the court with 3 minutes left in the quarter. Hall’s offense needed this extra effort to get more points, as Simsbury was up 14-12. Photo credit: Jackson Tucker

The second quarter kicked off with Simsbury’s possession. No. 3, Emmanuel Densu-Croffi had a fantastic hustle down the court, but was quickly shut down by Hall’s defense. The second quarter was filled with energy from senior and newcomer Zack Debin, whose hustle and communication aided Hall in re-gaining the lead. Debin drove the ball up the court and passed to teammate Eli Kramer to get Hall four points up at the end of the first half.

As halftime came near, Hall reached a flow state. The highlight of the half came from St. Arromand, who saved his shifty moves for the end of the quarter. After a late steal, his fast-break dunk attempt sent the crowd into a craze. Simsbury headed into the locker room with heads held high, creating a plan of attack to finish off the game. The first half ends with Hall’s lead hanging on by a thread, 22-19.

Coach Bryan Moretti explains a play in intense huddle right before the second half of Hall vs. Simsbury starts. Feb. 5, 2026. Photo credit: Jackson Tucker

Nico Gilbert, a junior for Hall, came out fiery and ready for the second half, as he put up the first three points within 20 seconds of the half. Not long after, Gilbert went off again with a steal and a layup to add two points. Gilbert, in his first year at the varsity level, remained unfazed by the trojans relentless pressure around the paint.

Although Simsbury was quiet on the scoreboard, their chemistry was impossible to ignore. Simsbury played higher around the 3-point line, creating space to pass and move with one another. Once the team reached the paint, keeping the ball from the hoop appeared to be unstoppable. With Jack Garner’s strong handles, Smith’s defense, and Watson’s shooting accuracy, this lineup put up triple trouble for Hall to defend.

Hall’s aggressive defense, however, was a critical flaw, allowing Simsbury to pay frequent trips to the free throw line. This provided a gateway for Simsbury to get points on the board without having to conquer Hall’s defensive line.

Garner kicked off the third quarter with a clutch 2 points from free throws to keep the score tight. Hall stayed in the lead, 46-37, by the end of the third.

Hall entered the last quarter dominating their side of the court. Simsbury returned the favor with their aggressive defense, causing many forced turnovers, making the comeback for blue and gold more difficult.

After staying quiet all game, junior Isaiah Gaston-Ortiz popped off with a 3-pointer to get Hall a 13-point lead. Simsbury, scrambling with little gas left in the tank, forced yet another foul, which Gaston-Ortiz missed. Not to worry, because Kramer got the rebound to Gilbert who drained another 3-pointer. Coach Moretti must have this team running shooting drills in their sleep.

Simsbury players scrambling to guard Hall senior Aiden Delaney, as he can’t be stopped from making contact with the hoop. Hall vs. Simsbury boys basketball. Feb. 5, 2026. Photo credit: Jackson Tucker

Simsbury called a timeout with 1:41 left, crafting a way to keep up the fight and get some numbers on the board. Coach S. Blanchfield urged his players to keep their heads up. With 44.7 seconds left, Fred Bongne gained two free throws off a Hall foul, but it was not enough to get the game back.

Both teams walked off undefeated in spirits, knowing all effort was left on the court.

Hall, now in 10th place in Division II, finished the game with a dominant win and the final score of 64-45, even with Simsbury’s persistent pressure.

Hall will next face NFA at home on senior night Saturday, Feb. 7, with tip-off at 5 p.m.  Simsbury looks to bounce back as they travel to Bristol Eastern on Monday, Feb. 9. Both teams look locked in and ready to win.

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