West Hartford crosstown rivals Conard and Hall met for the second time this season.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Brooklynn Knowles. Photos by Cole Schweiger

After a decisive 69-34 win in last month’s meeting, Hall entered Thursday night’s rematch as the clear favorite. But this time, it wasn’t nearly as simple. Conard came ready to play, turning what many expected to be another comfortable result for Hall into a hard-fought battle between these two rivals.

With both teams looking forward to this game all year, it was no surprise that every player on and off the court filled the gym with energy and hustle.

The first quarter was equally competitive from both teams. With just over three minutes remaining, the score was tied 7-7, and neither side could create much separation. Hall closed the quarter on a short run to take a 17-13 lead, but Conard had already made it clear this wouldn’t be a repeat of last month’s blowout.

Conard student section bringing the energy. Hall vs. Conard boys basketball. Feb. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

Hall found its rhythm in the second quarter, particularly on the defensive end, holding Conard to six points in the period. Even as shots struggled to fall for the Red Wolves, their effort and pressure never wavered. Behind 14 first-half points from Aidan Delaney, Hall built a 32-19 lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter, however, completely shifted the tone of the game.

Conard came out of the locker room with renewed energy, led by Ryan Peabody. He opened the half with an effortless 3, quickly energizing the crowd and cutting into the deficit. Peabody scored 12 of his game-high 20 points in the third quarter alone, fueling a run that erased most of Hall’s comfortable lead.

Ryan Peabody looking for offensive opportunities. Hall vs. Conard boys basketball. Feb. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The brief back-and-forth of the third quarter was put to an end and Hall called a timeout in hopes of putting out their rivals’ fire. However, Conard seems to come out even stronger than before, and a turnover from Hall led to the half-court pass to the wide-open Amir Hughes, who felt the pressure on his back and decided to send the Hall defense flying with a quick pump fake and easy layup to completely shift the momentum in favor of the Red Wolves.

Another Peabody 3 forced Hall into another timeout as the lead shrank to four.

When Hughes connected from beyond the arc to make it a one-point game, the gym was buzzing. What had once looked like it could mirror the previous meeting was now anyone’s game.

Hall never lets up, though, and they keep the lead with the help of Delaney and Isaiah Gaston, who really stepped it up the quarter. The third ended 44-42, Conard trailing behind.

Amir Hughes shooting a 3. Hall vs. Conard boys basketball. Feb. 19, 2026. Photo credit: Cole Schweiger

The fourth quarter was tense and physical. Fouls on both ends, possessions slowed, and each basket carried weight. Hall focused on limiting Peabody’s touches, while Conard continued to push, knowing an upset was within reach.

With less than 15 seconds left and Hall holding onto a slim lead, Eli Kramer was sent to the line. He knocked down his free throws, making it a three-possession game and putting the win just out of reach for Conard.

At 57–48, the final score reflected a much more competitive rematch than their first match-up of the season in January.

Hall celebrated as they secured the win and the title of CCC Central Champions.

No. 7 seed Hall (15-5) is scheduled to host No. 10 Glastonbury (13-7) Tuesday night in the first round of the CCC Tournament. No. 14 Conard (9-11) will travel to Manchester to play No. 3 East Catholic (17-3) on Tuesday in the opening CCC Tournament r0und.

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