Hall girls basketball hosted Simsbury in West Hartford Friday night, losing 45-40 in overtime.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

Anya Leshem is attempting a 3-pointer. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

By Savannah Cote. Photos by Scott Sulkazi

Before the opening tip, the focus inside the gym extended beyond the scoreboard.

The game was dedicated to Morgan’s Message, a national mental health initiative that advocates for student-athletes and works to normalize conversations around mental wellness in sports. Founded in memory of Division I lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers, the organization’s mission is to remind athletes that mental health is just as important as physical health – and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

That message remained present throughout Friday night, serving as a reminder that while competition fuels the game, community, awareness, and support remain at its core.

Chloe Lynch passes to Leah Berey. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

The contest itself reflected that intensity, unfolding as a back-and-forth battle from the opening minutes. Hall struck first when Chloe Lynch opened the scoring with a layup to give the Titans a 2-0 lead. Kate Gills responded for Simsbury with a 3-pointer, briefly swinging momentum before adding a layup and converting the ensuing foul. Leah Berey answered for Hall with a rebound and putback, keeping the Titans within reach early.

Berey later drew a foul to knot the score at 6-6, but Simsbury responded with timely shooting, as Blake Peterson and Brenna Riordan connected from beyond the arc to push the visitors ahead. Lynch again steadied Hall at the free-throw line, and Anya Leshem sparked a surge with a three-pointer followed by a 3-point play, briefly giving Hall the lead.

Anya Leshem is attempting a layup. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

The lead changed hands repeatedly as the pace intensified. Riordan capitalized on a defensive breakup to score and draw a foul, while Berey and Leshem continued to answer on the other end. Maya Reilly added a key layup following a defensive stop from Shadiya Blackwood, but Simsbury closed regulation strong, with Gills scoring late to force overtime tied at 33-33.

In the extra period, Hall struggled to maintain its composure. Untimely fouls and lapses in discipline disrupted the Titans’ rhythm, allowing Simsbury to capitalize at the free-throw line and on second-chance opportunities. Despite Hall’s resilience and balanced scoring throughout regulation, those mistakes proved costly, as the Titans ultimately fell in overtime.

Hall head Coach Ernestine Faienza is frustrated. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Though the final result did not break Hall’s way, the night carried significance beyond the outcome – one defined by competition, emotion, and a shared commitment to supporting mental health in athletics. 

The Hall girls, 9-4, now have a week off and will host Bristol Eastern on Friday, Jan. 30.

Chloe Lynch is looking for an opening. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Chloe Lynch is looking for an opening. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Anya Leshem is trying to get an offensive drive going. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Titans and Trojan players fight for possession. Hall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

Hall head coach Ernestine Faienza is coaching her teamHall vs. Simsbury girls basketball. Jan.23, 2026. Photo credit: Scott Sulkazi

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