While most winter sports teams seasons are coming to a close, the post season is just beginning. Black Knight sports may be underrated, but we are looking to do some big things this postseason as many of our teams will be moving forward in the FCIAC and state tournaments. The past few weeks have been very emotional for SHS seniors, as they are competing in their final home games as a Black Knight.

Our boys basketball team played their final home game Wednesday, February 13 against Bridgeport Central. Being the final home game of the regular season, Stamford High hosted their Senior Night, in which the families along with the senior varsity players were recognized for their commitment to the program over the past four years. It is extremely emotional for our seniors, as all the hard work they have put into playing the game may be coming to an end – especially for those who are not playing at the collegiate level. They toppled the Hilltoppers by a score of 83 to 62, and seek to advance further in the state tournament.

Sports at Stamford High have opened doors for students throughout the community and have enhanced the lives of thousands throughout the years. On February 23 the boys ice hockey team played in their first round of FCIAC’s against Fairfield. This hockey game was unlike any others. Besides being a playoff game, there was a significant event that took place for the players on the opposing team. Fairfield goalie Will Capalbo had recently donated his bone marrow to his older brother Charlie after discovering that he had gotten a rare strain of cancer. Before the game, the boys had a ceremony recognizing the Capalbo family and how strong and supportive they have been. The two teams met at center ice where the announcer introduced the Capalbos and their story. The team gave Will a Stamford CO-OP jersey signed by all the players encouraging him to keep fighting his battle. They also had a chuck-a-puck fundraiser, where people would pay five dollars for a foam puck and chuck it onto the ice after the second period, with all proceeds going to the family. Although the game was an FCIAC quarter final matchup, it more importantly showed the hockey community coming together to fight as one. If you would like to know more about this event, *click here*.

SHS Cheer has also overcome many obstacles this season. After a recent dispute with the previous coach, Nyasha Watkin, the team bounced back tremendously in the second half of the season. With the addition of two new coaches (former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader Chelsea Rose and former Norwalk High School cheerleader Di’Azia Keel), SHS cheer has jumpstarted once again and truly proved their worth. This past Sunday, March 3, the lady Knights took their talent to the CIAC State Championships at the New Haven Field House, where they competed against 19 varsity cheer teams from around the state. They took sixth place in the all-girl LL Division, compared to last year when they got first place in the FCIAC’s co-ed division.

Captain Anistyn Boshka said, “I am very proud of our team and how far we have come; it was hard to work around the injuries and the late start we got on our routine. This is a great group of girls and I’m so grateful we were able to overcome it all and make it so far.” Due to their terrific performance at states, their season is not yet over as they will be competing in the “Team of the Year” competition this upcoming weekend. In order to qualify for Team of The Year, your team must have placed in the top six in their respective division. Here, the top six best teams in each division around the state will compete against each other with hopes of coming out victorious.

Our Black Knight athletes are looking to advance far in the state tournament. Boys basketball faced off against the Northwest Catholic Lions Tuesday night, March 6, in the first round of states. It was a nailbiter that left fans on the edge of their seats, as the Black Knights came out on top 48-47. In the final minutes of the game, senior Tyheim Burgess had a steal which led to the game winning layup by sophomore Jay Jaudon. Girls basketball will play in the quarter-finals of states on March 8 against Wilbur Cross in New Haven.

The boys basketball team lost 71-66 to Bunnell High School on Wednesday March 6. Fans traveled all the way up to Stratford to watch this unbelievable game. The game was back and forth all night with the score never out of a 8 point difference. The boys played their hearts out. Sophomore Danny Simms was a key player last night. Danny was a huge rebounder for the Knights, which helped him put up 16 points. Junior Jaden Bell scored 18 points with 4 three pointers. In the last minute of play Jaden hit a three that made the score margin only a difference of 3. The fans all were going crazy hoping we could clinch the win or go into overtime. The defense was led by seniors Josh Thervil and Tyheim Burgees; it was a very emotional night for these two as it was their last game ever as Black Knights. Both the boys are looking to pursue their basketball career at the next level.