WINSTED — Led by senior Emily Arel’s game-high 29 points, Gilbert advanced to a record of 8-3 this season with a 57-45 home court victory over Housatonic Valley Regional High School (7-5) Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Despite several players out due to illness, HVRHS played Gilbert close and trailed by just three points early in the fourth quarter. Arel led Gilbert on a late scoring run and closed out the win for the Yellowjackets.
HVRHS seniors Tessa Dekker and Daniela Brennan were both sidelined by sickness. Seven players suited up for the Mountaineers, and one exited early due to a hard collision.
No. 1 Olivia Brooks played point guard while No. 3 Victoria Brooks played shooting guard for HVRHS.Riley Klein
HVRHS’s defensive strategy was to contain Arel with double-teams and force other Gilbert players to score. The plan was relatively effective through three quarters, but Arel kicked into high gear late and scored 12 of Gilbert’s 18 fourth-quarter-points.
Arel had help from junior Addy Lillie, who scored 14 points in the game, and Neela Gilbert-Alfar, who scored eight points.
HVRHS was led offensively by Olivia Brooks with 14 points. Kylie Leonard scored nine points before exiting with an injury in the third quarter. Victoria Brooks and Khyra McClennon each scored six points, Maddie Johnson scored five points, Carmela Egan scored four points and Hayden Bachman, who was critical in defending Arel, scored one point.
With winning records going into the back nine of the regular season, both teams have their eyes set on the postseason. The Berkshire League tournament will get going in late February and Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference tournaments will follow in early March.
Hayden Bachman, sophomore, plays guard for HVRHS.Riley Klein
