Housy girls play Shepaug

TORRINGTON — Shepaug Valley High School girls basketball defeated Housatonic Valley Regional High School 33-16 in a Torrington Summer Basketball League match Friday, July 5.

HVRHS got out to a hot start and led for the majority of the first half. The sweltering humidity took its toll and with no available subs, HVRHS ran out of gas in the second half.

The holiday weekend made for a sparse HVRHS roster. Unable to field a starting-five, the little sisters of two varsity players filled in. Kylie Leonard’s 13-year-old sister Taylin played wing for the Mountaineers and Ari Gold’s sister Lily filled in at guard.

Daniela Brennan ran point for HVRHS and looked confident in the leading role. She ran an effective give-and-go with Kylie Leonard that Shepaug did not have an answer for early on. The duo gave their team a 7-0 lead to start the game.

13-year-old Taylin Leonard filled in for HVRHS, July 5.Riley Klei

Shepaug shifted its defensive strategy to double the varsity players and leave the rookies open on the perimeter. This proved effective at stopping HVRHS’s momentum and Shepaug took an 8-7 lead at the half.

With the thermostat showing 83 degrees and the humidity at about 190%, HVRHS began to feel the lack of reserve players. The second half was a slog and Shepaug pulled ahead.

The game ended 33-16 in favor of Shepaug. HVRHS’s record moved to 1-2 this summer and Shepaug evened up at 2-2.

After the game, Coach Jake Plitt commended his team for playing through to the end without any substitutes.

“We’re missing a lot of players tonight but it’s good just to get the hirls out there and play. We win, we lose, it’s all good experience,” he said.

TSBL games will continue each weeknight in the Torrington Armory through the first week of August.