Yellowjackets fall to Shepaug Spartans, 70-56

WINSTED — There remains some uncertainty as to how the longtime league power Gilbert boys varsity basketball team will fare this season. In their second outing, Gilbert found themselves outworked by Shepaug in a 70-56 defeat at home Dec. 20.

Shepaug was excellent in the first quarter, showing off a clean and precise shooting game that wasted no opportunity. Gilbert remained scrappy and kept the game close, finishing out the first just one point behind the Spartans, 18-17.

Gilbert senior captain and center Zac Tuozzo gave the Yellowjackets their first lead of the game, sinking a shot from the outside. Shepaug responded quickly, and began to creep ahead of the Jackets, holding a slight advantage through the second quarter.

Yellowjackets Head Coach Mark Douglass gave his replacements, John Tessman and Kyle Jones, lots of time throughout the game. Tessman brought a great deal of energy to the court, especially when working with Tuozzo around the net, where the chemistry seemed to click.

Despite Tuozzo’s offensive efforts, Gilbert went into the half trailing Shepaug 40-34. Gilbert had plenty of trouble at the foul line, shooting less than 50 percent, and that carried over into their offensive game as well — plenty of chances but not enough finish.

Out of the half Shepaug looked better, while Gilbert seemed to become frustrated at trying to slow down a very quick Spartan offense. The Spartans kept a 10-point lead through the third, finishing out the quarter ahead 57-47.

The fourth quarter was not easy for the Yellowjackets. Things began to fall apart for Gilbert, while Shepaug pressed the attack and built their lead through the quarter. With the game safely out of reach and only a few moments remaining, both coaches decided to send in a few of their youngest players to get some varsity experience. Gilbert’s Dan Williams did not waste the opportunity to show he may have a place on the team by powering his way down the court and driving hard to the basket to grab two points. Gilbert took their second loss of the season with a final score of Shepaug 70, Gilbert 56.

Tuozzo dominated the Gilbert offense with 28 points and the majority of the team’s successful foul shots. Tessman netted the Jackets’ second highest point total with six.

Carter Moots and Troy Scribner led Shepaug’s offensive totals with 12 and 10 points respectively.

Shepaug is 2-0 this season and Gilbert remains winless with a record of 0-2.