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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- The Connecticut Premier Hoops U-13 basketball team comprises lower Fairfield County players and have compiled a 22-3 won loss record this spring against their U-13 peers. Their only U-13 losses have come against nationally ranked teams. In order to stretch themselves, this past weekend they played their third tournament of the spring where they moved up a level to face older U-14 teams. The challenge was exciting.
On Saturday, playing at the University of New Haven, they held off an Elite East team in a 59-52 thriller. Premier matched Elite East's height with their own 6-foot, 4-inch duo, Alex Preston of Darien and Hayes Kelchner of Fairfield. Kelchner led all scorers with 21. Offensively, Premier offset the age disadvantage with excellent ball movement and an aggressive use of screens. Jackson Cote of Wilton and Ryan Allen of Norwalk made impact plays at both ends of the floor. JJ Conway of Fairfield, despite giving up age and size, put in 14 points. Carter Scott of Darien led the game in assists.
On Sunday, Premier suffered a tough draw. It faced a fresh Purple Knights of Hamden/New Haven after having to play the Connecticut Elite two hours earlier. They handled Connecticut Elite 82-28. Ben Casparius of Westport torched the sagging Elite zone for six three pointers. Chris Swanson of Weston also hit three threes. Tyler Sweeney of New Canaan threw in 14 points. Justin Seideman of Westport ran the offense and put up 13 points. James Crovatto of New Canaan and Mack Muller of Westport were key rebounders and combined for 14 points.
Against the Purple Knights, Premier started well, jumping out to a 20-9 lead, but the fatigue and age differentials started to take their toll. Premier's normally stiff defense began to show cracks, their offensive turnover count grew and their shots rattled out. The Purple Knights prevailed 68-60. The defeat did not obscure excellent performances by ball handlers Jackson Ryan of Darien and Jack Williams of Wilton and strong post play from Kelchner and Crovatto.
Premier Hoops game footage can be seen here.
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