Soisson steps up

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Woodland’s Kyle Soisson (22) goes up to bank in a basket as Wolcott’s Cole Phelps (20) defends Feb. 13 in Beacon Falls. Soisson put up a career-high 21 points in the game. Wolcott won, 76-61. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Woodland’s Kyle Soisson (22) goes up to bank in a basket as Wolcott’s Cole Phelps (20) defends Feb. 13 in Beacon Falls. Soisson put up a career-high 21 points in the game. Wolcott won, 76-61. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

BEACON FALLS — Senior forward Kyle Soisson provided a bright spot on the court in an otherwise tough week for the injury-riddled Hawks.

Last week, Soisson, who is no stranger to the scorebook, stepped up and expanded his role when the Hawks’ second-leading scorer, senior Sam Merriman, went out of the lineup with an injury.

It was another tough week for Woodland that started with a 66-42 loss to Watertown Feb. 10. Soisson was a bright spot throwing down 17 points in the loss.

In the Hawks’ Feb. 12 game against Wolcott, Soisson was at it again knocking down 16 points in a 74-47 loss. Soisson followed that performance up with a career-high 21 points in a rematch with Wolcott Feb. 13. The Hawks fell to the Eagles, 76-61.

“Kyle had himself an awesome week,” Woodland head coach Tom Hunt said. “He went out and seized the opportunity when injuries created a need for him to expand his role. He’s a great kid and is a good role model on this team. He is one of the good stories to come out of this very challenging season.”

Soisson said the season has been a tough one, but the team follows Hunt’s lead every game.

“It’s been a tough season with all the injuries we’ve had,” Soisson admitted. “But we have bought into what coach Hunt is always drilling into our heads. Play the full 32 minutes and never give up. No matter what our record is no one is giving up around here. We had some unfortunate injuries but that is no excuse not to give 110 percent for the full 32 minutes because that is just the way we do things around here.”

Woodland’s Jack LaPerriere (31) goes up for a layup as Wolcott’s Albin Cirikovic (3) defends Feb. 13 in Beacon Falls. Wolcott won the game, 76-61. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI
Woodland’s Jack LaPerriere (31) goes up for a layup as Wolcott’s Albin Cirikovic (3) defends Feb. 13 in Beacon Falls. Wolcott won the game, 76-61. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

Regardless of the opponent or any previous outcomes Woodland suits up to play every night. Last Friday, they showed once again that there is no quit in the Hawks.

Wolcott used a significant height advantage to get out to a double-digit halftime lead, 35-21, over Woodland. The 25-9 rebounding edge continued to grow in the second half as the Eagles came away with the victory over the Hawks.

Soisson elevated his game knocking down a career high to lead the Woodland attack. Austyn Brown, the NVL’s second leading scorer at 21.5 points per game, threw down 16 as the Hawks (3-15) put up 40 second-half points.

“Austyn and Sam are great leaders on this team and night after night they lead by example,” Soisson said. “As the other senior leader on this team when the time came for me to expand my role I stepped in and tried to fill the void.”

Woodland will be back in action on Friday at Torrington and will conclude the regular season Feb. 24 by hosting Naugatuck.