NAUGATUCK — When the Greyhounds’ leading scorer, junior Nicole Boucher, went out of the lineup with an injury, so did much of the chances that Naugatuck would qualify for the state tournament.
Naugatuck was 1-6 at the time and Boucher had put up double digits points in five of the seven games and was averaging 11 points per game. The Greyhounds were staring at a rough road ahead — the schedule included three teams with a combined 32-6 record over the next five games — and the growing pains grew more intense.
Naugatuck lost to Holy Cross (12-1), St. Paul (12-1) and Kennedy (8-4) in the span of a week. But, there were signs of a team coming together as the Greyhounds showed fight in the Seymour and Sacred Heart games.
“Nicole was our safety net,” Naugatuck head coach Jodie Burns said. “She calmed everyone down and gave the team more confidence. Often, she was double and triple teamed which left other players open. Now those shots are not as easy to come by.”
Several players have stepped up and made their presence felt in the absence of Boucher. A lot of younger players have been forced into larger roles and that experience is starting to surface as the Greyhounds head down the stretch of the season.
Following the injury to Boucher, Naugatuck emerged with its highest point total of the season netting 39 points in a tough loss to Seymour. Jackie Aronin led the way with nine points. Jamie Dwy came through with eight points and Andrea Mercer, who has scored in every game this season, put down six points.
“Jackie (Aronin) can play anyone, anywhere at anytime and what she doesn’t put in the stat line she makes up for in leadership and heart,” Burns said. “Andrea (Mercer) has been a great example for the younger girls. She works well with the younger players and is always a positive influence.”
But, without the presence of Boucher on defense, Seymour came away with a 52-39 win. Then came the brutal three-game stretch versus Holy Cross, St. Paul and Kennedy.
If there had been anytime during the season when the team doubted itself this was the time. But, Naugatuck simply went back to work and hustled against Sacred Heart and was very much in the game at the half.
Other players began to emerge. Alyssa Peterson scored a team-high nine points in the loss to Kennedy and Taylor Campos added eight points. What was wrong clearly wasn’t fixed, but there were signs that a silver lining did exist for this team.
The Hearts did pull away in the second half and extended the winless streak for the Greyhounds to 10. Peterson (six points) was the leading Naugy scorer for the second game in a row and Molly Kennedy scored in her sixth straight game.
“Peterson is fearless and plays with all her heart and then some,” Burns said. “We have four freshmen who have stepped up and are giving us solid contributions. Lexi Woods and Peterson push each other in practice every day.
“Alyana Sosa is becoming a great defender and with a little more confidence can score off steals. Molly Kennedy is going to be a great one. She still has a lot to learn but goes to the basket and makes great cuts.”
Stefanie Flores, Alexandra Mezzo and Ashley Daymonde have been giving solid contributions as the entire team is gaining experience and confidence. Naugatuck has reached the part of their schedule were they find themselves a little more competitive with the competition.
There are still two games left with an always tough Torrington team, but there are four or five games still that have the potential to land in the win column.
“I feel the girls believe me when I tell them they are talented enough to finish the season with some wins. They just need to apply everything we do in practice and bring it out in games. Everyone is still positive and optimistic, especially me. We are looking to finish the season strong.”
Naugatuck is back in action on Friday at Derby. The Greyhounds will be home to Watertown on Feb. 3 before traveling to Woodland Feb. 6.
