Blazing Trails to State Playoffs

February 26, 2024

South Windsor High School’s showcase of athletic achievements over the last few years.

For the first time in years, all of South Windsor High School’s winter sports teams qualified for states. Both the basketball teams and the hockey team made it, and individual athletes from the wrestling, swim, and indoor track teams have also qualified.

The hockey team is ending out the season with a record of 9-7-2. The boys hockey team had a tough beginning to the season, but the team continued to put work in, and now has great team chemistry. The team looks forward to playing Simsbury on Monday, the 26th.

“It feels good because our hard work is paying off,” senior hockey player, Connor Power, said. “I am looking forward to playing well and playing at Quinnipiac.”

Looking forward to states, the Bobcats’ plan of attack is to have really good communication.

“I want to win,” senior hockey player, Logan Sherwood explained. “It would be nice to have a state championship for a sport I played in high school.”

Additionally, the boys basketball team had a record of 8-12. The team has had some really impressive moments throughout the season, and seniors London King, JP Dargati, Joey Bemis, and Josh Vadavalli are looking forward to making an impact on their final season.

The girls basketball team also had a record of 8-12, and a spot secured in the state tournament. The team plays against Newington on Monday, February 26th at 5:50pm.

“It is nerve wracking going to states, but we have been working hard and are confident,” sophomore basketball player, Erin Martin said. “We have been working on our plays a lot. I am excited that we have made it this far.”

Furthermore, the swim team had 7 athletes who qualified for the state tournament this year. Seniors Brian Garvey, Shaun Norcott, Isaac Gonzales, Ryan Nguyen, Greg Kratz, Quinn Yanway, and junior Aaron Park were all chosen to represent South Windsor.

Additionally, indoor track stars Lloyd Boatang, Mallory Mead, Serena Thaker, and Shawn Baidoo all have earned a spot in states, and on March 2nd, the teams have the New England HS Indoor Track and Field Championship, with South Windsor’s students hoping to put on an impressive performance.

Wrestlers Jayshaun Barret, Kyden Merlin, and Jacob Gordon placed at the state tournament this past Saturday. Merlin and Gordon are headed to the New England Opens next week. Sophia Gordon placed at the girls state competition and is now heading to the Girls New England Competition.

About the Contributors

Erik Montes de Oca, Staff Writer

Erik Montes De Oca is a Mexican writer for South Windsor’s Bobcat Prowl news. When Erik isn't writing for The Prowl, He's playing soccer for the South Windsor Bobcats. Moving here at a young age of 7 years, Erik has a mixed culture, spending around half his life in Mexico. He is fluent in Spanish and English, and currently learning french. Erik strives to do something in the medical field, and maybe something with math.

Eli Schwartzman, Web Manager

Sophmore Eli Schwartzman is the web editor for The Bobcat Prowl. Schwartzman enjoys sports photography, and is regularly attending local sporting events with his camera to take pictures. He has a love for sports, both watching and playing. His favorites to watch are college football and the MLB, while his favorite sport to play is baseball. Outside of school, you can find Eli at the baseball fields, taking pictures at a sporting event, or hanging out with his friends.