The Seymour boys basketball team won their fourth in a row Friday, defeating Naugatuck 54 – 42.
The Wilcats, who secured a state tourney bid by knocking off Watertown Tuesday, improved to 9 – 6 on the season.
Now Seymour players have their eyes on a Naugatuck Valley League tourney bid.
Kyle Moran led the Cats Friday throwing down a game high 24 points, with Louis Krohelski dropping in 13 points to pace Seymour.
Rich Adeniyi added four points and hauled away a dozen rebounds as Seymour continues its post season march with upcoming games against Wolcott on Tuesday and Kennedy on Friday.
“It’s been a few years since we made the post season,” said Seymour head coach Joe Carrafiello.
“Now that we have met that goal the NVL tournament is next on the list of achievements for this season.”
Naugatuck, at 1 – 14 on the year, didn’t make it easy, battling the Cats every step of the way.
Both offenses struggled to put points on the board. Seymour’s defense kept Naugatuck in check.
Seymour has held opponents to less than 50 points for four games in a row — and for eight times so far this season.
“That’s what this team is about,” Carrafiello said. “Playing tough defense and rebounding.”
“Now that we have the states wrapped up we have set our sights on the NVL tourney. Hopefully we can add a few more wins and earn a home game in the post season.”
A 13 – 7 Seymour spurt allowed the Wildcats to take a 22 – 15 lead at the break. Alex Barton and Dan Rosado played their roles as Seymour began to pull away.
Eric Parmelee was a catalyst pushing the Cats in the right direction. Parmelee dished off an assist to Alex Barton, giving Seymour a 20 – 12 lead with 3:53 to go in the half.
“We had a few players out with injuries and guys like Barton and Rosado gave us the lift we needed,” Carrafiello said.
“Kyle was Kyle and he made probably two of the biggest shots of the season when Naugatuck made its run in the second half.”
The Wildcats were in the lead holding a 10 – 9 advantage in the third period but Naugatuck just wouldn’t go away.
A strong presence under the basket by Matt Zarhornasky (four blocks) allowed Naugatuck to stay close, trailing 32 – 24 heading into the final period.
Tyler Krupa’s 15 points and Warren Buerkle’s six points keyed the Greyhounds’ offense in the final stanza.
Seymour delivered the goods at the free throw line, knocking down 10 of 11 to pull away at the end.
The Cats held a 22 – 18 fourth period advantage that allowed them to secure the 54 – 42 final margin.
Seymour is back at it on Tuesday against Wolcott.