Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Darien Boys Lacrosse Preview

By Arden Cohen

Coach Brameier stands in the center of the huddle with the boys 
The Boy’s lacrosse team was looking strong this weekend during a pre-season scrimmage against Wilton. Seniors Riley Stewart and Kevin Lindley were able to generate dozens of offensive chances. 17’ Ryan Cornell is leading the defense with his vocal and active style of play. “He’s never afraid to run out of the cage, and generate some offensive chances,” said junior goalie Will Culliton. Despite losing Mark Evanchik, the Wave’s defense still looks incredibly strong. "Senior captain Jake Bieler is definitely not someone I would like to be matched up against,” said senior Matty Hathaway, “he’s a beast.” Junior Andrew Darby and senior Quinn Fay are also athletic presences on the field both standing above 6-1, and weighing over 200 pounds of muscle. This year is expected to be another great year for Darien Lacrosse who is ranked number three nationally in the pre-season rankings. The Blue Wave’s first game is home, April 1st against Yorktown, and the boys are hoping to kick the season off with a win.


The Aquianis Prepare for Zones

By Hannah Vogel

Here at Darien High School we have an array of athletic opportunities ranging from football to squash, to hockey to sailing. However, there is one sport that goes unreported for the most part despite its rigor, difficulty, and intensity; the sport is synchronized swimming.

At the New Canaan YMCA, the New Canaan Y Aquianas practice over 20 hours a week and sometimes multiple times per day.  Katie Chidley, a Darien High School junior, is one member of the New Canaan Y Aquianas and filled me in on what they are currently working on and what their team goals are for this season.  Chidley is also a member of the U.S.  Junior National Synchronized Swimming Team (2017-2018), and will journey to California this summer to train.

The Aquianas’ next meet is Zones which takes place on March 10th-12th  in Hamden, CT.  Zones is open to the synchro teams of the East Coast and serves as a qualifying meet for the championship season.  Chidley is swimming in a team routine and also competes in duet, solo, and combo routines. (A combo routine is comprised of routines inside of a team routine).  Chidley said that her team routine this year is to “alien-like music” and that her team’s “long term goal is to get a medal at nationals which is in April in Arizona”.

A photo of the team from earlier this season 
In regards to what Chidley wishes people understood about synchronized swimming, she says that she “wishes people understood the difference between what synchro used to be and what it is now” , that it is a “much more technical and difficult sport than it was before”.  To describe synchro to those who have never done it or seen it, she says that synchro is “the equivalent of swimming, gymnastics, and water polo combined”  and she  She encourages people to watch videos on YouTube to get a better idea of what synchro really is.

Camilla Kline, DHS senior, also a member of the Aquianas and team-member of Chidley  provided insight on the team dynamic of synchronized swimming saying that it is “a tough sport and you’re forced to work very closely with your team so you create a lot of really strong bonds.  There’s a strong team dynamic.”

I will continue to post updates on how the Aquianas competition goes, and make sure to check it out to increase your knowledge of the sport! March 10th-12th (on the 10th @  3:00pm and on the 12th  @ 5:00pm) the Aquianas will compete at Zones at Hamden High School.

Girls Basketball Takes On West Haven

By Lilliana Cullen

On Friday, February 24, the Darien Girls Basketball Team took home a win against West Haven High School to qualify for States. West Haven led the game in the first half and it looked like Darien would lose, but they pulled through in the last half to win by one point. With 8 seconds left in the game, Christine Fiore had two foul shots. The score was 52-50, Darien. It was no doubt that she was capable of making these shots, even with the West Haven crowd shouting and booing. Fiore swished both foul shots to lead the game by four points. Miraculously, West Haven was able to get the ball down the court and shoot a 3 point buzzer beater, but it was not enough because the Blue Wave had already won the game. Their first states game is Tuesday February 28 against Trumbull.
Junior Katie Ramsay plays strong defense (Courtesy Darien Times). 


Monday, February 27, 2017

DHS Girls Gymnastics Team Gets Second Place in CIAC Winter Championships

By Libby Markham

Carlo on the beam (Courtesy Nathalie Bravo). 
On Saturday, February 25th, Darien High School’s Girls Gymnastics team pulled through the CIAC Winter Championships as the runner-up. Right behind winner Daniel Hand that scored a 137.300, the team finished strong with a 134.125. Sophomore Nicole Carlo led the team with solid scores in each event. On the vault, she dominated with a 9.050. She scored a 8.500 on the bars, a 9.150 on the beam, and a 9.000 on the floor. Senior Sam Aparicio also had strong scores, most notably on the beam and floor, where she scored a 9.175 and a 9.075 respectively. "States was a success. This meet was the perfect way to end the season and I couldn't be more proud of all of our gymnasts. All of our hard work really did pay off and we ended with a bang,”  Carlo said.

Sophomore Blake Santos, as manager of the team, felt very proud of their accomplishments. “We walked into States ranking 5th place and we walked out ranked 2nd. It’s really such an amazing feeling to be apart of a team that works so hard and that supports each other during everything. The girls all worked their butts off for this meet and it really showed their ambition and drive to better themselves as individual players and better the team as a whole,” Santos said.

On March 4th at the State Open Championship, Nicole Carlo and Sam Aparicio will compete against the top gymnasts from other schools in Connecticut.


Friday, February 24, 2017

Darien Boys Basketball Clinches 2 Seed With Win Over Norwalk

By Cord Fox

Theo Moore shoots a three against Staples earlier this season. 
On Wednesday February 22nd the Darien High School basketball team traveled to Norwalk for the final game of the regular season. The Wave knew that with a win they would be able to clinch the second seed in the FCIAC tournament. This would be one of the best regular season finishes in school history. Alex Preston led the team on Wednesday in points and rebounds, like he normally does, and helped propel Wave basketball to a 50-40 win over the Norwalk Bears. This win gives Darien some momentum going into the playoffs.

Darien will face Danbury who is ranked 7th in the FCIAC. Danbury is a strong team, but the Wave have already proven that they can beat them. Come support the team when they play Danbury this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Fairfield Warde High School.



Thursday, February 23, 2017

Girls Hockey Defeats Stamford-Westhill-Staples 9-1

By Taylor Davis

On February 17, 2017 the Girls Hockey team crushed Stamford-Westhill-Staples, winning 9-1. As a result of the previous game against tough competitor, Greenwich Academy, the team was conditioned, and this allowed them to easily win. The team was pleased with their play. “We did a good job of moving the puck today,” Senior Captain Cassidy Schiff said. “We had a lot of chances on the power play which was good practice for the upcoming postseason.” Despite the team’s rough start, the team was able to gain strength and find success in the 2017 season. “It was a great end to our last regular hockey season as seniors and we can't wait to see what the postseason brings,” Schiff said.
Cassidy Schiff, Corinne Bevill, and Shea van den Broek celebrating Schiff's goal (Courtesy DAF). 

Girls Hockey Takes The Win Against Fairfield

By Julia Clarke

On Wednesday February 22, DHS’ Girls Ice Hockey Team barely wins against Fairfield, scoring two goals. Senior captain and goalie, Emily Gianunzio saved at least two goals from going in and same with the Fairfield goalie. Each team had many shots on each other and lots of opportunities to score.
The team struggled in the beginning of the game, “Rhythm was off and we were all nervously playing”, says Gianunzio. Fortunately in the second period, the team seemed to calm down and play smart, resulting in an amazing assist from Claire Knight to Elis Maro who scored the first goal.
The team was high off adrenaline and Cate Drogan shot the second goal. Darien now has two goals and Fairfield none.Coming back for revenge, Fairfield scores their first and final goal in the last two minutes of the game, resulting in a 2-1 win for Darien High School.“This game was great because we struggled as a team in the beginning, but then we worked together and it really paid off”, says Gianunzio when summarizing the game.

Check out DHS Girls Ice Hockey Team this Saturday at Terry Conners Ice Rink, which is FCIAC finals!

Sophomore Shea van den Broek skates up the ice (Courtesy Darien Times). 

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Darien Girls Ice Hockey Takes on Greenwich Academy

By Taylor Davis

The celebration of a goal earlier this season 
On February 15, 2017 the Darien Girls Hockey team lost to tough competitor, Greenwich Academy The final score was 3-0. Although the team fell short of winning, the team was pleased with the way that they played. “I’m proud of the way the way we played,” Senior Captain Cassidy Schiff said. “We knew going in they were going to be a tough team and we stuck with them for a while before they scored a few goals and took the game from us.” Despite the loss, Schiff expressed a liking towards playing tough competition. “I liked playing tough competition like that especially right before the post season because it’s good preparation for the harder-fought games we have coming up,” Schiff said. Come out and support the Girls Ice Hockey Team in their next game against Stamford-Westhill-Staples on 2/17!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Girls Hockey Defeats New Canaan 2-0

By Ellie Nelson

Senior captain Emily Gianunzio during a shutout against Greenwich earlier this season.
On February 13, the girls ice hockey team crushed rival New Canaan at home, ending with a final score of 2-0. This game served as the fourth shutout in a row for the team and senior captain goaltender Emily Gianunzio. Despite the strength of the Ram’s defense, only letting past two goals, the Wave’s defense was stronger. In the past eleven games, the team has only let past one goal.

The team had a rocky start to the season, however it is evident as they near the end of regular season that their momentum has reached a peak. The team’s record currently stands at 13-1, and the girls are very confident as they near post season.

“We only have three games left until FCIACs, but I think we are all really happy with the way we have been playing. Our defense suffered a little bit when [junior] Kiki Tropsa broke her arm, but everyone has been able to step up and fill in for her. I think we definitely have a shot at winning FCIACs and maybe States this year,” Gianunzio said.

Come support the girls at their next home game on 2/15 against Greenwich Academy.

Darien Basketball Stays Hot Against St. Joseph

By Will Pegler

Blue Wave boys basketball picked up their 10th win of the season on Monday, February 13th at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull. The game was close throughout as the wave eked out a victory by four points, winning 72-68. Senior captain Alex Preston had another big game, stuffing St. Joseph shooters left and right and constantly bringing down rebounds. Preston hopes to carry this hot streak on as he continues on his quest for 1000 career points. Strong defensive play came from senior Jack Richter. Richter was able to pressure St. Joseph whenever they had the ball and his several steals caused some wide open lay ups for the wave. Despite the fact that they missed their rowdy home crowd, Darien was able to silence St. Joseph's home advantage with strong play on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Will Rolapp said; "The crowd was pretty loud, but that kind of stuff doesn't tend to have an effect on us. We just go out there and play our game".

Come support the wave on Senior Night, Wednesday February 15th at Darien High School against Westhill!
Senior captain Alex Preston adds another victim to his long list of  blocks this season (Courtesy Stamford Advocate). 


Monday, February 13, 2017

Boys Hockey Loses Heartbreaker to Notre Dame

By Will Pegler

The Blue Wave boys hockey team took on tough out of conference team Notre Dame West Haven on Saturday, February 11th at the Darien Ice Rink. It was a hard fought game throughout as neither team could score in regulation. Senior goalie Brendan Bumgardner had a career day, making 37 saves and carrying the wave all the way to OT. Senior Arden Cohen and and junior Will Dickson were both strong offensive threats, constantly putting shots on net but were unable to sneak one pas the Notre Dame net minder. Dickson said; "Our offense looked strong, we were getting some quality shots on net but the pucks just didn't bounce our way". After a gritty three periods of play the game went into OT; that was when Notre Dame was able to break the scoring silence and finally got one past Bumgardner, winning in sudden death fashion.

The wave looks to move past this tough loss as they take on Wilton tonight at the Darien Ice Rink. Come out and support!

Senior Brendan Bumgardner makes a save as junior defense-men Hunter Hazelton looks on (Courtesy Darien Times). 

Friday, February 10, 2017

Darien Rolls Past Staples 52-38

By Sam Hickey    

Senior captain Zak Swetye attempting to shoot a
floater early in the game (Courtesy Stamford Advocate). 
Last Tuesday, February 7th, the Darien varsity basketball team took on in conference rival Staples at home. This game proved to be an easy victory for Darien who had no trouble defending this previously vaunted Staples offense, holding them to just 11 points in the first half. Senior captain Alex Preston towered over the relatively short Staples team and dominated throughout the game. Preston recorded a triple-double with points, rebounds, and blocks, an extremely impressive stat-line given Staples previous success in FCIAC play. With this win Darien has positioned themselves well to make a bid for the FCIAC tournament, they are currently sitting in the 4th seed.When asked how his team has been able to play such strong defense against offensively sound teams like Staples, senior captain Zak Swetye said, “I think we are just playing really well as a cohesive unit. We cover for each other and we play defense as a group. I think we can only get better”.

Come support the team away at St.Joseph's on February 13th at 7pm.


Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Girls Basketball Defeats Staples, 63-52

By Ellie Nelson

Junior Christine Fiore dodges the New Canaan defense for a
layup earlier in the season.
On Tuesday, February 7th, the Girls Varsity Basketball team took on Staples away and came home with a victory, winning 63-52. The game was very close with both teams performing well offensively. Junior captains Katie Ramsay and Christine Fiore led the team, scoring a majority of baskets. Their height also served as a major advantage on the defensive end– rebounds have not been an issue this season for this team.
Despite the sparsity of upperclassmen (the team features only one senior and three juniors), there is certainly no lack of talent from the freshman class. Freshman Hassana Arbubakrr is the tallest member of the team and is extremely useful on defense; she provided a large amount of blocks against Staples.
Despite their record of 7-8, the team is confident that they are only going up from here, this win a strong indicator of that. Catch the girls at their next home game against New Canaan on February 9, 7pm at home.

Darien Girls Gymnastics Performs Strong on Senior Day

By Libby Markham

On Saturday, February 4th, the Darien High School Gymnastics team competed against Trumbull and Wilton at the Darien YMCA. This meet was crucial to all of the team, because it was senior day, in which the whole team celebrated senior Sam Aparicio’s achievements on the team, as their single senior.  “The team did especially well on both vault and floor, but in general that was definitely one of our best meets so far this season,” sophomore Nikki Carlo said. The team scored 33.7 points in vaulting, with Carlo leading the team with a 9.0 score. On the bars, a total of 30.85 points were scored with Carlo again scoring the highest with an 8.4. On the beam, Aparicio scored a 9.1, helping the team score 32.85 points. For the floor routines, Carlo led with a score of 9.05, and Aparicio debuted her new routine with a score of 8.90. The team finished with a strong final score of 132.1, leaving them in third place. Trumbull won with a score of 142.55, and Wilton secured their spot of second place with 133.25. “The team performed very well at the senior day meet. everyone put in 110% effort for Sam's special day and this team is such a treat to watch,” manager Blake Santos said.

The team waves to the audience as the meet ends (Courtesy Natalie Bravo). 

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Darien Boys Hockey Against Fairfield Ludlowe/Warde

By Arden Cohen

Senior CJ Hathaway and junior Will Dickson celebrate after scoring they tying goal 
After a tragic feat against NC, the boy’s DHS hockey team took on Fairfield Warde and Ludlowe combine team this Monday. Despite the tie game, the boys “really stepped up, and worked hard. We just couldn’t bury the go ahead goal,” said senior Max Romeyn. Senior Alex Cos was able to put one away in the second period and chip away at Fairfield’s lead. Over the past few games, Cos has been playing extremely well. While talking to Cos, he said that he knows he “must work hard in the corners in order to give (his) linemates a good look in front.” Just coming back from a shoulder injury, Romeyn is contributing greatly to the team’s energy and morale Junior Will Dickson was able to score a beautiful coast to coast goal tying the game up at two a piece. After tying the game the wave pelted Fairfield goal with shot after shot but just couldn’t buy a goal. Hopefully the boys are able to get a win this away vs rival Fairfield Prep this Wednesday. The game is expected to be full of excitement and lots of goals.


Monday, February 6, 2017

Girls Basketball Takes on Fairfield Warde

By Liliana Cullen

Junior Christine Fiore goes up for a lay up 
On Wednesday February 1, the Blue Wave Girls Varsity basketball team took a loss to Fairfield Warde. The final score was 38-54, but it was clear the Blue Wave could have taken the win. Junior Captain Christine Fiore led the team with 10 points from layups, and junior Hailey King dominated the court with nine points from 3-pointers. Coach Mr. Steve Dunn commented about Wednesday’s game: “I thought after the first quarter we moved the ball much better and got shots off.” When asked about the season so far, Dunn said, “The season overall is not bad, but it has had its highs and lows.” The JV team took a loss as well that night, losing 44-52. Their coach, Mr. Wally Hurd said, “We had a good first quarter, but after that, not so much. But generally, our season is going very well.”

The team's record is 7-8, with hopefully another win this Thursday February 9, senior day, at home against New Canaan.


Darien Boys Hockey Against NC

By Arden Cohen

The DHS boy’s hockey team suffered a heartbreaking loss against their rival NC this weekend losing 4-1. Although senior captain, Max Romeyn was able to score an early goal, DHS could not come out on top. “We fought hard,” said Romeyn, “we just could not put the puck in the back of the net.” Senior Harry Congdon also played a hard fought game. Although he was disappointed, Harry believes that “we’ll get them in playoffs for sure!” Despite the result, DHS puck showed some great improvement in the neutral and offensive zone. Brendan Bumgardner had an exceptional game with 31 saves. Everyone seemed to play more confidant than the first time the two teams played. The boy’s next game is this Monday against Fairfield Ludlowe at 6.

The lineup during the national anthem 


Friday, February 3, 2017

Darien Boy's Hockey Takes on Ridgefield

By Arden Cohen

Junior Will Dickson flies down the ice hoping to decrease Ridgefield's lead 
The Darien Boy’s hockey team played Ridgefield Wednesday night at 8. Despite the boy’s hot streak, they were not able to come out on top. “There were several bad bounces,” said Brendan Bumgardner, “if it wasn’t for those bad bounces, things definitely would have gone another way.” Despite an impressive game from seniors Alex Cos and Max Romeyn The Wave was unable to buy a goal, losing 4-0. “Although we lost, it was definitely a step in the right direction,” said senior captain Max Romeyn, “the score is definitely not an indication on how we played.” The Wave hopes to bounce back from this minor deterrent and win their upcoming game against rival New Canaan. The game is this Saturday at DIR starting at four.


Week 10 Power Rankings

By Cord Fox

There’s only one week left in the regular season. What teams will step up to the challenge and earn their spots in the playoffs? These questions will be answered in the final week as the season comes to an end. Here are the power rankings for week 10.

1)Hornets- With the downfall of the Spurs the Hornets are now the clear number one in the league. They sit alone in first place with a perfect record. This team is led by junior Nick Green who has been absolutely dominant this year. Craig Triano and Mike Neary have proven their worth in the paint. I don’t see the Hornets losing anytime soon and they should be able to easily win against a struggling Celtics team to close out the regular season.

2)Warriors- The Warriors have been a very strong team all year led by senior Jack Beatty. This past weekend they were able to avenge their loss to the Spurs who beat them the first game of the season. Ben Bidell and Jack Campbell have been lethal from three point territory and have proven to be contributors to the team. Jack Read is even known to get in the action from beyondthe arc. This team is able to put up points and if there defense plays well we can see this team in the championship.

3)Spurs- The Spurs just haven’t been the same since Quinn Fay left the team. They have lost four games and find themselves without a playmaker. The Spurs were able to pick up junior Mitch Pryor who provides both size and the ability to score. The Spurs are still a very good team, but they need to start playing like they did at the beginning of the season. Hank Rech has played a pivotal role on this team and looks to inspire his team to get back on track for the playoffs. The Spurs last regular season game should boost their confidence going into the playoffs.

4)Knicks- The Knicks have been very hot of late winning their last 5 out of 6 games. Spencer Jarecke and Peter Marren are a great duo who can both shoot the ball and drive to the basket. Dillon Jones is a rebounding machine and is one of the taller players in house, which has helped the team tremendously. Chris Magnusson and Tommy Eppley are also contributors from beyond the arc and make the Knicks one of the best well rounded teams in the league. If the Knicks can stay hot they will be able to make a run deep into the playoffs.

5)Bulls- The Bulls have had an up and down season. The low point coming from a loss to the Cavs. The Bulls sit at 5-5, but their 5 wins have come to teams who are seeded lower than themand their 5 losses, with the exception of the Cavs, have come to teams who are ranked higher and have more wins. Jack Farren and Jackson Vaught are very strong offensive players, but
they haven’t found a way to win in big games. If they have any hopes of making it past the second round they are going to need to step up against better opponents.

6)Nets-They are very similar to the Bulls in the aspect that they are unable to win in big games. The only reason they are behind the Bulls is because the Nets lost in their head to head matchup against them. Justin van der Graaf and Chris Davey have proven their worth and are able to score consistently for this team. The hefty lefty Ethan Ehlers has been off with his three point shooting this year which often hurts this team, but big man Ryan Corcoran is able to provide the team with much needed rebounds. Overall, if this team doesn’t step up they won’t be able to win come playoff time.

7)Raptors- David Volz and Teddy Burke seem to be the only threats on this team putting up the majority of the team’s points. Against all odds the Raptors have accumulated 4 wins this year. The Italian Stallion Christian Fiorenza inspires his team with unparalleled hustle and dedication to the game. His stats don’t do his gameplay justice. I see this team struggling come playoff time, especially if teams find a way to shut down Burke and Volz.

8) Celtics- The Celtics have struggled most of the season accumulating only 2 wins. Nick Tragerand Zach Dimonekas have proven to be the leaders of this team, but they do not have a strong supporting cast. Harry Rayhill has been known to put up points and is probably the most lovablekid in house. Other than that this team hasn’t been impressive and if they continue to struggle they are looking at an early exit in the playoffs.

9)Cavs- The Cavs have been pretty bad all season. They are one of the worst teams offensivelyputting up just above 30 points a game. This team has no real weapons, but if you catch them on a good day Matt Meyjes and Fin Batson can put up some points. I wouldn’t be surprised if this team doesn’t see another win for the rest of the season. The only positive to this team is their defense, which is the third best in the league.

10)Suns- The Suns have been equally as bad this season. They struggle offensively and like the cavs have no major threats on the court. Max Gasvoda and Kevin Grune have been solid players this year, but they haven’t been able to find the keys to success. Maybe it’s because thisteam is mostly comprised of juniors, but they have not found their rhythm yet and probably won’tfind it anytime soon. I’m predicting a first round loss in the playoffs for this team.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Girls Squash Finishes Season Strong


 By Grace Feingold 



On Sunday January 29th, Girls Varsity Squash dominated in the FairWest Cup tournament at the LifeTime fitness facility in Westchester, NY. The team won 5-2 against rival New Canaan, a strong team that they had beaten previously in the season. “Beating New Canaan is definitely exciting for the team and shows other teams that we are the team to beat” said senior and captain, Mia Durst. However, at the same tournament, the team sadly lost against Rye, 7-0. “The team went into the match expecting to lose, but we are excited to have the chance to play them again at Nationals” said senior Lilly Johnson. Girls Squash is expected to dominate at the US Squash Nationals Championship in Hartford, CT on February 10th and 11th. Sophomore Alix Platt, is certain that “although there will be fierce competition at Nationals, we are confident we will work hard to win.”

Senior Mia Durst plays against a strong Rye competitor (Courtesy Nicole Feingold).