First-Place AWHS Boys' Basketball Team Defeated New Canaan 56 Years Ago Today

The Andrew Warde High School boys' basketball team remained tied for first-place atop the FCIAC East Division after defeating New Canaan, 49-40, on the Rams' court on this date, Friday, January 27, 1967. The win improved the Eagles' overall record to 10-3 and 9-3 in conference play.

New Canaan jumped out to an early 13-10 lead as Phil Kenney hit for eight points to pace the slow, deliberate offense. Jim Howard and Dan Haines each hit two baskets as the Eagles had trouble with their shooting accuracy.

Warde, however, bounced back in the second period to take a 24-23 lead. Howard struck for five points and Haines added four, while Tim Empke scored seven for the Rams.

The Crimson Eagles increased their advantage to four points at the end of the third stanza. The high-scoring Haines pumped in seven markers on two baskets and three free throws, while New Canaan's Terry Florence kept his team close with three field goals and a charity toss.

Warde iced the contest in the final period behind the scoring of Haines and the rugged rebounding of Howard and Rich Fekete. The Crimson Eagles controlled the ball for most of the last quarter with Haines netting five points. The New Canaan attack fell apart as the Rams could muster only four points for the period.

Warde hit on 19 of 51 shots from the floor with Haines taking the game honors with a 20-point performance. The Fairfield school also captured the junior varsity tilt, 55 to 42.

Paul