Ridgefield remains undefeated in FCIAC boys basketball action with a victory against host Greenwich

By David Fierro on February 13, 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

Photo by David Fierro: Connor Parkes of Greenwich dribbles the ball between his legs during an FCIAC varsity basketball game at Greenwich High School on Feb. 12, 2024. The Tigers were victorious, 51-43.

Facing a powerhouse Ridgefield team that was unbeaten in the FCIAC, Greenwich’s boys basketball squad knew it had to be at its best to have a chance to contend with the talented Tigers on Monday night.

The Cardinals showed plenty of positive signs against a Tigers team that had beaten eight of their opponents more than 20 points on their way to a dominant season. Host Greenwich trailed by just one point after the first quarter, then cut a 20-point deficit in the second half to single digits in the fourth quarter.

Ridgefield, however, showed why its the premier team in the conference and one of the top squads in the state. The visiting Tigers received 16 points from senior Ian Swiatowicz and 15 points from junior Alex Hickey in a 51-43 win over the Cardinals.

Photo by David Fierro: Greenwich High School guard Sandro Scott gets ready to dribble the ball past halfcourt against visiting Ridgefield on Feb. 12, 2024, at Greenwich High School. The Cardinals were defeated by the Tigers, 51-43.

With the victory, Ridgefield ran its record to a perfect 12-0 in the FCIAC and 16-1 overall. Greenwich, which has lost a number of close games so far this winter, is 3-9 in the FCIAC and 5-11 overall, heading into Wednesday’s Senior Night home game against Norwalk.

Senior point guard/co-captain continued his sensational season for the Cardinals, scoring a game-high 18 points with three 3-pointers. Junior guard Blake Martin converted two 3-point shots for six points, while sophomore guard/forward Sandro Scott and junior guard Matt Maloney had four points apiece for Greenwich.

Cardinals guard Blake Martin, right, looks to pass the ball during an FCIAC boys basketball matchup against Ridgefield.

Junior guard Ryan Brennan’s 3-pointer from the left corner in the final seconds of the first quarter brought Greenwich to within 11-10 of Ridgefield. The Tigers then opened the second quarter with a 9-0 run to take a 20-10 advantage.

Hickey made a basket while being fouled, then converted the ensuing foul shot, giving the visitors a 16-10 lead. A basket in the low post by Swiatowicz put Ridgefield on top, 20-10, approximately midway through the second quarter.

Scott made a runner in the lane for the Cards, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 26-19 late in the second quarter. However, Ridgefield received a 3-pointer from Swiatowicz and two free throws from senior forward Alister Walsh, to seize a 31-19 edge going into halftime.

Matt Maloney of Greenwich takes the ball to the basket while being guarded by Ridgefield’s Nick Sganga.

The Tigers, who played their trademark, tough physical man-to-man defense, after applying a full court 1-2-2 press, built a 51-31 second-half lead. Yet the Cardinals finished the game strong, scoring the matchup’s final 12 points.

Parkes converted two shots from beyond the 3-point arc in the final quarter to pace Greenwich’s offense. Besides playing Norwalk Wednesday, the Cardinals still have games remaining against Bassick, Westhill and Fairfield Warde.