By Christopher DeMuth
Patience, balance, and a decisive fourth-quarter surge defined Sunday afternoon for the New Canaan boys basketball team, as the Rams pulled away late to earn a 58–48 non-conference victory over Bethel at home. In a game that remained competitive for three quarters, New Canaan’s composure and depth proved decisive, rewarding a steady effort with a well-earned win.
From the opening tip, the contest had the feel of a tightly contested matchup between two disciplined teams feeling each other out. Both sides emphasized defense early, and scoring came at a premium in the first quarter. Bethel and New Canaan traded possessions with little separation, as each team worked to establish tempo and settle into offensive sets. By the end of the quarter, the scoreboard reflected the evenly matched play, with the teams deadlocked at 8–8.
The Rams began to find their footing in the second quarter. While the pace remained controlled, New Canaan showed greater confidence moving the ball and attacking the basket. Senior Henry Chandra provided a steady presence on offense, scoring from both inside and beyond the arc, while Mike Smith’s willingness to push the ball and take on defenders created opportunities throughout the lineup. Defensively, the Rams stayed disciplined, closing out on shooters and contesting shots without fouling.
New Canaan edged ahead during the second quarter, outscoring Bethel 14–11 to take a 22–19 lead into halftime. The margin was slim, but the Rams had begun to impose their style of play, limiting mistakes and forcing Bethel to work for every basket.
Coming out of the locker room, Bethel made its push. The Wildcats were led by senior Victor Oloke, who delivered a strong all-around performance and kept his team within reach throughout the afternoon. Bethel’s offense found more success in the third quarter, using ball movement and perimeter shooting to generate open looks. The Wildcats outscored New Canaan 18–16 in the period, trimming the Rams’ lead and keeping the game firmly in question entering the final eight minutes.
Despite Bethel’s momentum, New Canaan remained composed. Rather than pressing or rushing possessions, the Rams continued to rely on ball movement, spacing, and defensive communication. The team’s ability to absorb Bethel’s run without losing structure proved critical, setting the stage for a strong finish.
The fourth quarter belonged to New Canaan.
With the game still close, the Rams elevated their intensity on both ends of the floor. Defensively, New Canaan tightened its coverage, limiting dribble penetration and forcing contested shots. On the boards, the Rams made a concerted effort to secure rebounds and prevent second-chance opportunities, a key factor in controlling the final period.
Offensively, New Canaan found success through balance rather than reliance on a single option. Chandra continued to score efficiently, finishing with a team-high 20 points, while Smith added 19, attacking the lane and knocking down timely shots. Blue Vertin played a pivotal role beyond the scoring column, contributing seven points and a team-high nine rebounds, several of which came during critical moments that helped New Canaan maintain control.
As the quarter progressed, the Rams’ confidence grew. Crisp passes led to open looks, and smart decision-making at the free-throw line allowed New Canaan to extend its lead. The Rams outscored Bethel 20–11 in the fourth quarter, turning a narrow contest into a comfortable 10-point victory by the final buzzer.
Beyond the scoring totals, the win reflected a complete team effort. New Canaan finished with strong rebounding numbers, recording 18 total rebounds and limiting Bethel’s opportunities inside. The Rams also forced turnovers at key moments, collecting seven steals and disrupting Bethel’s offensive rhythm late in the game. While the shooting percentages were modest, New Canaan’s ability to generate quality shots and convert them when it mattered most made the difference.
For Bethel, Oloke’s 27-point performance stood out as the game’s highest individual total, and Elliot Hellmann added 12 points to support the Wildcats’ effort. Bethel competed with energy and toughness, particularly during the third-quarter push, but struggled to keep pace with New Canaan’s execution in the final stretch.
For the Rams, Sunday’s win served as a clear example of growth and resilience. The ability to remain steady through momentum swings, execute in late-game situations, and finish strong are all hallmarks of a team developing its identity. New Canaan did not rely on flashy plays or extended scoring runs, instead building its advantage through consistent effort, defensive discipline, and unselfish offense.
The home crowd played its part as well, providing energy during key moments in the second half as the Rams began to pull away. Each defensive stop and made basket in the fourth quarter seemed to reinforce New Canaan’s momentum, turning a tense contest into a confident closing performance.
As the season continues, the Rams can take encouragement from Sunday’s result. The win highlighted the team’s depth, with multiple players contributing across scoring, rebounding, and defense. It also underscored New Canaan’s ability to adjust within a game, responding effectively after Bethel’s third-quarter surge and closing with authority.
While non-conference games often serve as measuring sticks rather than final judgments, this matchup provided valuable insight into what New Canaan can be when it plays within itself and commits to a full four-quarter effort. The Rams demonstrated that they can compete through physical stretches, stay patient offensively, and rise to the moment when the game is on the line.
With a 58–48 victory secured, New Canaan moves forward with momentum and confidence. The Rams will look to carry the lessons from Sunday’s performance into upcoming contests, continuing to refine their execution and build chemistry as the season unfolds. If the strong finish against Bethel is any indication, New Canaan has the tools and mindset to make noise as the year progresses.
