Windsor rolls on Cosmos’ senior night

The Cosmos battled hard on senior night after honoring Hunter Grace, Michael Messer, Tyler Rumrill and Tyler Thomas during a pre-game ceremony.

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2016-02-10 / Sports Windsor rolls on Cosmos’ senior night By TIM TAYLOR sports@eagletimes.com Springfield honored its seniors Tuesday night. Left to right are Michael Messer, Tyler Rumrill, Tyler Thomas and Hunter Grace. — TIM TAYLOR Springfield honored its seniors Tuesday night. Left to right are Michael Messer, Tyler Rumrill, Tyler Thomas and Hunter Grace. — TIM TAYLORSPRINGFIELD — The Windsor boys basketball team is like a snowball rolling downhill. As it picks up momentum, it gets bigger and bigger, and virtually impossible to stop. The Yellow Jackets' size and the momentum it has gained since early in the season were clearly factors in an 84-41 victory over Springfield Tuesday night. “We got out good, good balance, hit a few threes. Of course Mike [Bradley] and Kap [Nick Kapuscinski] do what they do. We shared the ball well and took care of the boards early, so that's good,” said Windsor coach Harry Ladue. The Cosmos battled hard on senior night after honoring Hunter Grace, Michael Messer, Tyler Rumrill and Tyler Thomas during a pre-game ceremony. However, the home team just didn't have the weapons in its arsenal to stay with the Jacks. “Our guys keep competing and that's all we can ask of them,” said Springfield coach Michael Ruppel. Hanging onto a 4-2 edge early, Windsor showed it had no intention of letting the Cosmos stick around. Seth Balch would hit back-to-back 3-pointers to make it 10-2. Then, following a basket by Thomas, the Jacks went on an 11-0 run before Springfield ended a sixWindsor’s Seth Balch draws a foul while driving for a layup. — TIM TAYLOR Windsor’s Seth Balch draws a foul while driving for a layup. — TIM TAYLOR -minute scoring drought on an Alex Naccarato layup at the end of the period. Messer would take the offense under his wing to start the second quarter, scoring the Cosmos' first seven points of the period. Springfield still trailed by 15 though, and then Moore hit a three, sparking an 8-2 spurt. “I think Michael Messer had a really nice night to play his last game here at Springfield,” Ruppel said. “I thought he asserted himself offensively well. Once we settled down offensively I thought we were OK.” Leading 38-17, Windsor closed out the half with a 6-2 burst on a pair of Balch treys. Bradley would add another seven points to his game-high 22 in the third quarter before heading to the bench. “The key to the game was contain Mike Bradley and I thought we were OK there,” Ruppel said. “He got some points but I felt we made it difficult for him to score. “When Seth Balch and Josh Moore get hot from the outside they're one of the best teams in the state.” Balch, who drained four treys on the night, joined Bradley in double figures with a 16-point effort. Kapuscinski added seven and Moore six. With no JV game on the bill, Windsor brought along six extra players and was able to give them some valuable playing time. Ladue was pleased with their effort. “They didn't let up,” he said. “They got in the game and three or four of them scored.” Thirteen of the 15 Jacks who suited up found their way onto the scoreboard. Springfield had its best offensive output in the second and third quarters, scoring 13 points in each. GJ Scherington accounted for five points in the third with Thomas adding four more. Sumner Jansen found his rhythm for the Cosmos in the final stanza, scoring all seven of his points. Messer led Springfield with eight points. He also dished out three assists and had three steals. Thomas finished with eight points. Windsor, winners of 16 in a row, will host Woodstock (12-7) in its senior night Friday. Springfield (0-19) visits Hartford on Saturday.