Enfield raced to a 14-0 lead, not allowing visiting East Granby to score a field goal until the final minute of the first quarter, then withstood a game effort by the Crusaders in posting a 67-57 victory in NCCC boys basketball action Tuesday night.
All five Enfield starters scored during the game-opening 14-point explosion, but East Granby stayed right with the Raiders the remainder of the first half, which ended with Enfield ahead 36-22.
The Crusaders scored the first seven points of the second half, then closed to within five just past the midway point of the third quarter, but the Raiders' balanced offense proved to be the difference in the long run.
Paul Lima and Ra Preston led Enfield with 18 points apiece, while Josh Gaines came off the bench to tally 14, including 10 in the second half.
"Josh struggled with his shot a little bit the end of last year, and we talked the other day about just being ready when he has his opportunity, and he took full advantage of it tonight," Enfield head coach Cory O'Connell said.
For East Granby, Noah Fersch had a game-high 20 points. Jack Beatty recorded 16 points, while Dylan O'Brien added 11.
Enfield (2-0) travels to crosstown rival Fermi Friday at 7 p.m. East Granby (0-2) is back on the road Wednesday, facing Amistad Academy at 7 p.m.
