Bulldogs Boys' Team Celebrates Positives as Season Concludes
Hutchings touts ‘heart and effort’ as program looks to future
EASTFORD — The Eastford Bulldogs boys’ basketball season was a story of ups and downs.
Getting off to a fast 2-1 start with key wins against Wheeler and Parish Hill in December, it looked as though the Bulldogs were on a clear path to the playoffs. However, Eastford would not see another victory, as they finished the season on a seven-game losing streak at 2-8, missing the playoffs.
Despite the finish, there was much to celebrate this year, as the Bulldogs won their first game in three years in December, a good start to what will hopefully be a bright future for the program, according to Head Coach Zach Hutchings.
“The boys came together this year for the best season we have had since 2020,” Hutchings said. “What we lacked in talent, we made up for in heart and effort. We have a great group of fifth, sixth, and seventh graders that I’m excited to see come back next year.”
Hutchings added he was excited to see the upcoming talent on the junior varsity (JV) squad, and looked forward to developing their skills.
“The JV squad was young and new to basketball, but they showed heart and hustle that guarantees their success as they learn the game,” he said.
The Bulldogs’ leading scorer this year was eighth grader Callum St. John, who emerged as a leader last year, and continued his development this season, scoring at least 123 total points this season (not counting points scored against Wheeler on Jan. 6, a game for which we could not verify statistics), accounting for a scoring rate of 13.6 points per game.
“Callum is the best player I have had the pleasure of coaching, and is one of — if not the — best player in eighth grade in our entire league this year,” Hutchings said. “While his basketball skills are impressive, his growth as a leader on and off the court is what shined to me.”
Blake Gilbert (35 points) and Ryan Collard (15 points) are also eighth graders who have played their last games in an Eastford uniform. Hutchings praised Gilbert as his pick for “most improved player.”
“Blake was the most improved player this year and his defensive contributions, and sharp shooting, were imperative to the wins we got this season,” he said, adding that Collard, as well as eighth grader Aiden Abbamonte were “amazing additions” to the team as well.
“[Collard and Abbamonte] showed tremendous effort and contagious, positive attitudes,” Hutchings said. “The whole team wishes they had played more than one year.”
Seventh graders Charlie Ellsworth (78 points), Sylas Platt (69 points), and Jackson Ritter (33 points) also made significant contributions to the Bulldogs’ scoring attack, which will be needed as they emerge as the team’s leaders in the 2026-27 season.
With Callum St. John’s departure from the team also means the departure of Callum’s father, Chris, as the team’s assistant coach, who has been with the team for the past three years.
“Chris’ contributions to the kids’ basketball fundamentals have been a huge part of any successes we have achieved over his time with us,” Hutchings said. “Chris has donated his time and knowledge in a kind and positive way that I have seen several kids benefit from, both on and off the court. His insight has helped me grow as a coach and as a person. He will be missed. Thank you, Chris.”
See below for a complete season schedule recap, as well as a points total breakdown.
Final Season Record
Boys
- Thursday, Dec. 4: vs. St. James, L, 35-43
- Monday, Dec. 8: vs. Parish Hill, W, 43-33
- Thursday, Dec. 11: vs. Wheeler, W, 45-31
- Tuesday, Dec. 16: vs. Pomfret, L, 22-43
- Tuesday, Jan. 6: @ Wheeler, L, 28-55
- Thursday, Jan. 8: @ Pomfret, L, 43-59
- Monday, Jan. 12: @ Ashford, L, 40-51
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: vs. Ashford, L, 32-53
- Thursday, Jan. 15: @ St. James, L, 55-66
- Tuesday, Jan. 20: @ Parish Hill, L, 41-61
Final Season Scoring Totals
Points Totals
Callum St. John: 123
Charlie Ellsworth: 78
Sylas Platt: 69
Blake Gilbert: 35
Jackson Ritter: 33
Ryan Collard: 15
Trey Hutchings: 3
*Scoring statistics do not include points scored during game against Wheeler on Jan. 6 – stats were not made available for this game.
Adam Minor photos
