BRISTOL — The Bristol Eastern Lancers and the Bristol Central Rams both had two successful seasons, but individually they both had several players shine throughout the season.
Bristol Central’s sophomore Nicole Reimer and senior Arianna Rivera as well as Bristol Eastern’s senior Vanessa Drury, junior Amanda Noel and sophomore Autumn Udoh were each named All-Central Connecticut Conference.
Reimer and Rivera led the Bristol Central Rams to a 10-10 record after struggling out the gate to start the season. The Rams clinched a state tournament berth after defeating Maloney on Jan. 22 61-29.
The two standout players then led the Rams to a 4-2 record down the stretch. The Rams ultimately fell in the first round of the Class L State Tournament in a 62-45 loss to Fitch.
Bristol Central was also swept in the city-rivalry against Bristol Eastern. The Lancers defeated Bristol Central on Jan. 18 58-43 and then again in the season finale on Feb. 12 52-51.
The Rams will be graduating Rivera as well as Brooke Watson, but Reimer will return for her junior season.
Bristol Eastern on the other hand will only graduate one of their All-CCC players in senior Vanessa Drury. This season Drury was tasked with leading a young squad. The point guard played her role perfectly as she led the Lancers to a Class L quarterfinals appearance.
Drury said it’s a rewarding feeling to be recognized for her talent and the team’s success this season.
“After countless hours of off-season workouts and preparation, I’m truly grateful to be honored at this level,” Drury said. “Autumn and Amanda are extremely deserving of this award. Both of them attended all of the team lift sessions and pick up games that elevated their game tremendously.”
She said there’s an even higher level that Noel and Udoh can get to next season with their potential.
“I’m very proud to have been able to lead them to this point. As far as next year goes, I think winning this award is giving them a foundation to build off of,” Drury said. “They have the credentials, they just need to prove themselves even more next year by leading the way they have been. Now, they have confidence and certainty about the roles they share and need to defend.”
Noel said she found out about the award from Udoh and Bristol Eastern coach Tony Floyd. She said she was surprised to say the least.
“When I got named all-conference, I was pretty surprised at first. I felt proud and thankful for the nomination,” Noel said. “I think with me and Autumn being named All-CCC, it will help us be a more confident team next year.”
Noel said people are going to know that they’re a tough team to beat. She said the award will also make them better leaders.
“It also helps us be better leaders by helping the younger kids we have and making everyone more excited for the next season,” she said. “I think we can be a good team if we all work hard. Being named All-CCC gives us something to look forward to and want to work hard for again next season. Might give the younger girls something to work for as well.”
Udoh echoed Noel’s comments believing that next season will come with higher expectations league wide and within themselves. Udoh said she’s going to go into next year working as hard as she can to continue to live up to the All-CCC level she played this season.
“It really means a lot because I've put in a lot of work this season. I feel like I really earned it,” Udoh said. “It feels really good. This year I was way more aggressive and assertive offensively. Obviously, I can put in more work and be way more aggressive for next year.”
