Basketball Honors Seniors, Salva
The 2021-2022 Coginchaug Basketball team presented coach Todd Salva (center) with a game ball signed by all the players.
On February 22nd, Coginchaug’s boys basketball team said goodbye to both its senior class and retiring coach Mr. Todd Salva in a hard fought 55-45 loss to Old Saybrook, reaching the conclusion of a tough season.
The Devils were silenced 13-0 by the Rams in the first quarter before scoring 22 points in the second, heading into halftime down by six. Throughout the game, the Devils pushed close to taking the lead, including a late 11 point surge in the fourth quarter. However, they fell short and were unable to make a comeback. Junior Jayson Penney led Coginchaug in scoring with 15 points, followed by seniors Connor Willett and Jeremy Mangiameli, both with 7. Old Saybrook was led by junior Aaron Tolve with 26.
Salva is only the second coach in the history of the Blue Devil basketball program, succeeding Wally Camp, who Salva played under. After 31 seasons, his coaching career at Coginchaug is over. He ended his career with over 400 wins, two Shoreline Conference championships, and one appearance in the state title game in 2016, losing to Immaculate 53-43. Salva is also retiring as a physical education teacher at Strong Middle School, after 35 years of teaching.
Salva was recognized with a proclamation from Durham First Selectwoman Laura Francis and a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.
The night did not just only recognize Salva, but the six senior basketball players. Jeremy Mangiameli, Francesco Marotta, Colin Murphy, Mekhi Watson, Connor Willett, and captain Sam Whittle were all recognized before the game for their achievements. The seniors in both the pep band and cheerleading squad were also recognized before the game.
Coginchaug finished the season with a record of 3-17 after losing their final game 77-55 to Hale-Ray on February 23rd. They are ineligible for the Shoreline and state championships.
All photos by Jen Penney, used with permission.
