Jenna Lagan hit on four of her five shots in the second quarter for Newtown (CT), which topped Ramsey 46-30 at the Healing Through Sports Benefot Games.

MAHWAH – When former Saddle River Day head coach Danny Brown and Newtown (CT) head coach Jeremy O’Connell formed the Threes for Sandy Hook Foundation following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, all they wanted was to help in some way, shape, or form in an unfathomable situation. What has happened since is that the bond has morphed into helping whoever they can, however they can. Now called the Healing Through Sports Benefit Games, they came together once again for someone in need.

Ramsey senior student-athlete Cassie Arcaro was seriously injured in a horrific car crash back on November 17. Cassie, a jovial and kind person to everyone she knows, has a long road ahead of her, but is an incredibly strong-willed girl who has nothing but love and support from those around her as she fights her way toward a full recovery.

With Newtown coming to Bergen County for this year’s events, Brown and O’Connell were honored to donate all the proceeds from the Healing Through Sports Games this weekend to Cassie and her family.

On the basketball court, Newtown went wire-to-wire for a second straight day. After defeating Ridgewood on Saturday, the Nighthawks backed it up with a 46-30 triumph over Ramsey on Sunday at Downtown Sports Club in Mahwah.

“When the (Sandy Hook tragedy) happened my girls were visibly shaken; they wanted to do something and I didn’t have any answers for them. That is what sparked this whole initiative,” said Brown. “When we joined the cause, I started telling the other high school coaches about what we were doing. Every event was to help build a new playground at the school and contribute to that. Over the years, it has turned into something to help out a family in North Jersey. To have all these kids and families and to have Newtown travel down here for the Arcaro family is so gratifying to see that kind of support from so many different communities.”

Ramsey's Hannah McGurr led all scorers with 17 points.

Newtown made an effort early to attack the basket, which resulted in them getting the foul line. Bridget McCleary made all four of her attempts and the Nighthawks went 7-8 from the foul line in the quarter to take a 14-5 lead.

The Nighthawks were able to stretch their lead out in the second quarter thanks to their suffocating 2-1-2 half-court trap. They were able to force turnovers and turn them into points. Jenna Lagan hit on four of her five shots in the quarter and Moira Murphy came off the bench to can a couple of three-pointers as Newtown was in full control by halftime, 32-10.

During halftime, Brown, O’Connell, and Ramsey High School principal Michael Thumm each got a chance to speak to the crowd before Catie Simons, a Ramsey senior and a friend of Cassie Arcaro, took the microphone to provide an update on Cassie’s health. The fight she has been through, and her spirit has had a profound effect on the entire Ramsey community.

“As principal, I look after every student as if they were my own and I’m so proud to see how everyone has pulled together for Cassie and the Arcaro family,” said Thumm. “Through this ordeal and through an event like this, it’s great to see the community respond the way they have. Obviously, this devastating injury has affected Cassie along with her family, and her friends. To see the outpouring of support has been incredible.”

Lagan led the way for Newtown with 15 points, while Samantha Diaspro chipped in with 10. Hannah McGurr led all scorers with 17 points for Ramsey (5-6).

Although there was a game won and a game lost on this weekend the real winner was humanity. Communities coming together, supporting, and giving help to someone in need.

“We unfortunately found a family in the Arcaros who needed a hug,” said Brown. “We are honored to be able to make a financial donation to the family and be as supportive as we can possibly be. This weekend was about so much more than basketball and it always has been. Every year it seems to be a great community effort for someone who needs a huge lift emotionally, financially, and every which way.”

If you would like to donate to help Cassie and her fight, please check out her GoFundMe PAGE.

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