With guys like Josh Engler (18 points, 6 steals per game) and Matt Datin (15 points, 10 rebounds per gam) leading the way the Newtown Middle School seventh-grade boys basketball team recently concluded an undefeated 2005-06 season.

The Lions finished up 7-0.

Engler and Datin were two co-captains of the squad – Engler starting at forward and sparking lots of offensive runs throughout the season and Datin starting at center and anchoring a tough defense in the middle which held opposing teams in check.

Superb ball control and guard play was another hallmark of the team. Co-captains Robert Frangione and Ishan Tatake were tenacious on defense and handled the ball well with Frangione distributing and Tatake often launching bombs from beyond the three-point arc.

Danny White, Max Nacewicz and Jack Kneisel played critical roles as guards coming off the bench and all three added energy and intensity.

At the forward positions, Oliver Powers and Sean Devaney did a good job establishing a defensive presence in the low post while also providing additional scoring from the bench. Sean Maher, Tom Coscia and Austin Jones shared time at the three with Maher often starting and Coscia and Jones providing valuable minutes off the bench.

“I was proud of how the team played together as a group,” said first-year coach J. Christian. “I was content on how well the team played and the job they did each and every game. I wish the boys much luck and success next year.”