By Steve Bigham

When all is said and done, John Fiscella will end his career at Newtown High School as the school’s fourth all-time leading scorer and top three-point shooter. He will certainly go down as one of Newtown’s best ever.

And unlike all those who have come before him, John is still making history. He and his teammates have a chance to add another chapter to the NHS boys’ basketball history book starting this weekend. Newtown, which heads into the South-West Conference playoffs as the third seed, is expected to face sixth-seeded Bunnell Saturday afternoon.

Newtown’s opponent will undoubtedly focus its defensive attention on Fiscella, who is averaging nearly 17 point per game. He’s the one that can beat you from every place on the floor. But there are at least a half dozen others on the Newtown squad who can beat you, as well. And that is what makes the Nighthawks so special. It’s a balanced attack that has helped the team win 14 of its last 16 games.

For Fiscella, who is rapidly approaching 900 points for his career, the makeup of this year’s team couldn’t be any better. Sure, he could have played on a weaker team and easily have scored 20-plus points per game. Instead, Fiscella recognized the ability of his teammates and, along with his coach, John Quinn, created a game plan that got everyone involved.

The results are plain to see. This year’s squad averages over 70 points a game and boasts four players averaging in double figures.

As this year has proven, Fiscella, Andrew Smith and the rest of the team are much more interested in winning basketball games than they are in individual accolades. They have gone out each night with a workmanlike attitude that has gained the attention of an ever-growing fan base.

“I’d much rather have the balance,” said Fiscella, who also happens to rank eighth in his class academically, “The individual accomplishments only go so far. There’s more satisfaction with the way we’re playing this year. Winning is much more important than any individual statistic.”

At times, Fiscella almost seems apologetic about his own accomplishments. This easygoing guy just likes playing the game, a game which he and his brother, Andrew, happen to be incredibly good at. His little brother, just a freshman, has seen some quality minutes off the bench this season and appears ready to step into his brothers shoes in the coming years.

For now, however, Andrew will play a supporting role as his brother tries to catch lightning in a bottle this weekend. The history book is in John’s hands right now.

“John is very special,” said Coach Quinn this week. “He has such a sweet, sweet shot. I mean, it’s unbelievable. He’s going to be impossible to replace. He’s just a great, great kid.”

Last year, Fiscella scored 40 points in one game and 361 for the season, just missing a selection onto the All-SWC team. He was, of course, an All-Colonial Division choice. This year, Fiscella has scored 308 points so far, hit 40 three-pointers (including seven in a row versus Jonathan Law) and leads the team in both scoring and rebounding. He is expected to pass out Greg Gallagher for fourth on the all-time scoring list this weekend, but will be hard-pressed to reach 1,000, although a big late-season run might give Fiscella enough games to do it in.

Rest assured, however, the thought has not crossed his mind. An SWC title, or at least a respectable run at it, is all that concerns him.

Fiscella credited his coach – now in his third year – for helping the team get to where it is.

“I think he has a lot of energy and has gotten accustomed to coaching high school. He had to deal with some ups and downs his first two seasons here, but this year has been kind of a coming out for him. It shows what kind of work he puts in during the off season. His energy and enthusiasm really show and rub off on the team. At halftime, he really tries to get us going. He and (assistant coach) Jason Arnauckas make a good combination.”

An AAU player since seventh grade, John has always been a bit of a gym rat. He comes from a family of fine athletes, including Andrew, and his sisters Tara (now on the golf team at Brown University) and Darcy, age 12 (a standout soccer player). John’s parents – Bob and Meg – have been vital in the success of all their children.

“They’re our number one supporters,” John said.

And the family affair could be seen on the court this year as John and Andrew were often seen setting each other up for fine plays. Ten years from now, local basketball historians will recall the year that the two Fiscella boys played together on the varsity. Andrew may someday join his brother among the school’s all-time best.

“We have a great relationship. We’re very close,” John said. “I consider us like best friends. We do a lot together. We’re always playing together. This year was a lot of fun having him on the team. It’s helpful to have someone to go to the gym with and work out with. His future is very bright. He works hard.”

There is closeness throughout the 2000-2001 squad.

“We’re all very close. We hang out together. After games, eight of us or more are all together,” John said. “There’s no real vocal leader, but because we’re all so comfortable with each other, it helps when were out on the court.”

With top grades and a great game, Fiscella’s future looks as bright as anyone’s. Next year, he hopes to play Division III basketball for Williams, Middlebury or Tufts University.

And how does John Fiscella want to be remembered after he hangs up his high school sneakers for the final time?

“Probably just as a good shooter, all-around player . . . I guess kind of a classy player. I’ve never been one to talk during the game. I think I worked hard and made the most of my talent.”

And just as important as his jump shot, John Fiscella will be remembered for being a good guy.