Newtown High School’s boys’ basketball team jumped out to a sizeable early lead, withstood a second-quarter Pomperaug of Southbury run, and pulled away for an 82-56 triumph in the Staples Holiday Tournament opener in Westport on December 27.

The Nighthawks improved to 4-0 this season and earned a spot in the tourney title contest, versus the Staples, a winner over Westhill of Stamford, on Saturday, December 29; tipoff is at 3 pm, at Staples.

Newtown led 23-7 after one quarter of play. Pomperaug climbed to within 27-21 before the mid point of the second quarter, but the Hawks answered with a 13-0 run en route to a 40-25 halftime lead.

It was 62-40 after three periods. A third-stanza highlight, and a welcomed sight for the Nighthawk cagers, was Todd Petersen converting a 3-point play when he was fouled, double-clutched, scored and canned a free throw.

Petersen played his first game of the year after being sidelined with a knee injury to start the regular campaign. Petersen contributed nine points, six assists, and five rebounds and — 6-foot-6, is the third of a trio of towers around the hoop that poses problems for opposing defenses and offenses alike. Robert DiSibio and Jack Petersen also stand at about six and a half feet tall and not only score down low but contribute to the score sheet from the outside.

Tucker Garrity led the way with 23 points, Robert DiSibio scored 21, Riley Ward had 13, Max Bloomquist ten, Jack Petersen five, and Chris Shaker scored five.

The Nighthawks hit eight 3-pointers; Ward had three, all in the opening quarter, Bloomquist a pair, and Garrity, DiSibio, and Jack Petersen one each from downtown.

Newtown was 7-for-7 from the free throw line. The Hawks scored in a variety of ways, including several fast-break baskets, including dunks by DiSibio.

The transition game was in high gear thanks to quick hands on defense, led by Garrity’s four thefts.

DiSibio had six rebounds and four assists; Ward had three rebounds, five assists, and a steal; Garrity and Shea Talbot each pulled down five rebounds; Jack Petersen had four rebounds and seven assists; and Preston Bliss-Martinez added two rebounds and three assists along with two steals.