Hillhouse motivated for state title

(WTNH) -- The Hillhouse basketball team has had plenty to bang its chest about so far this season. The Academics have a ten game winning streak and are ranked number one in the state.

"We're number one because when everybody's home watching tv we're in the gym working hard trying to get each other better," said Chaise Daniels, Hillhouse center.

After losing a big lead in the state championship game last season, Hillhouse head coach Renard Sutton says motivating this years team has not been a problem.

"Well I basically leave that up to the captains. I have 2 captains so those guys already come in with a chip on their shoulder, we know we left something on the table last year," said Sutton.

"We're very hungry for a championship. I mean we've been working hard everyday, we're a championship caliber team and I believe we can do it," said Daniels.

And so far they're proving it on the court. Earlier this week the Academics travelled to second ranked Fairfield Prep and beat the Jesuits rather easily.

"I think were so successful because we can be dangerous from so many parts. The versatility on this team is amazing, that's what I think makes us so successful," said Andre Anderson, Hillhouse guard.

"Any night you know, somebody can score 30, somebody can score 10, it doesn't matter who scores as long as we play defense and get the win, that's what matters," said Daniels.

We'll just have to wait and see if their hard work will pay off in March at the State Tournament.
                  
"Our goal is to get back, finish the deal this time," said Sutton.