Hillhouse celebrates its 39-34 win over Hand March 16, 2018 for the CIAC Class L state championship.
The CIAC has released its 2019-20 girls basketball schedules.
Note: Not all schedules are complete.
The regular season begins Monday, Dec. 16.
A thumbnail look at some of the interesting matchups:
Defending Class LL champions, Norwalk opens on the road at Newtown in a 7 p.m. game. The Bears did not lose a game last season, making a run to the state title. It will be the first game at the helm for new head coach Evan Kelley, who takes over for Ricky Fuller.
Unfortunately, there will be no rematch of the state final against New London. Norwalk traveled to New London last season, but the two did not schedule each other, again.
Speaking of New London, the Whalers travel to East Haven for an intriguing opening-night game Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Both teams have won state championships the last three seasons.
Hillhouse beat Hand in the Class L championship, last season. The two get to face each other twice this season. Jan. 15 at Hillhouse and again Feb. 7 in Madison. Hillhouse took some graduation losses while Hand should be bringing back a ton of talent.
Defending Class S champions, Trinity Catholic only play one game outside of the FCIAC, Dec. 27 against Harding.
Cromwell, the Class M champion, step outside the Shoreline for early season games against two of the best in the SWC: Newtown on Dec. 16 and Pomperaug on Dec. 18.
Speaking of good out-of-conference schedules, Notre Dame-Fairfield is taking on Mercy Dec. 17 then has a game against Class S runner-up Canton on Dec. 21.
In addition, Notre Dame hosts a holiday tournament Dec. 27 with Thomaston taking on New London and Notre Dame facing Hand.
Coginchaug, Farmington, Sheehan and North Haven will compete in the Fred Kelly Memorial Girls Basketball Tournament at North Haven Dec. 27 and 28.
Some important conference games:
Berkshire League
Northwestern at Thomaston, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.
CCC
Farmington at Glastonbury, Jan. 28, 6:45 p.m.
CTC
Platt Tech at Bullard Havens, Jan. 3, 6:30 p.m.
CRAL
Parrish Hill at Innovation, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.
ECC
NFA at New London, Jan. 4, 7 p.m.
FCIAC
Trumbull at Stamford, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.
NCCC
SMSA at Canton, Feb. 7, 6:45 p.m.
NVL
Ansonia at St. Paul, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
SCC
Mercy at Hamden, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.
Shoreline Conference
East Hampton at Cromwell, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
SWC
Notre Dame-Fairfield at Pomperaug, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
