By Michael Letendre

BRISTOL – The Bristol Eastern girls basketball team always makes it a habit in qualifying for postseason play.

And whether it’s the Central Connecticut Conference Tournament or the CIAC Class L fray, the Lancers are usually part of the postseason mix.

In fact, the last time Eastern did not qualify for any kind of postseason play was back in 1994-95 but have been playing hoop in March every year since.

And before March Madness infects the scholastic scene, the CCC starts its annual tournament on Thursday.

The 16-team format will see the Lancers (8-11 overall), ranked 15th overall, square off against No. 2 Newington in first round play from the Richard E. Rogalski Gymnasium.

Game time is at 6 p.m. in Newington.

In the GameTimeCT Top 10 Girls Basketball Poll this week, Newington was the top rated squad in all the state and is 19-1 entering the postseason.

The team will also be the top ranked Class L program in the state tournament fray.

This won’t be the first time Eastern and Newington squared off against one another this season.

Back on February 5, the Lancers gave the Newington a real run for its money – dropping a tough 55-41 decision in the only meeting between the squads this year.

In that showdown, Eastern’s Ciara Collins knocked in 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lancers.

Also in that game, Janessa Gonzalez added eight points and a team-high 13 rebounds while Taigan Parent nabbed four points and blocked a couple shots.

In that road game, Eastern had a tremendous day from the free throw line, going an impressive 22-for-22 overall.

Lilly Ferguson, one of the top players from the Central Connecticut area, led Newington with 20 points while Bella Cucuta added 15.

Tickets for the CCC Tournament event must be purchased online and all first round games commence this Thursday from the site of the higher seed.

Here’s how the field lined up for the 2022 CCC Tournament:

CCC Tournament – First Round

Game 1 – No. 16 New Britain at No. 1 Enfield

Game 2 – No. 15 Bristol Eastern at No. 2 Newington

Game 3 – No. 14 Conard at No. 3 Middletown

Game 4 – No. 13 Glastonbury at No. 4 East Hartford

Game 5 – No. 12 Berlin at No. 5 Simsbury

Game 6 – No. 11 Maloney at No. 6 Southington

Game 7 – No. 10 RHAM at No. 7 Edwin O. Smith

Game 8 – No. 9 Windsor at No. 8 Farmington

CCC Tournament – Quarterfinal Round

*Commences on Saturday, February 19 from Enfield high school

CCC Tournament – Semifinal Round

Tuesday, February 22 from Enfield

CCC Tournament – Finals

Thursday, February 24 from Enfield