Thunderbird Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From North Branford High School

Sports run deep in North Branford, and North Branford High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Thunderbird uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from North Branford High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Brandan Basil - First-Team All-League (Salve Regina)

A former two-time First-Team All-League at North Branford, Basil was a top 30 player in the state before taking his talents to South Connecticut State. He finished his football career at Salve Regina, where he was an All-NEFC quarterback. (Source: SalveAthletics.com)

2. Jack Duffy - Head Coach (Greenwich High School) & Former Professional Ice Hockey Player

After three years playing for North Branford High, Duffy had an electrifying career on the defensive end at Yale University, being named an All-American. He went on to go pro, playing in the IHL and ECHL prior to becoming the head coach for Greenwich High’s hockey team. (Source: HockeyDB.com)

3. Lexi Falcioni - Shoreline Conference Player of the Year, Softball

Falcioni was the Shoreline Conference Player of the Year and served as captain of the most recent Thunderbird team to win the conference title, making 10 consecutive victories. Falcioni will continue her career at Wheaton College this fall. (Source: Zip06.com)

4. Riley Cole - First-Team All-Conference, Girls Lacrosse

As a captain and First-Team All-Conference member at North Branford High, Cole led her team to a Shoreline Conference Championship this past season. The 2025 graduate will continue her athletic and academic career at Eastern Connecticut State University. (Source: Zip06.com)

5. Matt Scalia - Shoreline Conference Player of the Year, Baseball

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