Granby topped Cromwell 59-48 on March 15 in the semifinal round of the state tournament, earning them a spot in the CIAC 2022 Division IV State Championship game at Mohegan Sun on March 20. The 4th ranked Bears played the 6th ranked Bloomfield Warhawks—the only team to defeat Granby at home during the regular season. The Bloomfield team defeated the Bears for the division title with a final score of 58-54. The senior-laden Granby team coached by Walter Hansen finished the season with a 21-6 record.
In the championship game, the Granby Bears were down by two at the end of the first quarter. They did tie it up in the second quarter, but they ended the half with a score of Bloomfield 31 and Granby 27. The end of the third quarter found Granby trailing by six (43-37) and despite the Bears playing well right up to the very end, the Warhawks closed it out at 58-54.
Top scorers in the game were Justin Phillips with 16, and Josh Brown and John Bell with 12 each.
When asked about the season, Dr. Jordan Grossman, Superintendent of Schools stated, “We are very proud of the Granby Memorial High School boys’ basketball team. Throughout the season they have represented our school and our town to the highest level possible.” The Bears, who competed for the state title in 2019 and clinched it in 2013, worked diligently all season. GMHS principal Mike Dunn echoed that sentiment when asked about the championship game. “We’re so proud of all the hard work and teamwork of our boys this year, under the masterful leadership of Coach Hansen and his crew. They’ve fought hard all year long and deserved their place in the Sun to compete in the championship game.”