By Ron Coderre

This week’s RPC column is appropriately dedicated to Windsor Hall, who was born on Christmas day, though we won’t mention the year.  A former Putnam athlete, Winnie as he’s known to his close friends now spends his days watching television.

Dovetailing off the recent success of its men’s basketball program Woodstock Academy is moving forward with its 1st Centaur Classic Holiday Basketball Tournament.  The event that will feature boys’ and girls’ competition is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 26 and 27 and Monday, Dec. 29.

Organizers have lined up an impressive lineup of boys’ team for the Friday and Saturday competition.  The girls’ tournament on Saturday and Monday features more of a local flavor with the Centaur ladies entertaining Parish Hill at 3 p.m. and Cheney Tech tipping off at 1:30 p.m. against the Griswold Wolverines.  The female consolation contest is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m. with the title game going off at 3 p.m.

The boys’ tournament opens with Rhode Island super power LaSalle Academy squaring off at 5 p.m. on Friday against Capital Prep.  The prep team, which plays in the Constitution State Conference and is a favorite this year, was the top seed in the CIAC Class L Tournament last year. 

The second game of the evening at 6:30 p.m. features host Woodstock Academy against Greenwich High School, a team that finished 7th in the New Haven Register poll last season.  The losers play in the consolation game at 5 p.m. on Saturday with the championship contest scheduled for 6:30 p.m.  The Friday evening games will be aired live on CPTV.

The two tourneys will feature a tipoff banquet, allowing the players to meet each other, as well as mingling with the coaches and spouses, school administrators and managers.  The boys’ banquet is at 2 p.m. on Friday, while the girls’ will get together at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.  An award ceremony will take place at the conclusion of the championship games, crowning a team champion and naming a Tournament MVP, All-Tournament and All-Academic team.

The tournament has landed a title sponsor.  In a recent announcement the Woodstock Academy Foundation has stepped up with a substantial donation in support of the event..  Anyone interested in more information should contact Woodstock Academy athletic director Aaron Patterson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 860 928-6575 Ext. 134. 

Whistle Blowers 

in the Ocean State

Members of the Eastern Board of Approved Football Officials received an opportunity to go across state lines this year to officiate a Rhode Island State Tournament Championship game.  The contest was the Division 3 Super Bowl played on Sunday, December 7 at Cranston Stadium.  It featured Middletown High School, coached by Arthur Bell and East Greenwich High School led by coach John George.  Middletown scored in the final minute of play to capture the title 22-15.

The officiating crew for the game was headed by Putnam resident and longtime noted football referee Gordie Mauer.  Members of his crew included Dave Roberts, umpire; Bob Spreng, head linesman; Ken Wiese, line judge; and Adam Scott, back judge.  All reports indicate that the crew received high grades for a job well done.  But what else would you expect with Mauer serving as the white hat?

The Apple Doesn’t Fall 

Far From The Tree

Putnam resident Joseph R. “Joe” Basinet was the standard of education at the Fessenden School in West Newton, Mass., for 41 years.  During that time he was a teacher, coach, athletic director and camp director, occupying those positions with dignity, respect and leadership.  He was also the director of Adirondack Camp on Lake George as part of his varied duties.

Many years ago, when St. Mary Church was a thriving religious community, Joe Basinet was also the mainstay of St. Mary’s Camp in Woodstock.  Each summer, local boys and girls enjoyed time at the camp, where they were taught outdoor and swimming skills, leadership training and friendship.  Joe Basinet, in those days was known as “Mr. St. Mary’s Camp.”

Fast forward to 2014 and the Greenwich Country Day School, where John Matthew Basinet, “Mr. Bas” was honored on Thursday, October 16 with the Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of meritorious service to the students of the school.

According to the press release, “Mr. Bas” has a huge heart and throws himself unreservedly into campus life.  He’s an invested math teacher, advisor, administrator, coach, colleague, husband and father.  He blends the leadership qualities of a respected mentor with warmth that sparks camaraderie and joy and fosters inquisitiveness in all children.  

“Mr. Bas’” favorite philosopher is Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military theorist, whom he often quotes to his hockey players as he imbues a competitive spirit and passion with the fun of sports and good sportsmanship on the ice.  As the dean of students, he knows how to bring together the needs of children and the demands of the larger school community.  And believe it or not, every summer he and his family move to Adirondack Camp where he serves as the director.  Prior to moving on to Greenwich Country Day School John Matthew Basinet was a teacher coach at The Rectory School in Pomfret.

As the French adage goes, “Tel pere, tel fils.” “Like father, like son.”

College Basketball Update

Ousmane Drame, the ex-Marianapolis Prep big man, continues to impress in his senior year at Quinnipiac University.  In a recent loss to Boston University, Drame recorded his 30th career double-double when he scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.  His counterpart from Putnam Science Academy, freshman Chaise Daniels had two points in limited action.

Former PSA star Jemal Mosley of the University of New Haven was honored by the school as the Student Athlete of the Week for his 28-point performance in the Chargers victory over Post University.

Although he’s not in college and still at Plainfield High School, a tip of the RPC sports fedora goes to Steve Jankowski who was a Class S All-State selection on the defensive side of the football as a linebacker. 

RPC’s Closing thought For The Day: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers. 

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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