High pg 9 5-28-15
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By Ron P. Coderre
Five of the six high school teams representing northeastern Connecticut are preparing to move on to the CIAC postseason tournament. The quintet enjoyed a solid week on the diamond, posting a combined 10 wins while only dropping four games.
Putnam, Woodstock Academy, Ellis Tech, Tourtellotte and Plainfield are safely in the postseason with room to spare. Killingly, which was able to only muster three victories this season is packing away the gear.
Marianapolis of the prep ranks closed out its 4-10 season on a high note, beating St. George’s School.
Tourtellotte Completes Season
in Convincing Manner
Tourtellotte Memorial High School posted three solid victories to close out the regular season at 10-10. The Lady Tigers opened the week with a five-inning 22-1 pasting of Parish Hill. Mariah Beausoleil and Olivia Padula were perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3, while Christina Kopacz contribute two hits, three RBIs and three runs scored.
The Lady Tigers next victim was New London, which fell 28-10. Emily Vincent and Padula were the big offensive weapons for Tourtellotte. The Lady Tigers closed out the perfect week with a 9-1 win over Killingly as Crystal Daly was immense in the circle. Vincent and Kopacz enjoyed strong performances at the plate in the win.
Keri Lehtonen pitched and batted Plainfield to a 9-5 win over Lyman Memorial as the Lady Panthers had a 3-0 week on the diamond. Lehtonen, who is batting a remarkable .600 on the season, was on base three times and scored each time she was on. Following the uplifting win over Lyman, Plainfield continued its surge with an easy 17-2 victory over New London. Kat Devolve and Abby Horan each had three hits for the 12-8 Lady Panthers. Plainfield ended its regular season on an upbeat note with a 15-0 shutout of visiting Valley Regional. Lehtonen, who picked up her eighth pitching win of the season, also provided a home run and double. Chivon Burns also homered for the victors.
Ellis Tech had a full schedule, playing four games and walking away with two wins. Thanks to Sheridan Murphy (4-for-4) and freshman Autumn Jackson (three hits and four RBIs) the Eagles beat Parish Hill 23-3 in a five inning contest. The team followed that win with an exciting 4-3 victory over Windham. Murphy, who eluded trouble throughout the game, was the winning pitcher for Ellis Tech.
The Techsters luck ran out as they were soundly beaten by St. Bernard 16-1and 15-0 in a five-inning contest by Platt Tech. Ellis Tech closes the regular season at 12-8.
After beating Academy of the Holy Family 12-0 behind Mackenzie Livingston’s three-hit pitching, Putnam lost its next two games. The Lady Clippers were dropped 12-9 by Wilcox Tech and shutout 3-0 by University. Putnam was able to garner one hit against University in a CSC first-round game. Putnam stands at 11-9 as it awaits its seed for the CIAC Tournament.
Woodstock Academy is 10-8 after posting a 7-3 win over St. Bernard in its only game of the week. Angela Caponi was the winning pitcher for the Acads. She received offensive support from Rylee Hehir and Jordyn Staveski.
Killingly was beaten by Bacon Academy 7-2, shutout by Montville 11-0 and lost to Griswold 6-5. The losses give the Redgals a 3-17 log as it puts a lid on the 2015 regular season.
A seven-run fifth inning proved to be the difference as Marianapolis bested St. George’s 10-6 in its final game of the season. Taylor Pacheco with three hits and three runs-batted-in was the hitting star for the Golden Knights. Marianapolis closes the season at 4-10.
Northeast pg 9 5-28-15
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC column is dedicated to four veterans, Ron Desrochers, Alan Joslin, Barney Seney and Don Steinbrick. This quartet is part of the American Legion Post #13 of Putnam color guard. Next time you see them, thank them for their military service to our country.
It doesn’t seem possible but on Wednesday, June 17 the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is holding its 27th Golf Invitational. The tournament, which is chaired by Matt Desaulnier of Gerardi Insurance, is scheduled once again for Quinnatisset Country Club located on County Road in Thompson.
The event features a scramble format with the shotgun start scheduled for 11 a.m. The cost is $150 per golfer or $600 per foursome. The entry fee entitles players to 18 holes of golf with cart, raffle, skins game, special prizes and food and beverage throughout the tournament. Golfers are asked to arrive 45 minutes prior to tee time.
In order to maintain a fair competitive atmosphere, no more than two golfers with a handicap of 10 or less will be allowed per foursome. In this tournament’s special scoring rule, any foursome that includes a female golfer will have two strokes subtracted from its team score.
The event, which is one of the Chamber’s premier fund-raisers, has a number of sponsorship opportunities available. The Title Sponsor at $2500 remains available, as does the Eagle sponsor at $1100, the food/beverage sponsor ($300) and green sponsor ($250). Tee sponsorships are $100 each.
Desaulnier indicates that the goal is a full field of 36 foursomes. He notes that the field is filling quickly, however there are still sponsorships and foursome slots available. Anyone interested in more information or in registering to play should contact the Chamber at 3 Central St., Danielson, CT 06239 or call the office at 860 774-8001.
College Hockey on the Horizon
Dominic Rovero has been playing hockey his entire life. He started in the local youth leagues, moved on to traveling teams and eventually played for highly competitive teams year-round. He then moved on to The Gunnery School where he played prep hockey. The road then took Rovero to Canada where he played junior hockey for a year.
The young defenseman is now taking a different route. In September he’ll be heading off to Suffolk University in Boston where he’ll study business and get some college ice time. The experience Rovero has gained through his many years of hockey should make him an asset for the Suffolk icemen.
Dominic Rovero is the son of Ric and Melanie Rovero.
Former Mustang Headed
To ‘Show Me’ State
Joel Angus left Putnam Science Academy in 2013 with hopes of landing an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship. His dream has been accomplished after taking a slight detour to get there.
Angus recently announced he’s accepted a scholarship to play at Southeast Missouri State University of the Ohio Valley Conference. The 6-foot, 7-inch forward was noticed by the Redhawks coach Rick Ray during the National Junior College Athletic Association regional and national tournament. Angus, a graduate of Boys and Girls High School in New York City, played briefly for Westchester Community College prior to moving on to Monroe College where he was scouted by the Redhawks.
Angus averaged 15.4 points per game and 8.5 rebounds for Monroe College. Prior to deciding on Southwest Missouri, Angus had offers from the University of Tennessee – Martin and Tennessee Tech.
Dery Headed to the Hall of Fame
The Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2015 will be inducted on Saturday, June 20. Among the inductees are some outstanding athletes and championship teams, also in that mix will be longtime coach Paul Dery.
The quiet and unassuming Dery is a 1970 graduate of Tourtellotte, who served as a running and basketball coach for nearly 20 years. As a coach Dery never dreamed of election into the Hall of Fame. He was a mentor to the student-athletes who was on the sidelines always with his players as his primary objective.
During Dery’s tenure with the various teams he had more divisional champions, All-State athletes and record setters than most other coaches in the history of the school. Dery was also a longtime teacher at Tourtellotte where he had a far reaching effect on many students.
Wednesday Fun Runs
The Wednesday Fun Runs at West Thompson Lake are back for the summer of 2015. According to organizers Martin and Delia Fey, who have assumed the leadership of the events for northeastern Connecticut’s running guru Jim Gothreau, the once-per-week events started on May 20 and will continue to Sept. 16.
The theme is ‘jog, walk, run or race’and everyone from age 4 to 91 is welcome. The courses, whose start alternate weekly between the gravel path close to the water or near the gate on Ravenelle Road, are safe and traffic free. The other benefit is that there is no cost to participate in either the 1.44 mile or 5K course. Organizers are urging participants to invite a friend or relative to join in these fun runs, which begin at 6:15 p.m. sharp!
Paint the Room Pink
Congratulations to Woodstock Academy PG basketball coach Tom Espinosa and his wife Trish on the most recent addition to their family. Trish Espinosa gave birth to a baby daughter, Teagan Kathleen Espinosa, at 8:26 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. Teagan Kathleen came into the world weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 19 ½ inches. The newest member of the Espinosa family joins her ‘big’ brothers, T.J. and Bryce. Mom and daughter are doing well and brothers and dad are happy and smiling about Teagan Kathleen.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy
(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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Diarra pg 10 5-28-15
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By Ron P. Coderre
The much anticipated announcement regarding the college selection of former Putnam Science Academy Mustang and current Woodstock Academy Post Graduate power forward Mamadou Diarra was worth the wait.
Surrounded by media outlets from throughout Connecticut, the 6-foot, 8-inch Diarra calmly and eloquently stated his decision to attend the University of Connecticut with the Class of 2017 and play for coach Kevin Ollie. In selecting the Huskies Diarra noted that in addition to his family in Queens, he’s developed an extended family in northeastern Connecticut. He also emphasized that he senses a strong connection with the coaching style of Kevin Ollie.
Two years ago Diarra transferred to Putnam Science Academy from Redemption Academy in South Carolina as a raw young man with a wealth of undeveloped basketball talent. In coming to Putnam, Diarra hooked up with a coach and mentor, Tom Espinosa, who has brought out the best in this young man both athletically and academically.
“Coach Espo has taught me so much, not only about basketball but also about life. I’ve learned about the responsibility I have to my team, school, family and community. Coach has been like a father to me,” said Diarra.
Under Espinosa the likeable Diarra has blossomed. Following his transfer midway through the 2013-2014-season Diarra was used sparingly and averaged five points per game. He was the beneficiary however, of being a member of a Mustang team that was invited for the first time to the National Prep Championship.
Last year Diarra was a starter in the beginning of the season. His penchant for getting into foul trouble forced a change in strategy for Coach Espinosa with his big man. Espinosa began using Diarra off the bench and the strategy paid off for the team and Diarra. His numbers improved to 14 points per game and his intensity increased. The Mustangs posted a 28-7 record. Diarra was also part of the second Putnam Science Academy team to participate in the National tournament.
“Mamadou is a real talent but we had to light the fire for his ability to blossom. He’s a hard worker who responds well to instruction. Many hours in the gym working on drills to improve his inside game have made him a more complete player,” said Espinosa.
With Espinosa, Woodstock Academy associate headmaster Holly Singleton and athletic director Aaron Patterson by his side, Diarra spoke positively about the future of the Woodstock Academy Post Graduate basketball program. The move also has coach Espinosa enthused.
“We’re looking forward to moving on to Woodstock. I’m especially pleased for the players, who’ll have an opportunity to mature on the basketball court and in the classroom. I’m anxious to get things underway,” said Espinosa.
Diarra, who had feelers and offers from more than 30 schools, had narrowed his choices to two finalists, Virginia Commonwealth University and Connecticut.
“Deep down inside I always really wanted to go to UConn,” said Diarra.
In the past few months Diarra’s had the opportunity to watch the Huskies in action up close, sitting behind the team bench during a game. He also had the luxury of playing against some of the Husky team members, which was a great experience. He more than held his own in the competition, which also convinced UConn he was their man.
Diarra graduated on Saturday, May 23 from Putnam Science Academy. Now that the decision has been made to commit to the University of Connecticut, the work of improving his overall game must continue and that will be done next season in Woodstock.
“He knows he needs to get better. He’s maturing on schedule and he’s a smart guy. He has to develop his complete game. This will be a big year for him to improve his skills,” noted Coach Espinosa.
Diarra is the second Putnam Science Academy graduate to make the jump to an NCAA Division I basketball program. Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith a 2013 PSA graduate is currently the starting point guard for the University of Dayton Flyers. It’s possible that following next season, a former Putnam Science Academy player and current Woodstock Academy PG player Hamidou Diallo will be announcing his college selection, which is almost certain to be with a Division I school.
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Woodstock pg 10 5-28-15
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caption:
Sean Delany
By Ron P. Coderre
The Woodstock Academy Post Graduate basketball program, which won’t officially take the court until later this year, is rapidly filling its slots for the upcoming season.
In a recent announcement from coach Tom Espinosa, he indicated that another New York product, Sean Delany will be a Centaur this season. Almost simultaneously New England Recruiting Report announced that Saul Phiri, who starred at Worcester Academy last season, is transferring to Woodstock. The arrival of Delany and Phiri brings to seven the number of recruits already headed to Woodstock Academy next year.
Delany, a 6-foot, 4-inch guard who recently completed 12th grade at New York’s Kennedy Catholic, joins previously signed guards Brandon Steed and Taurian Archie in coach Espinosa’s backcourt stable. Delany brings some impressive credentials in his basketball resume.
Last season, he averaged 16 points, seven assists and seven rebounds per game in leading his team to a 26-2 record and to the New York State Championship finals. Kennedy won the New York CHSAA league and New York City championships. Delany was named an all league CHSAA A Division All Star. He was also selected to the Mayor’s Cup all star team, which honors the top players in New York’s public and private high schools.
Delany, who holds a black belt in taekwondo, posted impressive statistics as a 10th and 11th grader. As a 10th grader he averaged 14 points and five assists per game, while starting every game. He was named First Team CHSAA A Division All Star. He repeated that performance in 11th grade and was also named honorable mention all state, averaging 15 points, six assists and six rebounds per contest.
“Delany is a rugged guard who is difficult to defend because of his size. He’s a strong leader and a good floor general. He’s another player who provides us flexibility because of the talents he brings to the game,” said Espinosa.
Phiri, who put up some huge numbers for Worcester Academy last season, has seen his stock rise tremendously since completing the basketball season in strong fashion. Considered an NCAA Division I high mid-major recruit previously, Phiri has recently been drawing attention from some highly competitive schools.
DePaul University in Chicago became the first high-major to offer him a scholarship. The Blue Demons play in the Big East Conference and are coached by former University of Connecticut assistant Dave Leitao. This will be Leitao’s second stint at DePaul, having previously been the head coach there from 2002 to 2005.
Prior to the offer from DePaul, Phiri had gotten offers from Atlantic 10 Conference schools, George Washington University, LaSalle and Duquesne.
“We’re very familiar with Phiri from our trips to Worcester Academy. He’s a rugged individual who’ll give us scoring and strength off the boards,” said Espinosa.
Phiri and Delany join Archie and Steed as well as holdovers, Hamidou Diallo, Mamadou Diarra and Brandon Hurst as the new Woodstock Academy PG hoop program gears up for the upcoming 2015-2016 season.
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