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The Woodstock Academy boys’ basketball team captains include three seniors, from left: Braiden Saucier, Brandon Nagle and Carter Morissette. Photo by Marc Allard.
Donte Adams took up the mantle as the head coach of the Woodstock boys’ basketball team last spring. “I’m a ‘show me’ coach, I don’t like the talking. They know they have to go out and show me and we’re going to have fun, too, working hard.”
Adams comes over from the prep basketball program at Woodstock to take on the role of head coach of the varsity high school team.
“I don’t know the opponents too well and you can’t look them up that much but I wouldn’t mind traveling and going to some games. I’ve been watching games from last year and seeing who is returning (from the opponent’s side) and it’s all a part of game planning. We’re going to be in the classroom watching film as much as we’re going to be on the court,” Adams said.
Woodstock tri-captain Brandon Nagle said it’s a new beginning with Adams being joined by former Blue prep basketball coach Denzel Washington with the varsity program.
The Centaurs are coming off a three-win season and will remain in Div. II of the ECC this season. Waterford (19-7 last year) and Ledyard (14-10) also remain in Division II while Fitch (7-15) comes down from Div. I and Windham (21-7) moves up from Div. III to join the Div. II ranks.
The Centaurs did lose some key players.
But the Centaurs should have a good inside-outside punch with 6-foot, 6-inch sophomore Brady Ericson leading the way.
Ericson played in 16 games last year but only saw significant minutes toward the end of his freshman season.
Adams said he needs Ericson to be strong on the defensive end, but also expects him to have some break out offensive performances for the Centaurs.
Ericson is not the only big body up front for Woodstock this season. James D’Aleva Bochain, a 6-5 forward/center, will join him in the front court as will senior Carter Morissette and juniors Hunter Larson and newcomer Teddy Richardson, all of whom stand 6-2.
Nagle is the top returning scorer (7.4 ppg) and 3-point threat (12).
In addition to Nagle, Jackson Gallagher and Braiden Saucier also return in the backcourt. Saucier has been cleared to play after suffering a medical emergency that ended his football season in the first game of the year.
“I’m happy to have him back. He would have been missed. From the defensive aspect and as a floor leader, we need him. He will be as key to us pressing the ball,” Adams said.
Senior Austin Amlaw, junior Eric Mathewson and sophomore Garrett Bushey will also see time in the backcourt for the Centaurs.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
Schedule: Thurs., Dec. 15: vs. Fitch, 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17: at Windham, 5; Tues., Dec. 20:at Stonington, 7; Thurs., Dec. 22:at East Lyme, 7; Wed., Dec. 28: at Killingly, 4:30; Fri., Dec. 30: at Griswold, 7; Tues., Jan. 3: vs. New London, 7; Fri., Jan. 6: vs. Ledyard, 7; Wed., Jan. 11: vs. Cheney Tech, 7; Fri., Jan 13: at Waterford, 7; Tues., Jan. 17: vs. Plainfield, 7; Fri., Jan 20: at Fitch, 7; Mon., Jan. 23: vs. Killingly, 7; Wed., Jan. 25: vs. Griswold, 7; Fri., Jan. 27: vs. Windham, 7; Tues., Jan. 31:vs. St. Bernard, 7; Tues, Feb. 7: at NFA, 7; Fri., Feb. 10: at Ledyard, 7; Tues., Feb. 14: vs. Waterford, 7; Mon., Feb. 20: at Old Lyme, 7.
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