By Ron P. Coderre

In a very busy week all girls’ teams saw action as unbelievably the final week of regular season action is upon us.  Some of the programs are playing out the string while others are preparing for the postseason.

Putnam, Plainfield, Killingly and Woodstock Academy are safely in the postseason and will be looking forward to the upcoming seedings and pairings.  Ellis Tech and Tourtellotte are mathematically eliminated.

The three prep schools Pomfret School, Marianapolis and Hyde-Woodstock were all in action.  Based on the records it appears that only Pomfret School will enjoy an opportunity to play beyond the regular season.  Marianapolis is on the cusp with a record hovering around the .500 mark.  Hyde-Woodstock remains in search of its first win of the season.

Lady Clippers Playing

 Well Down the Stretch

Putnam sporting a 12-7 record on the season and 9-2 in the Constitution State Conference East Division picked up two more victories last week.  The Lady Clippers opened the week with a 57-31 win over Academy of the Holy Family.  Following a close first period, which ended 15-13 in favor of Putnam the team scored 42 points in the final three quarters while holding Holy Family to a mere 18 points.

The duo of Maria Fredette and Olivia Braithwaite with 16 points apiece paced coach Mandy Hogan’s ladies.  Ashley Burke chipped in 10 points for the winners.  In its next contest Putnam walked off with a 34-25 victory over MLC.  Burke with 16 points was the game-high scorer.

Plainfield was on the hardwood three times, opening with a key 56-35 victory over local rival Killingly.  Julie Jordan with 21 points led four Lady Panthers in double figures.  Joining Jordan in the point parade were Zoe Beaver (11), Madeline Lorange (10) and freshman Madison Kelley also with 10.  Meagan Bianchi was the only Killingly player in double digits with 13 markers.

The Lady Panthers lost the next contest to Waterford 46-36.  They couldn’t muster any offense against the Lady Lancers as Jordan with 14 points was the main contributor for Plainfield.  Against Old Saybrook the team rebounded for a 45-26 win.  Beaver with 18 points and Jordan with a dozen paced the 11-8 overall and 5-5 Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division Lady Panthers.

Following the loss to Plainfield Killingly lost its only other game a 65-50 decision to Stonington.  Again it was Bianchi who was the team’s high scorer with 19 points.  Ally Conde had a big game inside with 17 points.  The Redgals are 8-10 and 1-8 in the ECC Medium Division.

Tourtellotte lost its only two games of the week, virtually eliminating them from postseason play.  Against Windham they were beaten 61-49 despite 22 points from Abby Poirier and a dozen from Emily Vincent.  The next game they were dropped by Griswold 58-47 as Poirier with 10 and Maegan Roy with 11 were in double digits.  The Lady Tigers are 6-13 overall and 2-7 in the ECC Small Division.

Ellis Tech fell to 4-14 on the season and 3-9 in the CSC East Division after losing all three of its games last week.  The Golden Eagles were beaten by Norwich Tech 35-13, Academy of the Holy Family 42-32 and Parish Hill 48-29.  

Woodstock Academy lost big to Norwich Free Academy 67-29 as the offense was unable to get into double figures in any of the four quarters.  In an ECC Large Division contest the Acads beat Fitch 49-44, raising their record to 10-8 and 2-7 in the Large Division.  Jamie Woods was the Centaurs high scorer with 14 points while Mackenzie Cayer and Ari Koivisto each chipped in 10 points.  

Light Schedule

for the Preps

Marianapolis and Pomfret School, two schools separated geographically by about five miles, squared off in a game for local supremacy.  The Lady Knights prevailed in a tightly contested game 54-50.  Marianapolis was on top 29-28 at intermission and held on in the second half for the verdict.

The Golden Knights were led by the trio of Nicole Anderson with 15 points and Caroline Soucy and Sophia Widmeyer, who posted 12 points apiece.  Alyzae Davis had an outstanding game for Pomfret but her 23-point effort wasn’t enough.  The only other Griffin in double figures was Deja Ross with 10 points.

Marianapolis split its next two games, beating St. George’s 57-48 behind Jordan Frye’s 16 points and 11 points and nine rebounds by Soucy before losing to New Hampton 55-40.  The lone bright spot for the Lady Knights was Olivia Summiel who had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Pomfret School lost its only other game of the week a 54-44 verdict at the hands of Williston Northampton.  Olivia Batastini had 15 and Davis 10 in the loss. 

Marianapolis is 11-9 on the season while Pomfret stands at 11-6.

Hyde School-Woodstock remained winless at 0-11 as they were beaten by the Wheeler School of Rhode Island 55-28.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

In a mad rush to bring the regular season to a conclusion, the boys’ high school and prep school teams were all on the hardwood in an action-packed week.

The biggest news of the week came out of Putnam Science Academy where the Mustangs, rolling on an 11-game winning streak were beaten in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.,  by Master’s School.  The Mustangs rebounded with a vengeance against Bradford Christian Academy from Haverhill, Mass.  In a contest that would prove if PSA was national caliber, they beat New Hampton Prep in the Frank Monahan Basketball Showcase.

The other surprise in the prep ranks was a victory by struggling Marianapolis over St. Mark’s School.  Pomfret School and Hyde School-Woodstock both played two games, each going 1-1 in the process.

The high schools all had a so-so week as Tourtellotte, and Ellis Tech lost both of their games, while Plainfield, Killingly and Putnam were all 1-1 on the week.  Woodstock Academy lost to Norwich Free Academy.

Putnam Science Academy Mastered

Putnam Science Academy, which was rolling at 24-2, rode into Dobbs Ferry and received a surprise losing to Master’s School 82-79 in a game they had been counting in the Win column.  The team’s were knotted 36-36 at intermission but the Mustangs couldn’t muster the drive and enthusiasm to pick up the win despite placing four players in double figures. “We didn’t come to play,” noted coach Tom Espinosa.

Point guard Jaheam Cornwall and Hamidou Diallo led the way with 16 points followed by Eric Ayala (14) and Mamadou Diarra (13).  

In a Meet the Mustangs Night event for the Mustangs Kids Club members, PSA put on an offensive demonstration for the huge throng and the kids on hand.  Jumping out to an early lead over Bradford Christian Academy the Scientists never let up as every player saw substantial action in a 136-64 victory. 

Following the game the team and kids enjoyed ice cream sundaes.  The treat was especially tasty to Darnell Brodie and Sean Delaney who led eight Mustangs in double digits with 18 and 16 points respectively.  Other double digit producers were Diallo (10), Tyere Marshall (14), Diarra (13), Ajiri Johnson (10), Brandon Steed (14) and Brandon Hurst (13).

The Sunday trip to New Hampshire was worth the ride as the Mustangs, led by Diallo with 16 points and Diarra with 12 and 11 rebounds beat New Hampton Prep 69-56.  Saul Phiri, fresh off a recruiting trip to LaSalle University in Philadelphia, contributed a dozen and Ayala added 11 in the crucial victory.  The Mustangs are 26-3. 

Marianapolis picked up its fifth win of the season with a 65-43 victory over St. Mark’s School.  Joe Del Ricci paced coach Andrew Vitale’s team with a sterling 25-point performance.  Tyler Burton chipped in 10 for the winners.  Del Ricci put on another 25-point show against St. George’s in a 64-59 loss.  Burton had another 10-point game and Audric Sandoval posted 11 points for 5-15 Marianapolis.

Pomfret School behind a double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds by Gerald Blount beat Westminster 74-55.  John Long (15) and Christian Wilson (13) were also in double figures for the Golden Griffins.  Pomfret fell short in its next game, losing 63-55 to Loomis Chaffee School.  Blount had 13 in the loss for 11-6 Pomfret.

Hyde-Woodstock lost its opening game of the week 73-53 to the Wheeler School of Rhode Island.  Eamonn Joyce (13) and Jordan Burney (10) produced double digits for the Wolfpack.  Hyde turned the tables in its next game, an 82-71 win over Providence Country Day.  Joyce exploded for a career performance, posting 43 points.  Rodney Ray also had a good game with 22 markers for the 9-10 Wolfpack.

Putnam & Plainfield In CIAC Tourney

The Putnam Clippers qualified for the CIAC Tournament when they posted their eighth win of the year, a 75-50 victory over Grasso Tech.  Brevon Harmon and Dan Porcic with 20 points apiece assured the win and entry into the postseason.  Earlier in the week the Clippers lost to Vinal Tech on the road 64-58 despite 26 points from Porcic and 14 from Harmon.  Putnam is 8-7 on the season and 6-2 in the Constitution State Conference East Division.

Plainfield raised its record to 9-8 overall and 4-5 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division when it slipped past Killingly 43-36.  Liam Jocobs and Dylan Horn with a dozen points each were the high scorers for the Panthers.  Chace Wood had 12 for Killingly.  Plainfield lost its other game of the week, a 74-60 decision to Waterford.  Jacobs was high man for the Panthers with 20, while Connor Davis added 14.

Killingly picked up a rare but satisfying win in its other game, beating Stonington 62-40.  Brendan Turner and Luke Desaulnier each had 13, while Wood had 12 for 5-11 overall Killingly.  The Redmen are 2-6 in the ECC Medium Division.

Tourtellotte lost 71-42 to Windham and 58-31 to Griswold.  The Tigers are 5-12 on the year and 1-7 in the ECC Small Division.  Ellis Tech remains in search of its first win of the year after dropping two games last week.  The 0-16 and 0-9 CSC East Division Eagles lost 66-41 to Norwich Tech and 72-36 to Parish Hill.

Woodstock Academy lost to Norwich Free Academy 60-50 despite a double-double – 14 points and 11 rebounds – by Sam Majek.  The Centaurs let a 26-20 halftime advantage slip through their fingers much to the disappointment of the home crowd.  Bryce Jarrett chipped in 11 and Nick Short 13 in the loss.  The Acads are 4-10 overall and 0-6 in the ECC Large Division.

 

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The town of Putnam and surrounding communities experienced shocking news Feb. 5 as the word of the sudden death of Dale Smith spread quietly and sadly from one person to another.  The affable Smith died while shoveling snow at work where he served as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance for the Putnam Public Schools.

Dale Smith died at the too young age of 57.  He was unexpectedly taken from his family, wife Peg, daughter Meghan, son Matt and sisters Sheila and Melody.  He was also taken from his golfing fraternity, his fellow employees and multitude of friends. 

Memories of Dale were shared at his funeral service by his longtime friends and golfing buddies Bob Tetreault and Earl Semmelrock.  The pair not only expressed the sympathies of the community but shared some lighter moments with the throng of approximately 250 people, young and old, at the solemn service.

Memories of his exploits on the golf course were highlighted.  He was undoubtedly the most prodigious Club Champion to grace the fairways and greens of Quinnatisset Country Club, the owner of eight championship trophies at the legendary Thompson course.  It was noted that he proudly represented northeastern Connecticut at the famed Norwich Invitational where was also crowned champion.

The eulogists spoke of his love and devotion of family.  They related how proud he was of the three Connecticut Father/Son Golf titles he came home with, partnering with his son Matt, now  a professional golfer.  It was Dale’s influence on Matt at a young age and later through his high school and college years that brought him great joy.  He nurtured Matt into not only a great golfer but into a respectful and polite young man.

Dale received great satisfaction when he had the opportunity to serve as the golf coach of the Tourtellotte Tigers.  Matt and his teammates brought a Connecticut State title to North Grosvenordale with Dale guiding the team’s fortunes.  Unfortunately, Dale will not be able to witness Matt’s future golf success but it’s a certainty that each time Matt picks up a golf club his dad will be with him in spirit.

He was equally proud of his daughter Meghan who has turned her education at Wheaton College into a successful career.  Dale and his wife Peg enjoyed many proud moments together watching their kids grow and succeed.  They also shared and persevered through the loss of their infant son Kevin.  Together they grew in love and were preparing to move into the next stage of their lives in their New Hampshire retirement home.

In reflecting on my memories of Dale Smith, I picture not only his smooth golf swing and lengthy drives but I see a cherubic young man who walked into my math class at Putnam Middle School in 1969 as a fifth grade student.  The smile on his face and his friendly and good natured sense of humor was present then as it was until the end of his life.  His early education carried him to a successful life dedicated to helping others in every endeavor he undertook.

In a life that was taken too soon and too suddenly to characterize it in golf terms, Dale played a perfect front nine.  Just as he was making the turn and looking forward to a great back nine, it was snatched away.    

Premier golfer, dedicated employee, loving husband and father, Dale Smith will be fondly remembered as he endeared himself to everyone he met.  He’ll be missed in many facets of the community but the memories his life is leaving behind will live on.

 

caption:

Rotary Speaker

Josh Sanchas, center, sports director at WINY, spoke at the Putnam Rotary meeting last week. Left: WINY owner and Rotarian Gary Osbrey. On right is Ron Coderre, Rotarian. Courtesy photo.

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Putnam resident Al Cormier.  An Army veteran, Cormier has devoted his life to the success of young people, as an educator, counselor and coach.  Today he continues working with students through his involvement in the Putnam Lions Club and American Legion Post #13.

The Woodstock Academy gymnastics program changed its head coach this year when the legendary Robin Deary-Fillmore retired at the end of last season and was replaced by her daughter Kasey Fillmore.  It appears that the coaching change hasn’t affected the Centaur mat performers as last week they repeated as the Eastern Connecticut Conference champions.

Woodstock walked away with the championship trophy posting a winning score of 145.45, easily outdistancing second-place finisher Norwich Free Academy.  The Wildcats had a score of 128.60, followed by East Lyme-Waterford-Montville (127.95), Stonington (123.55), Killingly (112.30) and Windham (75.40).

The Centaurs placed the top five finishers in the All-Around competition.  Junior gymnast Grace Logan walked off with the All-Around honors posting a score of 37.95 followed by her teammate Paige Stuyniski at 36.85.  The pair was followed by Lydia Taft (35.10), Ali Crescimano (34.85 and Maddie Grube (34.30).

Logan took first place in the Bars and Beam, while Stuyniski garnered the honors in the Vault and the Beam.  Logan placed second in the Vault and Beam.

Putnam’s Maggie McKeon, who is a team of one, finished sixth in the All-Around.  Killngly’s Emma Gifford was fourth in both the Floor and Beam competitions.

On Air Personality Regales Rotary Club…

Josh Sanchas, sports director at WINY Radio 1350, was the guest speaker at the Putnam Rotary Club meeting on Feb. 9 at the Inn at Woodstock Hill.  A graduate of Killingly High and the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 2014, Sanchas assumed his position in the latter portion of 2015.

Sanchas told the Rotarians about the details of his position, which include daily sports reports, hosting the Sports Talk call-in show and broadcasting local high school athletic contests.  He spoke about how his early love of radio led him to an internship at WINY as the young age of 16 as a Killingly High School student.

While continuing to grow in his current position, Sanchas noted that he’d someday enjoy either a radio or television career on ESPN or Fox Sports.  Inserting a touch of humor, Sanchas said he styles himself on sports television personality Bob Costas, who like Sanchas, is vertically challenged.

As he reaches for the stars in his future, Sanchas is up each day at 4:30 a.m. and at the station by 5:30 a.m. where he prepares for his daily sports segments which air at 20-past and 10 minutes before each hour.

Florida Softball Connection…

Most snowbirds head south each winter to get away from the cold weather and wintery mix of precipitation.  The sports inclined snowbirds usually head to the golf courses for their sports diversions.

Over the past few winters the Pomfret Smutnicks, John and Steve have not only hit the Florida links but they’ve made a name for themselves on the softball and baseball diamond.  John Smutnick has become legendary with his hitting exploits throughout the Sunshine State.  Recently Steve Smutnick has been making sports headlines in the Sebring, Fla., area while playing on the ‘senior circuit.”

In December, at third Smutnick brother, David moved permanently to Florida where he’s gradually making his way back on the softball diamond.  Although not making headlines yet, David is quickly rounding back into his high school playing shape.  The way John and Steve have impacted Florida softball, David certainly will have to reach high to grab the bar his brothers have set.

Catching up on Schoolboy Statistics…

The northeastern Connecticut high school basketball individual scoring race has evolved into a two-man race between Plainfield’s Liam Jacobs and Putnam’s Dan Porcic.  The latest stats have Porcic averaging 18.2 points per game while Jacobs is averaging 17.3.  Woodstock’s Nick Short is the top three-point producer with 33.

On the prep level, Pomfret’s Cam Winston is on top at 16.3, followed by Hamidou Diallo of Putnam Science Academy who is scoring at a 15.7 pace.  Winston’s teammate Christian Wilson is third at 13 points per game with PSA’s Mamadou Diarra and Joe Del Ricci of Marianapolis tied in fourth place at 12.9. 

Meagan Bianchi of Killingly is the leading high school women’s scorer, averaging 14.3 points per game.  The Plainfield pair of Zoe Beaver and Madeline Lorange leads the three-point race with 36 and 30 treys respectively.

In the preps, Pomfret boasts the top three scorers, led by Alyzae Davis (15.4 ppg.), Deja Ross (12.4) and Olivia Batastini (10.9).  Jordan Frye of Marianapolis is fourth at 9.8.  

On the ice, Woodstock Academy’s hockey team is beginning to make noise statewide with its play.  The Acads are led by the trio of Ryan Black, Nathan DeLuca and Zack Burnham.  Black has 32 goals and 21 assists for 53 points, while DeLuca has 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points.  Burnham has scored 14 goals and assisted on 14 for 28 points. 

Keeping up with the Collegians…

Following a tough week on the hardwood, Quinnipiac big man and former Putnam Science Academy standout Chaise Daniels bounced back with a solid 12-point performance in a 68-52 loss at the hands of St. Peter’s.  In a loss to Manhattan Daniels had eight points.   Andrew Robinson had one three-pointer, while his twin brother Aaron was scoreless.  The Bobcats are 8-15 on the season.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is struggling lately as the Engineers are 16-5 overall and 6-4 in the NEWMAC following a double overtime loss to Babson 91-87.  Former Woodstock standout Ian Converse had eight points for WPI.

Scoochie Smith, the former PSA guard, had a tremendous performance in a 68-66 A-10 victory over the University of Rhode Island.  Smith contributed 16 points, many on key drives late in the contest and was on the front end of passes that ended up as baskets for his teammates.  The game was televised live on ESPN2.

Former Marianapolis standout Brian Ahearn had four points for Binghampton University in a 68-54 win over the University of Hartford.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: In life, read the small print and see the big picture.

(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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