By Shawn Bates
Putnam Middle School
The Wolfpack boys traveled to Pomfret Dec. 18 to start off their regular season schedule with a close loss.
The game was tight until three minutes to go when Kyle Brennan hit a three- pointer to take the lead for the remainder of the game for a 31-40 loss to Eagles.
High scorers for the Wolfpack was Cooper Livingston 9 pts; and Karson Bates with 6 pts. For the Eagles Huck Flanigan lead all with 18 and Mabi Tsemo chipped in 9 pts
Dec. 21 the boys took to the road to play the defending QVJC Boys Champs from the last year. Ashford would jump out to a 13-11 advantage in the first but with strong play from Putnam‘s center Alonzo Henries putting in 11 of his team’s high 20 points, the Wolfpack took a 28-25 lead to end the first half. The second half of the game was much like the first Henries dominated in the middle and Cooper Livingston would add another 9 points to cement the lead for Putnam in the back and forth affair for a 50-47 win over Ashford.
The Lady Wolfpack played at home for their season opener Against the Lady Eagles, Putnam would jump out to a 10-point lead and wouldn’t look back for the 35-17 win to keep them perfect at home since their streak began last season. Elisha Clinkscale 11 pts and Sadie Bergeron 12 pts would lead the Ladies in the contest.
December 21 the Lady Wolfpack were at home again and posted another home victory, according to coach Jon Miller. The ladies, led by Sadie Bergeron's 18pts, went on to take the victory 48-28 against Ashford
Putnam High School
Dec. 18 the Clippers opened up their 2017-2018 season with a 62-35 win over Wheeler. The Clippers would came out on to the court with the typical hardnose defense that lead to a 33-7 lead after the first quarter and the Clippers did not look back  for the rest of the game. The Clippers were led by Sebastian Ramos’ team-high of 13 pts followed closely by Connor Holloman with 10 pts. Ten out of the 14 on the squad recorded points in the game for a well rounded performance on opening night.
Boys JV score: Putnam 83 Norwich Tech 23. High scorers:  Cole Davagian 11pts and Justin St. Martin 10.
High scorers Cole Davagian 11pts and Justin St. Martin 10
Dec. 20 the Clippers for their second  game of the season played Norwich Tech at home. Speaking to coach Deary Prior to the game this would be a test for their upcoming game against Parish Hill, who beat Tech earlier in the week. His game plan was to Press and Sub to keep the pressure up for the entire game. Needless to say coach Deary‘s plan of attack worked.   Putnam jumped out to a 12-7 in the first and expanded it to 31-21 by halftime. Sebastian Ramos would take over in the ending minutes of the first half scoring 18 of his team’s high 25 pts. Ramos hitting the third of his three-pointers to open up the third quarter and Putnam would cruise to a 81- 47 win .Lead scorers Connor Holloman would have 11 and Colby Livingston and Mitchel Barylski would chip in 10.
The Lady Clippers had an easy schedule last week leading up to the Clipper Classic with only one contest scheduled. The ladies made their way down Rt. 395 to play the Norwich Tech Ladies.
Ashley Espinosa would lead the Lady Clippers to her first varsity win. Coach Hogan had been sidelines with illness for the first time in her17-year coaching career.
The Clippers took the lead in the first quarter and were never contested for the remaining minutes of the game for a 58-11 win. Ashley Burke led Putnam with 19 points that puts the team at 2-1 heading into the Classic this week.