It will certainly be an environment filled with familiar faces for Ronnie DeGray.
The Woodstock Academy Gold prep basketball player recently announced that he has committed to play for the University of Massachusetts.
The 6-foot, 7-inch DeGray, a native of Parker, Colo., joins seven other former Woodstock Academy teammates on the roster for the Minutemen.
“In this climate, it’s a great choice and a safe choice,” said Woodstock Academy coach Jacque Rivera. “The NCAA has barred any (official) visits until May 31. (DeGray) wanted to pick a place where he could play right away and I don’t think they have anyone like him. People say Dyondre (former Centaurs teammate Dominguez), but they played alongside each other all year. I think he picked a place that is a good level for him. It’s a place of comfort. Ronnie is a relationship-based kid and I think it’s a great spot for him.”
DeGray played for the Centaurs for the past two seasons.
He was the only returning player from last year’s Gold team and helped the Centaurs to a 29-8 record and a National Prep Championship tournament berth.
DeGray played alongside Tre Mitchell, T.J. Weeks and Preston Santos, all members of the Minutemen, two years ago.
Noah Fernandes, also a part of the Gold program two years ago, recently transferred from Wichita State to UMass.
Dibaji Walker, who played on Woodstock Academy’s first-year prep team, is also a member of the Minutemen.
Dominguez, a member of this year’s Gold team, previously announced he had committed to play for UMass at the end of the basketball season. Before he came to the Centaurs, Cairo McCrory had already committed to play for UMass.
One of the UMass assistant coaches is former Woodstock Academy prep basketball head coach Tony Bergeron.
“I think, on the surface, it’s funny but I also think it’s pretty cool because it’s something that has never been done,” Rivera said. “You look back and you never see this many kids from the same (prep) program go to the same (college). I think it will become something great at the end. It’s a benefit for the kids. They are in a safe place and will do something special. When they do, it will be even cooler. I think Woodstock Academy will have played a significant role in that.”
Rivera also announced that another member of this year’s Centaurs Blue team, Walter DeFritas (Brooklyn, N.Y.), has committed to play Division II basketball for the University of New Haven.
“He was a kid who came in unnoticed, unrecognized, and played his part. He gave the team good minutes when he could and played multiple positions,” Rivera said. “He’s a super kid, a good academic kid and I think it’s a good place for him. It’s close to New York.”
Another member of the Blue team, guard Hakan West, who hails from Boston, will play Division III basketball for Keene State College in New Hampshire.
“It’s a great school and he got a great package to go there,” Rivera said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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