By Ron P. Coderre

It’s difficult to fathom, but this is the final column for RPC in 2014.  As we transition to the New Year, 2015, this column is dedicated to a good sport and generous supporter of youth and high school athletics throughout Northeastern Connecticut, John Navarro.  Appropriately Navarro celebrates another birthday on the first day of 2015.  Happy birthday, John, from RPC.

It doesn’t seem possible that were writing about Tracy Lis as someone whose basketball and athletic career is in the past.  It only seems like yesterday that a young Tracy Lis took the high school girls’ local, state and region basketball scene by storm.

Right from the start of her hoop days as a freshman at Killingly High School Lis was the rage in schoolgirl basketball, dropping the round ball through the net at an astronomical pace.  People were flocking to Danielson from everywhere to watch the blond superstar perform.

Although her playing days are in her past, Lis continues to be recognized for her achievements, most of which still haven’t been surpassed since she departed the hardwood.  The most recent acknowledgment of her heroics is the recent announcement of her entrance into the select circle of Connecticut Gold Key recipients.

Lis will be honored in a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on April 26 at the 74th Gold Key Dinner.  She joins two other Northeastern Connecticut residents who were honored in the past, the late Walt Dropo of Red Sox and Major League baseball fame, who was honored in 1975 and former UConn men’s basketball coaching legend and Pomfret resident Jim Calhoun who was selected in 2003.

Joining Lis in this year’s class of honorees is former NHL star Craig Janney, ex-Yale running back John Pagliaro and longtime official John Kuczo.

Lis is legendary for her exploits at Killingly where she lit up the scoreboard for 3,681 points, the Connecticut high school record for most points ever scored by a male or female hoopster.  Her record surpassed the record previously held by the great Walter Luckett.  Lis moved on to Providence College following her days as a Redgal.  As a Lady Friar she continued to tickle the twine at an amazing pace, scoring 2,534 points, which is the PC all-time record.  She was also the Big East career scoring leader for many years until she was surpassed by UConn’s Maya Moore and Rutger’s Angel McCoughtry.

After graduating from Providence College Lis went on to a brief professional career in the old American Basketball League, which was the predecessor of the current WNBA.  She also had a stint of approximately 37 games playing as the first female to take the court with the traveling troupe, Marques Haynes and the Harlem Fabulous Magicians.  In a game with the Magicians in her hometown of Killingly, Lis poured in 77 points be beat her hometown friends.

Lis is a member of the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, entering in 1996.  In January 2014, along with former Providence College greats Kevin Stacom and Joey Hassett, she had her jersey retired in a ceremony held at the Dunkin’ Donut Center in Providence.  Following a brief time as a substitute teacher in Killingly, Lis enter the business world, a position she continues to pursue currently.

From the Where are They Now Files

It’s the University of Rhode Island in Kingston for former Woodstock Academy quarterback Nate Ploughman, where he’s majoring in engineering.  Ploughman is also pursuing a military career at URI, where he is a member of the school’s Army ROTC program.  As a way of supporting his academic endeavors, Ploughman is a member of the Rhode Island National Guard.

During his off time and especially during the Christmas break, Ploughman was spotted working at Phyllis’ Bakery in Putnam, where he was gladly waiting on customers and assisting his grandmother, the renowned Phyllis Ploughman.

Keeping Up with the Collegians

Former Marianapolis Prep big man Ousmane Drame continues his assault on the basketball record books at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.  Coach Tom Moore’s center posted his 31st career double-double when he dropped in 19 points and corralled 11 rebounds in a big 80-65 victory over Lehigh.  The Bobcats followed the win with another victory, this one over visiting Big-12 opponent Oregon State.  In the 60-52 victory Drame was strapped with foul trouble but still managed six points.

Former Putnam Science Academy standout, 6-feet, 8-inch Chaise Daniels is beginning to see more playing time under the watchful eye of coach Moore.  Against Lehigh he posted six points in a 3-for-5 shooting performance.  He followed that up with four crucial points against Oregon State.

Tournament Stars

The 1st Woodstock Academy Centaur Classic Holiday Tournament resulted in the Academy men losing both contests they were involved in over the two-day event.  The Centaurs however, did place 6-6 senior forward Adam Converse on the All-Tournament team.  Oliver Simon, a senior guard, was honored by being selected to the All-Academic squad. 

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: For all our faithful followers, and we enjoy hearing from you, may all your days in 2015 be filled with peace, happiness and success.

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