Will Lovings-Watts has heard that Putnam Science Academy has a really good basketball program and that the Mustangs have won three national titles.
But it was a call to a close friend in Miami that told Lovings-Watts all he needed to know, that his decision to do a postgrad year at PSA was the right choice.
“I’m good friends with Jayden Brewer who plays at Florida International University with a couple of former PSA guys (Arturo Dean and DayDay Gittens), so I talked to them.
" They told me it’s a great place and it’s definitely going to get me ready for the Division I level. That was great to hear, it really let me know that I’ve made the right decision.”
Lovings-Watts, a 6-foot, 5-inch combo guard out of Jeffersonville, Ind., originally committed to Drake University, but ultimately felt like he was not ready athletically or academically.
He decommitted in June and his coach started talking to him about PSA.
“I’m super excited to get started in Putnam,” Lovings-Watts said.
“I feel like this year will really help me get everything right – my body, my academics – so I can reach the next level.
"That, and bringing another championship to Putnam, is the goal.”
Lovings-Watts, whose favorite player is Kevin Durant, is smooth in transition and getting to the basket, and his shot and athleticism have improved over the last year-plus, according to scouting reports.
He’s got long arms that help him on both sides of the court, and he loves to get after it on defense.
“I take a lot of pride in my defense,” he said.
“I always want to be on the other team’s best player, big or small, so I can make my game more versatile by guarding guards and bigs.”
Lovings-Watts said being so far from home makes him a little anxious but knows “I can call and they’re right there for me and they’ll be whatever I need.
Other than that, I’m just ready to get there and meet great players who play the same game that I love.
“I love the competition. When you’re on the court, there’s the chatter on the court, in the crowd.
"I just love competing and everything around it. I have videos of me when I was in second grade, third grade, playing older kids and just talking it up to them. Basketball has just been in by blood forever it feels like.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Joseph ‘Denny’ Morissette
POMFRET — Joseph Denis “Denny” Morissette, 84, died July 23, 2022.
He was born in 1937 in the family farmhouse in Pomfret to Gerard and Marie (Provost) Morissette.
Denny was profoundly involved in his community through his commitment to the fire department, local government, and advocacy for farmers.
He deeply loved his family, friends, and the land he lived on. Denny loved to connect and chat with others and always brought a smile to any room he entered.
He leaves his wife of 61 years, Delores (Tarr) Morissette; his children, Marcel (Lisa) Morissette and Michelle (Lance) Bouchard; six grandchildren, Matthew (Mariette), Jenny, D., Brittany, Dylan and André; siblings, Muriel (Joseph) Mrakovich and Leo (Susan) Morissette; and sister-in-law, Beryl Moreau.
He was predeceased by his son, René Morissette, and family members, Simone Gagne, Gilbert Morissette, and Robert Morissette.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Denny’s honor may be made to the Pomfret Fire District, 67 Hampton Rd., Pomfret, CT 06258, to help continue the work Denny so genuinely believed in.
A Memorial Mass was Aug. 2 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret.
Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Alice I. Morris
PUTNAM — Alice (Dennette) Morris, 81, of Battey St., died July 15, 2022, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Daniel J. Morris for more than 52 years. Born in 1940 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Bernice Dennette. Mrs. Morris worked as a lens setter for American Optical Company and was an avid reader.
She leaves her son, David Morris; brother, Richard Dennette; sister, Nancy Dennette; her grandchildren, Jaryd, Shannon, and Myriah; and her great-grandchildren, Layla and Makenna. She was predeceased by her brother, Harvey Dennette. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.
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$10,000+ Raised
July 29 the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam held its annual golf tournament, netting more than $10,000 in support of children and youth programs and the Post’s annual scholarship, according to Commander Michael S. Vassar. Coincidentally Vassar was part of the championship foursome. Holding the traveling championship cup, from left: Darryl Stevens, Tom Downey, Vassar and Brian Rice. The winners fired a blistering 16 under par on the par 71 layout. Courtesy photo.
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Next Chapter ...
When the petals are gone on a dogwood tree, the seed heads step into the limelight. Linda Lemmon photo.
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