Nic Louis-Jacques typically keeps the circle around him very tight. He admits to knowing a lot of people, but that very few actually know him.
He utilized that philosophy to his advantage over the last week or so as he whittled his college choice down before deciding over the weekend that he would accept a scholarship to play basketball next year at Colgate University.
“I had my pros and cons, and then I just talked with the closest people around me and came to the decision like that,” said Louis-Jacques, a postgrad student at Putnam Science Academy. “I tried to keep it between the people I’m closest to. I didn’t want to have a whole bunch of different people pulling me in 20 different directions.”
The 6-foot, 5-inch guard from Miami, Fla., ultimately chose the Raiders because of the relationships he built in a short time. Colgate started recruiting him toward the end of the summer, and only just offered him a scholarship in the last couple of weeks.
“I spent a lot of time talking with them and meeting with them on Zoom calls,” Louis-Jacques said. “It wasn’t just the coaching staff but with players to get a feel for things but also with academic advisors too. So it wasn’t just about basketball.”
Louis-Jacques also added that his mother, Nadia Jean Joseph, also liked the school and coaching staff a lot, which aided his decision. He said that gave him some comfort “because she reads people well.”
Colgate, located in central New York, is coached by Matt Langel, who led the team to a 25-9 record last season, including 14-4 in the Patriot League.
“I watched a lot of their film and studied how they play, and I feel like I can fit in their system offensively and defensively,” Louis-Jacques said. “It’s just the right place for me. Athletically, academically…I’m excited about it. A lot of people don’t have the opportunity I have so I am very grateful for it.”
Because of the irregularities that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused, PSA and Louis-Jacques have only played two games this season. But he showed off some of the offensive game he was known for coming in, averaging 10.5 points and knocking down six of his 11 3-point attempts.
“We’re real happy for Nic,” PSA coach Tom Espinosa said. “Colgate is getting a real good player, and we’ve only seen him for a little bit. But he’s not just a shooter. He can do a lot of things on the basketball court. He’s very talented. And he’s the kind of kid programs can win with because he does whatever you ask him to do. He’s been a pleasure for us and I’m sure the coaching staff at Colgate is going to feel the same way.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Veterans Day Ceremony
The Danielson American Legion Post #21 held its annual Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Davis Park. About 100 attended, recognizing living veterans and remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our country. From left at the WWII monument: Charles Crowley, commander of Post #21, Bernie Ducat of Post #21 (MC); Ronald P. Coderre, District #4 Commander, who delivered the Veterans Day address.
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Rt. 44 closure Nov. 23
POMFRET — Rt. 44 will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23. The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the scheduled closure of Route 44 near the intersection of Rt. 169. A new pedestrian bridge is to be installed along the Air Line Trail. To go around: Follow detour for Rt. 44 East by following Day Rd. to Needles Eye Rd to the end. Take a right at the end of the road to return to Rt. 44 East. For Westbound Rt. 44 follow detour at Needles Eye Rd. onto Day Rd. South. Take a right at the end of the road to get back to Rt. 44 West. Detours will be marked.
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Best in Show: Mary Collins
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#1 in Business: Pomfret library
#1 Residential: Turbesi Family
POMFRET — The town’s first Town-Wide, Drive-By Scarecrow Adventure was a huge success, according to First Selectwoman Maureen Nicholson.
Residents, businesses, non-profits, and organizations put up 22 creative, homemade scarecrows throughout town. “The Scarecrow Adventure made a terrific fall foliage drive in the country a fun, creative, low-cost, family friendly activity incorporating social distancing. The variety of scarecrows was fun to see and truly made for an exploration around town. Pomfret School had the walk of scarecrows many residents had wonderful creations and several businesses displayed fun scarecrows with personality. Watercure Distillery had some large spiders on their stone gate for a seasonal interest. There were athletic scarecrows fishing, biking, and dressed for baseball and field hockey. Ruth Bader Ginsberg even made an appearance on Tull Lane,” she said.
More than 80 votes were received. Nicholson said, “Having such a healthy response will ensure that the contest will be offered again next year. Congratulations to all who participated and made the Scarecrow Adventure such a success.”
The Turbesi family scarecrow on Kearny Road was the high vote getter in the residential category and the Pomfret Public Library was the winner in the business /nonprofit category. Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Mary Collins was “Best in Show” with a creative look-alike scarecrow on Kearney Fork Road that is sure to set a trend in the future.
The Scarecrow Adventure and Great Pumpkin weigh-in were sponsored by the Pomfret Economic Planning & Development, Recreation and Agriculture commissions, Board of Selectmen, Green Team, and the Pomfret Proprietors. The Second Town Wide Scarecrow Adventure and Great Pumpkin weigh-in are already being talked about for 2021, Nicholson said.
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