Darryl Simmons is up for the challenge. Really, Darryl Simmons is up for any challenge. But this one in particular, he is not backing down.
The 5-foot, 9-inch point guard, who is a native of Detroit, is heading into his junior year at Putnam Science Academy. He could play major minutes as part of the Elite team (formerly known as Varsity), as he has the past two seasons. Or he could play what is currently a less-defined role for the defending national champion Prep team that will include University of Miami-commit Bensley Joseph, who is widely regarded as the best 2021 point guard in New England.
Guess which one Simmons plans on?
“This is an opportunity for me to show the Prep team and college coaches that I can lead a team at an early age,” Simmons said. “To be truthful, I’ve been playing against men, not boys. I’ve been playing up, against top elite guards all my life at PSA. This is my time. I worked hard for this. Somebody’s minutes are in jeopardy.”
“We’re coming off a national championship run last season and the expectation is the same. This time I want to be a key contributor to winning another championship for (the coaches) and most importantly the new guys on the team because they’re all here to get a taste of what real elite prep basketball is all about.”
Simmons said he has put on 10 pounds of muscle since he ended last season as a reserve on the Prep team. He’s also been working on his mid-range jumper and on improving his range from 3-point land. He’s on the same AAU team as Joseph – Expressions Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit – which has proven to helpful on multiple levels.
“I’m excited to be working with Bensley and playing alongside him,” Simmons said. “We’ve been working on our chemistry and I’ve been sharing ideas with him about how we can build chemistry with the guys.
“And that’s given me the opportunity to compete and play with him all summer. I can run with him and he knows that and he respects my game.”
A lot of colleges respect Simmons’ game as well. He has drawn a lot of interest and some scholarships offer from a number of schools this summer, including UMass, Kentucky State, Illinois-Chicago, Columbia, Boston University, Boston College, Yale, Bryant, Gardner Webb, and Holy Cross, among others. And many others are sure to follow in the seasons ahead.
“I’ve been real blessed by this,” he said. “This process has been real fun and interesting. It makes me feel good to see that schools have been interested and are seeing the hard work that I’ve been putting in. It’s starting to pay off. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Archille O. Bourque Jr.,
military vet
PUTNAM — Lieutenant Colonel Archille Ovila Bourque Jr, USA (Ret.), 88, of Putnam died Aug. 1, 2020, at Matulaitis Nursing Home after a long illness. He was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Putnam, Connecticut, August 26, 1931, the son of the late Archille Ovila Bourque Sr., and the late Maude (Blackmer) Bourque Emory.
He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Bourque and his granddaughter Margaret Jordan. He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Eileen (Hogan) Bourque who cared for him in his final years, as well as their five children: Doreen Stapleton (Colonel Mark Stapleton, USA (Ret.)) of Wintergreen, Va.; Denise (Jordan) Van Ostrand of Charleston, W.Va.; Margaret Bourque (Bill Nolan) of Marysville, Wash.; son Jeffrey of Putnam, who assisted in his caregiving, and son John (Andrea Raven) of Lake Stevens, Wash.; five grandchildren: Caitlin (Stapleton) Kaprove (Jared Kaprove) of McLean, Va.; Sean Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.; Colin Stapleton of Marysville, Wash., and Max and Isaac Raven of Lake Stevens, Wash.; two great-grandchildren, Eleanor Kaprove of McLean, Va., and Aiden Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.
Arch graduated from Putnam High School in 1949. He subsequently earned his undergraduate degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., and his MBA from the University of Kansas. He served in three branches of the armed forces - the National Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. He received many military awards and honors to include the Bronze Star for combat service during the Korean conflict in 1953. He retired from active duty in 1978 with over three decades of service to this nation. He later worked in the banking and insurance industries.
Arch will be remembered for his love of aviation, having a private pilot’s license, and building a number of private aircraft. He passed his passion for all things technological on to his son John. His entire family will remember his wry sense of humor and his love of country.
Arch was laid to rest at the state veterans cemetery in Middletown Aug. 6. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam. For memorial guestbook: www.GilmanandValade.com.
Barry John Barrows
SAINT CLOUD, Fla. — Barry John Barrows died July 29, 2020.
He was born Oct. 4, 1963, in Putnam, the son of Frank Barrows of Melbourne, Fla., and Jacqueline Barrows who died in 2001. He was one of five children.
Barry lived in Saint Cloud for the past 19 years. He worked for Total Environment in Orlando, Fla., as a general manager. Barry’s motto was to work hard and play harder. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Maryann (Wojcik) Barrows; three children Justin Barrows (Elaine) of Saint Cloud, Matthew Barrows (Gabrielle) of Saint Cloud, and Stephanie Robinson (Dwight) of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren who called him Papa: Kaylee, Grant, Cheyann, Lillian, John John, Everleigh; siblings: Paulette Sheldon of Putnam, Keith Barrows (Sandra) of Putnam, Pamela Plaza (Jim) of Putnam, and Constance Bellanceau of N. Grosvenordale; extended family granddaughter, Savannah. The Memorial Service is July 29, 2021, in Saint Cloud.
Jayne L. O’Toole
PUTNAM — Jayne L. O’Toole, 75, of Putnam died Aug. 3, 2020, at Lanessa Health Care in Webster.
She was born April 12, 1945, in Putnam, daughter of the late Arthur Raymond and Elna (Law) Tourtellotte. Jayne was the wife of John “Jack” O’Toole. They were married Dec. 19, 1986, at the Putnam Baptist Church in Putnam. He died July 2, 2007.
Jayne graduated from Central Connecticut State with a bachelor’s and received her master’s degree from UConn. Jayne taught in Thompson, New Hampshire and Oxford, Mass.
She was a lifelong member of the Putnam Baptist Church and was on the Library Board of the Putnam Library. She loved to travel to Bermuda, Canada, Nova Scotia, France and places in Europe. With her cousins she drove across the U.S. Before her husband died they traveled the Intercoastal Waters in Alaska. Jayne enjoyed reading and going out for lunch with her friends, going to church and liked spending the summers on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with her husband. She enjoyed the Red Sox and enjoyed going to spring training in Florida.
She leaves her sister-in-law Carol Tourtellotte of Florida; niece Sandra DeLoge-Murdock; great-niece Brettany Murdock; cousins Ruth Kneier of Putnam, Karen (Charlie) Dimock of Woodstock, Lynne (Tony) Foote of Woodstock, Myrtie (Randolph) Blackmer of N. Grosvenordale, Carol (Joe) Kudzal of N. Grosvenordale and Robert (Debbie) Chandler of Thompson. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brother John Tourtellotte,; and nephew Brett DeLoge.
The Funeral was Aug. 11 at the Putnam Baptist Church, Putnam, with burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery. Donations: Putnam Baptist Church, 170 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. www.smithandwalkerfh.com
.
Archille O. Bourque Jr.,
military vet
PUTNAM — Lieutenant Colonel Archille Ovila Bourque Jr, USA (Ret.), 88, of Putnam died Aug. 1, 2020, at Matulaitis Nursing Home after a long illness. He was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Putnam, Connecticut, August 26, 1931, the son of the late Archille Ovila Bourque Sr., and the late Maude (Blackmer) Bourque Emory.
He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Bourque and his granddaughter Margaret Jordan. He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Eileen (Hogan) Bourque who cared for him in his final years, as well as their five children: Doreen Stapleton (Colonel Mark Stapleton, USA (Ret.)) of Wintergreen, Va.; Denise (Jordan) Van Ostrand of Charleston, W.Va.; Margaret Bourque (Bill Nolan) of Marysville, Wash.; son Jeffrey of Putnam, who assisted in his caregiving, and son John (Andrea Raven) of Lake Stevens, Wash.; five grandchildren: Caitlin (Stapleton) Kaprove (Jared Kaprove) of McLean, Va.; Sean Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.; Colin Stapleton of Marysville, Wash., and Max and Isaac Raven of Lake Stevens, Wash.; two great-grandchildren, Eleanor Kaprove of McLean, Va., and Aiden Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.
Arch graduated from Putnam High School in 1949. He subsequently earned his undergraduate degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., and his MBA from the University of Kansas. He served in three branches of the armed forces - the National Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. He received many military awards and honors to include the Bronze Star for combat service during the Korean conflict in 1953. He retired from active duty in 1978 with over three decades of service to this nation. He later worked in the banking and insurance industries.
Arch will be remembered for his love of aviation, having a private pilot’s license, and building a number of private aircraft. He passed his passion for all things technological on to his son John. His entire family will remember his wry sense of humor and his love of country.
Arch was laid to rest at the state veterans cemetery in Middletown Aug. 6. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam. For memorial guestbook: www.GilmanandValade.com.
Barry John Barrows
SAINT CLOUD, Fla. — Barry John Barrows died July 29, 2020.
He was born Oct. 4, 1963, in Putnam, the son of Frank Barrows of Melbourne, Fla., and Jacqueline Barrows who died in 2001. He was one of five children.
Barry lived in Saint Cloud for the past 19 years. He worked for Total Environment in Orlando, Fla., as a general manager. Barry’s motto was to work hard and play harder. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Maryann (Wojcik) Barrows; three children Justin Barrows (Elaine) of Saint Cloud, Matthew Barrows (Gabrielle) of Saint Cloud, and Stephanie Robinson (Dwight) of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren who called him Papa: Kaylee, Grant, Cheyann, Lillian, John John, Everleigh; siblings: Paulette Sheldon of Putnam, Keith Barrows (Sandra) of Putnam, Pamela Plaza (Jim) of Putnam, and Constance Bellanceau of N. Grosvenordale; extended family granddaughter, Savannah. The Memorial Service is July 29, 2021, in Saint Cloud.
Jayne L. O’Toole
PUTNAM — Jayne L. O’Toole, 75, of Putnam died Aug. 3, 2020, at Lanessa Health Care in Webster.
She was born April 12, 1945, in Putnam, daughter of the late Arthur Raymond and Elna (Law) Tourtellotte. Jayne was the wife of John “Jack” O’Toole. They were married Dec. 19, 1986, at the Putnam Baptist Church in Putnam. He died July 2, 2007.
Jayne graduated from Central Connecticut State with a bachelor’s and received her master’s degree from UConn. Jayne taught in Thompson, New Hampshire and Oxford, Mass.
She was a lifelong member of the Putnam Baptist Church and was on the Library Board of the Putnam Library. She loved to travel to Bermuda, Canada, Nova Scotia, France and places in Europe. With her cousins she drove across the U.S. Before her husband died they traveled the Intercoastal Waters in Alaska. Jayne enjoyed reading and going out for lunch with her friends, going to church and liked spending the summers on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with her husband. She enjoyed the Red Sox and enjoyed going to spring training in Florida.
She leaves her sister-in-law Carol Tourtellotte of Florida; niece Sandra DeLoge-Murdock; great-niece Brettany Murdock; cousins Ruth Kneier of Putnam, Karen (Charlie) Dimock of Woodstock, Lynne (Tony) Foote of Woodstock, Myrtie (Randolph) Blackmer of N. Grosvenordale, Carol (Joe) Kudzal of N. Grosvenordale and Robert (Debbie) Chandler of Thompson. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brother John Tourtellotte,; and nephew Brett DeLoge.
The Funeral was Aug. 11 at the Putnam Baptist Church, Putnam, with burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery. Donations: Putnam Baptist Church, 170 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. www.smithandwalkerfh.com
.
Archille O. Bourque Jr.,
military vet
PUTNAM — Lieutenant Colonel Archille Ovila Bourque Jr, USA (Ret.), 88, of Putnam died Aug. 1, 2020, at Matulaitis Nursing Home after a long illness. He was born Aug. 26, 1931, in Putnam, Connecticut, August 26, 1931, the son of the late Archille Ovila Bourque Sr., and the late Maude (Blackmer) Bourque Emory.
He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Bourque and his granddaughter Margaret Jordan. He leaves his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Eileen (Hogan) Bourque who cared for him in his final years, as well as their five children: Doreen Stapleton (Colonel Mark Stapleton, USA (Ret.)) of Wintergreen, Va.; Denise (Jordan) Van Ostrand of Charleston, W.Va.; Margaret Bourque (Bill Nolan) of Marysville, Wash.; son Jeffrey of Putnam, who assisted in his caregiving, and son John (Andrea Raven) of Lake Stevens, Wash.; five grandchildren: Caitlin (Stapleton) Kaprove (Jared Kaprove) of McLean, Va.; Sean Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.; Colin Stapleton of Marysville, Wash., and Max and Isaac Raven of Lake Stevens, Wash.; two great-grandchildren, Eleanor Kaprove of McLean, Va., and Aiden Stapleton of Mill Creek, Wash.
Arch graduated from Putnam High School in 1949. He subsequently earned his undergraduate degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., and his MBA from the University of Kansas. He served in three branches of the armed forces - the National Guard, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. He received many military awards and honors to include the Bronze Star for combat service during the Korean conflict in 1953. He retired from active duty in 1978 with over three decades of service to this nation. He later worked in the banking and insurance industries.
Arch will be remembered for his love of aviation, having a private pilot’s license, and building a number of private aircraft. He passed his passion for all things technological on to his son John. His entire family will remember his wry sense of humor and his love of country.
Arch was laid to rest at the state veterans cemetery in Middletown Aug. 6. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam. For memorial guestbook: www.GilmanandValade.com.
Barry John Barrows
SAINT CLOUD, Fla. — Barry John Barrows died July 29, 2020.
He was born Oct. 4, 1963, in Putnam, the son of Frank Barrows of Melbourne, Fla., and Jacqueline Barrows who died in 2001. He was one of five children.
Barry lived in Saint Cloud for the past 19 years. He worked for Total Environment in Orlando, Fla., as a general manager. Barry’s motto was to work hard and play harder. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Maryann (Wojcik) Barrows; three children Justin Barrows (Elaine) of Saint Cloud, Matthew Barrows (Gabrielle) of Saint Cloud, and Stephanie Robinson (Dwight) of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren who called him Papa: Kaylee, Grant, Cheyann, Lillian, John John, Everleigh; siblings: Paulette Sheldon of Putnam, Keith Barrows (Sandra) of Putnam, Pamela Plaza (Jim) of Putnam, and Constance Bellanceau of N. Grosvenordale; extended family granddaughter, Savannah. The Memorial Service is July 29, 2021, in Saint Cloud.
Jayne L. O’Toole
PUTNAM — Jayne L. O’Toole, 75, of Putnam died Aug. 3, 2020, at Lanessa Health Care in Webster.
She was born April 12, 1945, in Putnam, daughter of the late Arthur Raymond and Elna (Law) Tourtellotte. Jayne was the wife of John “Jack” O’Toole. They were married Dec. 19, 1986, at the Putnam Baptist Church in Putnam. He died July 2, 2007.
Jayne graduated from Central Connecticut State with a bachelor’s and received her master’s degree from UConn. Jayne taught in Thompson, New Hampshire and Oxford, Mass.
She was a lifelong member of the Putnam Baptist Church and was on the Library Board of the Putnam Library. She loved to travel to Bermuda, Canada, Nova Scotia, France and places in Europe. With her cousins she drove across the U.S. Before her husband died they traveled the Intercoastal Waters in Alaska. Jayne enjoyed reading and going out for lunch with her friends, going to church and liked spending the summers on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire with her husband. She enjoyed the Red Sox and enjoyed going to spring training in Florida.
She leaves her sister-in-law Carol Tourtellotte of Florida; niece Sandra DeLoge-Murdock; great-niece Brettany Murdock; cousins Ruth Kneier of Putnam, Karen (Charlie) Dimock of Woodstock, Lynne (Tony) Foote of Woodstock, Myrtie (Randolph) Blackmer of N. Grosvenordale, Carol (Joe) Kudzal of N. Grosvenordale and Robert (Debbie) Chandler of Thompson. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brother John Tourtellotte,; and nephew Brett DeLoge.
The Funeral was Aug. 11 at the Putnam Baptist Church, Putnam, with burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery. Donations: Putnam Baptist Church, 170 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. www.smithandwalkerfh.com
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