PSA’s Thompson and Sy shine in the rankings
Two standout players from Putnam Science Academy Prep girls’ basketball team, Athena Thompson and Tacko Sy, have earned recognition in the latest Class of 2026 New England Rankings. Head Coach Greg Canzater believes their talent, work ethic, and unique skill sets make them invaluable assets to the program and promising prospects for Division 1 collegiate basketball.
Thompson, ranked as the #1 small forward/combo guard in New England and #10 overall, has made an indelible impact on both ends of the floor. Coach Canzater praised her ability to dominate as a scorer while consistently defending the opposition’s best player, a rare combination at her position.
“There are very few players at her position who can affect the game as a high-level scorer while also guarding the other team’s best defender throughout the game like Athena does,” Canzater said. “She has incredible strength and speed that make her capable of game-changing plays, which you simply can’t teach. That comes from her work ethic and commitment to staying in the gym and weight room consistently.”
Coach Canzater believes Thompson’s ceiling is extraordinarily high. “She has certainly earned such an honor so far, and my guess is she will eventually be considered for the #1 overall spot in the Class of 2026.”
Sy, ranked as the #9 power forward/center in New England and #38 overall, has emerged as a dominant presence in the paint. At 6-foot, 4-inches, her ability to control the boards and protect the rim has been a game-changer for the team.
“Personally, I think she’s the best pure center in all of New England, and she’s only just scratching the surface,” Canzater said. “She’s highly skilled for a player her size and has shown steady growth throughout the season. Tacko has been a force on the boards and has displayed the ability to drastically affect opposing offenses by not only blocking shots but altering them as well.”
Sy’s natural gifts on offense, combined with her improving defensive presence, have made her an integral part of the team’s national championship aspirations. “Her rim protection and steady improvement will be a catalyst toward us potentially winning a national championship this season,” Canzater added.
Rankings as Motivation
While Canzater acknowledges that rankings don’t tell the whole story, he believes they can serve as a motivator for players. “Most of our roster is international, so a lot of our players come in with a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove themselves here in the U.S.,” he said. “When they see these rankings and believe they are better than certain players, I embrace it and push them to prove otherwise with their work ethic, focus, and effort on the court.”
Canzater’s goals for Thompson and Sy extend beyond the rankings. “First, I want them to be high-level student-athletes who excel in the classroom. Second, I want them to continue to be key contributors in helping us win a national championship while being recognized as two of the best players in the country at their respective positions,” he said.
Both players have earned their coach’s confidence through their dedication and character. “Athena and Tacko are very dedicated to becoming better players every day. If they stay on this path, I have no doubt they will become impact players at the Division 1 collegiate level,” Canzater said.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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PSA Elite continues to win
PSA Elite 84 – Commonwealth Academy 42
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Putnam Science Elite boys came back from break and started the second semester with a bang, knocking off Commonwealth Academy on the road 84-42. Lazarus Mason led the Mustangs with 17 points and Javelle Epps had 16 points and 5 rebounds in the win. Dominick LaDuca added 14 points and 4 assists and David Djan chipped in with 8 points and 8 rebounds.
PSA Elite 81 – Reason Prep 74
BOSTON — The Putnam Science Academy Elite team won again on Saturday afternoon 81-74 over Reason Prep in Boston to improve to 15-2 on the season. Dominick LaDuca had 20 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds and Javelle Epps had 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the Mustangs in the win.
PSA Elite 105 – Lawrence Woodmere 75
PUTNAM — The Elite boys knocked off Lawerence Woodmere (NY) 105-75 at home on Saturday afternoon.  Octavius Wheeler led the Mustangs with 19 points and 4 assists and Dominick LaDuca had 13 points and 5 assists.  Jude Gonzalez added 12 points and Chris Young had 11 points and 5 assists for PSA. David Djan grabbed 13 rebounds for Putnam Science. The PSA Elite Boys improves to 17-2 on the season.

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Alan J. Steere, U.S. Army veteran
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Alan J. Steere, on the morning of Jan. 15, 2025 at the age of 86. Alan was born on Aug. 20, 1938, in Glocester, R.I., to John P. and Mary E. (Howard) Steere Jr. He was the devoted husband of the late Nancy A. (Krajewski) Steere.
Alan lived most of his life in Chepachet, where he was a well-known and highly regarded member of the local community. After high school, he served his country in the U.S. Army, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He moved to Woodstock in 2022 to be closer to his daughter. 
Alan was a jack of all trades who held many professions. He was a farmhand, millworker, truck driver, and successful entrepreneur who founded the A.J. Steere Firewood and Logging Company. He valued a hard day’s work, from sunrise to sunset, and the positive impact one’s work can have on the members of their community. He sought to preserve their history, and his family would gather to listen to him speak of the “old timers,” who produced their own food and electricity. When the workday was over, Alan could be found sharing a story or joke over a cup of coffee with friends. He enjoyed fishing, puzzles, and most of all being with his grandchildren and great-grandson.
Alan was predeceased by his wife Nancy; brothers: John P. Steere III, Richard S. Steere, William A. Steere; and his sister Lydia A. Steere.
He leaves his loving daughter, Jacqueline A. Lefevre, and her husband Leo J. Lefevre Jr. He was a proud grandfather to Brian J. Lefevre, Matthew A. Lefevre, his wife Nicole (Millar) Lefevre, and great-grandfather to Benjamin J. Lefevre and his sister Lois E. Boire.
A visitation will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Tucker-Quinn Chapel of Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations, 643 Putnam Pike, Greenville. A Service with Military Honors follows at 4:30. Then a reception with refreshments will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. 
Alan will be remembered for his hard work, dedication to his family, and unwavering spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Leo Albert Blain Sr., U.S. Marine
PUTNAM — Leo Albert Blain Sr., 68, of Putnam, died November 23, 2024, from a pedestrian accident.
Leo was the first child of Lionel Blain (Pitu) and Lucille Ferron Blain. He was born in Rogers on Jan. 30, 1956 and moved to Foster, R.I, to start the first grade. Leo attended Ponaganset High School as a member of the Class of 1975 until he left to join the U.S. Marine Corp in 1973, serving for three years and then six years as a Reserve.
Leo is survived by his wife Marie Blain; his sister Linda Lemery Charron in Danielson; his brother Lucien Blain in East Elmhurst, N,Y,; sister Lori Fafard in East Setauket, N.Y.; sons Leo Blain Jr (CAT) and Curtis Blain (Erica); daughter Kayla Blain; stepsons Brian and Kevin (Heather; stepdaughters Kimberly (Tad) and Melissa; grandchildren Koby, Joshua, Joseph, Alonzo, Bailey, Kyla, Ella, Tristan, Jameson, Illianna, and Madeline; great-grandchildren Kingston and Amari; other children that called Leo granddad Niomi, Tamiah and Jeremia.
Leo retired from Frito-Lay in Dayville. Leo also worked as a teacher’s aide for the Killingly school system and at the Walmart stores in Putnam and Brooklyn.
Leo was an active Friend of Bill and served many individuals in their journey through life.
Leo was very active in the community and proud of many of his accomplishments in his life. As a Marine, he would actively engage in conversation with any fellow Marine and reminisce about their years in active duty. His love and care for children would cause him to stop all things and try to make a sad child laugh. Leo taught religious education classes at many of the local Catholic churches for many years.
As a youth he was actively involved in Foster Youth hockey nicknamed the Foster Farmers. He maintained many of these relationships throughout his life. He also played baseball and ran cross country as a youth and kept this up by running many community races in the 10-town area of Connecticut as well as playing on many adult softball teams in Killingly and Putnam area. Leo also loved playing pickle ball.
Leo enjoyed being outdoors and going on hikes, fishing, camping, traveling, riding motorcycles and his trike. Leo’s joy for life can be remembered by his acts of kindness and eagerness to serve others.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Leo will take place at 10 a.m. Jan. 25 at St. Mary Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam, with a Celebration of his Life to follow in the Church’s Hall.

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Robert Patrick Wood
March 17, 1941–December 22, 2024
POMFRET — Long-time Pomfret resident Robert Patrick Wood passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on Dec. 22, 2024. He was 83 years old. Bob, or “Woody,” was known for his dry humor, high standards, and love of country and rural life. 
He was born in 1941 in Willimantic, on St. Patrick’s Day, during a blizzard (as he liked to say). He was raised on a small farm in Windham Center and attended St. Joseph’s School, Windham Center Elementary, and Windham High School, graduating in 1959. 
His athletic ability was well-known throughout his life on Willimantic Little League, high school, college, and city league teams. He was recruited by Dartmouth College for football when he was in high school. A Willimantic Chronicle article referred to him as one of the best young baseball players in the city. He was known for his home runs that soared over the fence of the Recreation Park baseball field in Willimantic. They led to an invitation to try out for the New York Yankees baseball team. He credited his strength and ability to working on farms when he was young. In later years, he was a founding member of the Windham Elders softball team and played for 10 years. He played golf until months before he died.
Bob graduated from Willimantic State College, now known as Eastern Connecticut State University, in 1967 and obtained a master’s in education in 1981. College was interrupted by service in the Army, where he was a Movements Control Specialist as part of the U.S. Army’s Transportation Corps at Fort McPherson, Atlanta. He was an expert marksman and known for his powerful swing on the Fort McPherson baseball team. He hit a home run to secure an upset win against a strong Fort Jackson team. Shortly before the Vietnam conflict, he was given an early honorable discharge to return to college.
Bob worked for 30 years to help the elderly, handicapped, and underprivileged in northeastern Connecticut. He began with the Department of State Welfare in Norwich in 1968. In 1980, he became a case manager at the Mansfield Training School in Mansfield. He oversaw the de-institutionalization of developmentally disabled residents in preparation for the closing of the school as required by a federal court order. He provided education, training, and housing within the community for former residents.
In 1983, he became the coordinator of the Dempsey Regional Center in Putnam for compliance with the court order to close Mansfield Training School. He continued to provide social services to developmentally disabled children and adults and became the Assistant Director of Case Management at the Dempsey Center in 1988.
Bob’s strong sense of community included service in the Pomfret Lions Club, the Pomfret Public Library, and the Pomfret Fire Department. His most notable contribution was as Vice President of Pomfret’s South Cemetery, where he worked tirelessly to restore landscaping, driveways, fencing, and numerous centuries-old gravestones. On summer days, he could be seen with Cemetery President Paul Nelson straightening stones that had fallen over or building forms to repair broken stones. He restored the wrought iron gates at the entrance to the cemetery and was working to add stone hitching posts between the graveyards when he passed away.
History, Irish lore, tradition, and preservation drove Bob’s passion for antiquity and the monuments of those who went before us. He visited graveyards wherever he traveled, including that of his favorite poet, William Yeats, in Ireland. Yeats’ epitaph reflected Bob’s view on the transience of life:
Cast a cold Eye 
On Life, on Death.        
Horsemen pass by.
Bob’s burial will be next to his son Patrick amongst the gravestones that he preserved. They lie near the home where he died. “Hillside” is an 1840 Victorian, which housed the first Catholic chapel in Pomfret. Bob worked for decades to rebuild and maintain its structures and fields. He built barns so he and his family could raise horses, Belted Galloway beef cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, and guinea hens. It was his legacy to bring an old farm back to life so that it would become an oasis for his family and enhance the rural character of Pomfret for generations to come. 
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Genevieve McShea and Robert Homer Wood of Windham Center, and by his youngest son, Patrick David Wood. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Marie Lisette Rimer; his eldest son, Colin Patrick Wood, Colin’s wife, Jennifer and their children, Addison and Raegan; Patrick’s twin sister, Elizabeth Antoinette Wood, her partner, Victoria; his brother, John Francis Wood; John’s son, John Mathew Wood; his brother, James Michael Wood and James’ wife, Allison, and James’ children, Andrew Craig Wood, Timothy James Wood, and Jessica Lynn Malovic. 
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. April 12 at the Clark Chapel, Pomfret School, with burial at South Cemetery and a reception to follow. 
Donations in his memory may be made to The Patrick Wood Prize, established by Bob and Lisette after Patrick’s death in 2006. The prize is awarded to meritorious day students attending Pomfret School, where Patrick was valedictorian in 2001. Donations can be made online at: https://www.patrickwoodprize.org/donate. Checks can be made payable to: “The Patrick Wood Fund” and sent to: Pomfret School, Advancement Office, 398 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, Connecticut 06258.
(caption: Robert Patrick Wood, the Quiet Man Bridge, County Galway, Ireland, 2013)

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