When PSA’s Prep Black teams take the court for this weekend’s Independent Schools National Championships in North Carolina, Molly Moffitt wants her teammates to remember something very basic: Have fun.
“It sounds so simple,” said Moffitt, the Mustangs’ second-leading scorer this season, “but it’s so easy to lose sight of that. We need to remember – me included – why we even play this game and why we love it.
“I love it for all the things it’s given to me. Basketball is a chance to compete, to go out and get better, a chance to meet incredible people, and to play with teammates I love. Yes, we’re going there wanting to win a national championship, and we have talked about that since the first day, but I think if we can go and just play, and just have fun, then the moment doesn’t get too big and I think we’re going to be OK.”
The Mustangs had one game scheduled this week before heading to Mooresville, N.C. (about 30 miles north of Charlotte), Wednesday at Winchendon. Minus the outcome of that game, PSA enters nationals with momentum. They fell to 5-5 after losing at St. Andrew’s in late January; another late loss for PSA, which has led in the second half of each game it has dropped. But since then, the Mustangs had rolled off five straight wins.
The fifth of those was Friday, 57-53 at Brewster.
“It wasn’t pretty but we will take it,” coach Devin Hill said after Moffitt scored 18 and Ines Goryanova had 17. “We’re still learning how to finish games. But I always tell them that good teams find a way to win, and bad teams find a way to lose. So we found a way to win.”
The night before, a 30-point win at Monroe College, might have been the season-turner. Goryanova had 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, and Paris Kirk had 16 points and nine rebounds off the bench to pace a balanced scoring attack in which nine players scored at least five points.
“Best game of our season,” Hill said. “It’s the first time we’ve put together a complete game. I told them afterward that our energy and effort was there from start to finish and everyone contributed to the win.
“We’ve won lately but have not played our best. This felt different. Hopefully we’re peaking at the right time.”
Tuesday night, Jada Mills and Goryanova had 14 points apiece in a 64-58 win at Storm King School, while Janeya Grant finished with 13.
“I think we’re in a good spot mentally going into North Carolina,” Grant said. “There are definitely some things we need to clean up and get better at on the court, but I like where we are a lot better than before we won these five in a row.
“We’ve led in every game we’ve lost. For us, I think finishing games is just being on the same page and executing what we want to do when we have that lead. I think we’ve been better at that, and I hope we get a chance to show that this weekend.”
Said Moffitt: “It’s about the moment. I think at times the moment may have gotten too big for us and we’ve lost leads and lost games. So if we are able to just stay in the moment, and not treat every mistake like it’s a huge deal, that’s when we’re really good. We have fun and just play.
“We’re excited to go play for a national championship. It’s been our goal since the beginning. It’s going to be a great experience for us to go out and be together one more time.”
PSA’s Prep Red team, which is also heading to Mooresville for the weekend, went 2-1 last week, with road wins Hoosac (67-53) and Vermont Academy (77-25) sandwiched
around a road loss to Bradford Christian Academy (63-57). Zuza Komor had 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against Hoosac, while Zoé Bayer had 10 points and a pair of steals. Alice Meunier finished with eight points and seven rebounds, Astou Ndiaye nine points and six rebounds, and Lilly Krysinski seven points for the Mustangs. Bayer continued her outstanding season with another big game against Vermont, tallying 22 points, six steals, and four assists. Thompson native Hailey Johnson had her best game of the season, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the year, and Komor added 14 points and four steals for the Mustangs (7-5). Meunier chipped in 11 points, six boards, three steals, and a pair of assists in the win. Komor had 13 points and Meunier grabbed 12 rebounds against Bradford.
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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William R. Cournoyer
THOMPSON — William R. Cournoyer, 76, formerly of Quaddick Rd, died Feb.7, 2022, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the husband of the late Angela (Campeol) Cournoyer. Born in 1945 in Worcester, he was the son of the late Napoleon and Ruth (Coupe) Cournoyer.
Mr. Cournoyer, was the owner of his family business; Cournoyer Floor Sanding and Finishing Co. He was an amazing craftsman and contractor since he was 13.
He enjoyed listening to country music, especially Elvis, and taking rides in the country. William would never miss a family event and will be remembered as a very compassionate and giving man with an incredible work ethic, who impacted everyone who knew him.
He leaves his children, Todd Cournoyer of Webster, Dawn Thornton of Moosup , Marysia Devil (Vladimir) of Putnam, Chad Cournoyer of Putnam, and Chantell Cournoyer and her fiancé Steven of Moosup; his siblings, Dwight Cournoyer, Roseann Jarmolowicz, and Faith Travis; his grandchildren, Anastasia, Nicole, Katie, Romeo, Adric, Vanessa, Scarlett, Colin, Aidan, and Joshua; his great-grandchildren, Landon, Kaidon, Madilynn, and Stephen Jr.; and his long time best friend, Janice Irwin. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Erica.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a service in the funeral home at 7:30.
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Wed. Feb. 16
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Library’s Art @ the Library series will present “Vivid Creatures: A Colorful Animal Study” paintings by Jacqueline Keough and in the display case, “Amateur Radio,” a collection by Robert Garceau.
Bird Walk
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a Bird Walk at 1 p.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Sat. Feb. 19
Wee Walk
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Animal Tracking at the Robins Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Spaghetti Dinner
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 will host a spaghetti dinner for the public from 2 to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. Adults, $10; $5 for seniors and kids 3-12. Eat-in or take-out. There will be a companion bake sale. Benefits Pack 21. 860-928-7241.
Tues. Feb. 22
Wildlife Program
PUTNAM --- The New Roxbury Land Trust, in partnership with the Putnam Recreation Dept. – Senior Center, will host a program on fishers, a carnivorous member of the weasel family, at 12:15 p.m. at the Municipal Complex. Open to the public. Masks required.
Wed. Feb. 23
Dinner on Dime
THOMPSON --- TEEG’s Focus on Family will present “Dinner on a Dime” from 5 to 7 p.m. at TEEG. Open to all families with kids. Child care provided. Reservations required: 860-923-3458.
Sun Feb. 27
Fund-raiser Pasta
PUTNAM --- A Pasta Dinner take-out fund-raiser will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on Providence Street. Benefits Paws Cat Shelter. $15. Tickets available at Paws in Woodstock.
Mon. Feb. 28
‘Green’ Film
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Green Team will present “The Nature Makers” at 7 p.m. plus a dialogue following. To sign up go to: https://www.pomfretct.gov/green-team/pages/winter-film-series and click on the Zoom Meeting registration link. Co-sponsors include the Pomfret Library and the Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret.
Sat. March 5
‘Potato’ Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- A baked potato buffet will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church. $5 per person for a baked potato, with seven toppings to choose from, plus dessert and coffee or tea. Eat in or take out. Benefits Boy Scout Troop 21 2022 summer camp fund. 860-928-7241.
Thur. March 10
Poetry at QVCC
DANIELSON --- QVCC will present the spring 2022 installment of the Waiting for Yoko Series: “Celebrating Women’s History with Poet Rhonda M. Ward” from 6 to 9 p.m. March 10 in the SPIROL Gallery on QVCC’s main campus. An open mic. Free. All welcome. Light snacks and refreshments available. Face masks required. 860-932-4054.
Sat. March 12
Italian Dinner
WOODSTOCK --- An Italian Dinner --- takeout only --- will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. $12 or $10 to bake at home. 860-928-7405.
Sun. March 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Windham Textile Mill” with Bev York at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Forest Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Nightingale Forest North Hike” at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Nature Program
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society of Pomfret will present the opening reception of “Trail Wood Reflections’ - an Edwin Way Teale Artists & Writers In-Residence Exhibition” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grassland Bird Conservation center on Day Road. The exhibit runs through April 23. Free. 860-928-4948.
Hike
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society will present “Second Sunday Walk “ at 10 a.m. at Trail Wood, Kenyon Road. Heavy precipitation or high winds will cancel. Free for CAS members; $5 non-members. 860-9284948.
Fri. March 25
‘Beauty and the Beast’
THOMPSON --- The Thompson Public Schools will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. March 25 and March 26 and at 2 p.m. March 27 in the Thompson Public School Auditorium. $10 for adults; TPS students/seniors, $5; and kids younger than 3, free. 860-923-9581.
Sat. March 26
Forest Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Nightingale Forest North Hike” at 9 a.m. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Mon. March 28
‘Green’ Film
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Green Team will present “2040” at 7 p.m. plus a dialogue following. To sign up go to: https://www.pomfretct.gov/green-team/pages/winter-film-series and click on the Zoom Meeting registration link. Co-sponsors include the Pomfret Library and the Connecticut Audubon Center at Pomfret.
Tues. March 29
Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret will hold a “Bull Hill Hike” at 9 a.m. at Bull Hill. $10 for CAS members; $20 for nonmembers. Email to register:
Sat. April 9
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut History Explorations” with Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Easter Egg Hunt
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. for Pomfret boys and girls ages 1 to 10 at the Wolf Den State Park. The rain date is April 16. Bring your camera to get a photo of your child with the Easter Bunny. 860-974-1423.
Fri. April 29
Spring Social
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold a Spring Social from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pomfret Community School. It’s for PCS boys and girls in grades 3, 4 and 5. Parents must sign in and sign out when they drop off and pick up their children in the hallway outside of the cafeteria. Snacks and drinks will be available for $1 or less.
Sat. May 7
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Salamander Search at the 3 B’s” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. May 14
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” with Bill Reid at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. May 28
Cornhole Tournament
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Recreation Department will hold a cornhole tournament at noon at the Pomfret Recreation Park. Rain date is June 4. Double elimination style - team consists of two members. Every team is guaranteed to play at least 2 games. Min. of 12 teams needed to run the tournament; max. of 28 teams allowed. Bracket postings will be pulled out of a hat prior to the start of the event. We will provide the cornhole boards and bags. The fee is $30 per team. Prizes. Visit pomfretct.gov/recreation for the registration form.
Sat. June 11
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Connecticut’s 29th Colored Regiment” with Donna Dufresne at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Aug. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Historic Mills of Pomfret” with Dick Symonds at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.
Sat. Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Nov. 5
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info: daykimball.org/pianos
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PUTNAM — The Putnam High School honor roll for the second quarter includes:
Seniors
High Honors: Autumn Allard, Zachary Belleville, Johnathen Brouillette, Carissa Charron, Olivia Hassett-Mellen, Amelia Labbe-Fahy, James Lazarou, Celenia Lopez, Stephanie Olecki, Avery Pedersen, Halie Reidy, Hunter Vanasse.
First Honors: Karson Bates, Trinity Bonet Shepard, Amayah Chavez, Samantha Eddy, Tyler Fullerton, Ariana Hernandez, Dominic Sheldon, Destiney Simas
Recognition: Rafaela Araujo, Makenna Barnett, Reagan Boledovic, Arabella Canova, David DePari, Ethan Gardner, Emre Karadeniz, Cody Keene, Lexie Latendresse, Kayla Morrison, Iasmin Neves, Benjamin Northup, Amber Rape, Jack Rindge, Malik Roberts, Ewa Sekula, Adam Tomkins, Jaidyn Tremblay, Deyvon White, Janessa Wolfe, William Wolfe
Juniors
High Honors: Elysse Britt, Michael Ellis, Enrico Gabriel Ong, Angelina Porter, MacKenzie Reidy, Ella Schoppe, Shaina Sudol, Alishia Thompson, Guinevere Weiker, Brenden Womack
First Honors: Allyson DiNola, Sara Lackey, Jacob Mailloux
Recognition: Jillian Anthony, Makani Ayau, Jacob Benzie, Shea Bernier, Jenny Boriboun, Cheyanne Debold, Rachelle Deloge, Cole Dignam, Abigail Fitts, Jack Garcia, Kaylee Goding, Alonzo Henries, Raymond Jordan, Cooper Livingston, Cameron Lowell, Sullivan MacDonald, Kyla Merigold, Spencer Northup, Emerald Perry, Daniel Pratt, Makayla Requeno, Kevin Sirois, Emily St. Martin, Bailey Touchette, Amy Vongvirath, Jasmine Williams, Colin Wojciechowski
Sophomores
High Honors: Melodie Anderson, Lucian Canova, Brady Devlin, Lily Goyette, Savannah Loiselle, Brandon Marcelonis, Isabel Vergoni
First Honors: Grace Collins, Travis Fredette, Pedro Ortiz.
Recognition: Railey Anctil, Iesha Benoit, Lucas Carita, Aysaiah Chavez, CoraRose Desrosiers, Robert Dion, Zeynep Ekinci, Atiana Estes, Ean Falardeau, Natalie Ferreira, Katelyn Fitzpatrick, Grant Hart, Nathaniel Lazarou, Danielle Levesque, Draven Levesque, Colin Martin, Gawain Neff, Jonathan Plante, Jonathan Racine, Noah Rudman, Jack Seiffert, Adam Sekula, Josephine Spalding, Jalicia Torres.
Freshmen
High Honors: Caleb Bellerose, Sawyer Britt, Madison Lamothe, Isabelle Magalhaes, Carlito Ortiz, Isabel Porter, Gianna Simas.
First Honors: Logan LaFrance, Edy Morente Mendez, Bella Sanchez, Clara Souza, Hailey Summers, Justin Vukas, McKenna Willimas, Jasmin Wolinski
Recognition: Raihden Albino, Lucas Benoit, Riley Blackwell, Ahmyas Cardona, Brooke Champagne, Anthony Cosentio, Antonio Furtado, Melanie Garcia, Yakelin Gomez, Thiago Gonzaga Andrade, Olivia Hetrick, Hale Karadeniz, Anthony Lowell, Evan Mailloux, Kaylee Mayo, Ava Morrison, Emily Olecki, Jacob Olson, Nathaniel Pearsall, Jenna Simas, Santino Stevens, Ava Wolinski.
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