Clippers pg 1 12-6-12
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Clippers rely
on veterans
for success
By Ron P. Coderre
PUTNAM — It’s hard to believe that Putnam High School women’s basketball coach Willie Bousquet is entering his 11th season at the helm of the Clipper hoop ship. When Bousquet took over, he inherited a program that was stuck in a sea of losses. The team hadn’t won a game in almost two seasons.
During his tenure as coach Bousquet has righted the ship, producing a program that has learned how to win. Last season, Putnam finished the regular season at 15-5. The Lady Clippers made it to the CSC Tournament before being eliminated in the semifinals by Capital Prep.
This year Bousquet’s team is veteran oriented, giving hope that they can move beyond last season’s CSC semifinal round and beyond the first round of the CIAC Class “S” Tournament. Qualifying for the tourney last season, Putnam was dropped in the initial round by East Windsor.
This year’s edition of Putnam women’s basketball will rely heavily on three returning seniors and a junior, who all have plenty of game experience. Leading the way are three guards Ashley Espinosa, Abbie Allard and junior Makenzie Kaylor and forward Monica Phongsa. All four are capable of scoring in double figures and will be expected to carry the offensive load.
The remainder of the squad is composed of players who have seen limited varsity action. The center slot will be filled by a pair of juniors Cynthia Briere and Fran Alcindor (no relation to Lou). Seniors Elizabeth Goad and Kelsey Beattie can come off the bench as forwards, while two more seniors Kim Dysinger and Jackie Breault can help out at the guard position. Sophomore Sierra Roireau is a young player who could see action as a guard also.
“We’re a senior-laden team that will be competitive in the CSC. Our goal is to develop into a team that can be successful in State competition,” said Bousquet. “The team has offensive potential with depth in the backcourt. We’re hoping to develop a balanced scoring attack,” he added.
In order to make its way successfully through the early season and CSC schedule, Putnam will need leadership from Espinosa, Phongsa and Allard. The development of Briere and Alcindor, along with Goad and Beattie to strengthen the play under the boards will make a difference just how far this unit can go in the postseason.