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Providence College became the first school to offer a scholarship to Windsor (Conn.) Class of 2015 hoops standout Jared Wilson-Frame last night. The offer comes following his strong play on consecutive weekends at the Nike EYBL circuit in Los Angeles, Calif., and Hampton, Va.

Wilson-Frame, who visited Providence unofficially earlier this month, was ecstatic about receiving his first offer.

“It’s really exciting to know that a school wants to give you a chance where you can get a free education and play basketball at a high level,” Wilson-Frame said.

He has been well-known on New England’s high school basketball scene as one of the region’s best players, especially after leading Windsor to a 49-6 record over the past two seasons. This season, the small forward was named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-State Team.

In an attempt to become a better-known prospect on a national scale, he accepted the invitation to play with Expressions Elite this summer.

“That’s one thing I always said to myself. I always go on ESPN or on Twitter and I’ll see kids getting offers who I have played against--kids who I honestly feel like I have played at their level or better," he said. "That really motivated me to want to play at a higher level."

Wilson-Frame is considering the prep school route next school year, but says for now he is focused on finishing this year strong academically and continuing to build his name on the AAU circuit. Expressions Elite has made quite a splash at Nike EYBL, sitting at 9-0 after the first two weekends of play.

“They’re good guys off the court," he said. "Our whole team was hand-elected, so we hadn’t played together before. But now we’re always on each other [off the court], joking and laughing…it really is a family environment."

Last Wednesday was an emotional day for those associated with the Foran High School baseball program, and it had little to do with Foran's 5-0 loss to rival Law.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/espncitysites/boston/prod/assets/hs_connect_110.jpg" alt="Connecticut" class="floatright" />Earlier that day Foran named its baseball field after Ken Walker, who served as Foran's baseball coach from 1986 to 2003, and then from 2011 to 2012. He passed away last June at age 60.

Walker won 279 games during his tenure as Foran's baseball coach – all of his teams qualified for the state tournament – but he also guided the Foran football team to the 1994 Class M title.

Walker graduated from Milford High School in 1969 and then played baseball at Central Connecticut State. He was a three-sport athlete in high school (he also played football and basketball) and coached at all three Milford high schools: Milford, Foran and Law.

“I saw, probably, every public school athlete that came through Milford in the last 48 years,” former Milford baseball coach Dick Jeynes told the Connecticut Post. “In my opinion, he's arguably the best all-around. That's my opinion because he was outstanding at all three – football, basketball and baseball.”

Walker's son Garrett replaced is father as Foran's baseball coach.

“I've never thought about it as anybody else's field except his,” Garrett said. “In my eyes, it's finally getting the name I think it deserves.”

DIAMOND GEMS
Ten players to watch during the 2013 CIAC baseball and softball seasons:

Baseball
"Anthony Alicki, P/1B (Foran): Senior has committed to play at Franklin Pierce, one of the top Division II programs in the country.

"Charles Ameer, P/SS (Weston): Has been clocked in the low 90s. Will continue his baseball career at St. John's.

"Matt Blandino, P (Bristol Central): A possible selected in June's MLB draft, Blandino has committed to play at Central Connecticut State.

"Michael Concato, P (Amity): Concato, a senior, posted an 11-2 record with 108 strikeouts and a 0.61 ERA last season. He will play at Brown.

"Manny Cruz, P/INF (Wolcott): Hit .503 with 28 RBIs, and was 6-0 on the mound last season. Has committed to Southern New Hampshire University.

"Kyle Dunster, P/OF (Greenwich): Dunster, a junior, has committed to play at Boston College.

"Griffen Garabedian, OF (Notre Dame-West Haven): Batted .403 and stole 12 bases as a junior last season. Has committed to play at the University of Connecticut.

"Aaron Hill, INF. (Fitch): Hill has also committed to play at the University of Connecticut. He hit .395, scored 21 runs, collected 19 RBIs and stole 11 bases last season.

"Will Rios, P (St. Bernard): Only a sophomore, Rios has already committed to the University of Maryland.

"Ryan Testani, P (Shelton): Helped Shelton win the Class LL state championship last season, when his posted a 9-3 record and a 1.31 ERA. Testani has committed to Seton Hall.

Softball
"Fallon Bevino, OF (Foran): A three-year starter, Bevino hit .450 with 22 RBIs last season as a sophomore.

"Sydney Ferrante, SS (Southington): Batted .453 with 46 RBIs as a junior last season.

"Hannah Ford, C/3B (New Fairfield): Ford, a junior, hit .525 with 25 runs scored and 21 RBIs last season.

"Katelyn Haff, 2B (Waterford): Senior led her team with a .477 average last season, when she collected six triples, four home runs and 33 RBIs.

"Jess Harkness, P (Foran): Posted a 23-2 record with 270 strikeouts in 186 innings last season.

"Kaitlyn Lajoie, P (Rockville): Had a 22-2 record and a 0.76 ERA to help the Rams win the Class L title as a junior.

"Erika Leonard, SS (Rocky Hill): Hit .494 with 40 hits and 19 RBIs for last year's Class M champion.

"Katie Petroski, INF (Seymour): Had a .505 average with 55 RBIs and 45 runs scored last season as a sophomore.

"Jenn Vazquez, C (St. Joseph): Has committed to play at Manhattan College. Hit .468 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs last season.

"Kayla Votto, 2B (Coginchaug): Senior led her team in batting average (.500), triples (12) and RBIs (36) last season.

GREENWICH GIRLS START STRONG
The Greenwich girls' lacrosse program has won the last two Class L championships, and, judging by the early results, this year's team appears capable of extending that streak.

Greenwich is off to a 5-0 start and has outscored its opponents 84-36. Greenwich's latest victory was a 16-8 triumph over Stamford on Friday. The Cardinals were without leading scorer Emily Johnson (hamstring) for that contest, but senior Emma Christie stepped up and scored a career-high five goals against Stamford.

The Greenwich program has won nine games in a row, dating back to last season.

BOYS OF SUMMER
Players selected in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame Classic Military Bowl draft for the game that will be played June 29 at Rentschler Field:

Connecticut Marines Team: Quinn Fleeting, Windsor, QB; Cole Ormsby, Windsor, DE; Kevin Dean, Xavier, OL; Jeremy Clarke, Woodland, OL; Sean Merrill, Sheehan, OL; Mike LaSala, Wilton, OL; Ryheime Moore, Windsor, WR; Raeshaun Finney, Ansonia, WR; Teno Simpson, Hillhouse, LB; Rahmi Roundtree, Woodland, WR; Denzel Moscova, St. Joseph, WR; Devonte Dillion, Windsor, RB; Isiah Swain, Middletown, LB; Joe Pacheco, New Fairfield, RB; Andre Gee West Haven, S; Lamont Waites, New London, LB; Brandon Marquis, Farmington, DL; Nick Spitz, Southington, LB; Donery Evans, Hyde, DL; Eddy Williams, West Haven, LB; David Campbell, Bloomfield, RB/CB; Akeino Chamberlain, Middletown, LB; Caleb Camacho, New London, WR; Dennis Flanagan, Amity, OL; Sixto Acosta, Newington, LB; Jesse Adelberg, Greenwich, K; Mike Alexander, Bulkeley, S; Ian Auger, Coginchaug, LB; William Barrett, West Haven, OL; Nathan Bonafonte, Southington; S; Andrew Campbell, Middletown, LB; Brennan Diaz, Oxford, QB; Nygel Gladney, Crosby, LB; Cam Gravina, Hand, OL; Zak Hedberg, Newington, OL; Spencer Hill, Windham, FB; Rakim Jordan, Prince Tech, LB; Jevon Lawrence, Manchester, DL; Brandon Marquis, Manchester, DL; Terrance N'Dabian, Bunnell, CB; Emmett Odegard, Greenwich, LS; Lance Ormsby, Windsor, LB; Christian Outlaw, Middletown, OL; Rashad Ramsey, Windsor, WR; Roy Ricahards, Manchester, RB; Miguel Santos, Xavier, DL; Mike Semacik, Fitch, OL; O'Brien Sinclair, Middletown, WR; Carlton Steer, East Hartford, TE; Shane Steinman, Rocky Hill, RB; David Tanner, East Hartford, RB; Jh'mel Trammell, Ansonia, LB; Chris Traore, Windsor, LB; Jalon White, North Haven, QB; David Wilcox, Waterford, DL; Chuck Wooding, Glastonbury, RB.

Head coach: Rob Fleeting, Windsor. Assistant coaches: John Ferrazzi, Sheehan; Roy Roberts, Newington; Sal Morello, Middletown; Duane Maranda, New London; Harry Bellucci, Hartford Public; Scott Jenkins, Windsor; and Derrick Lewis, Bassick.

Connecticut National Guard Team: Tim Boyle, Xavier; QB; Nick Gaynor, Northwest Catholic, DB/RB; Zack Creeron, Xavier, OL/DL; Je'Vaughn Moore , Hillhouse, QB/DB;; Max Schumann, Xavier, OL/DL; Justin Potts, Platt, RB/DBback; Max Tylki, Xavier, LB; Terrell Huff, Windsor, DB; Chris Luster, Xavier, WR/DB; Jonah Dorsey, Xavier, OL/DL; Kyle Wilson, Ledyard, OL; Terrell Fairweather, Hillhouse, LB; Kadialy Toure, West Haven, LB; Marc Wildman, Housatonic, DL; Brandon Robertson , Montville, TE; Daequane Clark, New Britain, WR; Ed Croft, Shelton, K; Sam Miranda, New London, WR; Alex Borkowski, Branford, LB; Mick Pernell, Naugatuck, WR; Derek Villard, Cromwell, RB; Dan Herbert, Newtown, WR; Jelani Roman, Notre Dame-Fairfield, LB; Jake Pelletier, St. Joseph, WR; John Shannon, Bullard Havens, RB; Mike Nichol, Wolcott, QB; Saffwan Davis, Fitch, RB; Austin Kingsbury, Windsor Locks, FB; Antonine Byrd, Capital Prep/Classical Magnet, WR; Dillon McMahon, Derby, WR; Hector Rodriguez, Berlin, OL; Ryan Murtha, Montville, OL; Justin Pelazza, Branford, OL; Robert Roehrich, St. Joseph, OL; Mitch Blanchette, Berlin, OL; Ben Morales, Ledyard, OL; Bobby Bozym, Ledyard, OL; Abdullah Dukalay, Hartford Public, DB; Kevin Main, Berlin, DB; Justin Develis, Newtown, DB; Mustaphe Noibi, Fitch, DB; Christian Clark, Windham, DG; Cal Karpi, Ledyard, DB; Mike Pulaski, St. Joseph, LB; Chris Golger, Fairfield Prep, LB; Devin Stewart, Northwest Catholic, LB; Alex Kyprianou, New Milford, LB; Patrick Kirkwood, Fitch, LB; Miles Pompeii-Grove, Holy Cross, LB; Al Harris, Windsor, DL; Andrew Klarman, Branford, DL; Eric Collodel, Woodland, DL; Bryan Monaco, Masuk, DL; Lester Smith, Fitch, DL; Colton Schilling, Guilford, DL.

Head coach: Jim Buonocore, Ledyard. Assistant coaches: Sean Marinan, Xavier; Jemal Davis, Norwich Free Academy; Tim Shea, Woodland; Duncan Dellavolpe, Warde; Tanner Grove, Montville; John Marinelli, New Canaan; Andy Guyon, Xavier; Chris Silvestri, New Canaan; and Chris Eckert, Cromwell.

FITCH PICKS PANUCCI
Jodan Panucci, 26, was named Fitch's varsity football coach last Tuesday.

Panucci has spent the last five years as an assistant coach with the program. He was an offensive lineman at Fitch and a team captain in his senior season.

Panucci replaces Mike Emery, who stepped down last year after 17 seasons as Fitch's head coach.

FAIRFIELD LUDLOWE SELECTS DAILEY
John Dailey has been named the varsity boys basketball coach at Fairfield Ludlowe. He replaces Brian Silvestro, who retired following the 2012-13 season.

Dailey has been with the Fairfield Ludlowe program as a freshman coach, a junior varsity coach and a varsity assistant coach for the last six seasons. He coached the varsity team for four games last season while Silvestro dealt with a medical issue.

Roger Brown is a staff writer with the New Hampshire Union Leader, and has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.

The NHL Central Scouting service released its final rankings of North American skaters and goaltenders ahead of the NHL Draft Wednesday morning.

Former Malden Catholic standout and Valley Junior Warriors (EJHL) product Ryan Fitzgerald leads the New England skaters, checking in at No. 56.

Here's the list of skaters with local ties who made the cut:

(The full list can be found here):

SKATERS:
56. C Ryan Fitzgerald, Valley Junior Warriors (EJHL - Malden Catholic, North Reading), Previous Ranking - 46
60. LW Zach Sanford, Islanders (EJHL - Pinkerton Academy, Auburn, N.H.), Previous Ranking - 83
75. D Anthony Florentino, South Kent School, Previous Ranking - 79
94. C Nick Huthinson, Avon Old Farms, Previous Ranking - 133
97. LW/C Jason Salvaggio, South Kent School, Previous Ranking - 90
104. D Wiley Sherman, Hotchkiss School, Previous Ranking - 125
109. C Brian Pinho, St. John's Prep, Previous Ranking - 117
138. LW Miles Wood, Noble and Greenough, Previous Ranking - 163
169. D Ryan Segalla, Salisbury School, Previous Ranking - 136
182. C John Stevens, Salisbury School, Previous Ranking - 162
185. D Connor Light, Phillips Andover, Previous Ranking - 178
186. RW Ross Olsson, Cedar Rapids (USHL - Billerica Memorial), Previous Ranking - 121
187. LW Tyler Hill, Chicago (USHL - Hotchkiss), Previous Ranking - 85
195. C Daniel LaFontaine, Avon Old Farms, Previous Ranking - 172
198. D Quin Pompi, Berkshire, Previous Ranking - 160
201. RW Thomas Aldworth, Cushing Academy, Previous Ranking - Unranked
206. D Tyler Wood, Noble and Greenough, Previous Ranking - 197

GOALTENDERS:
15. Shane Starrett, South Kent School (Catholic Memorial), Previous Ranking - 35
26. Merrick Madsen, Proctor Academy, Previous Ranking - 34

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Never underestimate the healing power of sports.

That was never more evident than on Saturday when Newtown (Conn.) High played Tolman (R.I.) High in a non-league baseball game at McCoy Stadium -- home of the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate .

“It can help get you back to doing some sort of routine … to doing something you love around people you really care about,” Newtown head coach Matt Memoli said after Tolman beat his Nighthawks, 5-3. “My wife and I moved there [in June, 2011]. I taught all of these kids because I teach in the middle school and I coach them now in high school.

“After everything that happened, I’ve always had a great sense of pride for the town. But it’s overwhelming the way people have responded. It does bring people together."

When Memoli mentioned “everything that happened” he was referring to the horrendous events of Dec. 14 and the tragic deaths that occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The idea to play Newtown was the idea of Tolman coach Theo Murray. But the purpose wasn’t just to play a baseball game. It also served as a fund raiser with all proceeds being donated to the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program which provides financial help for emergency responders, medical and mental health professionals and Sandy Hook Elementary School employees who suffered a mental or emotional impairment because of the crisis that occurred last December.

A crowd of nearly 1,000 viewed the game, which raised a grand total of $8,500. And that figure doesn’t include the $600 Murray raised from various sponsors plus the $500 donation by Tolman’s athletic department.

In addition, Dattco, the bus company utilized by the Pawtucket Red Sox, donated its services to transport the Nighthawks from Newtown to Pawtucket and back home.

On top of all this, the four umpires donated their time and the PawSox hosted a post-game barbeque for both teams.

“Dattco donated their services in honor of the Newtown kids,” PawSox President Mike Tamburro said. “[Tolman athletic director] John Scanlon and Theo called us late January and asked us if we would host this event. It took us about a second to say ‘Yes.’ It’s just made darn, good sense.

“If we could bring a smile to the face of that community in this small way, we thought the idea needed to be embraced. Watching those kids get off the bus and walk onto this field at 9:30 this morning, they were like walking on a cloud. It made it all worthwhile.”

Tolman (4-2) led 5-1 entering the top of the seventh when Newtown (3-4) rallied for two runs and eventually left the bases loaded when the final out was recorded.

The Nighthawks’ ability to rally, in the opinion of senior Mike Koch, reflected the strength of the community as well as that of the team.

“Going on strength of community, the way we came back in the last inning basically shows how our community is especially after what happened,” Koch said. “We all came back together. We all fought back and we’re trying to make the best of what we have.

“That’s the way it’s been in Newtown. We’re extremely close as friends. When we come back like that, with the reserves coming in and doing work like they did, it was a great job all around. And it’s the same in the community.”

Not your average ballpark: What wasn’t the same was playing in a venue like McCoy Stadium which has seen a myriad of players that went on to become All-Stars as well as Hall of Famers (i.e. Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Jim Rice, etc.).

“It’s always a great experience to play on a field that doesn’t give you bad hops for once,” Koch said. “It’s also a great experience to play where David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia have played … all those great players.

“It’s an honor to play here.”

The fact Newtown was invited to play the game took Memoli completely by surprise.

“When Coach Murray invited us to come here, I don’t know him from Adam,” Memoli said. “He e-mailed me after the events that occurred at Sandy Hook. I went to my athletic director and my players and the first thing everyone said was ‘Definitely.’

“It’s a huge testament to him, just being unselfish to invite our team when we don’t have any idea of who they are … to come out to a stadium like this. It says a lot about who [Murray] is and what that program is to allow us to enjoy that experience.”

It also was in stark contrast to what the players experienced on Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook.

“It was scary,” Memoli said. “For these kids, personally, it was extremely scary. Overall, it was just very sad for all of us. For these kids, I tell them sometimes I don’t like yelling at them because I care about them so much. It’s such a fun group to be around.

“Ever since December and the events that happened this week, to get out here for a little normalcy and just to play baseball on a field like these in a stadium like this, it really makes you thankful and grateful that you get a chance to do this. These kids are definitely grateful and thankful they got to come out here and have fun and play baseball.”

Play ball: As for the game, which essentially was secondary in nature, Newtown grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first on Dean Demers’ sacrifice fly.

Tolman then hung four runs on the board in the last of the second, one on a wild pitch, another on a Steve Otis single and two on Jason Maynard’s double.

The Tigers tacked on an insurance run in the third when Carlos Canabria drew a leadoff walk and eventually came home when Nick Kempf was hit by a bases-loaded pitch.

Newtown’s seventh-inning rally was sparked by Pat Rowley’s double and Garrison Buzzanca’s single.

Rockland senior Tyler Gibson was named this year's Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Massachusetts. Here are the winners from the five other New England states:

RHODE ISLAND: BONZIE COLSON, ST. ANDREW'S
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound junior forward averaged 16.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 1.2 assists per game this past season, leading the Saints (24-9) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AA tournament championship game. A First Team All-NEPSAC Class AA selection, Colson averaged 14.7 points and 15.0 rebounds per game in the NEPSAC Class AA tournament as the eighth-seeded Saints reached the final, where they lost to Cushing Academy by one point on a 40-foot buzzer-beater.

Colson has maintained a B average in the classroom. A member of the St. Andrew’s School chorus, he has volunteered locally as a youth basketball coach and referee.

“Selfless, efficient, composed, simple -— that describes Bonzie Colson,” said Jesse Bopp, head coach of Vermont Academy. “He is at the core of their success. He scores around the basket, rebounds, makes free throws and guards. He is as efficient of a player as we played against all year.”

Colson will begin his senior year of high school this fall.

CONNECTICUT: KURT STEIDL, RIDGEFIELD

The 6-foot-6, 185-pound senior shooting guard averaged 24.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, four assists, and four steals while shooting 82 percent from the free throw line this past season, leading the Tigers (18-6) to the Class LL quarterfinals. A 2013 Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-Star selection, Steidl scored 31 points and pulled down 16 rebounds in a 63-57 win over New Britain in the second round of the state tournament.

Steidl has maintained a 3.68 GPA in the classroom. A devoted parishioner in his church community, he has volunteered locally assisting the elderly and on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield.

“Kurt Steidl was absolutely one of the best kids we faced this year,” said Tom Hunt, head coach at Woodland Regional High. “He averaged a double-double per game while playing in a very tough conference. Every time I saw him, he was terrific.”

Steidl has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Vermont this fall.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: ERIC GENDRON, MERRIMACK
The 6-foot-3, 170-pound junior guard averaged 19.7 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks this past season, leading the Tomahawks (13-6) to the Division I state tournament. New Hampshire’s Mr. Basketball in 2013, Gendron scored 14 points to help hand eventual Division I state champion Trinity High its only loss of the season in a 60-56 regular-season win.

Gendron has maintained a 3.86 GPA in the classroom. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Leo Club and as a basketball coach with the Merrimack Youth Association.

“Eric Gendron has been such a huge part of all the success we had this season,” said Merrimack High head coach Tim Goodridge. “He has become a true leader on and off the court and he also happens to be one of the nicest kids I have ever coached.”

Gendron will begin his senior year of high school this fall.

MAINE: GARET BEAL, JONESPORT-BEALS
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior wing averaged 33.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game this past season, leading the Royals (18-1) to a berth in the Class D state tournament. The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Beal shot 60 percent from the field, 48 percent from 3-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line. Also awarded Mr. Basketball as named by the Maine Association of Basketball Coaches, he carried Jonesport-Beals to the 2012 Class D state championship as a junior, averaging 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.8 steals, 3.6 assists and 1.6 blocks.

Beal has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom and serves as a member of his school’s student council. In addition to donating his time on behalf of the National Honor Society, he has volunteered as a positive mentor to elementary school students and as part of both community fundraisers and cleanup efforts.

“As an opposing coach, our game plan always focused on how to handle Garet before and after he received the ball,” said Glenn Billings, head coach of rival Deer Isle-Stonington High. “Garet has the ability to pull up and hit the open jumper if you play off him, drive by you if you play up tight and pass to a open player if you double him. He sees the floor and reads the defender as well as any one we have played against, and his willingness to use all of his teammates is what has made him so tough to defend. He is also an excellent defender, taking away the other team’s best offensive threat in many games. I believe he is one of the best high school basketball players we have seen in our state.”

Beal has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Maine this fall.

VERMONT: MATT ST. AMOUR, MISSIQUOI VALLEY UNION
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior guard averaged 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game this past season, leading the Thunderbirds (13-9) to the Division I quarterfinals. The state’s returning Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year, St. Amour was also named the Burlington Free Press and Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year as a junior. He finished his prep career with 2,064 points, third in state history.

St. Amour has maintained a 4.13 GPA in the classroom. Also a soccer standout, he has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports programs, blood-donation drives and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

“St. Amour plays within himself and really understands the game,” said Peter Quinn, head coach at Vergennes High. “He’s a tremendous shooter who knows how to put the ball in the basket.”

St. Amour remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.

Reading's Olivia Healy was named Gatorade Player of the Year in girls basketball this morning for Massachusetts. Here are the winners for the other five New England states:

CONNECTICUT: SARAH VEILLEUX, RHAM

The 6-foot junior guard led the Sachems to a 21-4 record and the Class L semifinals this past season. Veilleux averaged 28.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 3.5 assists per game. A three-time All-Conference selection, she was a Second Team New Haven Register All-State honoree as a sophomore.

Veilleux has maintained a 4.39 GPA in the classroom. Also a volleyball standout, she has served as a tutor in her school and has volunteered locally on behalf of youth sports programs.

“Veilleux is an outstanding player,” said Josh Dinerman, head coach at Rocky Hill High. “She’s a dominant scorer, but she also does all the little things which make her a complete player. She controls the game, offensively and defensively.”

RHODE ISLAND: TAYLOR BUCKLEY, EXETER-WEST GREENWICH

The 5-foot-11 junior center averaged 17.5 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game this past season, leading the Scarlet Knights (21-2) to the Division I state semifinals. Buckley was a Rhode Island Coaches Association First Team All-State selection and a First Team All-Division I honoree. She led all of Division I in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.

Buckley, who is home-schooled, has maintained a 3.83 GPA. A volunteer with the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department, she has also donated her time locally on behalf of the Providence Rescue Mission, as a nursery school volunteer and as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit third-world hunger awareness.

“Taylor Buckley is very strong and tough to defend,” said Gary Martinelli, head coach of Ponaganset High. “She can score out to 15 feet. She has great hands and is a tough defender down low. She’s the best low-post presence in the state.”

NEW HAMPSHIRE: JAMIE SHERBURNE, BISHOP GUERTIN

The 5-foot-7 junior point guard averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game this past season, leading the Cardinals (23-3) to the Division I state championship game. A 2012 Nashua Telegraph First Team All-Star, Sherburne helped Bishop Guertin to its first basketball state title as a sophomore. She was named to the Nike 17U National Championship All-Tournament Team in the summer of 2012 as a member of the NH Rivals AAU team.

Sherburne has maintained a 3.13 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth basketball and soccer coach.

“Jamie is a dynamic player who drives that team,” said Cassie Turcotte, head coach of Winnacunnet High. “She is also just as tough defensively as she is offensively. She bothers players and creates turnovers.”

Sherburne has made a verbal commitment to attend Niagara University on an athletic scholarship beginning in the fall of 2014.

MAINE: ALLIE CLEMENT, CATHERINE MCAULEY

The 5-foot-8 junior point guard led the Lions to a 23-0 record and their third straight Class A state title this past season. Clement averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.5 assists while shooting at 56 percent from inside the arc. The 2013 Edward “Red” McMann Award winner as the outstanding player of the state tournament, Clement scored 13 points in a 60-45 win over Bangor in the state final.

Clement has maintained a 94.7 average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as an elementary school library assistant and on behalf of the Falmouth Food Pantry. She has also donated her time helping to collect sneakers for underprivileged children.

“Allie Clement has an extremely high basketball IQ and she always seems to make the right play,” said Laughn Berthiaume, head coach at Gorham High. “Whenever they needed a big basket, she was able to deliver. She is a high energy player who was always able to control the tempo of the game.”

VERMONT: EMILY KINNESTON, CHAMPLAIN VALLEY UNION

The 5-foot-8 junior guard has led the Redhawks to a 21-0 record and a berth in the Division 1 semifinals against Burlington, scheduled for March 14. Kinneston is averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists per game entering the state’s final four. She is a First Team All-Metro selection and a member of the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association Dream Dozen.

Kinneston has maintained a 3.90 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, youth sports camps and a literacy-outreach program.

“She is the most complete player we have in the state,” said Glenn Johnson, head coach at Bellows Free Academy-St. Albans. “She plays the game the right way and she can take a game over on the defensive end and the offensive end.”

BEVERLY, Mass. -— It was a day firsts, of clutch performances by star players, and of tears induced by heartbreaking losses and emotional victories. NEPSAC championship Sunday at Endicott College was everything to be expected—and much, much more.

Champions were crowned in the AAA, AA and A classes Sunday afternoon at Endicott, with no shortage of action:

Cushing wins on a buzzer-beater: St. Andrew’s seemed to have completed the upset, but Jalen Adams simply couldn’t let that happen.

Heaving up a jumpshot from just over halfcourt with no time left on the regulation clock, Adams banked the shot in from off the glass, giving Cushing the 61-60 victory. It was just another on the list of feats that the sophomore guard has accomplished already over the course of his young career.

“But I’ve never hit a buzzer-beater before,” he said with an ear-to-ear grin. “When I shot it, I honestly didn’t think it was going to go in.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Adams, who was awarded Most Valuable Player, hit a halfcourt shot, though. In practice Cushing practices a drill where they take shots from different spots on the floor—one of those spots, of course, is from the halfcourt line.

“Jalen Adams has hit more halfcourt shots just goofing around in a team game, than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Cushing coach Barry Connors said. “Was it a wing and a prayer? No question. But hey, I’ll tell you what, he made the shot.”

St. Andrew’s trailed 33-28 at halftime, but came out on an absolute tear in the second half—beginning the half on an 8-0 run that gave them their first lead of the game with fourteen minutes to go. Cushing’s forward Andrew Chrabascz, a Butler signee, picked up his fourth foul with still ten minutes to go in the game. Connors put Chrabascz back in a few minutes later, and with his help, Cushing managed to diminish their deficit.

“I can save Andrew, or you go with what you’ve got, you go with who got you there," Connors said. "The interesting thing about Andrew is: yeah he had four fouls. On the fourth one, he made a bonehead play, but Andrew’s very, very smart. If anybody can play with four fouls, it’s Andrew Chrabascz."

Down eleven points with three minutes left in the game, the Penguins rode Adams and Chrabascz to the win. Adams hit a tough jumper to bring the game within six with under two minutes to go. Adams fed Chrabascz with six seconds left in the game, and Chrabascz finished a tough lay-up inside to bring Cushing to within 60-58. Cushing fouled immediately, and following a missed free throw by Bonzie Colson (16 points, 8 rebounds), Adams took the ball to halfcourt and won the game.

“If I was going to lose this game, I was going to lose with my five best guys on the floor,” Connors said.

Historic first for Exeter: For the first time in school history, Phillips Exeter captured the Class A crown, knocking off Choate Rosemary Hall 58-47 in the opening game of the day. Exeter’s remarkable 25-1 season has been a long journey, one that started last June when the players on the predominantly-postgrad squad met for the first time on the front steps of Exeter’s gym. A group of players who, for the most part had never met before, quickly realized that they all had a lot in common.

“We had guys who had just met for the first time -- we talked about our individual goals, and we realized we were all at Exeter for our own personal agendas," Exeter coach Jay Tilton said. "Because why else would you come here as a postgrad if you didn’t have them?”

Thanks in part to strong leadership by captains Harry Rafferty (Wesleyan College) and Chris Braley (Stony Brook), a culture of change was started at Exeter—a culture that quickly became contagious to the rest of the team. Good friends off the court, Rafferty and Braley, who along with Duncan Robinson played AAU together for Middlesex Magic, brought Exeter a mixed blend of leadership by toughness, and leadership by example.

Braley, a soft-spoken workhorse known for his incredible work ethic, set an example for the rest of the team of how to compose themselves, while Rafferty, a scrappy ‘in your face’ type of point guard, was the quarterback.

“Chris demands so much respect because of his work ethic and his integrity, he’s not a real emotional guy or anything like that...He just does it," Tilton said. "With Harry, he’s the guy who’s going to run the show from day one. He’s the most caring kid, and the best communicator I’ve ever coached.

Tilton added, with a laugh, "He’s about the only one out there who’s not afraid of Braley.”

Six-foot-7 forward Robinson, the tournament MVP, put on what may have been the most impressive individual performance of the tournament, finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds and playing as close to a perfect game as one possibly can -— knocking down five 3-pointers and shooting 9-for-9 from the field. Robinson’s show was the cherry on top of an unprecedented season by Exeter, who earlier in the day met on the front steps of their gym to discuss their goals one last time before departing for the championship game.

“We just kind of knew we had already reached that. That’s why I’m so proud of this group of kids. This group will hold a special place in Exeter history,” Tilton said.

Tilton admitted it is also a team that will hold a special place in his own memory, too. The teary-eyed veteran coach embraced each one of his players after the game, including his star forward.

“He said he loved me, and I said it right back, he’s done so much for all of us, myself included,” Robinson said, “To do that for him -- I know he wanted it very, very badly. He’s the hardest-working coach I’ve ever played for. He loves his players and cares about each and every one of us. It was only right that we did it for him.”

Exeter’s tremendous defensive effort held a very good shooting Choate team to just 4-15 from behind the three-point line. Future Wisconsin guard Jordan Hill was the catalyst; with long arms, a hard-nosed defensive mentality, and quick feet, Hill constantly harassed Choate guards Colin Richey (10 points) and Pete Weston (15 points).

“It starts with Jordan,” Tilton pointed out, “every second of the game he has a high motor, he doesn’t take unnecessary chances. To play that hard on the ball—he starts it, and we have great commitment off the ball helping him. It’s something we’ve been committed to from day one.”

Brewster takes AAA title in a thriller: Martez Harrison was one of the top scorers in the nation last year, averaging 35 points per game at University Academy Charter in Missouri. On Sunday in the Class AAA championship game though, he showed his complete ability to play the point guard position—leading Brewster to a thrilling 77-75 victory.

“Martez is the kid on our team who definitely has the biggest heart, he’s a true leader," Brewster coach Jason Smith said. "The growth and improvement from a point guard’s perspective from September until now has been phenomenal. He’s not really in the limelight, but we don’t win without him controlling the tempo, making good decisions, and making the right plays.”

Harrison, who finished with 14 points, shared the spotlight with future West Virginia forward Elijah Macon -- who was fresh off a heroic performance against Northfield Mount Hermon on Friday night. Finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds in the finals, Macon, Brewster’s sixth-man, took home tournament MVP.

“[At the] beginning of the year...Elijah knew we were having a difficult time with whether we should play all three of the bigs together," Smith said.n "Or who was going to come off the bench. Elijah was the one who volunteered, he’s very mature for an 18 year old kid.”

Macon and N.C. State-bound forward Kyle Washington each picked up their fourth foul about midway through the second half, but Smith said the foul trouble did little to hinder his team in terms of gameplanning and substitutions.

“We were going to play Elijah his normal rotation of four and a half minutes," Smith said. "It just worked out well, Kyle picked up his fourth foul initially, and the substitution pattern worked out perfectly. Four fouls never really even came into play, it was just subbing in four minute intervals when needed.”

Gabe Levin and Marquise Moore each had 20 points for St. Thomas More, who was the top seed in the tournament thanks to very strong guard play and great preparation from long-time coach Jere Quinn.

“Anytime that you can beat a Jere Quinn coached-teams in the finals, it’s something that you have to work very hard for,” Smith said. “His teams are always very well-prepared, they don’t beat themselves, they don’t make mistakes. We could have caved in when we were down, but we persevered, we got stops when we needed to and we found a way.”

SALEM, N.H. – If there was a key moment in Sunday's NEPSAC boys hockey game between fourth-seeded Kent School and sixth-seeded Salisbury, it came late in the second period when Salisbury cashed in on a 5-on-3 opportunity.

Senior forward Liam McDermott collected the goal that broke a 1-1 tie with 53 seconds remaining in the period and propelled Salisbury to a 4-1 victory in the championship game of the Stuart/Corkery Tournament, better know as the Elite 8 Tournament.

“Getting that power-play goal settled us down a little bit and gave us the confidence we needed to play with the lead,” Salisbury head coach Andrew Will said. “If we don't score on the 5-on-3 it gives them a boost and gives them a little more energy. You have to score on chances like that to win games like this one.”

Junior forward Mitchell Smith added two third-period goals for Salisbury, which completed its season with a 21-5-3 record. Matt Pugh scored Salisbury’s other goal. Junior defenseman Will Toffey and junior forward Evan Smith each collected two assists in the victory.

It was the third meeting between the teams this season. Salisbury prevailed 4-3 at Kent, and the teams played to a 2-2 tie at Salisbury.

“It was a case where the teams knew each other well,” Will said. “We really stressed staying out of the penalty box because we knew their power play has been deadly lately. Once we got the third goal we were feeling pretty good. At that point you could feel the energy on the bench and that the guys weren't going to be denied.”

Salisbury's path to the title included overtime victories against third-seeded Berkshire (3-2) and seventh-seeded Westminster (4-3). Will said playing those one-goal games benefited his team.

“It allowed us to play with the composure we needed in a game like this,” he said. “Something that really helped us was our depth.”

Senior Connor Mitchell scored for Kent, which ended its season with an 18-7-3 record. Kent advanced by beating fifth-seeded Dexter (7-1) and No. 8 seed The Gunnery School (3-0).

Kent goaltender Charlie Fennell stopped 23 saves. Salisbury goalie Callum Booth also made 23 saves.

Pugh handed Salisbury a 1-0 lead 1:46 into the contest, but Kent pulled even when Mitchell scored at 14:20 of the first. Then Salisbury took the lead for good when McDermott capitalized on the 5-on-3 opportunity.

“I'm just tremendously proud and pleased for these guys,” Will said. “It was a full team effort.”

WARWICK, R.I. -- All of a sudden, the bull's-eye on the collective backs of the Bishop Hendricken became larger.

That’s what happened Friday night when the defending Division I Rhode Island state champions beat defending Division I Connecticut champion Notre Dame High, 5-3, at Thayer Arena in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score might indicate.

“That’s as good a team as we’ve played all season,” Hendricken coach Jim Creamer said. “I really like the way we’ve played over the last week. We’re practicing well. We’re playing well. I think we’re moving in the right direction come playoff time.”

Ed Markowski led the Hawks (13-3-1) with two goals and two assists while the coach’s son, Matt, contributed a goal plus an assist.

While coach Creamer obviously was pleased with his team’s performance, just the opposite was the case with Green Knights coach Bill Gerosa.

“We were embarrassed by a better team tonight,” Gerosa said. “We didn’t come to play. Our scoring line [Billy Vizzo, Greg Zullo and Jesse Ruocco] did score except we gave up more than we got.

“We just had a total team breakdown, especially against their top line. Markowski, Creamer and [Andrew] Fera were terrific. But we were schooled tonight. It was an embarrassing display for Notre Dame and West Haven. A lot of it had to do with the speed of Bishop Hendricken.”

What made the final score even more noteworthy was the fact that the Green Knights (14-4-0) stepped on the ice having allowed only 23 goals in their previous 17 games.

“We’ve had one line that’s really been productive for us,” Jim Creamer said, referring to the Markowski-Creamer-Fera line. “They’ve been pretty consistent all year and had one of their better nights all year tonight.

“When they move the puck well, they generate good chances for themselves. And we got a power play goal with those guys involved. I think they were involved in four of the five goals. Then, we put out our fourth line and it chipped in late.”

Ryan Lynch put Notre Dame on the board at 6:48 of the first period when he skated in front of the net and slid the puck under starting goalie Mitchell Proulx (15 saves).

Hendricken tied it when Markowski unloaded a slap shot from the left circle that beat Luc Amatruda (28 saves) at 8:02.

The Hawks skated into the first intermission leading 2-1 thanks to Matt Creamer’s goal at 13:46 – a snap shot from the left circle.

Zullo tied it one last time at 6:07 of the second on a slap shot from between the circles. But Markowski gave Hendricken a 3-2 lead at 12:36 on a wrist shot from the slot.

“He’s a typical senior leader and a captain,” Jim Creamer said of Markowski. “He’s been very, very consistent all year.

“We’re only going to be as good as that line is so we need them to be good.”

Good describes Hendricken’s play in the third when it scored on a power play with Tucker Alberigo stuffing the puck past Amatruda at 1:31.

Then, as coach Creamer alluded to, the Hawks’ fourth line joined in the fun when Brandon Mitchell tapped home the rebound of a Sam Boulanger shot at 4:25 for a 5-2 lead.

In retrospect, that rendered a last-minute goal by Vizzo, who slid the puck past backup goalie Craig Colson (16 saves), moot.

“We have another game [Saturday night] so we have to get ready for that,” Gerosa said. “We have to forget about this one after an hour and get ready for that one, otherwise we’ll never improve.

“It was a disappointing effort from the goaltender on out. We’re a better team than this but we didn’t show it tonight.”

On Thursday night, Captial Prep (Conn.) point guard Kahlil Dukes became the 17th player in the history of Connecticut boys high school basketball to score 2000 points. The milestone was just another on the long list of awards and accolades that he has achieved over the course of his career.

Dukes has been a mainstay in New England high school basketball for the last four years -- and he didn’t waste any time either, scoring a combined 62 points in his first two high school games as a freshman. He kept those high scoring totals up, averaging 29 per game as a freshman and going on to score his 1000th point as a sophomore. He was also named to the Connecticut High School Coaches' Association's All-State Team the last two seasons.

The University of Southern California offered him a scholarship last April. His AAU club Connecticut Basketball Club (CBC) was in Las Vegas in July, and that was when Dukes made the decision to commit to the Trojans. One of the first people he told was Montverde Academy guard Kasey Hill. The Florida-bound Hill, the ninth-ranked player in ESPN's Class of 2013 rankings, befriended Dukes on the AAU circuit last summer.

“I was just happy for him, I knew how much he wanted that. I just told him to keep working,” Hill said.

Dukes’ commitment was partly a basketball move, certainly. The Trojans play in one of the nicest venues in all of college basketball, the $150 million Galen Center. USC’s athletic programs are consistently some of the most successful, and most well funded, of any athletic department in the country.

He couldn’t hide his excitement with the facilities on his official visit this past fall. While other recruits went to house parties after they watched the Trojans’ football team trounce Pac-12 rival Cal, Dukes went to the gym to get shots up at 11 p.m.

“I was there alone. A high school kid on his official visit, and I was the only person in the gym,” Dukes said.

His high school coach, Levy Gillespie, Sr. has known Kahlil since he was a kid. Gillespie’s son, Levy, Jr., is a junior on Capital Prep’s squad who is quite the talented guard himself, scoring his 1000th point against famed Brooklyn, N.Y. power Lincoln last month at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield.

“He’s always been a focused kid,” Gillespie Sr. said, “He’s in the gym all the time, he’s not a party guy. He’s not hanging out late with guys. He goes to the gym at 6 A.M., goes to school, and works out afterwards. Then he goes home, washes his practice gear, does homework and goes to bed. He’s a creature of habit.”

On his relationship with the Gillespie’s, Dukes added, “I’ve known Levy and his did since I was like seven or eight years old. We’ve won and lost by 40 together. They were there when I committed [to USC] and when we traveled everywhere. They’ve been with me since I was little.”

Even despite all the long nights in the gym, the hundreds of hours that he has spent studying his own gametapes—a habit he has exercised most of his high school career, Dukes has developed goals for himself that stray far beyond the basketball court. When he enrolls at USC this August, he will do so with the intention of studying at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Yes, the lightning quick guard with the smooth jumpshot and killer crossover wants to be a filmmaker.

“I like the writing part, I do a lot of writing and spend a lot of time on that in my free time," he said. "I like to express myself and tell a story that I see through my eyes. That has a lot to do with how directors make films, and I think I have a talent in that.”

“I always wonder what the director was thinking [when I watch a film],” Dukes continued. “How did he think a part of his film would effect people?”

He knows the ball will stop bouncing eventually, and when it does, he wants to have a plan for the rest of his life.

“I think it’s fair to say that I have goals outside of basketball," he said. "This game doesn’t last forever. My body is killing me already—I’m a senior in high school, so I know one day my time [as a basketball player] will be over.”

He’s also done a number in reaching out and mentoring some of Capital Prep’s younger talents. As a part of his senior justice project at Capital Prep, he started the Kahlil Dukes Basketball Academy, a program that he created himself to mentor some of the promising young freshmen on Prep’s varsity team. At weekly sessions with the freshmen players, Dukes would work them on skill development, stress the importance of academics, and teach the young players how to become people of high moral character.

“There’s a lot the game can do for you. I talked to academic counselors about what they liked in students. I taught the kids that with things they are good at—master them, things they aren’t good at--get better at it. I taught them about training right, and having the right attitude, too.”

Learning the right attitude was admittedly a process for Dukes, but being mentored by Gillespie and learning from other star players like Hill and his good friend Kris Dunn, a former McDonald’s All-American who is now a freshman at Providence, has humbled him and brought to light in his own eyes what is important. Hill, for example, wasn’t surprise in the slightest when he heard about what Dukes wants to study at USC.

“A lot of guys like us, we try to not to get cocky,” Hill said, “We just love to play basketball. People may look at us differently or look at us a different type of way [because of stardom], but really we just happen to be regular guys who are good at basketball.”

The only thing on Dukes’ mind this basketball season is winning a state championship. Capital Prep made it to the Class S state championship last March, but fell to Immaculate in a hearbreaking loss. It was a day Dukes will never forget, partly because he had a bad shooting day and was never able to get any type of rhythm going offensively. Through a lot of film studying in the offseason, he realized he needed to tweak his game a little bit.

“I just try to be very efficient now," he said. "Freshman year I was averaging 29 a game, but the thing is I was taking 22 shots a game. I’ve scored 28 points or more a lot this year, but I’m taking a lot less than 20 shots.”

Last week Dukes had his biggest game of the year against University High, a game that he and his teammates knew would be a war given both teams’ regular season success thus far. His efficiency was on full display, as he scored 40 points on 15-for-27 shooting from the floor. He also dished out 10 assists, many of which went to Gillespie Jr., who scored 33 points and had eight assists of his own.

Even following his best game of the season, Dukes expected more out of himself.

“I watched the game tape, I had 40 points and I missed five layups and two free throws," Dukes said. "The thing is, I should have had 60. I missed five threes, two of which were wide open, and those five layups. One of the layups was so clean that I missed it -- like I was too open, it made me so mad. I want to be a winner, I want to win.”

Now moving to 16-2 with the win last night, Capital Prep has emerged as one of the best teams in Connecticut. They’ve made it clear that if they advance to another state title game this year, the leadership of Dukes and his captains will be solely focused on the state title. The vocal leadership, Gillespie says, is an aspect that Capital Prep needed from Dukes.

“A couple years ago he wasn’t a vocal leader,” Gillespie said, “He was a scorer who went and did his own thing. But I think with helping and giving back to people, he’s bought into that [leadership]. Kahlil is a deep kid if you get to know him and talk to him.”

From a New England standpoint, perhaps the most noteworthy item on national signing day was Tim Boyle's decision to remain in his home state and sign with the University of Connecticut.

Boyle, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback, led Xavier High School (Middletown) to its third consecutive Class LL state championship last fall. He passed for 2,483 yards and 24 touchdowns during his senior season.

Boyle originally committed to Boston College, and remained committed to BC after Connecticut native Steve Addazio replaced Frank Spaziani as BC's head coach. Addazio's offense requires a dual-threat quarterback, however, and although he ran for 295 yards and five touchdowns on 60 carries last season, Boyle is considered to be more of a pro-style passer.

He decommitted from BC and gave a verbal commitment to UConn earlier this month, and made things official on national signing day.

“This is a good day for me,” Boyle said after signing his National Letter of Intent. “It's been a long process because BC was the first school to offer me a scholarship back when I was a sophomore. I'm happy it's over.”

Boyle is one of five Connecticut residents in the Class of 2013 who signed National Letter of Intent to play at UConn. The others are linebacker Cory Jasudowich (Cheshire Academy), tight end Thomas Myers (Coventry), defensive end Cole Ormsby (Windsor) and fullback Matt Walsh (Daniel Hand).

BLOCKS OF GRANITE
The University of New Hampshire brought in a small class – 11 players – but three of them were in-state linemen: Portsmouth defensive tackle Rick Holt, Souhegan offensive tackle Jake Kennedy and Bedford offensive tackle Will McInerney.

Holt and Kennedy have been playing against each other since they were freshmen.

"There was some trash-talking between us when we were freshmen and sophomores, but we developed a level of respect for one another during our junior year," Holt said. "We've played against each other for a long time, but it's pretty cool that we're both going to UNH as friends and teammates."

McInerney, who is 6-foot-7 and weighs 290 pounds, may be the most intriguing prospect of the three. He had surgery on both knees last year, and did not play during his senior season.

"It was unfortunate that he missed his senior year, but he was very impressive in our camps and clinics last spring, so we knew he was the right fit for us," UNH coach Sean McDonnell said.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
Bangor (Maine) wide receiver Matt Cosgrove is one of three players who signed a National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Maine. Cosgrove's father Jack is Maine's head coach.

“It’s exciting, I think, for both of us,” Jack Cosgrove told the Bangor Daily News. “It’s something we talked about up front. Matt gets it -- he knows what we’re all about. He’s seen it growing up with big eyes as a little boy and with small eyes as a big boy.”

Defensive back Spencer Carey (Lawrence) and tight end Dakota Tarbox (Thornton Academy) were the other Maine players who signed with the Black Bears.

DELAY OF GAME
Running back Jerickson Fedrick, who grew up in Lawrence but played high school football in Salem, N.H., said he has accepted a scholarship from the University of Maine, but will redshirt next season.

Fedrick graduated from Salem in 2012 and played prep school football for Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., last season. He ran for a team-high 1,268 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall.

Fedrick, who was also a track standout in high school, rushed for 4,568 yards and scored 75 touchdowns for Salem.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
Five of the top recruits from New England in the Class of 2014:

• Jon Baker, OL, Millis/Hopedale
• Manny Latimore, RB, Pinkerton Academy (N.H.)
• Arkeel Newsome, RB, Ansonia (Conn.)
• Connor Strachan, LB, St. Sebastian's
• Jon Thomas, RB, St. John's Prep

Strachan and Thomas are both on the ESPN Watch List.

Information about high school or prep school recruits in New England can be sent to Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com.

In its 28th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, today announced Kristi Kirshe of Franklin High School as its 2012-13 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Kirshe is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Franklin High School.

The 5-foot-4 senior forward led the Panthers to a 22-0-1 record and the Division 1 state championship this past season. Kirshe scored 40 goals and passed for 13 assists, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Nashoba Regional High in the state title game. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the Boston Globe’s Division 1 Player of the Year, Kirshe was also named Miss Soccer by ESPNBoston.com. She concluded her prep soccer career with 102 goals and 44 assists.

Kirshe has maintained a 4.27 weighted GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a middle school math tutor and as a youth basketball, soccer and lacrosse coach. She’s also donated her time on behalf of the Relay for Life.

“Kristi Kirshe is the player to build a team around,” said Steve Santos, head coach of Attleboro High. “She works hard and makes others around her better.”

Kirshe has made a verbal commitment to attend Williams College where she will play soccer beginning this fall.

Kirshe joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Players of the Year Hayley Dowd, (2011-12, Peabody High School), Sam Mewis (2010 – 11 & 2009-10, Whitman-Hanson Regional High School), Danielle Dakin (2008–09, Minnechaug Regional High School), Hayley Brock (2007-08, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School), and Amy Caldwell (2006-2007, Braintree) among the state’s list of former award winners.

Below are other five winners from New England:

CONNECTICUT: SARAH MCCAULEY, CHASE COLLEGIATE

The 5-foot-7 junior forward scored 79 goals and passed for 25 assists this past season, leading the Highlanders (21-1) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class D semifinals. McCauley is a three-time NESPAC Class D All-Star and a two-time All-New England Region selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. She concluded her junior year with 143 goals and 57 assists in her prep soccer career.

McCauley has maintained an A-minus average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and on behalf of fundraising campaigns to benefit AIDS research as well as the Afghan Youth Sports Exchange, which empowers girls in Afghanistan by teaching them to play soccer.

“What makes Sarah so dangerous is her field awareness and quickness with the ball,” said Kyle Halloran, head coach of the Forman School. “She has the ability to take possession all the way down the field if necessary, but if targeted she was incredibly quick with her feet to set up her teammates. While she is a very good player, she also makes every player around her better.”

McCauley has verbally committed to attend Yale University, where she will play soccer beginning in the fall of 2014.

MAINE: CAITLIN BUCKSBAUM, FALMOUTH

The returning Gatorade Player of the Year, the 5-foot-5 senior midfielder led the Yachtsmen to a 14-2-2 record and a third straight Class B state championship this past season. Bucksbaum scored eight goals and passed for 10 assists, including two assists in Falmouth’s state championship run. She is the Maine Sunday Telegram Player of the Year and the 2012 Class B Player of the Year.

Bucksbaum has maintained an A average in the classroom. The treasurer of the Falmouth High senior class, she has volunteered locally with the school’s Environmental Action Committee, as a peer math tutor and with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“Caitlin hurt us because her pace and ability to control the ball in the midfield stymied my midfielders, making them ineffective,” said Steve Boyce, head coach of Morse High. “She set up most if not all the goals Falmouth scored against us in each of their one-goal victories.”

Bucksbaum has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Villanova University beginning this fall.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: MORGAN ANDREWS, MILFORD

The returning Gatorade National Player of the Year and the two-time returning Gatorade State Player of the Year, the 5-foot-9 senior forward led the Spartans to a 16-3-1 record and the Division II state title this past season. Andrews scored 31 goals and passed for 18 assists, notching both goals in Milford’s 2-1 win over Souhegan High in the state final. Andrews is the captain of the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Women’s National Team and a member of the Under-20 and Under-23 National Team player pools. The 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of America High School Player of the Year and a three-time NSCAA All-American selection, she concluded her prep soccer career with 114 goals and 53 assists.

Andrews has maintained a 3.13 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and mentor in addition to founding and actively promoting the “Kicks for Cans” charity program that involved coaches and players donating their time in exchange for canned goods that are brought to area food banks.

“I have been trying to figure out what makes Morgan Andrews so good for the last 4-5 years,” said Dwayne Andreasen, head coach of Souhegan High. “Morgan is a very dedicated and driven young lady on the soccer pitch. When competing against her or just watching her play, you can see her determination in everything she does.”

Andrews has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at the University of Notre Dame beginning this fall.

RHODE ISLAND: MADISON DAMM, NORTH KINGSTOWN

The 5-foot-4 senior midfielder scored 11 goals and passed for nine assists this past season, leading the Skippers (9-3-4) to the Division I state quarterfinals. Damm was an All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a two-time First Team All-State honoree. She concluded her prep soccer career with 50 goals and 34 assists.

Damm has maintained a 3.17 GPA in the classroom. She has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach in addition to donating her time at a homeless shelter and at the Sargent Rehabilitation Center in Warwick.

“Madison Damm was the engine that kept her team running,” said Martin Yarumian, head coach of Bay View Academy. “She possesses the little extra quality to her that others don’t have. It is dangerous to not know where she is at all times.”

Damm has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Syracuse University beginning this fall.

VERMONT: KATIE STAMES, PEOPLES ACADEMY

The 5-foot-4 junior forward scored 43 goals and passed for 20 assists this past season, leading the Wolves (18-0) to the Division 3 state championship. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Stames was also named the Times Argus Player of the Year and was a First Team All-State choice by the Burlington Free Press.

Stames has maintained an A average in the classroom. She has volunteered locally on behalf of a food pantry and youth soccer programs.

“Stames is an incredibly gifted attacking player,” said Jeff Burroughs, head coach at St. Johnsbury Academy. “She’s very creative and she’s the quickest offensive player we saw. She’s unpredictable and very good technically.”

Stames will begin her senior year of high school this fall.

It's a dream scenario for any player to have the chance to sink a game-winning bucket on Senior Night.

And Newtown (Conn.) High School senior Mike Daubert did just that, hitting a three-pointer with no time remaining in the Nighthawks' 57-55 win over New Milford.

Here's a look at last night's SportsCenter Top 10 highlight:

The Fairfield Prep ice hockey team has had some impressive starts in Matt Sather's 14 seasons as the program's head coach, but nothing that can match what the Jesuits have accomplished at the start of the current season.

Fairfield Prep improved its record to 11-0-0 and remained the only unbeaten team in the state when it beat New Jersey power Don Bosco Prep, 4-2, Thursday at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. Don Bosco entered the game as the No. 2-ranked team in New Jersey.

It was a 2-2 game after two periods, but Fairfield Prep senior forward Tim Edmonds scored the go-ahead goal at 4:28 of the third. The Jesuits doubled their lead on a Kenny Kochiss goal.

Fairfield Prep held Don Bosco to three shots on goal in the final period.

“This is a huge win for us,” Edmonds told MSG Varsity after the game. “Don Bosco's a great team. We were able to come out flying, and now we've got our confidence boosted. Coach [Sather] said this is a landmark day for us. I think we proved we can beat anyone we play if we play our game.”

Juniors Matt McKinney and Matt Wickman also scored for Fairfield Prep, which received 15 saves from Matt Beck.

Don Bosco (10-5-0) was playing without Robby Marsanico and Dylan Healy, two top-line forwards who were injured. Marsanico and Healy had 49 points in Don Bosco's first 14 games.

“I think they're a little better than that offensively,” Sather said. “But that's as fast a team as we've played all year. And I thought they were more physical than anyone we played this year. That was the most physical game we've played in, and I was pretty happy with the way our guys stood up to that.

BACON SELECTS LARKA
Twenty Connecticut high schools entered last week looking for a varsity football coach. That number was reduced by one Friday, when Bacon Academy hired Erik Larka.

Larka, a 35-year-old West Haven resident, was one of seven applicants brought back for a second interview. He spent four years as the freshman head coach and a varsity assistant at Law High School – his alma mater – but then left the coaching world until last season, when he was an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State.

Bacon had to find a head coach last summer, after Duane Maranda left to become the head coach at New London. The school selected Brian Enrique – an assistant under Maranda – but reopened the position after Enrique guided the Bobcats to a 2-8 record last season.

FOOTBALL MAY HAVE NEW HOME
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference is exploring the possibility of moving the state's championship football games from the University of Connecticut's Rentschler Field, which has hosted the title games for the last four years.

Poor attendance and below-expected revenue were the reasons cited for the possible move.

Rentschler Field can seat 40,000, but the largest crowd for the four championship games last year was the 4,576 that watched the Class LL championship game between Xavier and Norwich Free Academy on a Friday night. The following day a combined 5,189 showed up for the Class S, Class M and Class L championship games.

Central Connecticut State's Arute Field is reportedly being considered as a possibility for this year's title games. Arute Field has a seating capacity of 5,800 and has a turf playing surface. Rentschler Field has a natural grass surface.

CIAC PENALIZES HARDING
The CIAC fined Harding High School $500 and forced the school's boys basketball team to forfeit two games for using an academically ineligible player.

The player participated in five games, but Harding lost three of those five contests. The team forfeited victories over New Canaan and Fairfield Warde.

NOTEWORTHY
East Lyme senior Allison Stoddard collected the 1,000th point of her high school career during a 55-16 victory over Killingly on Jan. 19. … Capital Prep remained No. 1 in the Hartford Courant's girls' basketball rankings despite a 66-64 loss to Bishop Ford – one of the top teams in New York City – last week. Sophomore forward Kiah Gillespie scored 26 points for Capital Prep in the loss. … Junior Tyshon Rogers, a 6-foot-3 forward on the Crosby boys' basketball team, scored 64 points in victories over Wolcott and Seymour last week. Rogers entered the week as the state's leading scorer (30.5 ppg.).

Roger Brown is a staff writer for the New Hampshire Union Leader and has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -– Brewster Academy flexed its muscles on Sunday afternoon at the Hoophall Classic, dominating NEPSAC foe South Kent from start to finish and coming out with an 88-57 victory.

Syracuse commit Chris McCullough was virtually unstoppable on the offensive end for the Bobcats, scoring the vast majority of his points in transition –- including a few high-rising dunks, to the delight of the packed crowd at Springfield College's Blake Arena.

“When I dunked it, I hoped to get my team hyped and have that hype on the bench,” McCullough said.

McCullough transferred to Brewster this season after leading Salisbury (Conn.) to last year’s NEPSAC Class A title. A long 6-foot-10 forward who can handle the ball and get up and down the floor with impressive speed, McCullough committed to the Orange back in November. He then hinted around a month later that he may try to reclassify to the class of 2013 to be able to go to Syracuse this coming fall, but that plan has since fallen through.

In addition to McCullough’s 21 points, Brewster also got 16 points from point guard Kevin Zabo and 12 from West Virginia commit Elijah Macon.

Macon, a strong 6-foot-8 forward who is doing a postgraduate year before joining the Mountaineers next fall, made his presence felt on the offensive end in the halfcourt. Known for his ability to outmuscle opponents and finish loud dunks inside, he gave Brewster exactly the spark they needed off the bench.

Terrell makes a statement: Brewster junior Jared Terrell has had as much of an up-and-down season as any player in the region, and he felt as if he needed to make a statement with his play on the defensive end on Sunday.

Terrell, who suffered an ankle injury late last summer, says he is still recovering from the injury that kept him away from anything but light activity for the entire fall.

Because of the ankle, the top 100 guard struggled with his mobility the last time he played on a big stage at the National Prep Showcase back in mid-November, and because he had been recovering he was in far from top physical shape. He didn’t exactly draw rave reviews following the event, and because of that he said he had been looking forward to the Hoophall for a while, so that he could help ease doubters.

“[The Hoophall] is just a time to show off your talents to a lot of coaches and a lot of people that might have had doubts about you," he said. "It’s a good chance to prove what you can do.”

On his recovering ankle? Terrell said he still isn’t that close to being 100% recovered, but he can see the gradual progress that the healing process is making.

“I feel good, it bothers me at times but I can play through it," he said. "It doesn’t hurt as much as it did in September and October.”

Outside of an explosive one-handed dunk on a breakaway in the second half, his offensive presence wasn’t as needed given the big scoring performances from McCullough, Macon, and Zabo. Instead, he put a lot of his effort into the defensive end of the floor, where he consistently beat his man to the spot and cut off passing lanes.

All in all, his on-ball defense and liveliness on the defensive end helped the Bobcats hold South Kent to just 31% shooting from the field. His help defense was also a big reason why South Kent’s star forward Kamall Richards, a Xavier commit, shot just 6-for-17 from the floor.

“I think I played well defensively actually, I guarded my position and I rebounded well, better than I have earlier in the season. I thought it was good.”

“Playing against these guys every day,” he said, pointing into the locker room to his teammates, “I’m going to improve a lot.”