High School: Football
A source told ESPNBoston.com this afternoon that two more Class of 2013 recruits will be joining the UMass football program as walk-ons: Running back Shadrach Abrokwah of St. John's of Shrewsbury, and athlete Mike Rapoza of New Bedford High.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Abrokwah was one of the state's most productive backs last fall for the Pioneers, as they advanced to the MIAA Division 1 Central Super Bowl. In 2012, his first season as the Pioneers' full-time starter, he carried the ball 213 times for 1,540 yards and 22 touchdowns, with just one fumble; he also caught 21 passes for 437 yards and two more scores. Abrokwah has reportedly run a hand-timed 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range.
Rapoza was one of the more decorated quarterbacks from the South Coast region in 2012, most notably winning the Otto Graham Award as the best overall player in Southeastern Massachusetts. He threw for 15 touchdown passes, ran for two more, kicked 20 extra points, and was among the Whalers' leading tacklers at linebacker.
The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Abrokwah was one of the state's most productive backs last fall for the Pioneers, as they advanced to the MIAA Division 1 Central Super Bowl. In 2012, his first season as the Pioneers' full-time starter, he carried the ball 213 times for 1,540 yards and 22 touchdowns, with just one fumble; he also caught 21 passes for 437 yards and two more scores. Abrokwah has reportedly run a hand-timed 40-yard dash in the 4.5 range.
Rapoza was one of the more decorated quarterbacks from the South Coast region in 2012, most notably winning the Otto Graham Award as the best overall player in Southeastern Massachusetts. He threw for 15 touchdown passes, ran for two more, kicked 20 extra points, and was among the Whalers' leading tacklers at linebacker.
Jared Coppola continues to fight on
April, 27, 2013
Apr 27
9:55
AM ET
By Chris Bradley | ESPNBoston.com
St. John’s Prep will hold an open house at 11 a.m. on Sunday in honor of Jared Coppola, a former Eagles’ football player who was originally paralyzed from the shoulders down after he fractured the C-5 vertebrate in his back. Guests will be asked for a $100 donation, the cost of one hour of his summer therapy.
The story of the Coppola triplets took to the national stage, when the Eagles made their run to the MIAA Division 1 Super Bowl in 2010. Jared was paralyzed from the waist down in a September 2009 scrimmage, just a year after Brandon fractured his own C-5 vertebrae, though he made a full recovery. The third triplet, Tyler, was the catalyst for Prep's journey to the title game, leading the state in rushing and earning a spot on ESPNBoston.com's annual All-State Team.
In 2011, the Coppolas' story was featured on "E:60", narrated by Michael Smith and discussing Jared's long recovery:
Jared, now a student at the University of New Hampshire who has full use of his arms, can now also walk short distances and drive a car—he drives himself from UNH to Boston Medical Center and Journey Forward in Canton every weekend for therapy. He has set high standards for himself in his recovery, and would like to attend the Beyond Therapy program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta from May until July.
The Shepherd Center is considered one of the world’s leaders in spinal cord injury research and therapy. Therapy costs $100 per hour and is not covered by insurance. Jared, who has his eyes fixated on being able to once again walk without help, says therapy at the Shepherd Center is the only way for him to have the opportunity to reach his goals. The therapy includes access to a weight-training facility, a pool for him to work out in, and state of the art treadmills.
“The reason I’m going down there is that it’s very structured," he said. "For me, I work very well with structure, I do better when there’s someone there to push me and make sure I don’t take breaks and that I work hard. They also have a lot of equipment and knowledge because they’re a spinal cord rehab facility."
He says he has made gradual significant progress on the treadmill -- which, thanks to a harness, supports whatever percent of his body weight is entered into the connected computer. There was a point in time where he needed the harness to support almost half his body weight while on the treadmill -- including having help from two people assisting him. Now, the harness supports around 20 percent of Jared’s body weight -- which means that outside of therapy he can walk by himself with a walker for short periods of time.
To get to classes and the vast majority of places that require a lot of walking, though, he still needs a wheelchair, which is something he would like to put to rest.
“I just want to get rid of the wheelchair, at all times," he said. "To walk with a walker unassisted, I just want to get out of the wheelchair and not need it anymore. I’m also at a point in my progress that this will be good for me because when I go down the first couple days I set my own goals for the program."
Jared recently had tendon-lengthening surgery to help strengthen his left leg. The procedure paid off, as seen in this video of him taking steps a couple of weeks ago at his home in North Reading:
There was once a point in time where doctors were unsure of whether or not Jared would walk again. They told him that a lot of people don’t recover from his level of injury, but behind positive support from his parents and four siblings, he continues to make significant progress. He says he never once remembers seeing his family show a lot of emotion about the injury in front of him, which has helped him keep a positive mindset over the course of a rigorous, often brutally challenging recovery.
“The doctors said ‘your level of injury is really bad, a lot of people don’t recover from these injuries,’ but the whole time I was just telling myself: I’m gonna’ be fine, I’ll get better,” he says.
Jared will be speaking at the open house about his recovery, where he’s come from, and how far he still wants to go. He has spoken at several sports injury conferences, but this is his first time speaking in front of St. John’s Prep alumni, students, friends and family.
“It will be weird and I’ll probably be a little nervous about it, but it’s just about me and how I’ve been doing and everything," he said. "What’s also different too is that my recovery takes awhile. They’ll see that I’ve made so much progress; I see the little small things that went behind it."
Open house will be held at Milano Dining Room in Memorial Dining Hall at St. John’s Prep. If you're unable to attend, please help Jared with his mission by making a contribution and sending it to: The Jared Coppola Fund, c/o Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01964
The story of the Coppola triplets took to the national stage, when the Eagles made their run to the MIAA Division 1 Super Bowl in 2010. Jared was paralyzed from the waist down in a September 2009 scrimmage, just a year after Brandon fractured his own C-5 vertebrae, though he made a full recovery. The third triplet, Tyler, was the catalyst for Prep's journey to the title game, leading the state in rushing and earning a spot on ESPNBoston.com's annual All-State Team.
In 2011, the Coppolas' story was featured on "E:60", narrated by Michael Smith and discussing Jared's long recovery:
Jared, now a student at the University of New Hampshire who has full use of his arms, can now also walk short distances and drive a car—he drives himself from UNH to Boston Medical Center and Journey Forward in Canton every weekend for therapy. He has set high standards for himself in his recovery, and would like to attend the Beyond Therapy program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta from May until July.
The Shepherd Center is considered one of the world’s leaders in spinal cord injury research and therapy. Therapy costs $100 per hour and is not covered by insurance. Jared, who has his eyes fixated on being able to once again walk without help, says therapy at the Shepherd Center is the only way for him to have the opportunity to reach his goals. The therapy includes access to a weight-training facility, a pool for him to work out in, and state of the art treadmills.
“The reason I’m going down there is that it’s very structured," he said. "For me, I work very well with structure, I do better when there’s someone there to push me and make sure I don’t take breaks and that I work hard. They also have a lot of equipment and knowledge because they’re a spinal cord rehab facility."
He says he has made gradual significant progress on the treadmill -- which, thanks to a harness, supports whatever percent of his body weight is entered into the connected computer. There was a point in time where he needed the harness to support almost half his body weight while on the treadmill -- including having help from two people assisting him. Now, the harness supports around 20 percent of Jared’s body weight -- which means that outside of therapy he can walk by himself with a walker for short periods of time.
To get to classes and the vast majority of places that require a lot of walking, though, he still needs a wheelchair, which is something he would like to put to rest.
“I just want to get rid of the wheelchair, at all times," he said. "To walk with a walker unassisted, I just want to get out of the wheelchair and not need it anymore. I’m also at a point in my progress that this will be good for me because when I go down the first couple days I set my own goals for the program."
Jared recently had tendon-lengthening surgery to help strengthen his left leg. The procedure paid off, as seen in this video of him taking steps a couple of weeks ago at his home in North Reading:
There was once a point in time where doctors were unsure of whether or not Jared would walk again. They told him that a lot of people don’t recover from his level of injury, but behind positive support from his parents and four siblings, he continues to make significant progress. He says he never once remembers seeing his family show a lot of emotion about the injury in front of him, which has helped him keep a positive mindset over the course of a rigorous, often brutally challenging recovery.
“The doctors said ‘your level of injury is really bad, a lot of people don’t recover from these injuries,’ but the whole time I was just telling myself: I’m gonna’ be fine, I’ll get better,” he says.
Jared will be speaking at the open house about his recovery, where he’s come from, and how far he still wants to go. He has spoken at several sports injury conferences, but this is his first time speaking in front of St. John’s Prep alumni, students, friends and family.
“It will be weird and I’ll probably be a little nervous about it, but it’s just about me and how I’ve been doing and everything," he said. "What’s also different too is that my recovery takes awhile. They’ll see that I’ve made so much progress; I see the little small things that went behind it."
Open house will be held at Milano Dining Room in Memorial Dining Hall at St. John’s Prep. If you're unable to attend, please help Jared with his mission by making a contribution and sending it to: The Jared Coppola Fund, c/o Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01964
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.
<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.
New England Roots: James Ihedigbo
April, 22, 2013
Apr 22
6:34
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
James Ihedigbo's journey from hometown walk-on to undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion is the stuff of legend, a narrative often repeated around the campuses of his alma maters UMass and Amherst High School. After graduating from Amherst in 2002, the son of Nigerian immigrants walked-on at UMass just a short few miles down the road, earning Division 1-AA All-American honors at safety in 2006. After going undrafted in 2007, he hooked on with the Jets then played two seasons with the hometown New England Patriots, before landing with the Baltimore Ravens this past year and earning a Super Bowl ring.
For five hours Saturday stretching from morning into early afternoon, Ihedigbo ran drills, 7-on-7 competitions and spoke of his journey to area high school players as part of his second annual invitational camp at Amherst High. The camp was organized by UMass' Association for Diversity in Sport club, in conjunction with Ihedigbo's HOPE Africa Foundation.
Play was spirited in the 7-on-7 portion, with several Springfield Central athletes standing out, and Ihedigbo even jumped in at his familiar safety spot when players tired. Following the event, which concluded with a brief awards presentation to top performers, Ihedigbo talked to ESPNBoston.com about his journey in the NFL, the rising football talent in Springfield, and the value of walking-on at a Division 1 program.
Q: With everything that has happened this week in Boston, how has that affected you?
A: It’s heartbreaking. You think the city of Boston to be shut down, and for people to be going through what they’re going through, I know we captured the people that were involved, but the people that are still hurting in those hospital rooms, suffering dramatic life-changing events, my prayers truly go out to their families. I’m a firm believer that God is in control of every situation, and that all things work for good for those who love the Lord. I really just pray that they’re dealing with the situation, and that their families are supporting them in everything.
Q: Being here today, what memories come to mind?
A: Running touchdowns. I was saying to the kids today, I used to dominate this field (laughs). This was my stomping grounds. It’s awesome, it’s awesome to be able to come back here and share this with these guys. I can only imagine the affect it would have had on me if NFL players were to come to me when I was their age, and help me stay on the right path, teach me to be a competitor in the classroom as well as on the football field. It’s awesome, I love to be able to spend the time with them to do that, this is my second year doing it and I look forward to doing a third next year.
Q: You seemed to enjoy playing safety out there today.
A: I love the game, and I want to coach after I’m done playing, so I just have a burning passion and desire to help the youth and to play the game and coach it.
Q: The recruiting landscape was a lot different in your high school playing days than it is now. Springfield is perceived to be an area with talent on the rise. Why do you think that is, and do you think this area underrated?
A: It’s highly underrated. You got guys that are players, that are big time players in this area. All it is is the opportunity. My school [UMass] took a chance on me, and look at the career I’ve had so far. It’s all about taking the chance on kids. Springfield has had for years some talented players, from Mike Vaz to Julius Walker to Cedric Washington. The names go on, the great players that have gone through those programs. It’s really just about giving a kid an opportunity to prove himself.
Q: How closely have you followed Kieran Presley, the running back from Amherst who is considering several options, including walking-on at UMass?
A: I heard that he may walk on or go to prep school, but I heard he is a phenomenal player.
Q: What life lessons did you learn from your high school coach, Waxie Cullen, that you still hold with you today?
A: Never give up. He used to say, ‘Fight, fight no matter what, fight every single play’, and I’ve taken that with me throughout my whole career. No matter what, and that’s even what I told these kids today. Even though it’s 7-on-7, you fight. Be a competitor. It’s OK to want to win every single time. That’s OK. That’s life. You should want to be successful in everything you do. That was what was instilled in me, that now I want to instill in them.
Q: With the move to FBS, your alma mater has had an increased emphasis on establishing a walk-on tradition. As a former walk-on yourself who’s now in the NFL, what are your thoughts on that strategy?
A: I think it’s a great strategy, because you can find a diamond in the rough that way. I’m not going to say you shouldn’t be out there recruiting and trying to get the top-tier guys from high school to be a part of the program. But to build the final spots of your roster, I mean, the best way to do it is to have you walk on. I was a walk-on, and at the time I was playing they [UMass] had seven All-Americans on defense. Being able to take another guy’s spot –- an All-American’s spot -– to be able to play, that shows a lot. You always find your diamonds in the rough.
Q: Your coach at UMass, Don Brown, is now the defensive coordinator at Boston College. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Donny B, he’s like a father to me. We’re so close. I can only imagine the things he’s going to do with that program on defense. I wish him the best of luck in everything.
Q: For kids themselves trying to walk-on at a Division 1 program, what is the most important thing they can do to make the journey you’ve made?
A: Think big. Think really big. Do not sit there and say, ‘Oh, I’m a walk-on’, and put yourself in a bucket of what you think you are. Think highly of yourself, because then you’ll go out there and perform at a high level and other people will think highly of you. That would be my advice. Think big, and outwork everybody.
Q: Tell me about your foundation, HOPE Africa.
A: We have our big NFL Draft viewing party coming this Thursday in New York, at the Dream Hotel. HOPE Africa is an acronym for ‘Helping Our People Excel’. We provide last-dollar scholarships for students in the United States with African descent. This past year, we sent five kids to college from all over the country –- Ohio State, NYU, Arizona State, Oregon and one other. Being able to do that and help kids achieve their dream is really the most important thing. It stems from my parents doing the same thing, coming from Nigeria to the United States and earning their PhDs in education. At HOPE Africa, we want to give these students the same opportunities to do that.
Q: How proud are you to represent your Nigerian heritage?
A: Very proud, very proud. It’s an honor to be able to have this platform, and to exemplify the foundation with which I was raised on –- my family, my grandparents, the people who worked hard so I could be where I am. To represent that culture on the football field, it is a great honor.
[+] Enlarge
Brendan Hall/ESPNBoston.comFormer New England Patriot James Ihedigbo talked to high school kids at his alma mater Amherst High about his journey from walk-on to undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens.
Brendan Hall/ESPNBoston.comFormer New England Patriot James Ihedigbo talked to high school kids at his alma mater Amherst High about his journey from walk-on to undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens.Play was spirited in the 7-on-7 portion, with several Springfield Central athletes standing out, and Ihedigbo even jumped in at his familiar safety spot when players tired. Following the event, which concluded with a brief awards presentation to top performers, Ihedigbo talked to ESPNBoston.com about his journey in the NFL, the rising football talent in Springfield, and the value of walking-on at a Division 1 program.
Q: With everything that has happened this week in Boston, how has that affected you?
A: It’s heartbreaking. You think the city of Boston to be shut down, and for people to be going through what they’re going through, I know we captured the people that were involved, but the people that are still hurting in those hospital rooms, suffering dramatic life-changing events, my prayers truly go out to their families. I’m a firm believer that God is in control of every situation, and that all things work for good for those who love the Lord. I really just pray that they’re dealing with the situation, and that their families are supporting them in everything.
Q: Being here today, what memories come to mind?
A: Running touchdowns. I was saying to the kids today, I used to dominate this field (laughs). This was my stomping grounds. It’s awesome, it’s awesome to be able to come back here and share this with these guys. I can only imagine the affect it would have had on me if NFL players were to come to me when I was their age, and help me stay on the right path, teach me to be a competitor in the classroom as well as on the football field. It’s awesome, I love to be able to spend the time with them to do that, this is my second year doing it and I look forward to doing a third next year.
Q: You seemed to enjoy playing safety out there today.
A: I love the game, and I want to coach after I’m done playing, so I just have a burning passion and desire to help the youth and to play the game and coach it.
Q: The recruiting landscape was a lot different in your high school playing days than it is now. Springfield is perceived to be an area with talent on the rise. Why do you think that is, and do you think this area underrated?
A: It’s highly underrated. You got guys that are players, that are big time players in this area. All it is is the opportunity. My school [UMass] took a chance on me, and look at the career I’ve had so far. It’s all about taking the chance on kids. Springfield has had for years some talented players, from Mike Vaz to Julius Walker to Cedric Washington. The names go on, the great players that have gone through those programs. It’s really just about giving a kid an opportunity to prove himself.
Q: How closely have you followed Kieran Presley, the running back from Amherst who is considering several options, including walking-on at UMass?
A: I heard that he may walk on or go to prep school, but I heard he is a phenomenal player.
Q: What life lessons did you learn from your high school coach, Waxie Cullen, that you still hold with you today?
A: Never give up. He used to say, ‘Fight, fight no matter what, fight every single play’, and I’ve taken that with me throughout my whole career. No matter what, and that’s even what I told these kids today. Even though it’s 7-on-7, you fight. Be a competitor. It’s OK to want to win every single time. That’s OK. That’s life. You should want to be successful in everything you do. That was what was instilled in me, that now I want to instill in them.
Q: With the move to FBS, your alma mater has had an increased emphasis on establishing a walk-on tradition. As a former walk-on yourself who’s now in the NFL, what are your thoughts on that strategy?
A: I think it’s a great strategy, because you can find a diamond in the rough that way. I’m not going to say you shouldn’t be out there recruiting and trying to get the top-tier guys from high school to be a part of the program. But to build the final spots of your roster, I mean, the best way to do it is to have you walk on. I was a walk-on, and at the time I was playing they [UMass] had seven All-Americans on defense. Being able to take another guy’s spot –- an All-American’s spot -– to be able to play, that shows a lot. You always find your diamonds in the rough.
Q: Your coach at UMass, Don Brown, is now the defensive coordinator at Boston College. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Donny B, he’s like a father to me. We’re so close. I can only imagine the things he’s going to do with that program on defense. I wish him the best of luck in everything.
Q: For kids themselves trying to walk-on at a Division 1 program, what is the most important thing they can do to make the journey you’ve made?
A: Think big. Think really big. Do not sit there and say, ‘Oh, I’m a walk-on’, and put yourself in a bucket of what you think you are. Think highly of yourself, because then you’ll go out there and perform at a high level and other people will think highly of you. That would be my advice. Think big, and outwork everybody.
Q: Tell me about your foundation, HOPE Africa.
A: We have our big NFL Draft viewing party coming this Thursday in New York, at the Dream Hotel. HOPE Africa is an acronym for ‘Helping Our People Excel’. We provide last-dollar scholarships for students in the United States with African descent. This past year, we sent five kids to college from all over the country –- Ohio State, NYU, Arizona State, Oregon and one other. Being able to do that and help kids achieve their dream is really the most important thing. It stems from my parents doing the same thing, coming from Nigeria to the United States and earning their PhDs in education. At HOPE Africa, we want to give these students the same opportunities to do that.
Q: How proud are you to represent your Nigerian heritage?
A: Very proud, very proud. It’s an honor to be able to have this platform, and to exemplify the foundation with which I was raised on –- my family, my grandparents, the people who worked hard so I could be where I am. To represent that culture on the football field, it is a great honor.
Roxbury Latin's Cohee commits to BC
April, 21, 2013
Apr 21
10:19
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
Roxbury Latin tight end/defensive end Kevin Cohee has given a verbal commitment to Boston College, he tells ESPN Boston.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is a resident of Chestnut Hill and becomes the third in-state recruit to join Steve Addazio’s 2014 recruiting class.
“Once they gave me the offer, I was learning toward to committing,” Cohee said in an interview Sunday night. “I didn’t want to commit right away, and I wanted to be sure about it, but it’s been a dream of mine. I grew up going to football games [at BC] and it’s been like a second home to me.”
Cohee is the second Foxes player to give his commitment to BC in as many years, joining signee quarterback Mackay Lowrie.
At the time of his commitment, Cohee also held offers from UMass and UConn.
“They were after Kevin after they saw his game tape, and they pursued him with heartfelt purpose,” Roxbury Latin head coach Pat Ross said. “Coach [Addazio] really wants to build from the inside out, and to build a program that attracts the top Massachusetts kids, and make sure they are here to stay.”
Aside from the chance to play within earshot of his home, Cohee cited BC’s business curriculum and the Eagles’ intent to play within a spread offense as influencing factors.
Though Cohee said he was open to playing on either side of the ball and could be used in multiple roles by the Eagles’ coaching staff.
“[BC] was mostly recruiting from outside states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” Cohee said. “But we’re starting to lay the foundation with the players we have coming in from in-state. I wanted to be a part of that.”
The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is a resident of Chestnut Hill and becomes the third in-state recruit to join Steve Addazio’s 2014 recruiting class.
“Once they gave me the offer, I was learning toward to committing,” Cohee said in an interview Sunday night. “I didn’t want to commit right away, and I wanted to be sure about it, but it’s been a dream of mine. I grew up going to football games [at BC] and it’s been like a second home to me.”
Cohee is the second Foxes player to give his commitment to BC in as many years, joining signee quarterback Mackay Lowrie.
At the time of his commitment, Cohee also held offers from UMass and UConn.
“They were after Kevin after they saw his game tape, and they pursued him with heartfelt purpose,” Roxbury Latin head coach Pat Ross said. “Coach [Addazio] really wants to build from the inside out, and to build a program that attracts the top Massachusetts kids, and make sure they are here to stay.”
Aside from the chance to play within earshot of his home, Cohee cited BC’s business curriculum and the Eagles’ intent to play within a spread offense as influencing factors.
Though Cohee said he was open to playing on either side of the ball and could be used in multiple roles by the Eagles’ coaching staff.
“[BC] was mostly recruiting from outside states, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” Cohee said. “But we’re starting to lay the foundation with the players we have coming in from in-state. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Millis' Jon Baker commits to Boston College
April, 20, 2013
Apr 20
8:35
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Millis/Hopedale Class of 2014 two-way lineman Jon Baker verbally committed to Boston College this afternoon, during an unofficial visit to the Chestnut Hill campus.
The Eagles first offered the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Baker last spring. Baker also had offers from Michigan State, Rutgers, Temple, UConn, UMass, Harvard, Yale, Old Dominion and Holy Cross.
Baker is considered one of the top prospects in New England, and projects as a center for BC. In 2012, his junior season, he registered 78 tackles with four sacks at defensive tackle to earn a spot on ESPNBoston.com's annual All-State Team. He also earned Tri-Valley League Lineman of the Year honors for the second straight year, as the Mohawks made their second straight MIAA Division 4 playoff appearance.
"It's always been probably my top school, and the time just felt right," Baker said. "Beside the fact it's close to home and I love the new coaches, it's a great school, which is something I really look forward to.
BC has been Baker's top choice, but M-H head coach Dale Olmsted admitted surprise by how quickly the commitment came about.
"It came outta nowhere, usually recruiting heats up at this time of year," Olmsted said. "To be honest with you, it came about this morning. Our guys were working out at St. Cyr Academy, Jon woke up and said 'Coach, I want to commit today'. He didn't even tell his mother."
Baker met with Eagles head coach Steve Addazio this afternoon in his office, and after a 20-minute talk gave him a commitment on the spot.
"I like the energy and passion he brings, but also the fact he's an o-line guy, who will be working over there with coach [Justin] Frye," Baker said. "They're going to make us all better players."
The Eagles first offered the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Baker last spring. Baker also had offers from Michigan State, Rutgers, Temple, UConn, UMass, Harvard, Yale, Old Dominion and Holy Cross.
Baker is considered one of the top prospects in New England, and projects as a center for BC. In 2012, his junior season, he registered 78 tackles with four sacks at defensive tackle to earn a spot on ESPNBoston.com's annual All-State Team. He also earned Tri-Valley League Lineman of the Year honors for the second straight year, as the Mohawks made their second straight MIAA Division 4 playoff appearance.
"It's always been probably my top school, and the time just felt right," Baker said. "Beside the fact it's close to home and I love the new coaches, it's a great school, which is something I really look forward to.
BC has been Baker's top choice, but M-H head coach Dale Olmsted admitted surprise by how quickly the commitment came about.
"It came outta nowhere, usually recruiting heats up at this time of year," Olmsted said. "To be honest with you, it came about this morning. Our guys were working out at St. Cyr Academy, Jon woke up and said 'Coach, I want to commit today'. He didn't even tell his mother."
Baker met with Eagles head coach Steve Addazio this afternoon in his office, and after a 20-minute talk gave him a commitment on the spot.
"I like the energy and passion he brings, but also the fact he's an o-line guy, who will be working over there with coach [Justin] Frye," Baker said. "They're going to make us all better players."
Michigan State offers Everett's Figaro
April, 18, 2013
Apr 18
3:51
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Everett High Class of 2014 defensive back Lubern Figaro received his first Big Ten scholarship offer, from Michigan State, he confirmed to ESPNBoston.com this afternoon.
The Spartans become the third Division 1 FBS program to offer the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro, joining Boston College and UMass. Temple has also expressed interest.
"It feels incredible, to have the chance to possibly go to the Big Ten one day," Figaro said. "I'm surprised to get an offer from the Big Ten, they don't really recruit people from Boston."
Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jalen Felix, Gilly De Souza and Wisconsin signee Jakarrie Washington, Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared. Figaro registered 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions for the season.
This marks the second time in as many months that Michigan State has dipped into the Bay State to extend an offer to a Class of 2014 prospect. Last month, the Spartans offered Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, who himself also holds offers from Rutgers, Temple, Ohio, Boston College, UMass and UConn.
The Spartans become the third Division 1 FBS program to offer the 6-foot, 180-pound Figaro, joining Boston College and UMass. Temple has also expressed interest.
"It feels incredible, to have the chance to possibly go to the Big Ten one day," Figaro said. "I'm surprised to get an offer from the Big Ten, they don't really recruit people from Boston."
Figaro started all 13 games this past season for the Crimson Tide, alternating between strong safety and slot cornerback, as they captured their third straight Eastern Mass. Super Bowl title. Alongside seniors Jalen Felix, Gilly De Souza and Wisconsin signee Jakarrie Washington, Everett's secondary was considered the state's most feared. Figaro registered 37 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions for the season.
This marks the second time in as many months that Michigan State has dipped into the Bay State to extend an offer to a Class of 2014 prospect. Last month, the Spartans offered Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, who himself also holds offers from Rutgers, Temple, Ohio, Boston College, UMass and UConn.
Needham's Panepinto Bros. nothing short of super
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
5:12
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
NEEDHAM, Mass. – When Needham lacrosse is operating in the offensive half, you can hear attack Nico Panepinto and his midfielder brother Mike. They go back-and-forth volleying messages about positioning while on the field. They’re equally as vocal during timeouts, going over previous plays and the ways things could have gone better, both on their own and with Needham’s coaching staff.
During an early season league game against Framingham on Thursday, the Panepintos were frustrated through the first half and the Rockets trailed in the third quarter. After a couple of lackluster looks at the cage to start the second half, they finally synced. They began a string of absolute rips on the net, turning a once tight game into a non-competitive one by the fourth quarter.
Offense can be a struggle for all teams this early juncture of the year and the Panepintos are no exception. They understand they’ll improve – and they know they’ll have to improve as the Rockets eye a repeat final appearance at Harvard Stadium come June. But they also know they have one major advantage over their competition; that is the ability to be each other’s harshest critic.
“I think the best thing is that we can say anything to each other and not take it personally,” said Nico, who signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Division 1 Fairfield University in November. “It might sound bad, but if I was open and Mikey took a bad shot, I would tell him, ‘What are you doing.’”
And – perhaps more importantly – the business of lacrosse remains just that.
“Even if we say something not so nice to each other, we get over it pretty fast because we live together,” added Mike, who has a verbal commitment to UMass-Amherst in place.
For the last couple of years, the name Panepinto is synonymous with Needham athletics. Whether working on offense with the Rockets football team or the lacrosse team, they’ve been targeted players by the opposition.
Nico has been among the top offensive weapons in the state on the lacrosse field for the last couple of years. He nearly single-handedly led the Rockets in a second-half comeback bid against Duxbury in last year’s Division 1 state title game. While Needham fell short, 10-8, Nico’s four-goal performance made the Dragons sweat out their ninth championship in a decade and turned a game that was supposed to be a laugher into a spell-binding nail-biter. He finished 2012 with 54 goals and 30 assists while being selected to ESPN Boston’s All-State Team.
Mike, aside from his lacrosse talent, carved out a name for himself during football season last fall. As Rockets head coach Dave Duffy searched for a starting running back during summer scrimmages, Mike moved to the forefront. He won the job and ran with it for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns – good for best among Division 1 teams in Eastern Mass.
Both brothers claim lacrosse is their favorite sport to play, but both echoed the sentiment of the importance of playing different sports.
“It’s just fun,” Mike said. “Why not play football? Why not do something different in the offseason? Plus, college coaches love that. They’re interested in what else you’re doing. I think everybody should play as many sports as they can.”
He tailed off for a moment and then added, “I would play basketball, too, but I’m just so bad at it.”
If basketball is the Pinepintos’ athletic kryptonite, there’s still a lot left over. They take after their father, who went to Hamilton College to play football and ended up adding lacrosse to his repertoire while there. Their mother, Cristina, danced ballet. They always encouraged the boys’ athletic development, but of late lacrosse has come to the forefront – if mostly because it’s portable and less destructive.
“Lacrosse, you can do it anywhere, anytime,” Nico said. “Football is something that’s real organized. You can’t really play a game of pickup football.”
To which Mike chimed in, “Well, we did play football. Until everybody started getting hurt.”
Of course, lacrosse is a shared experience for the brothers. They played together on youth teams and on out-of-season travel teams. That’s developed into a shared brain of lacrosse acumen; two bodies pulling in the same direction, both knowing how the other will react.
Aside from the natural chemistry shared by siblings, they’re also finding out how they fit in the dynamic of this year’s Needham squad. The Rockets are talented with a mixture of Division 1 talent in attack Robbie Pisano (Marquette) and long-stick midfielder Mike Elcock (UMass). But they’re also inexperienced in other areas. So the early season has turned into a bit of a trial by fire, which fits perfectly into head coach Dave Wainwright’s mentality.
“You see it every day in practice and our games, we have four, five different kids playing at attack right now,” Mike said. “Coach says it every time, that every practice, every game is a tryout.”
Still, the Rockets enter the season ranked third in ESPN Boston’s MIAA Top 25 poll. They are among the favorites in Division 1. That might fly in the face of everything Wainwright preaches, but a state championship isn’t outside of the realm of attainable goals. The mindset will not change. All the Rockets have to remember is what they proved in defeat a year ago.
“I think it showed that we have a lot of heart and how far our program has come,” Nico said. “Going into that game, we were looking at the scores that everybody was predicting for the game. We came in as real underdogs, and that’s what we like, being under the radar.”
And for the all the praise that have been heaped upon the Panepinto Bros., they remain understated. Spending even a couple minutes in their combined presence and you’ll find a pair of siblings who legitimately seem to enjoy each other’s company. Nothing is forced. They have a knack – not for finishing each other’s sentences — but for picking up on each other’s thoughts and running with it.
When talking about how they each other’s harshest critic, they both engaged in a bout of putting themselves down – not for lack of confidence, but for out of respect for each other’s accomplishments.
“I wouldn’t say that we’re some kind of dynamic duo or anything,” Mike droned.
But combined, they might just be good enough to get Needham over the hump.
During an early season league game against Framingham on Thursday, the Panepintos were frustrated through the first half and the Rockets trailed in the third quarter. After a couple of lackluster looks at the cage to start the second half, they finally synced. They began a string of absolute rips on the net, turning a once tight game into a non-competitive one by the fourth quarter.
[+] Enlarge
Scott Barboza/ESPNBoston.comNeedham attackman Nico Panepinto was among the state scoring leaders in 2012 with 54 goals and 30 assists while being selected an All-American and to the ESPN Boston All-State Team.
Scott Barboza/ESPNBoston.comNeedham attackman Nico Panepinto was among the state scoring leaders in 2012 with 54 goals and 30 assists while being selected an All-American and to the ESPN Boston All-State Team.“I think the best thing is that we can say anything to each other and not take it personally,” said Nico, who signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Division 1 Fairfield University in November. “It might sound bad, but if I was open and Mikey took a bad shot, I would tell him, ‘What are you doing.’”
And – perhaps more importantly – the business of lacrosse remains just that.
“Even if we say something not so nice to each other, we get over it pretty fast because we live together,” added Mike, who has a verbal commitment to UMass-Amherst in place.
For the last couple of years, the name Panepinto is synonymous with Needham athletics. Whether working on offense with the Rockets football team or the lacrosse team, they’ve been targeted players by the opposition.
Nico has been among the top offensive weapons in the state on the lacrosse field for the last couple of years. He nearly single-handedly led the Rockets in a second-half comeback bid against Duxbury in last year’s Division 1 state title game. While Needham fell short, 10-8, Nico’s four-goal performance made the Dragons sweat out their ninth championship in a decade and turned a game that was supposed to be a laugher into a spell-binding nail-biter. He finished 2012 with 54 goals and 30 assists while being selected to ESPN Boston’s All-State Team.
Mike, aside from his lacrosse talent, carved out a name for himself during football season last fall. As Rockets head coach Dave Duffy searched for a starting running back during summer scrimmages, Mike moved to the forefront. He won the job and ran with it for more than 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns – good for best among Division 1 teams in Eastern Mass.
Both brothers claim lacrosse is their favorite sport to play, but both echoed the sentiment of the importance of playing different sports.
“It’s just fun,” Mike said. “Why not play football? Why not do something different in the offseason? Plus, college coaches love that. They’re interested in what else you’re doing. I think everybody should play as many sports as they can.”
He tailed off for a moment and then added, “I would play basketball, too, but I’m just so bad at it.”
If basketball is the Pinepintos’ athletic kryptonite, there’s still a lot left over. They take after their father, who went to Hamilton College to play football and ended up adding lacrosse to his repertoire while there. Their mother, Cristina, danced ballet. They always encouraged the boys’ athletic development, but of late lacrosse has come to the forefront – if mostly because it’s portable and less destructive.
“Lacrosse, you can do it anywhere, anytime,” Nico said. “Football is something that’s real organized. You can’t really play a game of pickup football.”
To which Mike chimed in, “Well, we did play football. Until everybody started getting hurt.”
Of course, lacrosse is a shared experience for the brothers. They played together on youth teams and on out-of-season travel teams. That’s developed into a shared brain of lacrosse acumen; two bodies pulling in the same direction, both knowing how the other will react.
Aside from the natural chemistry shared by siblings, they’re also finding out how they fit in the dynamic of this year’s Needham squad. The Rockets are talented with a mixture of Division 1 talent in attack Robbie Pisano (Marquette) and long-stick midfielder Mike Elcock (UMass). But they’re also inexperienced in other areas. So the early season has turned into a bit of a trial by fire, which fits perfectly into head coach Dave Wainwright’s mentality.
“You see it every day in practice and our games, we have four, five different kids playing at attack right now,” Mike said. “Coach says it every time, that every practice, every game is a tryout.”
Still, the Rockets enter the season ranked third in ESPN Boston’s MIAA Top 25 poll. They are among the favorites in Division 1. That might fly in the face of everything Wainwright preaches, but a state championship isn’t outside of the realm of attainable goals. The mindset will not change. All the Rockets have to remember is what they proved in defeat a year ago.
“I think it showed that we have a lot of heart and how far our program has come,” Nico said. “Going into that game, we were looking at the scores that everybody was predicting for the game. We came in as real underdogs, and that’s what we like, being under the radar.”
And for the all the praise that have been heaped upon the Panepinto Bros., they remain understated. Spending even a couple minutes in their combined presence and you’ll find a pair of siblings who legitimately seem to enjoy each other’s company. Nothing is forced. They have a knack – not for finishing each other’s sentences — but for picking up on each other’s thoughts and running with it.
When talking about how they each other’s harshest critic, they both engaged in a bout of putting themselves down – not for lack of confidence, but for out of respect for each other’s accomplishments.
“I wouldn’t say that we’re some kind of dynamic duo or anything,” Mike droned.
But combined, they might just be good enough to get Needham over the hump.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its recipients in each sport for its Coach of the Year awards. Each coach will be recognized at the third annual MIAA Coach of the Year/Student-Athlete of the Month banquet on Wednesday, May 29.
Below are the winners:
Below are the winners:
Chris Gould, Amherst - Boys' Outdoor Track
Robert L'Homme, Bishop Feehan - Girls' Cross Country
Thomas Rivet, Chicopee - Boys Soccer
Donald Savi, Dedham - Girls Soccer
Chris Sweet, Duxbury - Boys Lacrosse
Friend Weiler, Duxbury - Girls Ice Hockey
Kirk Fredericks, LincolnSudbury - Baseball
Alyssa Schatzel, Masconomet - Girls Volleyball
Brenda Sullivan, Maynard - Field Hockey
Michael Kirby, Narragansett - Softball
Robert Ryan, New Bedford - Boys Tennis
Wayne Griffin, North Attleborough - Wrestling
Paul Worth, North Shore Tech - Football
Jose Rocha, Peabody - Boys' Cross Country
Shawn Thornton, Pope John XXIII - Girls Basketball
Jeff Nelson, Reading - Boys' Golf
Mark Pierce, St. Bernard's - Boys Basketball
Sotir, Monteiro to walk-on at UMass
April, 9, 2013
Apr 9
10:50
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
A source confirmed to ESPNBoston.com tonight that UMass has added two more in-state prospects to its growing list of preferred walk-ons for the 2013 season.
Bob McGovern of the Maroon Musket was the first to report that Worcester Tech offensive lineman Chris Sotir will be walking-on to the Minutemen's program. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder was a captain for an Eagles squad that went 3-8 this past season.
The source also confirmed that former Brockton High standout Jesse Monteiro will be walking on. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder did a post-graduate season at Tabor Academy this past fall. In 2011 with Brockton, Monteiro caught 14 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, and had two interceptions on defense. Monteiro was an impact at several positions last fall for the Seawolves -- most notably wide receiver, slotback, cornerback and kick returner -- but generally projects to either cornerback or slot receiver at the college level.
That adds to the growing list of Class of 2013 prospects set to walk-on. Sotir and Monteiro join Barnstable's Andrew Ellis, Dennis-Yarmouth's Joe Tyo, Dexter's Costa Toubekis, Medfield's Will Giggi, Mystic Valley's Klysmann Afonso, and Mashpee's Jordan Keli'inui and Zak Orcutt among the preferred in-state walk-ons.
Bob McGovern of the Maroon Musket was the first to report that Worcester Tech offensive lineman Chris Sotir will be walking-on to the Minutemen's program. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder was a captain for an Eagles squad that went 3-8 this past season.
The source also confirmed that former Brockton High standout Jesse Monteiro will be walking on. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder did a post-graduate season at Tabor Academy this past fall. In 2011 with Brockton, Monteiro caught 14 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, and had two interceptions on defense. Monteiro was an impact at several positions last fall for the Seawolves -- most notably wide receiver, slotback, cornerback and kick returner -- but generally projects to either cornerback or slot receiver at the college level.
That adds to the growing list of Class of 2013 prospects set to walk-on. Sotir and Monteiro join Barnstable's Andrew Ellis, Dennis-Yarmouth's Joe Tyo, Dexter's Costa Toubekis, Medfield's Will Giggi, Mystic Valley's Klysmann Afonso, and Mashpee's Jordan Keli'inui and Zak Orcutt among the preferred in-state walk-ons.
James Ihedigbo Invitational set for later this month
April, 9, 2013
Apr 9
1:11
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Former New England Patriot James Ihedigbo will be running his second annual clinic for high school players on Saturday, April 20, at his alma mater Amherst Regional High School.
The day will consist of Ihedigbo -- an Amherst High (2002) and UMass (2007) graduate who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens this past year -- leading off with a welcome speech, followed by individual drills, 7-on-7 passing scrimmages, lunch and an awards presentation.
All high school student-athletes from Massachusetts are invited to participate. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is just $20 to register.
The event is being organized by UMass' Association for Diversity in Sport club. All profits from the James Ihedigbo Invitational will benefit HOPE Africa, an organization he founded in 2007 in an effort to continue his father's dream of helping those back in his home country of Nigeria. HOPE Africa helps deserving African students who have a deep determination to excel through education by providing them scholarships to elite American Universities as well as providing a network of support, resources and opportunities. While in the United States, students will participate in service projects and engagement within their American communities.
For more information, CLICK HERE for the event's website. You can also contact Alex Mercer (amercer@student.umass.edu) or Caleb Engelbourg (cengelbo@student.umass.edu).
The day will consist of Ihedigbo -- an Amherst High (2002) and UMass (2007) graduate who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens this past year -- leading off with a welcome speech, followed by individual drills, 7-on-7 passing scrimmages, lunch and an awards presentation.
All high school student-athletes from Massachusetts are invited to participate. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is just $20 to register.
The event is being organized by UMass' Association for Diversity in Sport club. All profits from the James Ihedigbo Invitational will benefit HOPE Africa, an organization he founded in 2007 in an effort to continue his father's dream of helping those back in his home country of Nigeria. HOPE Africa helps deserving African students who have a deep determination to excel through education by providing them scholarships to elite American Universities as well as providing a network of support, resources and opportunities. While in the United States, students will participate in service projects and engagement within their American communities.
For more information, CLICK HERE for the event's website. You can also contact Alex Mercer (amercer@student.umass.edu) or Caleb Engelbourg (cengelbo@student.umass.edu).
Boston College offers Roxbury Latin's Cohee
April, 3, 2013
Apr 3
12:09
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
In an email this morning to the Boston area media, Roxbury Latin Athletic Director Tony Teixeira confirmed that Class of 2014 tight end/linebacker Kevin Cohee received an offer from Boston College yesterday during a meeting with head coach Steve Addazio.
The Eagles are the third Division 1 FBS school to extend an offer to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee, joining UConn and UMass. Rutgers, Syracuse and NC State have also expressed varying amounts of interest.
This BC offer, however, holds some significant weight. Cohee is a lifelong resident of Chestnut Hill, growing up close to the BC campus.
At this point, it is not agreed upon which side of the ball Cohee ultimately projects. He has interest as a tight end from UConn, while other schools can see him at either tight end or a hybrid linebacker/rush end.
In eight games last fall for the 6-2 Foxes, Cohee had 23 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns, to go along with a team-high 37 tackles, three sacks and a pick-six on defense. He was part of an explosive Foxes offense that saw quarterback Mackay Lowrie -- himself an incoming BC recruit -- set the ISL single-season record for touchdown passes.
Cohee is the sixth in-state player to receive an offer from the Eagles in the Class of 2014 this offseason. BC received a commitment last Friday from Doherty defensive back Isaac Yiadom; they've also offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan.
The Eagles are the third Division 1 FBS school to extend an offer to the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Cohee, joining UConn and UMass. Rutgers, Syracuse and NC State have also expressed varying amounts of interest.
This BC offer, however, holds some significant weight. Cohee is a lifelong resident of Chestnut Hill, growing up close to the BC campus.
At this point, it is not agreed upon which side of the ball Cohee ultimately projects. He has interest as a tight end from UConn, while other schools can see him at either tight end or a hybrid linebacker/rush end.
In eight games last fall for the 6-2 Foxes, Cohee had 23 catches for 364 yards and five touchdowns, to go along with a team-high 37 tackles, three sacks and a pick-six on defense. He was part of an explosive Foxes offense that saw quarterback Mackay Lowrie -- himself an incoming BC recruit -- set the ISL single-season record for touchdown passes.
Cohee is the sixth in-state player to receive an offer from the Eagles in the Class of 2014 this offseason. BC received a commitment last Friday from Doherty defensive back Isaac Yiadom; they've also offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan.
Brooks' Foley: 'I'm going in with an open mind'
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
9:22
PM ET
By
Brendan Hall | ESPNBoston.com
Brooks School recently made a new hire as head football coach, tapping Pat Foley, an experienced veteran with almost a decade of college coaching experience.
Foley, a Newburyport native and Bates College graduate, comes to the North Andover campus after four years as co-defensive coordinator at Colgate University. Prior to that, Foley had stops at Allegheny (Penn.) College, Amherst College and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is also the son of current UConn offensive line coach Mike Foley, considered one of New England's best recruiters.
Monday night, Foley chatted with ESPNBoston.com about coming back to the high school ranks, his lineage as a "football lifer", and the rebuilding challenge with a program that has gone 1-23 since the beginning of the 2010 season.
Why he came back to the high school ranks: "It was really two big things. First was, I had coached in college for 9 years now, absolutely loved the football part of it, but I was looking for a way to be more involved with other aspects of kids lives I think. At the college level, it got to a point where the only interaction I had with kids was on the football side, between practices and team meetings. At Brooks, I'll be more involved in other aspects of their lives. The second thing, seeing the campus and everyting, it's a great place live and raise a family, and that's something I look forward to as well."
On growing up around football with his father: "It was great, growing up around college football. It's obviously a time-consuming thing, there were certain things where he was away from home a lot. But as a young kid that really liked football, I got some awesome opportunities to be around it. I got to see the inside of things that a lot of kids probably don't get the opportunity to see."
His offensive philosophy: "I think in order to be successful you have to be able to run the ball. I understand a lot of offenses are going to the spread thing, but teams can be spread and run the ball. I think you have to be able to run the ball, whether it's out of spread looks or going under center. We're not gonna be one of these teams that throws the ball 55 times a game. We may have spread elements, but it is to run the ball first and foremost."
On the ISL going forward: I think it's a great league. As a college coach, I recruited all of the New England states so I got to see talent all over the place. I got to experience first hand the caliber and type of student you can recruit [in this league], all the ISL schools have great players. A lot of times they may get overlooked, but it's on the rise. The players and competition are only going to get better. At Brooks we hope we can be on the top side of the curve, and increase the talent level there and everything."
Assessing the talent at Brooks: "I'm going into it with a totally open mind. I'm hoping to meet the team later this week, and I'm going in with an open mind. Obviously they've struggled the last few years, but I'm going in with a totally open mind. Between now and when I get on the practice field for the first time, I'm not gonna put too much weight on the past, and see how the guys do moving forward."
Foley, a Newburyport native and Bates College graduate, comes to the North Andover campus after four years as co-defensive coordinator at Colgate University. Prior to that, Foley had stops at Allegheny (Penn.) College, Amherst College and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is also the son of current UConn offensive line coach Mike Foley, considered one of New England's best recruiters.
Monday night, Foley chatted with ESPNBoston.com about coming back to the high school ranks, his lineage as a "football lifer", and the rebuilding challenge with a program that has gone 1-23 since the beginning of the 2010 season.
Why he came back to the high school ranks: "It was really two big things. First was, I had coached in college for 9 years now, absolutely loved the football part of it, but I was looking for a way to be more involved with other aspects of kids lives I think. At the college level, it got to a point where the only interaction I had with kids was on the football side, between practices and team meetings. At Brooks, I'll be more involved in other aspects of their lives. The second thing, seeing the campus and everyting, it's a great place live and raise a family, and that's something I look forward to as well."
On growing up around football with his father: "It was great, growing up around college football. It's obviously a time-consuming thing, there were certain things where he was away from home a lot. But as a young kid that really liked football, I got some awesome opportunities to be around it. I got to see the inside of things that a lot of kids probably don't get the opportunity to see."
His offensive philosophy: "I think in order to be successful you have to be able to run the ball. I understand a lot of offenses are going to the spread thing, but teams can be spread and run the ball. I think you have to be able to run the ball, whether it's out of spread looks or going under center. We're not gonna be one of these teams that throws the ball 55 times a game. We may have spread elements, but it is to run the ball first and foremost."
On the ISL going forward: I think it's a great league. As a college coach, I recruited all of the New England states so I got to see talent all over the place. I got to experience first hand the caliber and type of student you can recruit [in this league], all the ISL schools have great players. A lot of times they may get overlooked, but it's on the rise. The players and competition are only going to get better. At Brooks we hope we can be on the top side of the curve, and increase the talent level there and everything."
Assessing the talent at Brooks: "I'm going into it with a totally open mind. I'm hoping to meet the team later this week, and I'm going in with an open mind. Obviously they've struggled the last few years, but I'm going in with a totally open mind. Between now and when I get on the practice field for the first time, I'm not gonna put too much weight on the past, and see how the guys do moving forward."
March was a pretty good month for Missisquoi Valley Union's Matt St. Amour.
After being selected as Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year for boys basketball, St. Amour finalized his college plans by choosing to continue his basketball career at Division III Middlebury College. St. Amour's other options included walking on at the University of Vermont.
"I've always been a Vermont kid and I felt I always wanted to continue to play in front of my Vermont fans," St. Amour told the Burlington Free Press. "UVM would have been a great opportunity, always been one of my dreams to play for them, but I feel Middlebury was a better fit."
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3 guard, was also named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. He averaged 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game as a senior, when he helped the Thunderbirds (13-9) reach the Division I quarterfinals. He completed his high school career as the No. 3 scorer in state history (2,064 points).
Middlebury has qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament in each of the last six years. The Panthers reached the quarterfinals this season, and finished with a 25-4 record.
"Middlebury told me I was their No. 1 option all along,” St. Amour said. “I know I can be an important role on their team. I felt they were interested in wanting me to play there," St. Amour said. "Middlebury doesn't like to lose that much and that's something that I enjoy.
"I plan on having a successful career and win a national championship -- that's definitely a goal."
TWIN-STATE GAMES MAY RETURN
After the Vermont boys and girls played New Hampshire in the 2010 Twin State All-Star Senior Basketball Classic, many thought the event was dead and buried.
The games lacked interest – primarily on the New Hampshire side – and sponsors became hard to find. Vermont recently received a commitment from the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches' Association, however, and the event may return as soon as this summer. Representatives from each state are scheduled to meet in April in an attempt to bring the games back to life.
The Twin State Classic has always been a doubleheader with the top girls basketball players from each state facing one another before the boys game. The games were last held at the University of Vermont's Patrick Gymnasium.
The New Hampshire boys and girls teams each hold an 18-12 edge in the series.
SHRINE ROSTER RELEASED
There are still three spots to fill on the Vermont Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl team, but a preliminary roster was released in mid-March. Vermont will play New Hampshire on Aug. 3 (5:30 p.m.) at Dartmouth College's Memorial Field. It will be the first night game in the event's history.
Jason Thomas of Burr & Burton Academy is Vermont's head coach. Mascoma Regional's Ray Kershaw is coaching New Hampshire's.
New Hampshire won last summer's game 62-24 to extend its winning streak to 12 games. New Hampshire leads the series 44-13-2.
Vermont roster: Zachary Rawling (Bellows Falls), Zachary Tarvit (Bellows Falls), Darren Callan (BFA-St. Albans), Dylan Callan (BFA-St. Albans), Lucas Kelsey (BFA-St. Albans), Doug Saffo (BFA-St. Albans), Ryan Wimble (BFA-Fairfax), Tyler Higley (Brattleboro), Billy Katon (Burlington), Chris Redding (Burr & Burton), Jake Stalcup (Burr & Burton), Alec Distler (Champlain Valley), Harvey Ottinger (Champlain Valley), Bobby Brigante (Colchester), Noah MacGillivary (Essex), James Olsen (Essex), Joey Picard (Essex), Joseph Ramada (Essex), Cody Bradish (Fair Haven), Dakota Euber (Fair Haven), Josh Claflin (Hartford), Nolan Frechette (Hartford), Taylor Potter (Hartford), Walter Odell (Middlebury), Wade Steele (Mount Abraham), Carter Glenn (Mount Mansfield), Dan Warnecke (Poultney), Billy O'Brien (Rice), Matthew Hock (Rutland), Jon Kilian (Spaulding), Ed Doton (Woodstock), Travis Gault (Woodstock), Jalen Peterson (Woodstock).
WINTER RECAP
Scores from the championship games in basketball and hockey:
Boys' basketball
Division I: Rice 48, St. Johnsbury
Division II: Vergennes 62, Burr & Burton 49
Division III: Williamstown 63, Thetford 39
Division IV: Rochester 68, West Rutland 43
Girls' basketball
Division I: Champlain Valley 47, Rice 42
Division II: Mount Abraham 44, BFA-Fairfax 28
Division III: Winooski 52, Williamstown 48
Division IV: Proctor 55, Arlington 38
Boys' hockey
Division I: South Burlington 4, Champlain Valley 2
Division II: U-32 5, Burr & Burton 2
Girls' hockey
Division I: BFA-St. Albans 3, Essex 0
Division II: Harwood 1, North Country 0
Roger Brown is a staff writer for the New Hampshire Union Leader and has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.
After being selected as Vermont's Gatorade Player of the Year for boys basketball, St. Amour finalized his college plans by choosing to continue his basketball career at Division III Middlebury College. St. Amour's other options included walking on at the University of Vermont.
"I've always been a Vermont kid and I felt I always wanted to continue to play in front of my Vermont fans," St. Amour told the Burlington Free Press. "UVM would have been a great opportunity, always been one of my dreams to play for them, but I feel Middlebury was a better fit."
St. Amour, a 6-foot-3 guard, was also named the state's Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior. He averaged 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game as a senior, when he helped the Thunderbirds (13-9) reach the Division I quarterfinals. He completed his high school career as the No. 3 scorer in state history (2,064 points).
Middlebury has qualified for the NCAA Division III tournament in each of the last six years. The Panthers reached the quarterfinals this season, and finished with a 25-4 record.
"Middlebury told me I was their No. 1 option all along,” St. Amour said. “I know I can be an important role on their team. I felt they were interested in wanting me to play there," St. Amour said. "Middlebury doesn't like to lose that much and that's something that I enjoy.
"I plan on having a successful career and win a national championship -- that's definitely a goal."
TWIN-STATE GAMES MAY RETURN
After the Vermont boys and girls played New Hampshire in the 2010 Twin State All-Star Senior Basketball Classic, many thought the event was dead and buried.
The games lacked interest – primarily on the New Hampshire side – and sponsors became hard to find. Vermont recently received a commitment from the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches' Association, however, and the event may return as soon as this summer. Representatives from each state are scheduled to meet in April in an attempt to bring the games back to life.
The Twin State Classic has always been a doubleheader with the top girls basketball players from each state facing one another before the boys game. The games were last held at the University of Vermont's Patrick Gymnasium.
The New Hampshire boys and girls teams each hold an 18-12 edge in the series.
SHRINE ROSTER RELEASED
There are still three spots to fill on the Vermont Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl team, but a preliminary roster was released in mid-March. Vermont will play New Hampshire on Aug. 3 (5:30 p.m.) at Dartmouth College's Memorial Field. It will be the first night game in the event's history.
Jason Thomas of Burr & Burton Academy is Vermont's head coach. Mascoma Regional's Ray Kershaw is coaching New Hampshire's.
New Hampshire won last summer's game 62-24 to extend its winning streak to 12 games. New Hampshire leads the series 44-13-2.
Vermont roster: Zachary Rawling (Bellows Falls), Zachary Tarvit (Bellows Falls), Darren Callan (BFA-St. Albans), Dylan Callan (BFA-St. Albans), Lucas Kelsey (BFA-St. Albans), Doug Saffo (BFA-St. Albans), Ryan Wimble (BFA-Fairfax), Tyler Higley (Brattleboro), Billy Katon (Burlington), Chris Redding (Burr & Burton), Jake Stalcup (Burr & Burton), Alec Distler (Champlain Valley), Harvey Ottinger (Champlain Valley), Bobby Brigante (Colchester), Noah MacGillivary (Essex), James Olsen (Essex), Joey Picard (Essex), Joseph Ramada (Essex), Cody Bradish (Fair Haven), Dakota Euber (Fair Haven), Josh Claflin (Hartford), Nolan Frechette (Hartford), Taylor Potter (Hartford), Walter Odell (Middlebury), Wade Steele (Mount Abraham), Carter Glenn (Mount Mansfield), Dan Warnecke (Poultney), Billy O'Brien (Rice), Matthew Hock (Rutland), Jon Kilian (Spaulding), Ed Doton (Woodstock), Travis Gault (Woodstock), Jalen Peterson (Woodstock).
WINTER RECAP
Scores from the championship games in basketball and hockey:
Boys' basketball
Division I: Rice 48, St. Johnsbury
Division II: Vergennes 62, Burr & Burton 49
Division III: Williamstown 63, Thetford 39
Division IV: Rochester 68, West Rutland 43
Girls' basketball
Division I: Champlain Valley 47, Rice 42
Division II: Mount Abraham 44, BFA-Fairfax 28
Division III: Winooski 52, Williamstown 48
Division IV: Proctor 55, Arlington 38
Boys' hockey
Division I: South Burlington 4, Champlain Valley 2
Division II: U-32 5, Burr & Burton 2
Girls' hockey
Division I: BFA-St. Albans 3, Essex 0
Division II: Harwood 1, North Country 0
Roger Brown is a staff writer for the New Hampshire Union Leader and has been covering high school sports throughout New England since 1992.
Doherty's Yiadom commits to Boston College
March, 29, 2013
Mar 29
1:13
AM ET
By Chris Bradley | ESPNBoston.com
Doherty High junior wide receiver/defensive back Isaac Yiadom told ESPNBoston.com on Thursday night that he has committed to Boston College for the fall of 2014.
Yiadom was officially offered a scholarship from the Eagles following his visit to Tuesday’s spring practice, an offer that he said he was both expecting and hoping for. UConn followed up with an offer on Wednesday, but he said at that point his mind was just about made up.
“After spring practice, I was with one of the assistants. He said everything is great about the school -— the athletics, the school...The city of Boston," Yiadom said. "They treat me as a son, like family, like I’m part of their family."
Yiadom led the Highlanders to a 9-3 record last year, compiling 1,267 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns on offense, as well as 78 tackles and 6 interceptions on defense. He picked up offers earlier this year from Holy Cross and Bryant, and had also seen varying amounts of interest from UMass, and Virginia Tech. Yiadom is originally from the Virginia area.
“When I went to spring practice they had been showing interest a lot, I knew they were going to offer me. I’m close with [defensive coordinator Don Brown],” he said. "It means a lot to me, they’re definitely going to turn their program around. I want to be part of that, we’re the first recruiting class that they’re recruiting.”
He also said that the academic aspect that goes along with being a student-athlete at BC was an attractive factor to him. Yiadom has maintained a 3.6 GPA in the classroom and wanted to pick a school where he could get a great education.
“That’s why my dad loves BC, he wanted me to go there," Yiadom said. "I wouldn’t have trouble getting a good job if I don’t [go to the NFL]. If I had to choose any school in New England, close to my family, or really any school in the country, it’s BC. Everybody there is real.”
Yiadom grew up watching former Doherty star Yawin Smallwood, who is a redshirt junior at UConn. Smallwood led the Huskies’ defense last year with 120 tackles.
“I talk to him pretty often, when he comes home I see him. We usually just talk about his life at college and things like that,” Yiadom said.
Yiadom is also the first scholarship player from the Worcester-based Inter-High Conference to commit to BC since former New England Patriots defensive tackle Ron Brace joined the Eagles in 2005, out of Burncoat High, Doherty's archrival.
Boston College has one other commitment so far in the 2014 class, from Norwich Free Academy (Conn.) running back Marcus Outlow. Head coach Steve Addazio and his staff are making a strong push towards several in-state products in the 2014 class. So far they have offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and Tabor Academy athlete Miles Wright.
Yiadom was officially offered a scholarship from the Eagles following his visit to Tuesday’s spring practice, an offer that he said he was both expecting and hoping for. UConn followed up with an offer on Wednesday, but he said at that point his mind was just about made up.
“After spring practice, I was with one of the assistants. He said everything is great about the school -— the athletics, the school...The city of Boston," Yiadom said. "They treat me as a son, like family, like I’m part of their family."
Yiadom led the Highlanders to a 9-3 record last year, compiling 1,267 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns on offense, as well as 78 tackles and 6 interceptions on defense. He picked up offers earlier this year from Holy Cross and Bryant, and had also seen varying amounts of interest from UMass, and Virginia Tech. Yiadom is originally from the Virginia area.
“When I went to spring practice they had been showing interest a lot, I knew they were going to offer me. I’m close with [defensive coordinator Don Brown],” he said. "It means a lot to me, they’re definitely going to turn their program around. I want to be part of that, we’re the first recruiting class that they’re recruiting.”
He also said that the academic aspect that goes along with being a student-athlete at BC was an attractive factor to him. Yiadom has maintained a 3.6 GPA in the classroom and wanted to pick a school where he could get a great education.
“That’s why my dad loves BC, he wanted me to go there," Yiadom said. "I wouldn’t have trouble getting a good job if I don’t [go to the NFL]. If I had to choose any school in New England, close to my family, or really any school in the country, it’s BC. Everybody there is real.”
Yiadom grew up watching former Doherty star Yawin Smallwood, who is a redshirt junior at UConn. Smallwood led the Huskies’ defense last year with 120 tackles.
“I talk to him pretty often, when he comes home I see him. We usually just talk about his life at college and things like that,” Yiadom said.
Yiadom is also the first scholarship player from the Worcester-based Inter-High Conference to commit to BC since former New England Patriots defensive tackle Ron Brace joined the Eagles in 2005, out of Burncoat High, Doherty's archrival.
Boston College has one other commitment so far in the 2014 class, from Norwich Free Academy (Conn.) running back Marcus Outlow. Head coach Steve Addazio and his staff are making a strong push towards several in-state products in the 2014 class. So far they have offered St. John's Prep running back Jonathan Thomas, Millis/Hopedale lineman Jon Baker, St. Sebastian's linebacker Connor Strachan, Everett defensive back Lubern Figaro, and Tabor Academy athlete Miles Wright.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Scott Barboza
Scott Barboza joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools editor/reporter in May 2010. He spent the previous three seasons working in the New England Patriots media relations department after a stint at the Taunton Daily Gazette, where he covered everything from Little League baseball to the Boston Red Sox. The Fall River native is a graduate of Emerson College. He can be reached at sbarboza@espnboston.com.
Brendan Hall
Brendan Hall joined ESPNBoston.com as a high schools reporter/editor in May 2010, after four years covering high schools for The Boston Globe. The Westminster, Mass. native also served on the Globe's Bruins beat last season. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst. He can be reached at bhall@espnboston.com.
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
Medfield lax defenseman Ben Cox has committed to Vermont, per @Med_Lax.
7 minutes ago
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
RT @Med_Lax: Congrats to @Med_Lax senior defenseman Ben Cox on his commitment to @UVMmlax @bostonlaxnet @blerch27 @ESPNBostonHS @LaxPower …
8 minutes ago
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
RT @duxlaxnation: Congrats to former Captain James Burke on being named to the All #CAA Rookie Team!!
32 minutes ago
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
Heading to Danvers, where No. 1 St. John's Prep is hosting No. 5 St. John's (Shrewsbury). Prep won the first meeting last month, 2-1
36 minutes ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
Bedford officially announces Peter Dion as its new boys ice hockey coach
51 minutes ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
RT @BedfordBucs: Congratulations to Pete Dion! Bedford's new ice hockey head coach @bedfordhockey
about an hour ago
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
Canton boys' lax now strives for perfection http://t.co/YPyoTinIif
about 2 hours ago
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
ICYMI, from yesterday: St. John's Prep alum Jared Coppola continues making strides in long recovery from paralysis http://t.co/6fXXXKL3n1
about 2 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
Canton boys' lax now strives for perfection http://t.co/pCvI2SeFnB
about 6 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @pn_baseball: Final: Plymouth North 6 Dennis Yarmouth 3
about 6 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @marc_thaler: Me? "Warm it up". // MT @BHallESPN: #RIP Chris Kelly from Kris Kross. "Jump" is their biggest hit, but I was partial to "I…
about 6 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @UMassMACFB: Congrats to Cox, Milhim, Speller & Thellen! #UMassMade #NFL http://t.co/FnEJl2NvBQ
about 8 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @SLakeathletics: SL baseball Won 7-3 Mike Lundin improved to 4-0. Matt Koch had the GWRBI in the top of 7th as SL qualified for the tour…
about 8 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
Canton boys' lax now strives for perfection http://t.co/4zvonqkqGM
about 11 hours ago
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
Recap: Lincoln-Sudbury 2, No. 3 BC High 1 http://t.co/q9J2PjcZPu #baseball
about 15 hours ago
- ESPNScottB Scott Barboza
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
Recap: Lincoln-Sudbury 2, No. 3 BC High 1 http://t.co/WQ9MGvX5je
about 15 hours ago
- ESPNBostonHS ESPNBoston HS
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
Baseball Recap: Lincoln-Sudbury 2, No. 3 BC High 1 http://t.co/2RM1gP5Rny
about 15 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @CCHSsport: Girls Lacrosse loses a tough game vs North Andover 8-4
about 16 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @_ChrisBradley: Heck of a game we saw between L-S and BC High today. Expecting another tomorrow, as SJ Shrewsbury travels to Danvers to …
about 16 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall
RT @MattWilliams_SN: 320 pitches between Peabody and Danvers tonight. 22-half-innings, and in 15 of them there was at least 1 baserunner. S…
about 16 hours ago
- BHallESPN Brendan Hall