Hamden Daily News - Your hometown cyberpaper

April 25, 2007

Begina Will be Missed

By Tony Mentone

SPORTS COMMUNITY LOSES SUPPORTER

With the untimely passing of Hamden Superintendent Dr. Alida Begina, the sports community has lost a true friend. Dr. Begina always understood the value of athletics for students. She guided the construction of the field renovations at Hamden High. Dr. Begina helped restore middle school sports. She also started the Hamden High School Athletic Hall of Fame dinner as part of the Hamden Education Foundation. She was responsible for implementing boys' and girls' lacrosse and field hockey as well as restoring freshman sports at the high school. Her greatest contribution was the example she set with her ferocious and dignified battle against a horrible disease.

IMUS IN THE ???

As many of you know, I spent last week in Houston, Texas, at the Little League International Congress. Every time I returned to my room and switched on the TV, there was a story about “shock jock” Don Imus and his comments about the Rutgers girls’ basketball team. Although my column is about Hamden sports, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to offer my two cents.

I don’t personally know Don Imus, but I have listened to him for so many years I feel like I do. Imus is one of the most brilliant commentators on social mores in our country, and like it or not, he is funny. I can’t think of a group of people that he hasn’t insulted -- Catholics, Jews, Italians, Irish, athletes, doctors, lawyers, etc., etc. Politicians who now condemn him often rushed to his show to be insulted by him.

Imus is a brilliant comedian in the same way “Archie Bunker” was. He makes us think about what we believe in and what we think. There is no question he went over the line in talking about some innocent college athletes. But Imus is not prejudiced. He dislikes everyone.

I don’t think anyone should be judged by one incident. Imus, a former addict himself, has helped numerous addicts in recovery. He raises money for sick kids. Imus and his wife, Deirdre, developed a horse ranch and a hospital for kids with cancer. He was instrumental in starting a medical center for injured soldiers. He never inquired about the person's race, color or creed. Imus sometimes goes over the line but he helps those who need it, and I believe the whole incident was blown out of proportion.

OPENING DAY

On April 4, the Hamden High Green Dragon baseball team met the North Haven Indians in the first game of the season for both teams. The sky was gray and overcast. There was a stiff breeze with the temperature hovering around freezing.

Despite snow a week before with rain and frigid temps, the Hamden High grounds crew -- led by groundskeeper Al Novickis and assisted by the Parks & Recreation Department -- made the field looked like a diamond in the rough.

Adding to the excitement for the 125 faithful attending the game was the new sound system purchased by the Hamden Baseball Booster Club. With Ken “the Voice” Devoe, an alumni parent at the microphone announcing players and playing appropriate songs, an air of electricity permeated the game.

The game was not a disappointment. The Indians jumped out to a 3-0 lead. After Hamden’s Greg Pacelli hit a home run that coach Tony DeAngelo said was whistling as it left the infield, the Dragons scratched back to tie the game at the end of six innings. North Haven scored one in the seventh but in the bottom of the seventh, the Dragons had runners on second and third when Rob Davis looped a ball over the shortstop’s head. But the North Haven left fielder made a “circus” catch to end the Dragons’ rally.

VETS HONORED

Hamden High hockey captain Jack Vets (HHS ’07) has been named to the New Haven Register’s All-Area as well as the All-State hockey team. Vets led the team with 28 points on 14 goals and 14 assists. The right-winger led the Ice Dragons to a 12-8-2 record and the quarter-finals of the Division I State Tournament.

Goalie Anthony Avitable (HHS ’09) and defenseman Pat MacGregor (HHS ’09) were named as honorable mention on the All-State Team.

MAJOR LEAGUES??

“I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it.” After 40 years of coaching baseball, I have an athlete who played for me on the way to the major leagues. Jeff Natale played for the HFBA Jackie Vets Little League on a team I coached. He also played Babe Ruth and American Legion in Hamden before playing for Westminster Prep and Trinity College. Jeff, a Red Sox second-base prospect, will play for the Portland, Maine, Sea Dogs Double A this season.

I take no credit for Jeff’s success. The only credit I take is that I was smart enough to pick him in the draft when he was 10. Other coaches didn’t want him because he was also an excellent hockey player and they were afraid he would drift towards hockey.

Natale’s success lies with his talent and family support. His father, Tony, a recently retired Hamden police officer, attended most games. Tony helped coach Jeff whenever he could. He constantly hit Jeff ground balls and pitched to him to sharpen his son's skills. His teacher mother, Barbara, and younger brother Matt were also at most games to lend their support.

Jeff’s grandfather, deceased Hamden veteran police officer Pasquale, also came to most games. He didn’t say much but he always smiled proudly at Jeff’s accomplishments.

Tony Mentone is a game assistant at Hamden High School. He has been active in Hamden sports for over 40 years as both a volunteer and paid football, basketball and baseball coach. Tony is currently an assigning commissioner for the Greater New Haven Umpires Association and the assistant district administrator of Connecticut District 4 Little League. He also sits on the town's Parks & Recreation Commission. Please send info and announcements about youth sports or Hamden High sports to tonymentone@yahoo.com.

April 4, 2007

Wintergreen Boys Phenomenal

By Tony Mentone

RINK HOURS

The Lou Astorino Rink will be open for public skating April 9-13 from 12:30 p. m. to 2:30 p. m. Admission is $5; skate rental is $4.

On April 13 from 6:30 p. m. to 8:30 p. m., there will be a fundraiser for Pop Warner Football. The public is invited.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Steve Delgrego (HHS ’86) played golf at Hamden High. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and is a prescriptive physical education teacher at Hamden High. He is also the golf coach where he won the state title in 2003. He lives in Hamden and has two daughters, 7 and 4.

OPENING DAY

Today is the opening day for scholastic sports in Connecticut. Check out the weekly schedule in the Hamden Daily News and pick your favorite sport and plan to attend.

REDDICK-DIXON NAMED ALL-AREA

Hamden senior center Marquell Reddick-Dixon has been named to the New Haven Register’s 2006-07 All-Area Basketball Team. He averaged a double-double for the year --12.1 points and 10.3 rebounds. He was also named all-state honorable mention.

EVANS RETIRES

Hamden resident Peter Evans has retired as a high school basketball coach after 23 years. He has over 23 victories at the former Richard C. Lee and Career Regional high schools, both in New Haven.

He won a Class LL state championship in 1976 as well as going to the semifinals four times. Among the topnotch players he coached were Sly Williams (Rhode Island University), Theron Mayes (Florida State), Larry Kelley (Syracuse), Donald Fleming (Harvard) and Geary Clayton (Penn State).

Evans is also a past honoree of the New Haven Tap-Off Club.

DINNAN SHINES

Courtney Dinnan (HHS ’08) has been named to the New Haven Register All-Area Girls Indoor Track Team. Dinnan is the premier distance runner in the area. She holds the Hamden High record in both the 1,000 and 3,200. She was also a double winner in the SCC conference championships.

WINTERGREEN MAKES HISTORY

Wintergreen Magnet School boys' basketball team compiled a 10-0 record. The eighth-grade class was the first kindergarten at the magnet and will now be graduating after nine years.

The team was coached by former Hamden Councilmen Henry Candido and Paul Jacques.

Participating on the team were eighth-grade captains Dante Brito, Matthew Dinnan and DJ Griffin. Also, eighth-graders TyQuan Cooper, Reggie Mayo, EJ Reynolds, David Rose, Richard Swarthout and Melvin Younger; seventh-graders Brandon Martin and Jeremiah Pearson; sixth-graders Bryce Barnes, Lawrence McGill, Michael Smith and Pierre Strong.

The Wintergreen Girls' Magnet Team, coached by Jennifer Zaneski and assisted by Paul Jacques, also had a stellar season. The girls improved in every game and finished fourth in the “Digging Diversity” girls’ basketball tournament held at Amistad Academy. Participating were Emily Ardito, Veronica Bitz, Crystal Campbell, Kendal Driffin, Courtney Hobson, Julia Iassogna, Taylor Jacques and Shannon Knox. Also, Janaijah Lloyd, Briana Mastel, Kevonna Spann, Cahmere Streater, Tanisha Stroud, Quintisha Upchurch and Whitney White. Team manager was Jordan Jacques.

NO COLUMN FOR 14 DAYS

There will be no “Tony Talks Sports” for the next two weeks. I have been selected as a representative of the eastern region to the Tri-annual International Little League convention in Houston, Texas.

The hot topic will be metal versus wooden bats. I will report more about this when I get back.

Just because I am not here is no reason to miss any contests. Schedules will appear in the HDN.

March 28, 2007

Kudos to the Pepper Pots

By Tony Mentone

FLAPJACK SUCCESS

The Hamden High School cheerleaders (pictured above) held a successful pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday morning at Applebee’s Restaurant on Dixwell Avenue.

TOUGH KIDS

Old-timers are fond of saying, “They don’t make tough kids like they used to.” Sometimes, I agree with my colleagues but this is not true about most kids who participate in spring sports in New England.

You start by putting on a T-shirt, then a long-sleeve T and either a sweater or sweatshirt or both. Then a jacket and gloves. Now try to swing a golf club or a baseball bat.

Head baseball coach Tony DeAngelo has to have a team ready to play on April 4. He is lucky to get a full week on the field. “There is always a weather problem but the late snow this year makes it doubly challenging,” he said. “Obviously, all the fields are covered with snow and all the teams are trying to use the gym. Thank God for the batting cage that was purchased by the Hamden Education Foundation a few years ago.”

Girls’ tennis coach Peter Finch has the same problems as DeAngelo. He also has to have his team ready for an April 4 match. “We will have very little court time between now and then but we will just have to do the best we can,” he said. “ I am an advocate of moving tennis to the fall.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

John Aurora (HHS ’90) played both football and baseball while at Hamden and graduated from Union College. He is a physical education teacher in town and was baseball coach at the Hyde Leadership Academy for several years.

He lives in Hamden with his wife. He also has a real estate license and owns a home maintenance business.

ALL-AREA

Alexa Ahrem (HHS ’08) has been named to the New Haven Register 2007 All-Area Gymnastics Team. She had a high score of 9.7 on the floor exercises and vault, and a 9.6 on the balance beam. Ahrem was third in the all-around at the SCC championships and an ankle injury forced her out of the state open.

THE OTHER TEAM

It takes a lot to get a team on the field. There are physicals, schedules, bus schedules, uniforms, practice schedules, equipment, officials, field maintenance, etc. One of the most important areas is the maintenance crew.

The “pepper pot” of the team is Tony Castellano. Castellano has been in the system since 1989 and was assigned to pool maintenance in 2001. He is in constant motion as he clears the pool deck and makes sure the water is crystal clear. On most days, the pool is used from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., including Saturdays.

The most experienced member of the team is Tony Gambardella. He started working in the system in 1980 and was assigned to the gym and locker room area in 1982. Gambardella is Mr. Dependable. He takes pride in his area and makes sure it is always clean no matter what.

Al Navickis is definitely the go-to guy. Navickis has been a member of the custodial staff since 1998. In July 2000 he was made a groundskeeper at Hamden High. Navickis takes care of the fields like they are his own back yard. He is often called on by other staff members for help.

Just added to the staff is Ron Kittredge, who will be manning the pool at night.

NEW ARRIVAL

Head badminton coach and assistant track coach John Sudusky and his wife, Josune Azpiri, are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Josune was born in Spain and teaches Spanish at Hamden High.

The bundle of joy was born on Feb. 25 and weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces. His name is Luis Azpiri Sudusky.

BLAKE HONORED

Chelsea Blake (HHS ’07) has been selected to the New Haven Register 2006-07 Girls’ Area Basketball Team. Blake averaged 17.3 points for Hamden, which advanced to the Class LL finals. She plans to attend New York University.

BOY SWIMMERS EXCEL

The Hamden boys’ swim teams finished seventh in the Class LL state meet. Seniors Tim Cyr, Jon Caplan, Ben Strobel, Heesan Park and Pat Serisin led the Water Dragons to a 6-7 dual meet mark.

LOU ASTORINO RINK

On March 30, the rink will host a Skate For Life benefiting the Relay For Life. The public is invited to participate.

March 21, 2007

Hamden Tied for Top State Hockey Champs

By Tony Mentone

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Despite the weather, spring sports tryouts and practices started this Monday. Hamden High offers baseball, softball, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, boys’ and girls’ tennis, golf and boys’ and girls’ outdoor track. Look for the weekly schedule and scoreboard every Monday in the HDN.

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

The Hamden High School Women’s Sports Federation is accepting nominations for its 2006-07 awards. Any female student-athlete enrolled at Hamden High is eligible. Categories are Sportswoman of the Year, High School 6th Player Award, for seniors only, the Leadership Award, Scholar-Athlete Award, Community Service Award, Sportsmanship Award and Spirit Award.

To nominate, contact the Hamden women’s sports federation c/o Ann Pari, 39 Harrison Drive, Hamden, CT 06514, or call 281.3839.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Rich Andreozzi (HHS ’77) played baseball, basketball and soccer. Due to the demands put on student-athletes, it is very unusual for today’s athlete to compete in three sports.

Andreozzi lives in Hamden and is a supervisor at the state Department of Children and Families. He also owns a landscaping service and was instrumental in re-establishing the Hamden High Baseball Booster Club. He has two sons who were varsity athletes at Hamden and a daughter who plays field hockey.

HAMDEN DAILY NEWS

We are Hamden’s only hometown cyberpaper. If you advertise with us, your ad will be seen 24/7 and the site is updated at least five days a week. We have an effective ad system, which gives you exposure on every page. Also, we are looking for a sponsor for a new feature we would like to add -- the Hamden High School athlete of the week. Please contact me for details.

HOCKEY HISTORY

Since the CIAC State Hockey Tournament’s inception in 1964, Hamden has won the title 12 times. Fairfield Prep, which last week captured the title, is now tied with Hamden for the most championships.

NEW SOFTBALL COACHES

Two new coaches have been appointed to assist veteran Hamden High softball coach Andy Porto.

Tracy Coppella (HHS ’03) was a catcher for coach Porto and was captain of the 2003 team. She is currently a student at Southern Connecticut State University and coached at Amity. She has been assigned to the junior varsity team.

Peter Zoppi has also been hired and will work with freshmen. Zoppi has an extensive softball background. He played eight years with the Raybestos Cardinals and a year with the Allentown Sunners.

Zoppi coached at the University of New Haven for five years. He previously coached three years at Hamden and four years as head coach at Lyman Hall before returning to Hamden this year. He is a physical education teacher at Hamden Middle School.

March 14, 2007

Boys’ Basketball Finishes 16-6

By Tony Mentone

DRAGON PUPS

The Hamden High boys’ freshman basketball team had a stellar season, finishing 13-6. The team was led by Anthony Guess and Grenshawn Sutton. “Both players played hard on both sides of the ball,” said coach John Hanna.

The Dragon Pups lost in overtime to undefeated Cheshire in the last game of the year, and beat Xavier freshmen, who had not been beaten in two years.

Also participating were Cameron Davis, Christopher Fitzsimmons, Michael Guess, Isaac Gyimah, Brandon Jennings, Quincy Johnson, Jason Lassister, Isaiah Morgan, Byron Pinkson and Thomas Williams

WHERE ARE THEY NOW – TWIN TERRORS?

Twins Tom and Mark Vece (HHS ’95) both played hockey and football at Hamden High. Tom went on to Eastern Connecticut State University and is currently a history teacher at Hamden High. He lives in North Haven and has two daughters, Katie, 3, and Emily, 8 months.

Mark graduated from Quinnipiac University. He is the general manager of the family-owned business, Whalley Glass. He lives in Wallingford and has two children, Andy, 5, and Abby, 4.

DIVERS EXCEL

Hamden High divers Tim Cyr (HHS ’08) and Andy Strauss (HHS ’07) finished sixth and 12th respectively in the Class LL CIAC finals held at Hamden High. Cyr scored 338.05 and Strauss 269.95.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL BOWS OUT

On March 8, Hamden boys’ basketball was bounced from the CIAC boys’ basketball tournament in an exciting overtime contest in Manchester against East Catholic. The Dragons were behind 25-18 at the half, but battled back in the second half to tie the game at 42. Hamden was outscored 9-6 in the overtime stanza. Hi Jackson led Hamden with 17 points.

Hamden finished the season with a 16-6 record.

BOYS’ HOCKEY FINISHES STRONG

It is said in hockey that the team with the “hot” goalie has an advantage. This was definitely the case in Notre dame of Fairfield’s 3-1 win over Hamden in the quarterfinals of the state tournament at Ingalls Rink last Saturday. Hamden’s Anthony Avitable had a great game in the goal, stopping at least three breakaways among his 19 saves. But Notre Dame of Fairfield’s goalie Hubert Morin had 33 saves, many of the spectacular variety.

The Green Dragons did everything they could do except put the puck in the net. They out-shot; out-skated and out-hustled the Lancers but just couldn’t seem to find the back of the net.

Last Wednesday, Hamden beat Tri-Town 5-4 to reach the quarterfinals on Saturday.

JUST MY OPINION

In Manchester on March 9, the Hamden High boys’ basketball team played East Catholic of Manchester at 8 p.m. in the second round of the CIAC Tournament. The following comments do not have to do with winning or losing, but rather what’s best for kids.

Manchester is over an hour away from Hamden. In my opinion, starting a high school game at 8 o’clock on a weeknight is unconscionable. Hamden had to leave by 6 p.m. As luck would have it, the game went into overtime and the bus didn’t return until almost 11 p.m. with school scheduled for the next day.

I was told there was some kind of conflict with the gym and the game had to be played at 8 p.m. We sometimes forget that the game is for the kids -- both players and student body. Playing an important tournament game at 8 p.m. over an hour away on a weeknight is not in the best interest of players or fans.

March 7, 2007

Lady Dragons’ Great Season

By Tony Mentone

TRADITION ROLLS ON

On Feb. 28, the Hamden boys’ ice hockey team played archrival Notre Dame of West Haven in the last home contest, which traditionally honors the seniors for their commitment to the program. Notre Dame ranked third in the state and was the sure favorite over eighth-ranked Hamden.

Led by the goaltending of Jamie DellaCamera (HHS ’07) with 24 saves, the Green Dragons won 4-2. Hamden goals were scored by Mike Acabbo (HHS ’07), Mike Pierne (HHS ’09), Pat MacGregor (HHS ’09) and Jack Vets (HHS ’07).

Seniors honored were Mike Acabbo, Kyle Amarone, Nick Bakos, J.P. Capela, Jamie DellaCamera, Evan Marlow, Greg Pacelli and Jack Vets.

Tonight at 6 p.m. at the Lou Astorino rink, the tradition rolls on as Hamden plays in a first-round game in its quest for the State LL Division 1 championship. The game promises to be entertaining as the eighth-ranked Dragons (11-7-2) meet Tri-town (18-2-0) a co-op team consisting of the towns of Ellington, East Windsor and Somers.

Call a friend and become part of the tradition by attending the game. Get there early because as many of us know, parking is at a premium.

GYMNASTIC GEM

In the State Open Gymnastics meet held at Southbury, Hamden’s Alexa Ahrem finished fifth in the vault with a score of 9.525.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

John Ceneri (HHS ’77) played football and track at Hamden High School. He graduated from SCSU and is currently a physical education teacher at Hamden High and the varsity girls’ basketball coach.

He lives in East Haven with his wife, Patty Aloi, and their two daughters who were both varsity athletes at East Haven High. Marissa graduated from SCSU and JoAnna is in the graduate program at UCONN.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ENDS GREAT SEASON

The Hamden girls’ basketball team has wrapped up a great season. The Lady Dragons were two points away from the final four, losing 64-62 in the quarterfinals of the Class LL State Tournament last Saturday at Woodland High School.

Hamden was down by three to Torrington when senior Chelsea Blake tied the score on a three-pointer with eight seconds left. Torrington came down court and scored at the buzzer to dash Hamden’s hopes of a state championship.

The Dragons advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating South Windsor 64-42 and Newtown 55-48 earlier in the week. Coach John Ceneri said he was proud of his team: “They worked hard all year and we got much more than we expected of them.”

BOYS’ BASKETBALL ADVANCES

The Hamden boys’ basketball team has advanced to the second round of the Class LL Tournament by defeating Greenwich High School on Monday night at the Hamden High gym.

The Dragons were losing 53-48 at the end of the third period. However, the Dragons exploded for 25 points in the last period while holding Greenwich to 11. Hamden was led by Keith Myrik with 18 points and Marquell Reddick-Dixon with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Hamden advances to the next round tonight at 8 p.m. in Manchester against East Catholic.

CHEERLEADERS -- RAH, RAH, RAH

On March 3, the competitive cheerleading team headed to East Haven High for the New England Open Cheerleading Competition.

They were entered in the “small intermediate” division. Many of the teams had 20 contestants while Hamden with nine was the smallest team. Hamden finished second, leading coach Chris Wilson to comment, “Big things come in small packages.”

February 28, 2007

Gymnast Ahrem Outstanding

By Tony Mentone

COACHES CLINIC

Former Hamden Little Leaguer Todd Mathewson is the director of baseball operations at Frozen Ropes, a baseball/softball training facility in Orange. He will conduct a seminar entitled “Perfect Practice Makes Practice Perfect” on Monday, March 12, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 1, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 799.7673 to make reservations.

GIRLS ICE HOCKEY

The Hamden girls’ ice hockey team was beaten by Hand of Madison 3-1 in the first round of the Central Connecticut Girls’ Hockey League Tournament on Feb. 24 at the Northford Ice Pavillion. Freshman goalie Sinead Crotty (HHS ’10) had 35 saves for the Hamden High Dragons. Chelsea Gilman (HHS ’08) netted Hamden’s only goal, assisted by Jessica Morgillo (HHS ’08) in their loss against Hand.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jared Beck (HHS ’90) graduated from Hampton University. When he was at Hamden, he played football and basketball. Beck lives in Hamden and is a teacher in the New Haven public school system. He is currently assistant basketball and football coach at Hamden High.

FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER

The Hamden High cheerleaders will hold a pancake breakfast on March 24 at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar at 2400 Dixwell Ave. from 8 a.m. to10 a.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from any cheerleader.

BABY DRAGONS

The Hamden girls’ freshman basketball team finished the season with a 10-10 record. The Dragons were led by high-scorers Hannah May and Destiny Waldron. Other members of the team include Alex Sparks, Zanna Lawrence, Rebecca Palmarozza, Raquel Stewart, Carli Knox, Holleigh Coles, Jackie Smith and Chanelle Howard. Coach Jill Feldman said, “I am extremely proud of this year’s team. They worked hard every day to improve their skills. We were competitive in every game.”

GYMNAST SCORES HIGH

Hamden High gymnast Alexa Ahrem had an outstanding meet at the Class L Championships on Feb. 24 at Law High School. Ahrem earned a spot in the State Open in the all-around by finishing fourth and scoring 37.425 points. She took third on the bars, floor and balance beam.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL FORGES ON

No. 6 seed Hamden High boys’ basketball won the quarterfinal game over third-seeded Xavier in the quarterfinals of the SCC Tournament. Hamden is scheduled to play No. 2 ranked Wilbur Cross, a winner over Branford. The semi-final game was scheduled for Monday, but due to inclement weather, will be played today at 6 p.m. at East Haven High. On Monday, March 5, the boys begin their quest for the state LL CIAC championship. The game will be played at the HHS gym, time and opponent to be announced.

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY QUALIFIES

Boys’ ice hockey, under the direction of coach Bill Verneris, have qualified for the state Class LL tournament. Play begins March 5 at a site and an opponent to be determined.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

It doesn’t get much better than this Wednesday, Feb. 28.

BOYS’ SWIMMING – SCC Championships at Wesleyan University at 7 p.m.

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY – Senior night activities against traditional rival Notre Dame, West Haven, at Lou Astorino Rink at 6 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL – Second round of SCC Tournament vs. Wilbur Cross at East Haven High at 6:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL – Second round of CIAC Tournament at 7 p.m., Hamden High gym.

Pick one and go out and support your favorite team!

February 21, 2007

House Bill 5505 provides for an enhanced penalty for assaulting a sports official. Senate Bill 215 provides for an enhanced penalty for assaulting a sports official, coach or certified teacher.

If you believe as I do that we need these bills to help curtail some of the violence that goes on in high school and youth sports, please contact your local state legislator to express your approval.

Jason Johns (HHS ’94) and Kaitlin Piccirillo (HHS ’98) are married and expecting their first child in late August. Jason was a hockey player at Hamden and played for Iona College hockey. He works for the Connecticut Department of Corrections. Kaitlin was a soccer player at Hamden High. She played soccer and lacrosse at Stonehill College. She is a math teacher at Hamden High. She also coached soccer and lacrosse.

On Feb. 12, as the crowd waited in anticipation, Chelsea Blake (HHS ’07) scored her 1,000th career point for Hamden High’s girls’ basketball team. The game was against archrival Sacred Heart Academy and Blake needed 23 points to reach the 1,000 mark. The crowd on hand for senior night activities was finally fulfilled when Blake hit a short jumper at the end of the third period. Her teammates filed on the court to congratulate her and the game was stopped as she was presented with the ball with which she scored.

Despite 17 points from senior Melissa Teel, the Hamden girls’ basketball team lost to Mercy in the quarterfinal of the SCC Tournament. This was the third time Mercy beat Hamden this year.

The Lady Dragons will now begin to prepare for the state CIAC LL Tournament, which begins on Feb. 26 at Hamden High School.

The senior players on the girls’ Lady Dragons basketball team were honored before the last home game of the regular season against Sacred Heart Academy. Coach John Ceneri said, “I am going to miss them, especially at practice. It was their strong will, determination and desire to win that had a strong influence on our team.” Seniors honored were Chelsea Blake, Melissa Teel, Justina Udenze and Somadina Iworisha.

The Hamden High boys’ basketball team has qualified as the sixth seed in the SCC Tournament. They will play Xavier at East Haven High this Saturday at 6 p.m.

The Hamden High girls’ ice hockey team has qualified for the Central Connecticut Girls’ Hockey League Tournament. They will play Feb. 24, opponent and time to be determined.

Courtney Dinnan (HHS ’08), one of the state’s premier distance runners, competed in the Class L Open last Saturday at the New Haven Fieldhouse. Dinnan finished third in the 3,200 and broke the Hamden High record with a time of 11.12. She finished fourth in the 1,000 meters with a personal best of 3.01.

The Hamden and Amity boys’ JV basketball game was tied at 48-48. The clock showed .002 seconds remaining. Hamden in-bounded the ball to Fred Boateng on the poolside of the gym about 2 feet inside the end line to the right of the basket. Boateng caught the ball and heaved it toward the basket on the other end of the court. As the ball left his hand, it seemed like time stood still as everyone watched the ball fly like a dart to the basket. SWISH. The ball went into the basket and the 150 or so faithful erupted into a frenzy. A full-court, 85-foot shot is usually only seen on highlight films. Hamden had won! No, they had not. The rules state that with .004 seconds or less remaining, you can only score on a “tip in.” The referee was right on the call and waved the basket off.

Hamden eventually won the game in overtime, but the gym was still buzzing about the shot an hour later. Ralph “Babe” Antonio, an attendant at the game and a member of the first-ever Hamden High basketball team in the ’40s, said in all the games he has watched over the years he had never seen anything like that.

Joe Weber (HHS ’96) has been recommended to be an assistant baseball coach at Hamden High. Weber is a graduate of Western New England College. He played football at Hamden and is currently a math teacher and assistant girls’ ice hockey coach. If the recommendation is accepted, he will probably be assigned to the freshman team.

Tiffany DeRosa (HHS ’04) is a junior at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. She is a starter at point guard and captain of the girls’ basketball team, and averages 12.7 points per game.

DeRosa is a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. She is a dean’s list student with a double major in elementary education and psychology. She will coach an AAU team this summer.

The girls’ basketball team has qualified for the SCC Tournament with a fifth seed. At press time, they were scheduled to play fourth seed Mercy at 2 p.m. this Saturday at West Haven High School. With one game remaining against Cheshire tonight, the Lady Dragons are 15-4.

Both Hamden boys’ and girls’ basketball have qualified for the CIAC Tournament. The girls begin play on Feb. 26 and the boys on March 5. Opponents are yet to be determined.

Longtime Hamden coach Pete Laffin (HHS ’72) has retired from coaching after a 29-year career. Laffin coached track and field, specializing in the pole vault, at both Hamden and Lyman Hall high schools. He was also an assistant football coach at Hamden High. Laffin boasts that he has coached 13 All-Staters and two All-Americans.

John Scalzo, longtime area youth baseball coach, has been named assistant baseball coach at Hamden High. Scalzo was a volunteer coach with the freshman team last year and will work with the JV’s this year.