After School Sports practices start this week in earnest. There are no fixtures (games) this week in any sport.
Girls Lacrosse and Boys Lacrosse will practice (weather permitting) outside on the school fields. Tennis will be on Monday in the lower school gym and then for the rest of the week (weather permitting) at the Town of Washington courts in Millbrook.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM TAKES IT “EASY” AT PARENT/TEACHER GAME – BY COACH OUELLETTE
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when my varsity basketball team wanted to “take it easy” on the parents and teachers at their annual meeting in the Bontecou Gym. I wanted them to continue their “killer instinct” and “bury” this team, but my wishes did not win the day. This was the first time I gave in and let them make this opponent “feel good” about themselves. The first half ended with the parents/teachers leading by three points, when we really should have been up by ten. Our team got carried away with this idea that this opponent needed to be given a “pass”.
My competitive juices just couldn’t take this “laissez faire” attitude, so I was hoping we would “put it” to this opponent in the second half. But it wasn’t to be.
Mrs. Bettigole, the “smooth as silk” 4th grade legend led all scorers with 16 points, many with 2 or 3 of our players hanging all over her. Mr. Cissel, playing in his first game, added 8 points and showed he still had the wheels to compete with a much better opponent. Mr. Depetris, that “very cool” music teacher poured in 10 points, many with a defender right in his face. Super-sub, Mrs. Yager dropped a beautiful shot from long range in for two, while Mr. Pink added a basket even after twisting his ankle minutes before the game. Rounding out the teachers was Ms. Schoch, moving fantastic without the ball, something every coach dreams his players would do. Parents Chuck Dull (10 points), Jim Baker (2 points), and Frank Christensen (4 points) rounded out the team and added some great shooting and defense to the mix. Trainer Ryan Stevens, a very wonderful part of the entire DDS sports program, showed some fluid moves throughout the game. We can’t thank Ryan enough for all he does for DDS sports.
My guys felt very good about letting the parents/teachers win this one. Griffin Wilson and Hudson Kuras combined for 17 points and played their usual solid game, while Adam Baker, Cooper Davis, Shriman Balasubramanian, and Austin Christensen combined for 12 points and all finished their careers at DDS. It was fitting that the six graduating players did all the scoring for DDS. Great job Guys! A “fifth” quarter saw more scoring from the eight graders and a nice shot for two, just inside the three-point line, by Christian Ouellette. Rounding out the game with some great play were Danielle Stamer, Jackson Ryan, Roan Gideon, and Matthew Stapylton. Ben Poholchuk, out with a broken collarbone, showed his support for his team by joining them on the bench.
The action on the sideline was just as busy as the game itself. TJ Sayah handled the timer duties for the game and did a great job. Super-sillious sixth graders Chloe Green, Hadley and Isabel Stack, and Sophie Perekslis, aka Sofy Tm, Iz2y, and other creative monikers, added tons of laughs, “informative” basketball insight, and beautiful smiles at the scorers table. Thank you girls for helping with the score-keeping duties. Also, a big thank you to the DDS tiger for “bringing in” the varsity team for the last time this year. Ms.Carly Augustus-Kokoni played the tiger, ably assisted by Ms. Claire Shope, the trainer of this unruly beast. Thank you ladies. A final nod to Tom Hart, the best ref I have ever worked with at this level. He really loves what he does and is great at it. Thanks Tom.
Well, that wraps up another fantastic basketball season at DDS. My thanks to all the parents for their wonderful support throughout the season. I hope you enjoyed watching your children play as much as I did coaching them.
My competitive juices just couldn’t take this “laissez faire” attitude, so I was hoping we would “put it” to this opponent in the second half. But it wasn’t to be.
Mrs. Bettigole, the “smooth as silk” 4th grade legend led all scorers with 16 points, many with 2 or 3 of our players hanging all over her. Mr. Cissel, playing in his first game, added 8 points and showed he still had the wheels to compete with a much better opponent. Mr. Depetris, that “very cool” music teacher poured in 10 points, many with a defender right in his face. Super-sub, Mrs. Yager dropped a beautiful shot from long range in for two, while Mr. Pink added a basket even after twisting his ankle minutes before the game. Rounding out the teachers was Ms. Schoch, moving fantastic without the ball, something every coach dreams his players would do. Parents Chuck Dull (10 points), Jim Baker (2 points), and Frank Christensen (4 points) rounded out the team and added some great shooting and defense to the mix. Trainer Ryan Stevens, a very wonderful part of the entire DDS sports program, showed some fluid moves throughout the game. We can’t thank Ryan enough for all he does for DDS sports.
My guys felt very good about letting the parents/teachers win this one. Griffin Wilson and Hudson Kuras combined for 17 points and played their usual solid game, while Adam Baker, Cooper Davis, Shriman Balasubramanian, and Austin Christensen combined for 12 points and all finished their careers at DDS. It was fitting that the six graduating players did all the scoring for DDS. Great job Guys! A “fifth” quarter saw more scoring from the eight graders and a nice shot for two, just inside the three-point line, by Christian Ouellette. Rounding out the game with some great play were Danielle Stamer, Jackson Ryan, Roan Gideon, and Matthew Stapylton. Ben Poholchuk, out with a broken collarbone, showed his support for his team by joining them on the bench.
The action on the sideline was just as busy as the game itself. TJ Sayah handled the timer duties for the game and did a great job. Super-sillious sixth graders Chloe Green, Hadley and Isabel Stack, and Sophie Perekslis, aka Sofy Tm, Iz2y, and other creative monikers, added tons of laughs, “informative” basketball insight, and beautiful smiles at the scorers table. Thank you girls for helping with the score-keeping duties. Also, a big thank you to the DDS tiger for “bringing in” the varsity team for the last time this year. Ms.Carly Augustus-Kokoni played the tiger, ably assisted by Ms. Claire Shope, the trainer of this unruly beast. Thank you ladies. A final nod to Tom Hart, the best ref I have ever worked with at this level. He really loves what he does and is great at it. Thanks Tom.
Well, that wraps up another fantastic basketball season at DDS. My thanks to all the parents for their wonderful support throughout the season. I hope you enjoyed watching your children play as much as I did coaching them.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
DDS Basketball and Volleyball Teams Prepare to take on Eager Faculty and Parents.
This last week before Spring Break sees the final Volleyball and Basketball games of the year. Both DDS teams take on the faculty and parents in what promise to be two very competitive games.
Wednesday March 5th is the Varsity Volleyball team v Faculty/Parents in the Lower School Gym (top gym) starting at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday March 6th is the Varsity Basketball team v Faculty/Parents in the Upper SChool Gym (bottom gym)starting at 3:30 p.m.
Parents of DDS players on both teams are welcome to play. Just show up and you are in the team! If you don't want to play, please come along and give your support!
Wednesday March 5th is the Varsity Volleyball team v Faculty/Parents in the Lower School Gym (top gym) starting at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday March 6th is the Varsity Basketball team v Faculty/Parents in the Upper SChool Gym (bottom gym)starting at 3:30 p.m.
Parents of DDS players on both teams are welcome to play. Just show up and you are in the team! If you don't want to play, please come along and give your support!
Coach "O" - Thanks for Two Great Seasons of Basketball
On Monday afternoon (March 3rd), DDS Varsity Basketball Coach, Roger Ouellette, held an end of season pizza party for all Varsity and JV Basketball players. It was Coach "O"'s pen-ultimate* appearance as the Varsity Coach and it was fitting that all the players and many parents were there to say goodbye and thanks to a man that is not only a fine basketball coach, but one that has encouraged and nurtured his players throughout two very successful seasons. The Varsity players in their gratitude to Coach "O", bought him a new track-suit and presented him with a signed basketball from all the Varsity players. On behalf of Dutchess Day School, I would like to thank Roger not only for all that he has done for our basketball program, but also for all his support for the Athletic Department and the School generally. We wish him all the best for the future and hope that he takes away with him many fond memories of Dutchess Day School! Good Luck Coach!
* Coach "0"'s final appearance as coach of the Varsity Basketball team is on Thursday March 6th in charge against the faculty and parent team!
* Coach "0"'s final appearance as coach of the Varsity Basketball team is on Thursday March 6th in charge against the faculty and parent team!
JV Volleyball "End of Year Summary Report" by Mrs Yager
The JV volleyball team has had a successful season. The team was comprised of 5 new fifth graders and 2 veteran sixth graders. By the end of the season every member of the team had contributed to the team's total points by getting their serve over the net and greatly improving their bumping and setting skills. Our only competition was Rumsey's varsity team, leaving us with a 0-3 record, but the JV team combined with the varsity to defeat Melrose and Westover.
Many thanks to the varsity players for mentoring the team as they served as role models and excellent competition. We are looking forward to recruiting new members next year to increase the depth of our team.
Many thanks to the varsity players for mentoring the team as they served as role models and excellent competition. We are looking forward to recruiting new members next year to increase the depth of our team.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
VARSITY BASKETBALL ENDS SEASON WITH VICTORY OVER WOODSTOCK-DDS-49-WOODSTOCK-12 – By Coach Ouellette
A normally powerful Woodstock team traveled to DDS missing two of their strong players. I was disappointed that we were not going to have a replay of our season ending game of last year. It was a fantastic game with Woodstock beating us by four. It wasn’t to be this year, however. With only seven players, Woodstock just didn’t have the manpower to face our strong team. With us up 6-0, I immediately began subbing, knowing that it was going to be a long game. It just so happened that everyone I put in was hitting his or her shots. I wished that I could have swapped our shooting percentage of yesterday’s game for today. Everything I tried to do to keep the score down was not working and I felt poorly about the score. I was hoping to have the eighth graders finish their careers in the game and not on the bench, but it wasn’t to be.
Leading all scorers was tri-captain Griffin Wilson with 13 points. Griffin, once again, led the team with some great fast break lay-ups and some real heads-up defense. Griffin’s total offensive output for the year was 188 points. I don’t know the output of past DDS players but this has to be right up there at the top for a single season record. Griffin’s quiet leadership was key to our success this season. Austin Christensen exploded to the basket and culminated his career with a ten-point game. Austin went to the basket like a proven veteran and looked so good doing it. Tri-captain Adam Baker finished the game and his career with six points and was a force under the basket. Adam was our defensive leader throughout the season and is one of the reasons for our very successful season. He worked hard at every practice and in every game and was an excellent example for the younger kids. Danielle Stamer, Roan Gideon, and visiting JV player Sean Gorwara all had four points. Tri-captain Hudson Kuras, making his first and final appearance after coming back from a broken finger, had two points along with Cooper Davis, Jackson Ryan, and Matthew Stapylton. It was great to see Hudson back on the court, running all over with boundless energy. I think we would have been undefeated with a healthy Hudson. We missed his smile, high energy and leadership during his absence and I’m glad he was able to play in the last game.
It would be unfair of me not to give a special nod to Danielle Stamer. Danielle is the first female player I have ever coached in my career. She has set a very high standard for any female player that I coach in the future. She started a few games as a sixth grader last year and every game this year. She was a real force on defense. Watching her play against that very large Rumsey center made me know that this young person will not back down from anything or anyone. Watch out for her next year. As her offensive game develops, Danielle will be a coach’s dream. Dani will always hold a special place in my heart.
I also must mention Shriman and Cooper as they wind up their careers. Cooper is gifted in so many ways and added much more to our team than just his basketball skills. He was always around with a quick smile or a silly joke. His spirit was contagious.
Shriman is my gentle soul. He has such a kind and loving nature. I was always trying to get him to keep his gentle soul but become a tiger on the outside. He had a great season and blossomed into a great player.
As I did in yesterday’s game, I invited the remaining six JV players to “suit-up” and they all were able to get some playing time. They included Sebastian Barry, TJ Sayah, Jon Hill, Sean Gorwara, Maggie Dull, and Bernadette Winby.
The varsity ended their season with a tremendous 11-2 record. Congratulations DDS Varsity!
We all must now say goodbye to our fantastic class of 2008. It has been my pleasure coaching these six very special kids for two years. They have improved tremendously as players and continue to grow and mature into very fine young gentlemen. I am so proud of each of them and I thank them for their commitment to the program, their strong participation, and the respect they have shown me. I salute them and will miss my time with them. These special young people are Griffin Wilson, Hudson Kuras, Adam Baker, Cooper Davis, Austin Christensen, and Shriman Balasubramanian. Goodbye my young friends and may your lives be filled with nothing but “tailwinds”.
Leading all scorers was tri-captain Griffin Wilson with 13 points. Griffin, once again, led the team with some great fast break lay-ups and some real heads-up defense. Griffin’s total offensive output for the year was 188 points. I don’t know the output of past DDS players but this has to be right up there at the top for a single season record. Griffin’s quiet leadership was key to our success this season. Austin Christensen exploded to the basket and culminated his career with a ten-point game. Austin went to the basket like a proven veteran and looked so good doing it. Tri-captain Adam Baker finished the game and his career with six points and was a force under the basket. Adam was our defensive leader throughout the season and is one of the reasons for our very successful season. He worked hard at every practice and in every game and was an excellent example for the younger kids. Danielle Stamer, Roan Gideon, and visiting JV player Sean Gorwara all had four points. Tri-captain Hudson Kuras, making his first and final appearance after coming back from a broken finger, had two points along with Cooper Davis, Jackson Ryan, and Matthew Stapylton. It was great to see Hudson back on the court, running all over with boundless energy. I think we would have been undefeated with a healthy Hudson. We missed his smile, high energy and leadership during his absence and I’m glad he was able to play in the last game.
It would be unfair of me not to give a special nod to Danielle Stamer. Danielle is the first female player I have ever coached in my career. She has set a very high standard for any female player that I coach in the future. She started a few games as a sixth grader last year and every game this year. She was a real force on defense. Watching her play against that very large Rumsey center made me know that this young person will not back down from anything or anyone. Watch out for her next year. As her offensive game develops, Danielle will be a coach’s dream. Dani will always hold a special place in my heart.
I also must mention Shriman and Cooper as they wind up their careers. Cooper is gifted in so many ways and added much more to our team than just his basketball skills. He was always around with a quick smile or a silly joke. His spirit was contagious.
Shriman is my gentle soul. He has such a kind and loving nature. I was always trying to get him to keep his gentle soul but become a tiger on the outside. He had a great season and blossomed into a great player.
As I did in yesterday’s game, I invited the remaining six JV players to “suit-up” and they all were able to get some playing time. They included Sebastian Barry, TJ Sayah, Jon Hill, Sean Gorwara, Maggie Dull, and Bernadette Winby.
The varsity ended their season with a tremendous 11-2 record. Congratulations DDS Varsity!
We all must now say goodbye to our fantastic class of 2008. It has been my pleasure coaching these six very special kids for two years. They have improved tremendously as players and continue to grow and mature into very fine young gentlemen. I am so proud of each of them and I thank them for their commitment to the program, their strong participation, and the respect they have shown me. I salute them and will miss my time with them. These special young people are Griffin Wilson, Hudson Kuras, Adam Baker, Cooper Davis, Austin Christensen, and Shriman Balasubramanian. Goodbye my young friends and may your lives be filled with nothing but “tailwinds”.
VARSITY BASKETBALL WINS SQUEAKER OVER MIZZENTOP-DDS-23-MIZZENTOP-19 – by Coach Ouellette
It is always great to have Mizzentop come to DDS. No matter what Rachael, their coach has for talent, they always come to play hard and win. Today’s game was no exception.
It just so happened that this was our worst shooting game of the season. Thanks to super scorekeeper, Craig Digilio, I was able to see how many shots each player took and how many they made. As a team who scores consistently in the thirties and forties, this was a very low scoring game. Our team shooting was just over 20%, nowhere near our 40% shooting average for all our other games. That was what really made this a close game. Captain Griffin Wilson led the team with 12 points and his usually crisp ball handling. Shriman Bala poured in 8 points and has showed his tremendous improvement going to the basket and finishing off the lay-up. He looks so comfortable under the basket, as he grabs rebounds and starts the fast break action. Captain Adam Baker had a basket and led the defense with some strong positioning on the 2-3 zone and some key rebounds. Finishing out the scoring was Austin Christensen with a free throw. Austin has done a great job filing in for the injured Hudson Kuras and has showed tremendous improvement with his driving to the basket. He was making some great moves to the hoop but they just weren’t dropping for him. Keep it up Austin; they will drop sooner rather than later.
Danielle Stamer was in overdrive trying to score, but she too was having problems getting the ball to drop. It wasn’t due to lack of trying or hustle. Danielle’s defense in the back of the zone, along with Adam and Shriman made the difference for our cold shooting day. Without their defense, it would have been another story. We were lucky to escape with a win and congratulate Mizzentop on a great game.
This game had a special fifth quarter. I invited six JV players to dress for the varsity game with no expectation of playing time. Tom Hart, our fantastic home court referee, volunteered to ref a fifth quarter and Rachael, the coach of Mizzentop, loved the idea. We had a great eight-minute quarter with all our JV players getting a chance to play at the varsity level. It was great to see Taylor Digilio, Matthew Pelletier, David and Nick Akst, Nick Salnikoff, and Alex Quartararo playing their hearts out against some very good competition. It was great fun to coach these future “stars” and I think they really had a great time. I know I did!
It just so happened that this was our worst shooting game of the season. Thanks to super scorekeeper, Craig Digilio, I was able to see how many shots each player took and how many they made. As a team who scores consistently in the thirties and forties, this was a very low scoring game. Our team shooting was just over 20%, nowhere near our 40% shooting average for all our other games. That was what really made this a close game. Captain Griffin Wilson led the team with 12 points and his usually crisp ball handling. Shriman Bala poured in 8 points and has showed his tremendous improvement going to the basket and finishing off the lay-up. He looks so comfortable under the basket, as he grabs rebounds and starts the fast break action. Captain Adam Baker had a basket and led the defense with some strong positioning on the 2-3 zone and some key rebounds. Finishing out the scoring was Austin Christensen with a free throw. Austin has done a great job filing in for the injured Hudson Kuras and has showed tremendous improvement with his driving to the basket. He was making some great moves to the hoop but they just weren’t dropping for him. Keep it up Austin; they will drop sooner rather than later.
Danielle Stamer was in overdrive trying to score, but she too was having problems getting the ball to drop. It wasn’t due to lack of trying or hustle. Danielle’s defense in the back of the zone, along with Adam and Shriman made the difference for our cold shooting day. Without their defense, it would have been another story. We were lucky to escape with a win and congratulate Mizzentop on a great game.
This game had a special fifth quarter. I invited six JV players to dress for the varsity game with no expectation of playing time. Tom Hart, our fantastic home court referee, volunteered to ref a fifth quarter and Rachael, the coach of Mizzentop, loved the idea. We had a great eight-minute quarter with all our JV players getting a chance to play at the varsity level. It was great to see Taylor Digilio, Matthew Pelletier, David and Nick Akst, Nick Salnikoff, and Alex Quartararo playing their hearts out against some very good competition. It was great fun to coach these future “stars” and I think they really had a great time. I know I did!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)