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• Celebrating 30 Years of Hamden Hall Basketball

  2/1/2024
  Victor Joshua Jr. 2012
  Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed Hamden Hall Basketball alumni, faculty, and guests, welcome back to our cherished campus. Your presence today is more than an honor; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of our basketball tradition. As we embark on this journey through the rich history of Hamden Hall basketball, let's celebrate the players and moments that have shaped our legacy.
  
  At the heart of this legacy stands the legendary David "Coach B" Beckerman. From 1993 to 2004, Coach B led our Varsity Basketball team, achieving a remarkable milestone of 10 consecutive years with 22 wins or more. Under his guidance, Hamden Hall secured eight New England Championships, including an unprecedented six consecutive victories from 1998 to 2004. Coach B's impact extended beyond the court, producing nearly 20 college-bound players during his tenure.
  
  Let's journey through the pivotal eras that shaped the legacy of Hamden Hall basketball, both before and after Coach B's remarkable reign. In the pre-Coach B era, luminaries like Troy Bradford, a 1000-point scorer at Hamden Hall, not only left an indelible mark on our school but went on to become a standout at Fairfield University, earning prestigious spots in both the MAAC Hall of Fame and The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
  
  Transitioning into Coach B's tenure, we witnessed the emergence of an extraordinary ensemble of talents – Zac King, Harry Stanley, Roland Jones, Matt McCleggon, Avery Esdaile, and Carl Bond. This dynamic mix included the trio of 1000-point scorers Harry Stanley, Roland Jones, and Zac King, alongside the tenacious Avery Esdaile who showcased his skills at Wesleyan University, the versatile Matt McCleggon who made his mark at Brown University, and the exceptional athlete Carl Bond, who excelled in football at UCONN. These players continued the winning tradition while also etching their names in history as part of the team that secured Hamden Hall's first New England Championship in 1994 – a monumental achievement we celebrate three decades later this season. As we honor the legacy of these extraordinary individuals, their contributions serve as the foundation for the enduring success of Hamden Hall basketball.
  
  In celebrating the 30th anniversary of our first New England Championship, let's honor those who laid the foundation for our success. The electrifying era of Danny Oglesby, Scott Draughn, Casey Hughes secured four New England Class D Championships for Hamden Hall under the coaching prowess of Coach B. Danny Oglesby, a scoring sensation, made an incredible mark on Hamden Hall's basketball legacy. From 1997 to 2002, Danny showcased unparalleled skill, amassing an extraordinary 3,049 points during his five-season tenure. His prowess on the court earned him the distinction of being the New Haven Register’s Area MVP in 2002. Beyond Hamden Hall, Danny continued to make waves in collegiate basketball, playing for both the University of South Florida and Fairfield University. Notably, he still holds the all-time state scoring record, a testament to his scoring prowess that remains unmatched. Scott Draughn and Casey Hughes complemented Oglesby, forming a formidable trio that etched its name in Hamden Hall history. Both players achieved the remarkable feat of scoring over 1,000 points during their respective careers, leaving an indelible impact on the program. Scott Draughn, in particular, left an enduring legacy by holding the school rebounding records for both the season and career. His dominance on the boards showcased his versatility and contribution to the team's overall success. Scott went on the play at Winthrop University and Casey down the road at Yale University. Together, Danny Oglesby, Scott Draughn, and Casey Hughes were instrumental in securing four New England Class D Championships under the coaching of David "Coach B" Beckerman. Their combined talents, dedication, and leadership not only elevated Hamden Hall to new heights but also set the stage for future generations of Hornets to strive for excellence on the basketball court.
  
  Coach B's legacy persisted, with his player Keith Kaliszewski taking up the coaching reins. Coach Kaliszewski, now Director of Business Operations and Enrollment, contributed significantly over a decade, fostering talents like Mike Massey, who tallied an impressive 2,352 points and over 1,000 rebounds. Massey averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds for his career. Massey battled alongside guard Anthony Bagley who at one point averaged a respectable 19 points per game and 12 assists. 
  
  A resurgence in 2011, led by Victor Joshua, Darryl Best, BJ Davis, and Darren Payen, brought back the championship glory, with three players crossing the 1000-point mark at Hamden Hall. In 2011, the Hamden Hall basketball tradition experienced a profound revival that left an indelible mark on our legacy. The arrival of Victor Joshua, Darryl Best, BJ Davis, and Darren Payen marked a turning point, ushering in an era of triumph and bringing the Hornets back to their familiar roots of excellence.
  
  This menacing quartet not only clinched the first New England Championship since the Coach Beckerman era but also left an enduring impact individually. Victor Joshua, BJ Davis, and Darren Payen, integral members of this group, each surpassed the 1000-point milestone during their time at Hamden Hall. Their exceptional skills, teamwork, and dedication were instrumental in restoring the championship glory that the school had cherished for years. While the entire starting five showcased exceptional talent on the court, Victor Joshua etched his name in Hamden Hall's record books and left the school with multiple records. Victor held the assist record for season, career, and game – a testament to his court vision and playmaking prowess. Joshua went on the play at Saint Anselm College. BJ Davis, on the other hand, set a record for the most three-pointers in a game, showcasing his sharpshooting abilities. Davis continued his career at Wesleyan University. Meanwhile, Darren Payen asserted his dominance in the paint, leaving Hamden Hall with the record for most blocked shots in a season. Payen, the most decorated of the bunch, went on the play at the University of Vermont.
  
  Under the guidance of Coach Kaliszewski, this 2011-2012 team not only secured championships but also laid the groundwork for the future. Their collective achievements, both as a team and as individual players, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire our current generation of Hornets.
  
  Fast forward to the recent era led by Coach Sean Doherty, the tradition lives on through the exceptional talents of Tre Breland, Jackson Benigni, Christian Adams, and Tim Dawson. Their dedication and teamwork culminated in a historic 25-2 season, clinching Hamden Hall's first Class B championship in school history in 2019. All four of these players are continuing their athletic careers in college as we speak. 
  
  Tonight, as we celebrate the rich and deep-rooted basketball tradition of Hamden Hall, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all alumni for returning and being part of this special occasion. Your presence embodies the essence of our rich legacy, inspiring current and future generations to continue the tradition of excellence on the court. Thank you and Go Hornets!