News Archive | Hamden Hall

December

Dr. David Cugell, Class of 1940, Passes Away at 93.

12/29/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Dr. David W. Cugell, an esteemed director emeritus of Respiratory Health Association, died December 5, 2016, at the age of 93. To read more, click here:

http://www.lungchicago.org/site/epage/163223_487.htm

TRC Academy Handles Hamden Hall 62-42

12/21/2016

We played against a team from Canada that has three Division One Commits (6’11 center to Cincinnati, 6’9 to Utah and 6’5 to North Dakota).

It was a game where the difference in the skill level the Post Graduates had was obvious, but the Young Hornets didn’t have to hang their heads low. They didn’t shy away. They fought hard and their opponent knew that Hamden Hall wouldn’t quit from the first minute of play.

The Hornets played a 2-1-2 zone in an effort to negate the height advantage TRC had. This proved effective as the defense kept the game close for a while.

The first period ended with the score 15 -12 TRC. In the second period they extended their lead to a 32-21 half time advantage.

As their inside game and the control of the backboards were evident the game was slipping away from the boys from Connecticut.

The opening of the third period saw Hamden Hall score two quick baskets to make the score 32 to 26 and that is the closest they got for the game.

At the end of the third period the score was 45 to 32, TRC.

In the final period of play TRC extended their lead to a 26 point deficit with 4 minutes left in the contest. It was an opportunity get “minutes” for the bench and they responded with hustle and desire and the entire coaching staff were very proud of them as they battled against a taller and more skilled opponent.

As a Bonus, the Tournament Committee named 6’1 Senior Co-Captain T.J. Rountree to the All-Tournament team. A well deserved Honor.

Box Score:

TJ Rountree-0-3-0-9 pts, Baker-2-0-3/4-7 pts, Draffan-1-0-4/6-6 pts,A.Rountree-3-0-0-6 pts,C.Wright-2-0-1/2-5pts,M.Wright-1-0-2/2-4 pts,Walters-1-0-1/2-3 pts, Rice-0-0-2/4-2 pts, Pettway-0-0-0-. Schoonmaker-0-0-0,Villano-0-0-0-,Brown-0-0-0-10-3-13/20-42 pts.

Leading Scorer- TJ Rountree-9 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Rice-8

Leading Assists-T.J Rountree-4

Record

5-4-(2-2)

The opportunity to play in the Kreul, a National Showcase, and work towards improving one’s skill set was great. The entire trip to Florida created memories that will last a life time.

The Day at the Beach, The Cookout at Boca Rio (I know Melvin and Pasquale won’t forget it) the Italian restaurant where the desserts and the Pasta were special. The 80 degree weather and even placing third in our bracket leaves a stamp on one’s memory.

Next up this Thursday away at St. Thomas More.

The Season Continues……..

Central Park Christian Stops Hamden Hall 62 to 47

12/20/2016

CPC was an experience for the Hornets, it was like playing a college team.

Their starting front line was 6”11, 6’9 and 6’6 and the shooting guard was 6’5. There were two players off the bench that were 6’6 and 6’7.

Even with all this Hamden Hall hung in there with a tight 2-1-2 zone that caused several turnovers that enabled the Hornets to stay close.

The first period ended with the score 8-5 CPC.

Hamden Hall managed only to score 2 baskets in the second period, but the zone and the double teaming the ball began to create problems for the taller opponent for the Hornets and the score at the half was 18 -13 CPC.

The second half both teams traded baskets and the lead at the end of the third period was 46 to 38 CPC.

The Hornets had trouble getting shots off inside and had to rely on their outside shooting. TJ. Rountree, who scored all of his 12 points (4 three’s) in the second half, and Vin Baker Jr. dropped in 8 points to help close the gap to 2 points and less than two minutes left in the game the score was now 44 to 42 CPC.

Baker fouled out and with Draffan on the bench with 4 fouls, CPC went on a 15-2 run as they controlled the backboards at both ends of the court.

I am really proud of the defensive effort the young Hornets made, creating turnovers, pressuring the ball, running the floor are part of the game. It is the only reason we kept ourselves in the game.

Box Score:

TJ.Rountree-0-4-0-12 pts,Baker-3-1-1/1-10 pts,A.Rountree-2-2-0-0-0-10 pts.Rice-1-0-2/5-4 pts,Draffan-2-0-1/2-3 pts,Walters-1-0-0-2 pts.

C.Wright-0-0-2/2-2 pts,Schoonmaker-1-0-0-2 pts.M.Wright-0-0-0-,Pettaway-0-0-0-,Brown-0-0-0-Villano-0-0-0

10-7-6/10 -47 pts.

Leading Scorer-TJ. Rountree-12 pts

Leading Rebounder-Rice-8

Leading Blocks-Draffan-3

Leading Assists-TJ. Rountree-5

Record

5-3 (2-2)

Next game will be more difficult that this one that was just played. TRC Academy had just beaten CPC by double digits.

Hamden Hall Comes Out on Top at National Kreul Showcase in Coral Springs, Florida.

12/19/2016

The Showcase put the Hornets in a very difficult bracket with three Private Schools that are Reinforced with mostly Post Graduates.

We drew Rise Prep from Brantford, Canada in the first game that saw Hamden Hall win 72-67 in the last few moments of the game.

The game before ours gave us an opportunity to watch the next two opponents and clearly, they will be a challenge for the Hornets, but that is why we attend an event like this, to challenge our skill level and improve where we can.

The game we played was where two teams came to play and to test their skills against one another and only one could come out on top. In the first half both teams traded baskets most of the time and the lead never was beyond 4 points for either team. The score was tied 27 all as the horn sounded to end the first half of play.

Hamden Hall was led by 6’7 Senior Co-Captain Dan Draffan’s 10 points, 6’5 Senior Pasquale Villano 7 points and 6’1 Senior Co-Captain TJ. Rountree 6 points.

In the second half, the Hornets jumped out to a 5-point lead with less than 7 minutes to go 48 to 43. Our opponent changed to pressure and it was effective as they tied the score with 4 minutes left on the clock 55-55.

With less than 2 minutes on the Clock and Hamden Hall holding on to a slim 2 point 64-62 lead 6’7 Junior Vin Baker Jr. hit a long 3 from the corner to put the Hornets up 5 points 67-62. The Canadians refused to quit and cut the lead to 68-66 with fifty seconds to go.

TJ Rountree drops in two foul shots from the charity stripe and Baker taps back an offensive rebound to put Hamden Hall up for good 72-67.

The play of 6’7 Junior Vin Baker Jr., who scored 18 points all in the second half and 13 points in the last 4 minutes, was instrumental in forging the Hornets ahead.

Senior TJ. Rountree, who chipped in 14 points also in the second half on his way to a game high 20 points, was also key to Hamden Hall’s fifth victory of the season.

6’3 Junior Andrew Rice played an outstanding defensive game against a taller and more physical opponent to go along with his 3 points.

The bench play of the Hornets gave great support with 6’4 Junior Chris Wright and 6’5 Senior Pasqual Villano chipping in with 8 points and 7 points respectfully.

Box Score:

TJ. Rountree-2-3-7/10-20 pts, Baker-5-2-2/5-18 pts, Draffan-4-0-6/7-14 pts, C. Wright-3-0-2/2-8 pts, Vilano-2-0-3/4-7 pts, Rice-0-0-3/6-3 pts. Brown-1-0-0-2 pts, M. Wright-0-0-0, Pettway-0-0-0, A. Rountree-0-0-0-17-5-23/34-72 pts.

Leading Scorer-AJ. Rountree-20 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-9

Leading Assists-AJ. Rountree-4

Record

5-2-(2-2)

Coming to Coral Springs Florida and playing in a National Showcase like the Kreul gives you an opportunity to play against great competition and a chance to continue to improve your skill set. Not to mention the boys loved the sunshine, the food and the pool.

Next up is Central Park Christian from Birmingham, Alabama.

The Season Continues……..

A Tough Loss....

12/16/2016

Hamden Hall, playing away from home against Green Farms Academy, let one get away-69-65.

The Hornets played an outstanding first half, holding one of the pre-season’s favorites to win the Fairchester League, to 26 first half points.

The Dragons came out with a “box and one” on Co-Captain and Senior Guard TJ Rountree and the Hornets were prepared for it.

Co-Captain Senior Center Dan Draffan scored 10 points and even with the defense centered around Rountree, TJ. still managed to score 10 points as well. Vin Baker Jr. added 8 points and Hamden Hall rolled to a 41 to 26 half time score.

But it takes two half’s to win a basketball game and the second half belonged to GFA and their 3 point shooting.

As long as I have been coaching, “the first three minutes of the second half are the most important”. They set the tone for the remainder of the game. We simply didn’t defend the 3 point shot as GFA made 8 of 10 shots from 3 point range including a 11 -0 run at the beginning of the second half.

The score was now 41-38 and GFA no longer had their heads hung low and believed they could win the game. They relished in the comeback and played like they knew that winning was within their reach.

The Hornets regrouped and began to show the skill that led them in the first half by maintaining a lead until 2minutes to go when GFA went up by one.

With a minute and 5 seconds to go and Hamden Hall now up 63 to 61 and on the foul line with two shots and as faith would have it missed them both.

Green Farms grabbed the rebound and took advantage when it hit a 3 to take a one point lead 64 to 63 with 45 seconds showing on the clock. Hamden Hall came back to score a basket to take a 65 to 64 lead, but GFA was not to be denied, a missed shot, but a long rebound back and the second shot for 3 at the basket was good and now the score was 67-65 Green Farms.

Hamden Hall set up a play with 10 seconds left that failed and GFA was fouled and converted for a final score of 69-65. It was a tough loss for the Hornets, who hadn’t beaten their opponent at their gym in 5 years.

A Hostile Crowd, Local Referees and Playing Away from Home are all part of the Game .

Hopefully this was a learning experience as the schedule continues to be difficult.

We travel to Florida today to play in the National Kreul Showcase in Coral Springs .

Box Score:

Draffan-7-1-1-18 pts, TJ.Rountree-3-3-0/2-15-pts,Baker-7-0-1/1-15 pts,Rice-1-1-0-5 pts,C.Wrighht-2-0-1/3-3 pts,Villano-0-1-0-3pts,Brown-0-1-0-3 pts, A.Rountree-0-0-1/4-1 pt.

20-7-4/11-65

Leading Scorer-Draffan-18 pts

Leading Rebounder-Rice-8

Leading Blocks-Draffan-3

Leading Assists-Brown and Rice-5 each

Leading Steals-TJ.Rountree-3

Record

4-2 (2-2)

The Weather in Florida is expected to be warm, let’s hope some rubs off on the Hornets.

5 Habits That Turn Off College Coaches

12/14/2016

1) Poor Body Language.

The ability to show good body language on the court when things are not going well is a sure-fire way to catch the eye of a college coach.

2) Disrespectful Attitudes.

Disrespect can show up in a few ways.

• “Players never say thank you”

• “Players that are never happy for their teammates individual successes.”

• “Players who are not respectful to parents.”

These are but a few troubling signs to college coaches.

3) Poor Behavior on Social Media.

Social Media has really changed the landscape in college recruiting, especially in the last five years. An athlete’s ability to make the right decisions on different social platforms is key if their desire is to play at the next level.

4) Inability to Play and Catch.

Coaches want to be able to hold a conversation both via text and over the phone. Unresponsive texts and phone calls leave a college coach concerned. One word answers leave an impression that you do not care or may struggle to effectively communicate to future teammates and coaches.

5) The Me Guys

Players that put themselves over the team.

“My team lost but I had 21 points “This simple and what appears to be a harmless text will not give a good impression to a potential college coach.

Basketball is a team sport and everyone needs to understand and support the system.

Being disengaged on the bench, inattentive in the huddles or comments after the game that put blame on others are signs the player is not a good teammate and doesn’t truly care for the team.

College Coaches look first at the Players skill set, but it is the intangibles that often make the difference whether a player makes the team or plays……..

St Luke's Stops Hamden Hall 92-82

12/13/2016

This was a Fairchester League Game and one that helps measure the progress of the Hornets.

It was a game of Offense and not Defense, but as many know it is “Defense that Wins Championships.”

This was a disappointing loss and St. Luke’s made it known who was the defending League and New England Champion.

The Hornets and the Red Storm traded baskets in the first half with T.J Rountree scoring 15 of his season high 28 points and Vin Baker Jr. chipping in 10 points to keep the half time score close 42-38 St. Luke’s.

In the second half, the score was within 2 points for the Hornets with 8 minutes left on the clock until the Red Storm went on a 19-5 run led by 6’6 Senior Walter Whyte (15 points), who will be playing at Boston University in the fall. Whyte scored 22 points for the entire game. Joel Boyce and Jonas Harper each scored 18 points for St. Luke’s to take command of first place in the League.

Four Hornet players scored in double figures led by T.J Rountree with 28, Vin Baker Jr. with 18, Andrew Rice with 14 and Dan Draffan with 12 points.

St. Luke’s came to play, they knew Hamden Hall was improving, but clearly wanted to show who was the team to beat. This was a tough loss at Home, because of the lack of real commitment to Defense.

Defense has always been our trademark and giving up 92 points in 32 minutes is hard to accept. We will meet them again later in the season and expect the game to be different.

Now it is back to basics and get ready for Green Farms (who just lost to St. Luke’s by 2 points) tomorrow. It doesn’t get any easier after Green Farms with the trip to Florida playing 3 games in the National Kreul Showcase Tournament.

The Physical Talent is there with the Hornets, but often that is not enough. You need to understand the game. You need to have discipline and commitment to play both ends of the court.

Yes, we are young and several players lack real experience at the Varsity level, but that shouldn’t be any excuse. Sometimes you may be able to outscore your opponent, but in the long run when you play defense and don’t allow them to score victory is within your grasp.

Box Score: T.J Rountree-4-5-5/7-28 pts. Baker-6-1-3/4-18 pts.Rice-5-0-4/4-14 pts.Draffan-4-0-4/4-12 pts. Villano-2-0-0-4 pts.C.Wright-1-0-1/3-3pts.M.Wright-1-0-0-2 pts.Pettway-0-0-1/2-1 pt.Brown-0-0-0-,Walters-0-0-0,Schoonmaker-0-0-0,A.Rountree-0-0-0/1-0

23-6-18/25-82 pts

Leading Scorer-TJ Rountree-28 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-T.J.Rountree-7 each

Leading Assists-Rice-6

Leading Steals-TJ Rountree and Rice each with 3

Record

4-1 (2-1)

Next up will be a task when we take on the Dragons of Green Farms Academy, another League Opponent at their Gym.

The Season Continues……….

Hornets beat Dexter 69-40

12/13/2016

Hamden Hall had little trouble winning their fourth game of the young season with the visitors from Massachusetts, The Dexter School.

TJ Rountree had 11 points and Andrew Rice 8 points to lead the Hornets to a half time lead of 31 to 22.

The opening of the Second half the Hornets held their opponent scoreless for 11 minutes as they increased their lead by 20 points.

Aiden Rountree scored 9 of his career high 13 points to lead the second half .

19-7-10/14-69 pts.

Box Score:

TJ Rountree-1-5-0-17pts, A.Rountree-5-1-0-13 pts,Baker-3-1-0-9 pts,Rice-2-0-4/5-8 pts.Draffan-2-0-2/2-6 pts.Schoonmaker-0-0-2/2-2 pts.M.Wright-1-0-0-2pts,Pettway-2-0-0/1-4 pts,Walters-1-0-0-2pts,Brown-1-0-1/2-3 pts.Villano-1-0-1/2-3 pts.C.Wright-0-0-0

Leading Scorer-TJ. Rountree-17 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-8

Leading Assists-TJ. Rountree-5

Leading Steals- Rice-4

Record

4-0 (2-0)

Next up New England Power St. Luke’s

Douglas Barr Jones, Class of 1952, Passes

12/12/2016

Douglas Barr Jones, Class of 1952, passed away on October 5, 2016. To read Douglas' obituary, click here.

Fall Post-Season Honors

12/12/2016

Bud Kohler

The undefeated Varsity Football's Fairchester and New England championships certainly were the highlights of the fall season. However, every team saw outstanding individual efforts that recently earned league and area recognition. Congratulations to the following students on their individual achievements.

Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) All League:

Football: Corey Millhouse, Justise Antrum, Billy Porto, Anthony Repollet
Girls Soccer: Miranda Iannone, Alexa Cornacchia, Sofia Sabatelli,
May Cervone (HM)

Boys Soccer: Jonas Lustbader, Franky Feng

Volleyball: Emily Valin, Courtney Joshua (HM)

Cross Country: John Bazaar, Caleb Bolden, Amy Farquharson

(NB: Field Hockey does not compete in the FAA.)

Western New England & New England All Stars:

Boys Soccer: Jonas Lustbader, Trevor Bear

Girls Soccer: Miranda Iannone, Alexa Cornacchia

Field Hockey: Justyna Brueler, Ellise Parnoff

Other Athletic Awards:

New Haven Football Officials “Sonny Coughlin” Award: Luke Wilcox

CT All-State: Jonas Lustbader

Hornets Sting Rye Country Day 78 to 57 for League Win

12/9/2016

Hamden Hall won their third consecutive game against a stubborn Rye team.

The Hornets opened the game with a full court press, that caused problems for their opponent, and quickly scored the first 6 points of the game.

Rye adjusted and used their quickness to offset the Hornets pressure as they began to chip away at Hamden Hall’s lead.

Senior Co-Captain TJ.Rountree and Junior Vin Baker Jr. each scored 8 points and Senior Co-Captain Dan Draffan dropped in 6 points as Hamden Hall took a 36-28 half time lead.

Every team has it’s time to have a “run” and the opening of the second half Rye had theirs. They went on a 9-0 run hitting three 3’s taking a 37 to 36 lead. A time out was called and a defensive adjustment to go to a zone allowed the Hornets to slow down the smaller but quicker Rye team.

Steals by Andrew Rice and TJ Rountree led to two baskets and a foul shot and Hamden Hall was back in the lead for good 44 to 38.

Rye made a strong effort led by Alan Houston’s son (former NY Knicks), but Hamden Hall was now in control of the backboards with Co-Captain Draffan scoring his third “Double/Double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

Co-Captain TJ.Rountree played an outstanding game with 21 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals.

Andrew Rice had his first “Double/Double of the young season with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals.

Hamden Hall made 16 for 18 foul shots from the charity line including 9 for 10 in the second half of play.

Things will start to get more difficult as we face Dexter on Saturday and Defending League and New England Champion St. Luke’s on Monday at home followed by a strong Green Farms away on Wednesday. Then it is off to play in the Kreul in Ft. Lauderdale with teams from across North America.

Box Score:

TJ Rountree-7-1-4/4-21 pts, Baker-6-1-4/4-19 pts, Rice-5-0-2/4-12 pts,Draffan-4-0-4/4-12 pts,C.Wright-0-1-0-3pts,Pettway-0-1-0-3pts.Walters-0-0-2/2-2 pts, Schoonmaker-1-0-0-2 pts. A. Rountree-1-0-0-2pts, Villano-1-0-0-2 pts. Brown-1-0-0-2 pts. M.Wright-0-0-0

25-4-16/18-78pts.

Leading Scorer-TJ. Rountree-21 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-12

Leading Blocks-Draffan-2

Leading Assists-TJ. Rountree-10

Leading Steals-6

Record-

3-0 (2-0)

The Season continues as the road gets tougher……

12 Simple Significant Tasks for Leaders

12/8/2016

1. Be the hardest worker at practice. One of the best and quickest ways to enhance your leadership credibility with your teammates and coaches is to work hard.

2. Be a spark of energy and enthusiasm. Let your passion for the sport shine. Spread a contagious energy and enthusiasm amongst your teammates. Make your sport fun for yourself and your teammates.

3. Model mental toughness. Bounce back quickly after errors to show your teammates how to respond to negative situations. Maintain your poise and optimism despite any mistakes you might make so that your teammates can trust and rely on you.

4. Connect with teammates. Leadership is all about relationships. Invest the time to build and strengthen the relationships you have with each of your teammates. Make a special effort to get to know every athlete on your team, not just your friends and classmates. The relationship building you do each day will pay off immeasurably down the road.

5. Compliment a teammate. Be on the lookout for teammates who are contributing to your team. Call out a teammate for making a hustle play, pushing through a weight workout, recovering quickly from a mistake, getting an A on an exam, etc. Praise the actions and attitudes you want to see repeated. As Mother Teresa once said, “Kind words are short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.”

6. Challenge a teammate. Challenge one of your teammates. Positively push them and yourself to make the most of your workout. Offer to stay after to help if there is anything they want to work on. Good leaders consistently invite, inspire, and sometimes implore others to greatness.

7. Support a teammate. At least one of your teammates may be struggling with something. Good leaders are consistently on the lookout for teammates who might be struggling and are ready to offer an ear to listen, an encouraging word, a pat on the back.

8. Constructively confront negativity, pessimism, and laziness. As a leader, have the courage to constructively confront the negativity, pessimism, and laziness that will crop up on your team from time to time. Instead of fueling the fire by joining in or silently standing by, be sure to refocus your teammates on solutions rather than dwelling on and complaining about the problems.

9. Build and bond your team. Team chemistry naturally ebbs and flows throughout the course of the season. Take the time to monitor and maintain your team’s chemistry. Let your teammates know how much you appreciate them.

10. Check in with your coach. Invest the time to check how things are progressing. Ask what you can do to best help the team.

11. Remind your team how today’s work leads to tomorrow’s success. It’s easy to get bogged down during your season with monotonous drills, tiring conditioning, and demanding workouts. Remind your teammates how all the quality work you do gives you a distinct advantage over your opponents. Help them see and even get excited about how today’s hard work is a long-term investment in your team’s goals, rather than just a short-term hardship or sacrifice.

12. Represent yourself and team with class and pride. Leaders have the awesome privilege and responsibility of representing their teams. Take advantage of this opportunity by representing your team by being sincere and honest with your position. Represent you and your team with respect.

Great leaders willingly invest the time and effort to engage in these simple leadership actions. In applying these principles, leaders build strong relationships and enhance their credibility.

Beloved 'Gentle Giant' Ernie Russ Passes at 96

12/6/2016

Ernest W. “Ernie” Russ, beloved member of the Hamden Hall Country Day School community, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, in his home on the Whitney Avenue campus. He was 96.

In Memory of Ernie (Video)

Home-Grown Middle School Musical Plays Off History Curriculum

12/6/2016

Two Hamden Hall theatre and music educators have adapted the timeless lessons of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the seventh-grade history curriculum into a home-grown musical comedy created explicitly for their Middle School students.

Hornets Simply too Much for Hopkins

12/6/2016

Hamden Hall had its way with the Hilltoppers beating them 88-46.

This was a Fairchester League Game. Hopkins size classifies them as a Class A School and clearly a Rival to Hamden Hall for a long time.

Emotion is a factor in addition to the skill level of the players. Last night the Hornets held tightly to both elements.

It has been 5 years since the Hornets have won at the Hopkins gym and it was clear from the opening tip-off that this game was going to be different.

After a few minutes of play with the score 9 to 6 Hornets Vin Baker Jr. hit two long 3’s followed by Chris Wright’s 3 that made the score 18 to 6 and the rout was about to erupt. The score at half time was 41 to 22.

It was a game where 11 of the 12 players for Hamden Hall scored and provided an opportunity for the young players to “get minutes.” (4 Freshmen and 1 Eighth grader are on the roster)

6’7 Jr. Vin Baker Jr. played his best game as a Hornet with 26 points (including 4 Three’s) followed by the Rountree Brothers 6’2 Sr. TJ. who played only a few minutes due to fouls dropped in 10 points and 6’2 Fr. Aiden 9 points. But there was also a glimpse of the future with the play of Avery Brown, “a work in progress”at his position. The 5’10 Eighth Grader scored a career high 10 points and continues to play and learn the point guard position.

It is too early to really tell, but this is a young team and it has the potential to challenge the leaders within the league.

Only Time will tell….

Box Score:

Baker-6-4-2/4-26 pts.TJ Rountree-3-1-1/2-10 pts. Brown-2-0-6/8-10 pts. A Rountree-3-0-3/5-9 pts.

Draffan-3-0-1/5-7 pts. Villano-1-1-1/5-6 pts.C.Wright-0-1-3/4-6 pts.M.Wright-1-1-1/2-6 pts.

Rice-0-0-5/9-5 pts.Schoonmaker-0-0-3/4-3 pts.Walters-1-0-0-2 pts.Pettway-0-0-0

20-8-26/48-88pts

Leading Scorer-Vin Baker Jr.-26 pts

Leading Rebounders-Draffan, A.Rountree, C.Wright, Rice, M.Wright and Villano with 3 each

Leading Blocks-Draffan-2

Leading Steals-Rice-8

Leading Assists-Rice-3

Record

2-0 (1-0)

Next up is a League Game at 4:00 against Rye Country Day at Home

The Season Continues………

Defense Brings Hornets Back for Win Over Hyde of Maine 63-51

12/5/2016

The visiting Wolves of Maine gave Hamden Hall all it could handle in the opener of the season for both teams.

Hyde an athletic team who relied on their quickness had control of the game most of the first half.

Co-Capt. TJ Rountree picked up two quick fouls early in the half after scoring off the opening tip-off and had to sit out the remainder of the half. The play of Andrew Rice, 7 pts and Co-Capt. Dan Draffan, 6 pts and Vin Baker Jr., 5 pts. kept the Hornets close as the half time ended with the score Hyde-31-Hamden Hall 26.

In the second half Hamden Hall began to alternate their defenses from Man to Man to Zone and this helped to create positive momentum. The Hornets went on a 14-6 run and the score was now 37-40 led by 6’2 Sr. TJ Rountree who hit three 3’s, 6’7 Sr. Dan Draffan controlling the defensive backboards and 6’3 Jr. Andrew Rice causing havoc defensively.

Hamden Hall continued to keep the pressure on with their defense and it showed as they kept Hyde’s leading scorer Miguel Prieto, who had scored 18 points in the first half, scoreless in the second half.

There was a ten-man rotation used and it earned Hamden Hall its first victory over a solid Class C Team from Maine.

It should be noted that the Senior Co-Captains had an outstanding game with TJ Rountree scoring 19 points,5 rebounds,3 assists and 2 steals. Dan Draffan had a “Double/Double” to start the season with 10 points,13 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist and made his presence known with his defense.

Box Score:

T Rountree-3-3-4/4-19pts, Rice-5-0-2/3-12pts, Draffan-4-0-2/2-10pts, Baker-4-0-2/4-10 pts, C Wright-0-1-1/2-4 pts, Brown-0-1-0-3 pts, Villano-1-0-0-2 pts. A Rountree-0-0-1/4-1pt.

M Wright-0-0-0, Pettway-0-0-0. Totals-17-5-12/19-61 Pts.

Leading Scorer-TJ Rountree-19 pts

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-13

Leading Blocks-Draffan-2

Leading Assists-TJ Rountree and Rice-3 each

Leading Steals-Rice-4

Record

1-0-(0-0)

Next up Today Away at Arch rival Hopkins at 5:30 for First League game.

The Season has begun………..

Latin "Song-Off"

12/1/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Alumnus Klemens Gowin 2013 got in on a little fun at the faculty dinner held after Commencement 2016. At the request of Latin teacher Stephanie Spaulding, Klemens showed up and surprised Sara Morris, his former Latin teacher, with a heartfelt Latin song-off (oops, send-off!) as he serenaded Sara and played the guitar. (One didn’t have to understand a word of the ancient language of Rome to get the drift of Klemens’ crooning.) Gratias agimus vobis to Ms. Spaulding for a great surprise, to Klemens for making it real, and to Mrs. Morris for leaving Hamden Hall her legacy of love for Latin.

November

Promising May Be the Word at the Hornet Nest

11/28/2016

Practice has begun and the energy level has been encouraging after last year’s 15-9 record.

With 3 Seniors ,4 Juniors ,4 Freshmen and 1 Eighth Grader rounding out the Varsity, the grind and conditioning factor has begun.

Senior Experience (TJ Roundtree, Dan Draffan, Pasquale Villano) and the Surging Junior Class (Chris Wright, Andrew Rice, Jack Schoonmaker and Vin Baker Jr.) are showing early signs that they can be counted on to do their part.

A Young Group led by Freshmen Aiden Rountree, Matt Wright, Corey Walters, Jahaki Pettaway and Eighth grader Avery Brown are a solid group for the future Hornets and holding their “own”.

In addition to Skill Level, Team Chemistry and a Strong Work ethic will be a factor if the Hornets are to create a “sting” this season with the schedule they have taken on.

“The Only Place Success Comes before Work is in the Dictionary”-Vince Lombardi

First up- Hyde of Maine on Friday 12/2, 4:00 at the BAC.

Come out and support the Hornets.

Let the games begin………

We Are the Champions!!!

11/19/2016

Bud Kohler

For more than three quarters the Hornet football team saw their dream of capturing a New England crown within reach, yet not quite in their grasp. But in the final six minutes, the highly touted offense exploded for 20 unanswered points to defeat the Brooks School 38-13 and win the Mike Atkins Bowl on Friday evening at Brown University. Junior quarterback Luke Schoonmaker passed for two touchdowns, including a 41-yard connection with senior Corey Millhouse, to make it 32-13. The equally staunch defense then held the ISL champion Bishops, and an interception by Millhouse on the ensuing possession created a final drive, with Schoonmaker punching it in himself from the 1 yard line. Schoonmaker had already put the Hornets ahead in the first half with touchdown runs of 87 and 7 yards.
It is the first ever New England crown for the Hamden Hall football program, which had already won the Fairchester Athletic Association title. In finishing at 11-0, the Hornets not only capped off an incredible undefeated season, they set a prep school record for most wins in a season. Congratulations to Coach Joe Linta, the entire coaching staff, the awesome Hornet team, as well as all the parents and faithful fans.
GO HORNETS!!!

A Changing Direction

11/15/2016

We have upgraded our schedule playing a higher classification of schools this coming season. (replaced 4 D schools with 4 C schools)

The Hyde Schools from Maine and Connecticut, along with The Dexter School, who participated in last year’s New England Tournament and St Thomas More and Redemption Christian are new opponents.

In addition, we will be playing in a National Showcase Tournament, The Kreul, in Coral Springs Florida prior to the Holiday break.

The Fairchester League will again be difficult with Class C Schools, St. Luke’s (defending New England Champions) and Green Farms, the Pre-Season Favorites.

Brunswick and rival Hopkins, both Class A Schools, and Masters, Class B, along with the much improved Class C King and Rye round out the League the Hornets will face in district play.

Boys Basketball Schedule 2016-2017

11/15/2016



*Date*	*Opponent*	*H/A*	*Time*

Friday, December 2, 2016	Hyde - ME	H	4:00
Monday, December 5, 2016	Hopkins	A	5:30
Thursday, December 8, 2016	Rye	H	4:00
Saturday, December 10, 2016	Dexter	H	5:00
Monday, December 12, 2016	St. Luke's	H	4:30
Wednesday, December 14, 2016	GFA	A	4:30
Saturday, December 17, 2016	FLA	A	TBD
Monday, December 19, 2016	FLA	A	TBD
Tuesday, December 20, 2016	FLA	A	TBD
Thursday, December 22, 2016	St. Thomas More	A	4:00
Thursday, January 5, 2017	Redemption Christian	H	5:30
Saturday, January 7, 2017	Masters-NY	A	2:00
Tuesday, January 10, 2017	King	H	4:30
Friday, January 13, 2017	Hyde - CT	A	5:30
Wednesday, January 25, 2017	Brunswick	A	4:30
Friday, January 27, 2017	Hopkins	H	6:00
Friday, February 3, 2017	Masters - NY	H	5:00
Saturday, February 4, 2017	St. Luke's	A	4:00
Wednesday, February 8, 2017	Rye	A	4:30
Friday, February 10, 2017	Brunswick	H	5:00
Tuesday, February 14, 2017	GFA	H	4:30
Friday, February 17, 2017	King	A	4:30
Tuesday, February 21, 2017	FAA
Thursday, February 23, 2017	FAA
Saturday, February 25, 2017	FAA
Wednesday, March 1, 2017	NE
Friday, March 3, 2017	NE
Sunday, March 5, 2017	NE

Carl Fedde, Major, U.S. Army, 1960-1984

11/15/2016

Jeff Goldman, U.S. Army, 1969-1970

11/15/2016

Millhouse Commits to UVA

11/13/2016

Bud Kohler

On Thursday, senior standout Corey Millhouse signed his letter of intent to attend the University of Virginia, where he will play lacrosse. Millhouse was courted by a number of prominent schools, including Yale University, where he might have been able to play both football as well as lacrosse. However, Millhouse felt he would still be able to receive an outstanding education at one of the nation's premiere non-Ivy schools, while being able to play lacrosse at a traditional national powerhouse. The Cavaliers are a longtime member of the Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC), which has been one of the most dominant leagues in NCAA Division 1 lacrosse. UVA has won national championships in 1999, 2003, 2006, and 2011.

Undefeated Football to Play in Atkins Superbowl; Volleyball Receives Tournament Bid

11/13/2016

Bud Kohler

Hamden Hall Football rolls on and will cap their undefeated season with an appearance in a New England Bowl title game. The 10-0 Hornets will square off against the Brooks School from North Andover, Mass. on Friday, November 18th. The game will take place at Brown University in Providence, R.I. at a time to be determined. This will be the third bowl appearance for the Big Green since Coach Joe Linta took over the helm in 2011. The Hornets fell to New Hampton School a year ago, but hopes that the third time will be the charm as they face off against the 7-1 Bishops who finished as co-champions of the ISL.

The Hornets captured the Fairchester league with a run of impressive victories against rivals Kingswood-Oxford, St. Luke's, Rye, and King School. (Hopkins is still playing a modfied schedule that does not include HH.) The Hornets boast a high octane offense with plenty of weapons. Last weekend, Nick Bailey connected for three touchdown passes in the first quarter alone as the Hornets bested Berkshire School 42-21. Corey Millhouse caught one of those TDs and ran for another off a 30 yard scamper. Justise Antrum was just as effective, snagging a 54 yard TD pass and scoring on a 68 yard run as well. The defense has been equally immense, shutting down opponents with authority. Against Berkshire, James Sansone made eight tackles and recovered a fumble, while Paddy Cooper recovered a fumble for a touchdown. The Hornets, in fact, posted the only losses for both King and Wilbraham, who are also playing in bowl games - a testament to the Hornets' dominance.

Volleyball will also be competing in a New England tournament. The Hornets are the #7 seed and will play #2 seed MacDuffie School. The Mustangs won the regular season meeting between the two schools; but Coach Nally Sahin is hoping that the resilient Hornets will find a way to come out on top. The Hornets lost most of their height to graduation; however, the squad is quick and nimble and plays fundamentally sound. Emily Valin, Courtney Joshua, Eylul Ackman, Kate Liseo, Kat Baehring, Cassie Smith, and Priscilla Kozdroy are the core of the highly spirited squad. The quarterfinal contest takes place Wednesday afternoon in Granby, Mass.

Alumna Makes Boston Theater Accessible

11/11/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Lauren Elias, Hamden Hall Class of 2006, is walking the walk when it comes to her commitment to making theater accessible to everyone.

It's 'The Advent' of a New Digital School Paper

11/10/2016

The Advent is going digital – a first for the student-run newspaper, which has been in existence under its current name for more than three decades.

Daniel Pruett, Petty Officer Third Class, U.S. Navy

11/2/2016

Joseph A. Miceli, U.S. Navy, 1984-1990

11/2/2016

Mark Moorcroft U.S. Army, 1990-1994

11/2/2016

Erin Hewitt 2003 Welcomes Baby

11/1/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Erin and her husband Daniel Hockett welcomed their first child into the world Oct. 22.

Norman D. Sills, US Navy, 1942-1946

Alumni Toast in Fairfield

10/27/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall alumni got together at the Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill in Fairfield Oct. 26.

10/9/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Bun Lai, Hamden Hall Class of 1988, was honored Oct. 7 at the White House as one of 12 individuals from across the country as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable Seafood.”

It Was a Good Night

10/6/2016

Coaches, Parents and Friends attended the “Open Gym” and had a glimpse of Boys Varsity vying for a position on the 2016/2017 Team.

The Head Coaches from Yale and Wesleyan along with assistants from Fairleigh Dickinson, Quinnipiac, Trinity, Post, Keene State, and the University of New Haven were there to see and evaluate several of our Senior Players. They didn’t disappoint anyone with their play on the court.

6’7 Dan Draffan, 6’2 “TJ” Rountree and 6’5 Pasquale Villano displayed their talents as the Coaches reviewed what they could bring to their respective institutions.

They also had a View of the Future with the play of 6’7 Junior Vin Baker Jr., 6’4 Junior Chris Wright, along with 6’2 Freshmen Aiden Rountree and 5’9-8^th Grader Avery Brown who sent notice of things to come.

In addition to watching the talent level, it gave a chance for Coaches and Parents to meet and answer questions about their sons and the Academic and Athletic programs they represent.

We look forward to November 14^th when Officially Try Outs will begin and the season will be under way.

Opening Game with be at Home against Hyde of Maine on Friday December 2^nd at 4:00.

Let the Games Begin and “Go Hornets”

Undefeated Football Kicks Off Homecoming Weekend

10/6/2016

Bud Kohler

The weatherman is a bit unsure about conditions for Saturday afternoon; however, the Hornets are certain to make it a memorable Homecoming for all who attend.

The spotlight shines first on a Friday evening showdown of undefeated football teams. The Titans of Wilbraham & Monson Academy are always a formidable foe; however, the 4-0 Hornets look ready to continue their impressive unbeaten run. Many might have wondered if 2016 would be a rebuilding season with the loss of the likes of Kyle Smith, who plays at Stonehill, Matt Murchison who is at Bryant, and Andy Natale and Zach Balabon who are both at Salve Regina. But it looks like Coach Joe Linta and the Hornets have simply reloaded, with impressive depth and size on both sides of the line. Nick Bailey and Luke Schoonmaker split time behind center and lead an offense that has overwhelmed all opponents thus far. Justise Antrum is an incredible threat out of the backfield, while Corey Millhouse leads a very talented receiving corps. Melvin Wells and Billy Porto are just two of the linemen who can dominate either side of the line of scrimmage. Everywhere you look, the Hornets have skilled players filling every position: Nu-Kwan Fair, Miles Cogdell, AJ Repollet, Mike Polansky, Michael Johnson, Sal Rosa, Brandon DiCicco, and many more. The Hornets hope to repeat as Fairchester League champs and earn another New England Prep Superbowl bid. A win over Wilbraham would be a solid step forward. Kickoff is 6:30 under the lights.

Hopefully everyone will return Saturday to watch a collection of athletic contests which promise to be quite exciting. At noon, both JV and Varsity Volleyball host the Golden Mustangs of Marianapolis Prep from Thompson, CT. The Varsity squad is presently 4-4, and though the squad lacks the imposing height of previous years, the Hornets have scrapped and dug for every ball. Look for the Valin sisters, as well as players such as Priscilla Kozdroy, Shannon Rhone, and Kat Baehring to set the table for the Hornets.

Boys Varsity Soccer recently earned a hard fought victory over St. Luke’s School and hopes to challenge the Highlanders of Chase Collegiate School of Waterbury at 2:00. Senior captain Jonas Lustbader is a speedy threat up front and will need support from the likes of Ethan Springhorn to carve open the Highlander defense. Freshman Chase Lilly has been a welcome addition at midfield, while Joe Lucci and Aaron Ang do a yeoman’s job at defense. The JV also play Chase at 12:00.

Field Hockey also squares off at 2:00, matching up against the Wildcats of Westover. The Hornets are still looking for their first victory, but Coaches Jen Hanrahan and newcomer Emily Anderson, a standout at UConn, have made this relatively young squad very competitive. Look for the efforts of Justyna Breuler, Amanda Carroll, and Karis Curtis to knock one into the back of the net for the Hornets.

One of the most intriguing match ups of the weekend will occur when Girls Soccer squares off against MacDuffie School of Massachusetts. The Mustangs have beaten the Hornets in the New England tournament final the last two seasons, so Coach Christine Huber is hoping that this third game will be the charm in order to exact a degree of revenge. The Hornets feature one of the best goalkeepers in the area in senior Miranda Iannone, while sophomores Keily Herlihy, Eve Brannin, and Gaby Cervone provide good defensive cover. The offense features Sophia Sabatelli, who exhibits smooth control and a strong shot from set pieces, and Lexi Cornacchia who is an explosive force capable of taking on entire defenses. The girls are currently 3-2-1 and are coming off a convincing 4-0 win against Chase. A good result Saturday will put the Hornets near the top of the Class D table.

The athletic competition finishes with a 3:00 Cross Country tri-meet against Ethel Walker School and King School from Stamford. The Hornets are led by a dynamic 8^th grader, Caleb Bolden, who has already distinguished himself in the Greater New Haven running circles. Right behind him is arguably the rookie of the year, freshman John Bazaar. Seasoned veterans Nick Neumeister and Sam Applegate are usually next to cross the finish line. The Hornets finished 3^rd in the Cheshire Academy Invitational and a strong 6^th out of 17 teams in the recent annual Canterbury Invitational. Rachel Aliwalas, Amy Farquharson, Alyssa Blaise, and Anisa Williams-Ranciato have scored well for the girls’ squad.

So come out to cheer on the teams this Homecoming weekend. There will be plenty of fun activities, and a large turnout of families and alums to mingle with. Please join us at Skiff St. and Go Hornets!!!

"Hand" Releases New Album

10/1/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Faculty member Marc Osborne is thrilled to report that Golden Pavilion Music has just released Hand's fourth album, Dream to Ride.

September

Experience Summer at Hamden Hall!

9/27/2016

Dawn A. Miceli

From a traditional camp experience to enrichment opportunities in our classrooms, Hamden Hall offers a wide range of Summer Programming for students in PreSchool through Grade 12.

Science Sleuths Forage into Forensics

9/27/2016

First responders, sketch artists, photographers and more were on hand recently in Dr. Ryan’s classroom investigating two crime scenes riddled with evidence.

Barbie dolls, plastic brass knuckles, crumpled napkins and more were cordoned off behind yellow crime scene tape. Gingerly, students in Dr. Ryan’s Forensic Science class began the onerous task of examining, categorizing, and packaging the clues in order to solve the case – a case precisely planned and thought out by Dr. Ryan.

Talented Trio!

9/26/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Alumna Stephanie Stiefel Williams, Class of 1983, joined Hamden Hall faculty members Karl Gasteyer and Matt Harrison on stage at the Legacy Theatre’s 4^th Annual Gala at The Terris Theatre in Chester Sept. 24.

Rick Kennedy Jr. 1981 Celebrates 70 Years!

9/23/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Rick Kennedy Jr., Class of 1981, celebrated 70 years in the eyeglass business this year—thanks to his family’s heritage.

Let the Games Begin

9/22/2016

“The Only Place Success Comes Before Work is in the Dictionary”-Vince Lombardi

The season is just around the corner (Official tryouts are on November 14^th) and the expectation for a good year is there.

We have three returning Starters and some Key Transfers along with some Talented young players.

Invitations for an “Open Gym” have gone out to several College Coaches who have expressed interest in several of our players.

This event will happen on Wednesday October 5^th at 6:00pm at the Beckerman Athletic Center.

Some of the schools that are expected to attend are:

Yale, Bryant, Farleigh Dickinson, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, NYU, Southern Connecticut, Franklin Marshall, Colby, Connecticut College, Vassar, Trinity, Wesleyan, and Williams

Let the Games Begin…………

9/2/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Walter Moriarty, Hamden Hall Class of 1965, presents a plaque to Head of School Bob Izzo during the all-school assembly on the first day of school (Sept. 1).

John Beirne Writes Book on Retirement Plans

9/2/2016

8/1/2016

7/28/2016

Tyler Slomkowski, Machinery Technician, U.S. Coast Guard

7/28/2016

7/23/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Alison Stein, Hamden Hall Class of 1999, and her husband, Tom Berenberg, welcomed their second child, Violet Hatcher Berenberg, on July 5. Violet joins her brother Charlie who will be 3 in October. In Spring, Alison and Tom moved from New York City to Fairfield Conn. Tom is a retina surgeon practicing with the Eye Care Group, with offices throughout Connecticut. Alison is a media and entertainment lawyer at Jenner & Block in New York. She represents a wide variety of content creators including record companies, movie studios, and authors.

June

Austin Aitro, Cadet, U.S. Air Force

6/30/2016

Iona College Graduate

6/16/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Tayler Thorpe, Hamden Hall Class of 2012, graduated from Iona College at Madison Square Garden with a degree in political science. Congratualtions, Taylor!

6/1/2016

Jay Moran, Hamden Hall Class of 2015, was honored at the Trinity College 66th Annual End of Year Honors Day ceremony with an academic award.

Hamden Hall Inaugural Endowed Chair Honors Betty Lou Blumberg

5/17/2016

It is with great pleasure that Hamden Hall Country Day School announces the establishment of The Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed Chair of English.

This honor commemorates Betty Lou's 30 years of teaching at Hamden Hall (1971 - 2001) and her dedication to our school and to her students.

In the words of her former students, “Mrs. Blumberg was an irrepressible force at Hamden Hall—sharing her passion, empathy, and wisdom with generations of students. For 30 years, she made an impact on so many of our lives. Her passion for English and great literature, especially Shakespeare, was legendary. And through her teaching and advising, she made us better writers and thinkers.”

Click above for more on this story.

Baseball Enjoys Senior Day

5/16/2016

Bud Kohler

The Hornets are gearing up for the Fairchester Tournament, in which they are the #2 seed with a 10-2 record. However, they still made sure to maintain the tradition of honoring the team's seniors and their parents on Senior Day last week...

Vanderbilt Grad!

5/16/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Congratulations to Sylvana Lewin who graduated in May from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in English and Political Science.

Sylvana is the first member of the Hamden Hall Class of 2012 who accepted our invitation to share a college graduation photograph. We sent emails to all 2012 HH grads and their families to submit a photo. Please identify the school and degree and thank you!

Please email jamatulli@hamdenhall.org and we'll post your submission. Thanks again--Jodi Amatulli

A Broken Umbrella Production

5/14/2016

Jodi Amatulli

A Broken Umbrella -- with 1995 alumni classmates Lou Mangin and Ian Alderman -- invite you to have some fun tomorrow--"kids" included!

Softball Tops the Hop and Gears up for FAA Tournament

5/13/2016

Bud Kohler

Many of us (and hopefully that includes our students) are familiar with the Greek mythological creature, the Phoenix, a bird that dies and then is reborn. In a similar vein, the Hamden Hall softball program had gone into decline and disappeared, only to be resurrected over the last four years under the guidance of Coach Monica Lyons, herself a standout player for HH in bygone years...

Playing Out Sports Passion

5/10/2016

Jodi Amatulli

While George Washington University does not presently field an intercollegiate field hockey team, that didn't stop Diana Nunez, HH Class of 2016, for continuing her passion for the sport.

Hitting the Baseball Mark

5/9/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall alumnus Austin French, Class of 2012, is hitting the mark in his senior year at Brown University. Congratulations!

Making the Arts Accessible

5/9/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Congratulations to our alumna Elizabeth Levine Reede, HH Class of 1980, whose company WoofbertVR., was featured on CNN.

Dining with a Former VP!

5/7/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall alumnus Alec Palmer, Class of 2014 (and brother of Alexis Palmer 2016) recently spent his spring break in Paradise Valley, Ariz., where he was invited to dinner at the home of former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Cookie-Cutter Tradition

5/5/2016

3

The fostering of many time-honored traditions is a mainstay at Hamden Hall, including our annual Valentine Cookie Sale and Lifers' Shirting Ceremony.

Field Hockey Still a Passion for Alum Diana Nunez

5/3/2016

Bud Kohler

While George Washington University does not presently field an intercollegiate field hockey team, that has not stopped Hornet 2015 alum, Diana Nunez, from continuing her passion for the sport. Playing with an incredibly active field hockey club squad, Nunez and her teammates won games against club teams from the likes of Georgetown, University of Virginia, and William and Mary...

Mathletes Score Big During Competition Season

5/3/2016

Nearly 100 students in grades six through 12 participated this year in various math contests – whether it be through Mathcounts or Hamden Hall’s Math Team. Both teams’ advisor, Math Department co-chair Maria Agulian, says it was a special year indeed given some of the feats Hamden Hall mathletes achieved.

“For Mathcounts, we had a student, Alina Yang, who was ranked fifth in the entire state after the state competition and it was the first time we had a sixth-grader, Lucy Xu, qualify to compete at the state level. For our Math Team, we are the only school in the state who is sending five students to compete at a national competition,” explained Mrs. Agulian, who has been coaching both teams for 17 of her 20 years here at Hamden Hall.

Jim Maggart Creates Crafty Pieces

4/21/2016

For former Hamden Hall Headmaster Jim Maggart, his interest in woodworking all started with a toy chest in 1966.

4/18/2016

Bud Kohler

Earlier in the year, Austin DiMartino, HH Class of 2016, was featured on this page for his newly developed interest in track as a freshman at Connecticut College, and had been cited as having plenty of potential. Last week at the Silfen Invitational, hosted by the Camels, Austin finished 3rd in the decathalon with 4841 points, which qualified him for the upcoming ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference) Championships. He also qualified for the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) Championships in the 100 yard dash, with a qualifying time was 11.80.

Click here to view the Conn College track site.

LoRicco Tosses One Hitter to Blank Rye

4/16/2016

Bud Kohler

Senior standout Ronnie LoRicco threw a monster game on Friday at home, as the Hornets topped FAA foe Rye Country Day 2-0. LoRicco kept the Wildcats off balance and off the bases for 6 innings, throwing a one hitter!. Ian Fagan finished out the game in the seventh. Fagan also hit a clutch double. Anthony Capasso was solid behind the plate and added an RBI with his bat. Mike Gulia also knocked in a run in a game that was short of offense but had plenty of drama. In fact the game was knotted at 0-0 going into the bottom of the fifth when the Hornets finally plated a run and then doubled their lead in the sixth. LoRicco is now 2-0 on the season and the Hornets are 5-1 overall.

Play Ball! Baseball Seeks a New England Fourpeat

4/15/2016

Bud Kohler

The baseball team returned from a successful trip to sunny Florida over spring break to begin their 2016 season and the quest to capture a fourth straight New England championship. They spent spring training at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports and practiced at the Atlanta Braves' spring training facility. They also played 6 games against teams from Chicago, Niagara, NY, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey...

A.C. "Ace" Lichtenstein 1981 meets Motown Diva Martha Reeves

4/14/2016

A.C. “Ace” Lichtenstein, Class of 1981, was rubbing shoulders with a “Motown diva” recently in New York City.

Epstein Babies!

4/14/2016

In the words of Hamden Hall past parent Debbie Epstein, March brought “quite the couple of weeks!” for the Epstein family.

Congratulations to Marc Riccio 1973

4/13/2016

Congratulations to Marc Riccio, Hamden Hall Class of 1973, president of
Specialized Data Systems, Inc., on his company’s recent award.

Summer Academy Fosters Customized Learning and Enrichment for Students

4/6/2016

With 32 courses to choose from for Lower School students and tailored coursework for Middle and Upper School students, Hamden Hall’s Summer Academy allows the experiential learning to continue during the summer months.

The Hamden Hall experience is fostered during the six-week Summer Academy with small classes and instruction by many of the school’s premier faculty members. With more educational and enrichment opportunities for all grade levels, the Summer Academy allows for customized learning in everything from robotics to the fundamentals of writing to ceramics and printmaking.

Kevin Rose 2006 Ties the Knot

4/1/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Kevin Rose 2005 married Michelle Spica Aug. 22, 2015.

March

Former Baseball Standout Returns to Hornet Dugout

3/31/2016

Vinny Teixeira 2011 is back in the Hornet dugout as an assistant coach with the Varsity Baseball team. Vinny went on to Manhattan College after Hamden Hall and played all four years with the Jaspers as the team's designated hitter and first baseman.

Click above for more on this story.

Cool Summer Connections

3/30/2016

3

Hamden Hall offers a wide range of Summer Programs – from a traditional camp experience to enriching learning opportunities that foster the Hamden Hall experience. Learn more

Swimming Finishes Strong at New Englands

3/9/2016

Bud Kohler

Congratulations to Coaches Ken Pierson and Ann Kohler and the entire swim program for another outstanding season in the pool. Last Saturday, the teams traveled to Canterbury School in New Milford in search of another shot at the New England title. The girls had finished second several times, and hoped to take home the gold. Though they swam well, the competition was intense, and they finished 4th out of 16 schools. The boys also had a good showing and placed 6th out of 12. The meet marked the end of a number of outstanding careers. These include Sona Pinela was New England champion in the 100 butterfly; Anne-Sophie Neumeister, Jannick Eggerman, Matt Lettiero, and Tyler Bunton.

The following swimmers earned post-season recognition.
Girls
All CISAC: Sona Pinela, Ann-Sophie Neumeister, Olivia Caldarella,
Jing Shi, Maddy Malin, Mariah Brantley, Julia Pandolfi, Shaw Mettler.

All FAA: Sona Pinela; Honorable Mention FAA: Ann-Sophie Neumeister

New England Champion: Sona Pinela 100 Butterfly

Boys
All CISAC: Tyler Bunton, Jannik Eggerman, Matt Lettiero, Tim Bradley

All FAA: Matt Lettiero; Honorable Mention FAA: Tyler Bunton

Hornets Lose Heartbreaker 59-55

3/3/2016

Hamden Hall, the 8th seed, gave the number one seed St. Luke’s (27-1) all they could handle in a Quarter Final match of the New England Championships.

This was a game that could have gone to either team as it wasn’t decided until the final 8 seconds.

At the opening tip-off, St Luke’s came out quickly and took a 7-2 lead and kept the lead with 8 minutes to go in the half 17-12 when 6’7 Dan Draffan was inserted into the line-up. He hadn’t played due to breaking a team rule.

Dan was playing against Walter Whyte, the 6’7 top 100 recruit, although someone forgot to tell Dan, who scored 10 of his game high 25 points. In the first half his offense was supported with Andrew Rice’s 8 points and Michael DiMartino 6 points (and a perfect 4 for 4 from the charity stripe) and the score at half time was 26 to 24 Hamden Hall.

The second half the Hornet defense kept the Storm off balance as both teams traded baskets and no more than 4 points ever separated either team.

With two minutes to go Hamden Hall was leading by 4 points and the upset was within reach. Andrew Rice, who had been a defensive thorn, had scored 10 points and grabbed 8 boards, committed his 5^th foul and his play would be missed in the final minutes.

St. Luke’s is a very good team thus the number one seed caused a turnover that led to a basket and the score was now tied. It remained that way until 15 seconds left in the game when they hit a long three making the score 58-55.

The Hornets called time out to set up a play. The Storm had a foul to give, and did, as the clock now read 8 seconds left in regulation. A shot was missed and St. Luke’s was fouled making one of two shots with 3 seconds left in the contest.

A long shot at the buzzer was wide and the win was St. Luke’s and the end of the season for the Hornets of Hamden Hall.

5’10 Senior Michael DiMartino played an outstanding game with his all-round play.

6’7 Junior Dan Draffan gave everyone a possible view of next year playing his finest game in a Hornet uniform scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and held his opponent, who is ranked in the country, to 6 points.

This was a tough loss, but the boys played well and we are proud of them for their effort and hustle.

It was a game that could have finished in our favor, but the ball doesn’t always bounce the way you want it to.

Box Score:

Draffan-9-0-7/8-25 pts. DiMartino-3-1-4/7-13 pts, Rice-4-0-2/6-10 pts, T.J. Rountree-2-0-1/2-5 pts, Smith-0-0-2/2-2 pts, Williams-0-0-0, Wright-0-0-0, A. Rountree-0-0-0

18-1—16/25-55

Leading Scorer-Draffan-25

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-15

Leading Assists-DiMartino-4

Leading Steals-T.J. Rountree-4

Record

16-10

It was the last game for Seniors Tri-Captain, Michael Di Martino Tri-Captain, Kyle Smith, Kevin Johns and Kyle Williams.

They will be missed for their effort and attitude and for thinking of the team and not personal glory.

We wish them well.

The Season has ended………

'Legally Blonde' Cast Ready to Impress Audiences

3/1/2016

Memorable songs and dynamic dancing are cued up for this week’s Upper School musical as the ever-popular Legally Blonde transforms Hamden Hall’s stage into a sorority house and the hallowed halls of Harvard.

More than 45 students have come together on stage and off to bring this energetic, hilarious musical to Hamden Hall.

Click here to purchase tickets online.

February

Hornets Get Bid for New England Tournament

2/29/2016

It has been a year of the turn-a-round and a bid to the New England Tournament is the reward.

With a record of 16-9 the Hornets were seeded 8th and will play the number 1 seed St. Luke’s 23-1 at 6:00 on Wednesday, away.

We are pleased that the committee recognized what Hamden Hall accomplished this past season.

Seeding:

1)            St Luke’s-(CT.)
2)            Pingree-(Mass.)
3)            Winchendon-(Mass.)

4) Greens Farms-(CT.)

5) Hyde (CT.)

6) Wheeler (RI.)

7) Hyde (Me.)

8) Hamden Hall (CT.)

Greens Farms, a team who finished fourth in our league with a record of 12-12 and a team we split with during the season, was seeded 4th with a home game.

Their seeding was a surprise and doesn’t sit well with our coaching staff, but that’s the way the ball bounces.

In any event, we are pleased that the Hornets will be playing in the Tournament after a four-year absence.

St. Luke’s is a very good team. We will have our work cut out for us.

However, as Yogi said “we are just happy to be there” …

Alumnus Jumping High!

2/29/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Austin DiMartino 2015 continues his athletic journey at Connecticut College.

Hornets Come Back Falls Short in Semi-Finals to Hopkins 63-61

2/29/2016

This was a tough one.

Playing at the Rivals Home Court in front of a standing room only crowd was enough to upset any team, but Hamden Hall hung tough in the first half as Hopkins and the Hornets traded baskets.

Andrew Rice had 8 points, Michael DiMartino had 7 points and Kyle Smith and Dan Draffan dropped in 6 points respectfully and the score at half time was 35-30 Hilltoppers.

In our locker room we were not concerned and indicated to the team that we had too many turnovers and that our best offensive player (T.J.Rountree) hadn’t scored and we were only down 5 points.

We felt confident the next half would be better.

Mid-way in the second half Hopkins opened up a 10-point lead and it appeared that the game was quickly running away from the Hornets. The score was now 58-48 with four minutes left in the game, but “what we may of lacked in skill was made up with our will”

Hamden Hall showed their grit and determination as they began to fight back led by T.J Rountree, who hadn’t scored until then, scored 8 points as part of a 11 to 2 run making the score 60 to 59 with 1.20 left in regulation.

Hopkin’s Edens Fleurizard, the 6’7 Senior who will be playing next year at Hobart and was a thorn in Hamden Hall’s side the entire game, was fouled. He made 1 of 2 foul shots (he was 15 for 19 from the charity stripe and scored 35 points for the game) to put the Hilltoppers up 61 to 59 and 30 seconds left in the game.

A questionable call by the official resulted in a turnover and Hopkins reclaimed the ball and was quickly fouled with 10 seconds on the clock. They made both and the score was now 63 to 59. The Hornets scored as the clock sounded and the final score of 63 to 61.

It was a tough loss, but we were proud of our team who didn’t quit and played hard until the final horn sounded.

Hopkins moved on to the finals of the Fairchester Championship the next day against St. Luke’s and lost 61-45.

Box Score:

Draffan-7-0-1/1-15 pts.Rice-3-0-7/10- 13 pts. Smith-2-1-4/5-11pts.DiMartino-2-1-2/2-9 pts.T.J.Rountree-3-0-2/2-8 pts. Wright-1-1-0-5 pts. A.Rountree-0-0-2/2-2 pts. Williams-0-0-0.Villano-0-0-0

18-3-16/22-61

Leading Scorer-Draffan-15

Leading Assists- DiMartino-4

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-8

Leading Steals-Rice-6

Record

16-9

There is a potential bid for the New England that will be announce soon.

Hopefully the season continues……

Basketball Teams Fall in FAA Tournaments but Gear Up for New Englands

2/28/2016

Bud Kohler

Without the home court advantage, the Hornet basketball teams fought to the end, but came up short on the road on Friday evening. The#3 seed boys faced off one more time with #2 seed Hopkins up on the hill. The Hilltoppers took a 10 point 58-48 lead in the second half and looked like they were going to cruise to a comfortable win. However, the Hornets fought back with an 11-2 run that brought them within a point with a minute and a half to go. Unfortunately, the Hilltoppers hit the necesary free throws to emerge with a 64-61 win.
The loss dropped the Hornets to 16-9; nevertheless, their dramatic turnaround and revival this season was rewarded with an invitation to the New England Tournament. Under Coach Beckerman's previous tenure, the Hornets established themselves as one of the most dominant basketball powers in New England and a perennial tournament favorite. They won eight New England championships under Coach B's guidance from 1996-2004. The Hornets will face a very stiff test, right from the start. They have been seeded #8 and pitted against fellow league foe, St. Luke's, who just won the FAA tournament and come in favorites with the #1 seed. Nevertheless, the Hornets have played the Storm tough, and March Madness is always full of upsets. The quarterfinal contest is Wednesday at 6:00 in New Canaan.
The girls hoops team just returned from a tough battle in New Canaan, where they fell to St. Luke's in the FAA tournament championship final 59-55. It was a rematch of last year's final when the Hornets took the title and then went on to capture the NEPSAC crown as well. Senior forward Rachel Menze was a force, scoring a game high 32 points while grabbing 19 rebounds. Sophomore guard Kai Clemons did everything she could to calm the Storm, scoring 8 points, making 3 steals, and dishing out 11 assists, but it just was not enough.
The girls still earned a return trip to the New England tournament where they will try to defend their title. The Hornets are seeded #5 and play none other than Proctor Academy of New Hampshire. The game is scheduled to be played at Groton School in Mass. on Wednesday at a time to be determined. This will be the third consecutive year where the teams have met in the NEPSAC quarterfinals; moreover, the two teams share the same school colors and mascot! In 2014, HH prevailed 62-53, and won again last year 53-50. In both years, HH advanced to the finals and faced off against another Lakes Region foe, Kimball Union Academy, which was ranked #1 both years. This year, should HH advance, they will likely be playing...? You guessed it - KUA, again seeded #1.
So let the March Madness begin, and Go Hornets!!! (The HH Hornets that is)

Basketball Teams Advance in FAA Tournaments

2/25/2016

Bud Kohler

The Parents' Association is currently putting together a Hamden Hall Cookbook, and surely would be saying that there is nothing like a bit of home cooking. On Wednesday evening at the Beckerman Athletic Center, both basketball teams served up a tasty dish and cooked up a winning plate to advance in the annual Fairchester Athletic Association Tournament.
In the opening game, the #2 seeded girls squared off against #3 seed Greenwich Academy. The visiting Gators had defeated the Hornets earlier in the season down in Greenwich, but found it difficult to build any momentum against the swarming Hornets. The first half became a grinding defensive battle with HH emerging with a slim 24-22 lead at the break. The Gators fought back to briefly lead in the second frame, led by their freshman phenom, Kaitlyn Davis, who was a force at both ends of the court. The Hornets managed to regain the slimmest of leads and slowly expanded it; however a fierce trapping defense by GA continuously kept the game within their reach. But the Hornets would not be denied and withstood Davis and the Gators down the stretch to earn the 45-38 victory. Rachel Menze led the Hornets with 18 points and 21 rebounds, while Naomi Van Nes threw in 12 more. As always, Kai Clemons was a whirlwind, and snatched 6 steals and scored 6 points. The Hornets also got clutch play from Lexi Palmer, Alyssa Vine, Jenna Berens, Shannon Rhone, and Cassi Smith.
With the win, the Hornets improved to 15-7 and will travel to New Canaan on Friday to play #1 seed St. Luke's in the championship game at 6:15.
In the nightcap, the boys had to fight off a sluggish start and another hot shooter as they finally pulled away with a powerful second half en route to a 70-45 win over the King School of Stamford. The #3 seeded Hornets looked reasonably sharp; however, the #6 seed Vikings enjoyed an early lead thanks to plenty of hustle and some NBA range three point shooting from junior guard Trey Canevari. Coach Beckerman continued to shuffle players in and out, looking for a hot combination, but HH failed to rattle the visitors. Two quick baskets by Andrew Rice and TJ Rountree with seconds left finally gave the Hornets a 32-27 lead at half.
The second half was a completely different story, as the relenteless defense began to force errors by the Vikings, leading to a number of fast break points, including a few thunderous dunks by Andrew Rice and Dan Draffan. The junior center took control of the boards and finished with 24 rebounds, tying Mike Massey's 12 year record for rebounds in a game. The Hornets also shut down the sharpshooting Canevari and held the visitors to 18 total points in the second half. TJ Rountree led all scorers with 27 points, including 5 three pointers. Rice finished with 15, Draffan 14; other Hornets scorers included Pasquale Villano with 6, Michael DiMartino 5 (to go along with 3 steals), Kyle Smith 2, and Miles Cogdell 1.
With the victory, the boys advance to a semifinal showdown with crosstown rival Hopkins on Friday at 6:00. The teams split the regular season, so this game should be indeed intense. Go Hornets!!!

Hornets Reach Semi-Finals of the Playoffs

2/25/2016

The Quarter-Finals win 70-45 in the Fairchester Tournament against The King School was the first playoff win in five years for the Hornets and the score was misleading.

From the opening tip off King came to play and took an early lead 8-2. This was a different team that the Hornets had defeated twice during the regular season. They were led by a sharpshooting Junior Trey Canevari who scored 13 points in the first half.

The score was 28 to 27 with thirty seconds to go in the half, a steal by 6’3 Sophomore Andrew Rice that scored and a basket by T.J. Rountree with 5 seconds left made the score 32 to 27 Hornets.

6’2 Junior T.J. Rountree had 18 points of his game high 27 points to lead Hamden Hall in the first half.

In the first two minutes of the second half the Hornets made their sting count with two consecutive steals that led to baskets. The lead now was 36 to 27 Hamden Hall.

The play of 6’7 Junior Dan Draffan was beginning to take its toll on King as he was controlling the backboards. In addition to Dan scoring 10 second half points, the talented center tied a 12-year-old school record for rebounds held by Mike Massey with 24.

This, combined with Andrew Rice and T.J. Rountree each dropping in 9 points kept the Hornets in front for the remainder of the contest.

The second half defense by the Hornets was outstanding limiting King to just 18 points.

This factor of defense is the corner stone of our program and will be the catalyst if we are to continue the season.

Box Score:

T.J. Rountree-6-5-0/1-27 pts, Rice-7-0-1/1-15 pts, Draffan-4-0-6/10-14 pts, Villano-3-0-0/2-6 pts. DiMartino-0-0-5/6-5 pts. Smith-0-0-2/2-2 pts. Cogdell-0-0-1/2-1 pt. Williams-0-0-0, Wright-0-0-0, Johns-0-0-0, Moran-0-0-0. Johnson-0-0-0

20-5-15/24

Leading Scorer-T.J. Rountree-27

Leading Assists-T.J. Rountree-4

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-24

Leading Blocks-Draffan-4

Leading Steals-Rice, DiMartino-3 each.

Record

15-8

Friday is the Semi-Finals at arch Rival Hopkins, the number 2 seed.

The Season Continues…………

Hornets Secure Third Place with 82-73 Win over Masters

2/23/2016

Hamden Hall took care of Business with a needed win over Master’s in a Fairchester League Game.

The win gave the Hornet’s a Home game and third place seeding in the league playoffs against King Tomorrow at 6:15.

The Hornets were ready to play and jumped out quickly with aggressive defensive pressure that led to a 12 to 2 run. The zone trap defense kept Masters off balance; however personal fouls against Hamden Hall played a role as three Starters went to the bench, Dan Draffan, Michael DiMartino and Kyle Smith each having 2 fouls each.

The Bench play came thru with Krish Moran hitting two key three’s, the floor play of Kyle Williams along with Andrew Rice going 8 for 8 from the charity Stripe and 16 points and the solid play of T.J Rountree 14 points kept the lead in the hands of the Hornets with a half time score of 48-31.

In the second half Masters made a run cutting the lead to 4 points with 4 minutes to go. Mike DiMartino, Dan Draffan scored 8 points respectfully and Kyle Smith, Andrew Rice, TJ.Rountree added 6 points as the defensive pressure that got the Hornets out front caused havoc again and Hamden Hall increased their margin back to a 12-point advantage for their fourteenth win of the regular season.

Box Score:

Rice-7-0-8/10-22 pts, T.J Rountree-7-2-0-20 pts, Draffan-3-0-4/7-10 pts, DiMartino-3-0-2/3-8 pts.Moran-0-2-0-6 pts,Williams-0-2-0-6 pts, Smith-3-0-0-6 pts,Johnson-1-0-0-2 pts.Cogdell-1-0-0-2 pts.

25-6-14/20-82 pts.

Record

14-8 (9-5 League)

Final Standings of the Regular Season of the Fairchester League.

1) St Lukes-14-0

2) Hopkins-10-4

3) Hamden Hall-9-5

4) GreenFarms-8-6

5) Brunswick-8-6

6) Rye-4-10* (Will not compete in League Playoffs this year)

7) King-3-11

8) Masters-1-13

The Tournament schedule played at the higher seed will be:

2/24/16

#1 St. Luke’s –(Bye)

#2 Hopkins plays # 8 Masters

#3 Hamden Hall plays # 7 King

# 4 Green Farms Plays # 5 Brunswick

2/26/16

Winner of 4-5 will face 1

Winner of 2-8 will face winner of 3-7

2/27/16
Championship Game

Playoffs at Home at 6:15 against the seventh seed King, tomorrow at Home.

The Season Continues………

Wrestling Finishes Strong at States and New Englands: Nu Kwan Fair Advances to Nationals!

2/23/2016

Bud Kohler

Though Wrestling has toiled in the shadows of higher profile sports, the program has continued to prosper and achieve impressive results, despite the relatively small 'band of brothers' who participate each year. This season the Hornets were led by new head coach, Adam Arterbery, who got his wrestling experience in Oklahoma, one of the national hotbeds of the sport. Coach Arterbery is an instructor at the Connecticut Speed School, where he overseas the Wrestling Academy. He is also a doctor at Yale University in the Department of Pediatrics. Coach Arterbery was hard working and inspirational, and he was able to build a dynamic 14 man squad.
Faced with giving up forfeits at 106, 113, 220, and 285 lbs. all year, the relatively young squad still finished with a 7-15 record, including going 1-3 at the Fairchester League tournament. The team record, however, does not reflect the excellent efforts and results of the individual wrestlers.
The story of the season has to be freshman Nu Kwan Fair. Wrestling at 132 lbs., Nu Kwan finished the season at an incredible 14-1. He took 1^st Place at the Western New Englands (WNEISWA), the first freshman Hornet to be crowned state champion since the legendary Benji Kerzner in the late 1990s. Nu Kwan went on to finish 3^rd at New Englands (NEISWA), and has qualified for the upcoming Prep Nationals held at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.
The following wrestlers also distinguished themselves throughout the season:

Laszlo Gendler (126 Sr, 10-2) took 3^rd at WNEISWA and placed 8^th at NEISWA.

Eric Emmendorfer (145 Fr, 9-4) qualified for the NEISWA tournament with a 69% winning percentage during the regular season.

Wyn Viega (138 Fr, 5-2) qualified for the NEISWA tournament with a 71% winning percentage during the regular season.

Dylan Macnamara (120 Fr, 7-3) placed 6^th at the state tournament and qualified for the NNEISWA tournament with a 70% winning percentage during the regular season.

Ishmael Williams (182 Fr, 11-5) placed 4^th at WNEISWA and qualified for the NEISWA.

Sungyup Ryu (195 So, 6-3) placed 6^th at the state tournament (WNEISWA) and qualified for the NEISWA tournament with a 67% winning percentage during the regular season.

Congratulations to Coach Arterbery and the entire team for all their efforts on the mat, and good luck to Nu Kwan at Nationals!

Boys Hoops Downs King on Senior Night

2/21/2016

Bud Kohler

Before the intensity ramps up with the onset of playoffs, it's always fun to honor the seniors at their last home contest. And it's even more enjoyable with a well earned victory. On Thursday, Boys Basketball defeated the King School 64-37 and got one step closer to securing the third seed for the upcoming FAA tournament. The Hornets came out strong, especially in utilizing tight defense to keep the visiting Vikings at bay. The team took a 29-18 lead into the locker room at halftime. In the second frame, the defensive was even more tenacious, as the Hornets extended their lead to 20 mid-way through the half. The team then cruised to a comfortable win down the stretch. Junior Dan Draffan had a career high 25 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth “Double/Double” of the season. Andrew Rice led the team with 4 assists, while Michael DiMartino led with 4 steals.

Senior players Michael Di Martino, Kyle Williams, Kevin Johns, and Kyle Smith, as well as managers Jake Teplitzky and Shafton Haley, were honored with their families in attendance. All of these players have contributed significantly to the program over the years and they will be truly missed.

Box Score:
Draffan-9-0-7/8-25; T.J. Rountree-0-2-2/2-8; Rice-3-0-1/4-7; Di Martino-3-0-0-6; Wright-1-0-3/6-5; Cogdell-0-1-0-3; Villano-0-1-0-3; Johnson-1-0-0-2; Smith-1-0-0-2; Johns-1-0-0-2; Moran-0-0-1/2-1; Williams-0-0-0; A Rountree-0-0-0-.

19-4- 14/22-64 pts.

Girls Basketball Win 6th in a Row

2/21/2016

The Girls basketball team is peaking just in time for the upcoming FAA and New England tournaments, winning twice in the week in convincing fashion. On Saturday afternoon the Hornets defeated Masters by the score of 56-33. Senior Rachel Menze led the Hornets with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Naomi Van Nes added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kai Clemons had 15 points and 5 rebounds. Earlier in the week, the team cruised past the Dragons of Green Farms Academy by the score of 63-30. The Hornets were again led by seniors Rachel Menze and Naomi Van Nes. Menze had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Van Nes added 18 points and 15 rebounds. Kai Clemons contributed 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists.

Hornets Stop King 64 to 37

2/19/2016

From the opening tip-off Hamden Hall came to play led by Dan Draffan’12 points and T.J Rountree’s 5 points. The tight defense of the Hornets kept their opponent off balance as they took a 29-18 half time lead.

In the second half the defensive effort by the entire Hamden Hall team was evident as they built a 20-point lead mid-way in the period.

Junior Dan Draffan had 13 of his Career high 25 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth “Double/Double” of the season.

This was a key game for the Hornets as they moved into third place and improved to 8-5 in League play.

Box Score:

Draffan-9-0-7/8-25 pts. T.J. Rountree-0-2-2/2-8 pts. Rice-3-0-1/4-7 pts. Di Martino-3-0-0-6 pts.Wright-1-0-3/6-5 pts.Cogdell-0-1-0-3 pts.Villano-0-1-0-3 pts. Johnson-1-0-0-2 pts.Smith-1-0-0-2 pts.Johns-1-0-0-2 pts.Moran-0-0-1/2-1 pt.Williams-0-0-0-. A Rountree-0-0-0-.

19-4- 14/22-64 pts.

Leading Scorer-Draffan -25 pts

Leading Assists-Rice-4

Leading Rebounder-draffan-10

Leading Steals-DiMartino-4

Record

13-8 (8-5 League)

It was Senior Night and we appreciate their efforts and support thru the season.

Michael Di Martino, Kyle Williams, Kevin Johns and Kyle Smith will be missed.

Each in their own way brought something that is part of the fabric of our team.

Next up is the last game of the regular season away at Masters, if we can win than we are assured

of third place in the Fairchester League and a home game in the playoffs.

The Season Continues………

2016 Alumni Achievement Awards April 16!

2/18/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall Country Day School
2016 Alumni Achievement Awards
April 16, 2016

Reception
5:30 p.m.

Dinner & Program
6:30 p.m.

Welcome
Jodi Amatulli, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Remarks
Bob Izzo, Head of School

Presentation of Awards

LOU MANGINI 1995
Presenter: Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro

DR. SANDA LUJIC TOMAK 1989
Presenter: Katharine Harris

DARCHELLE M. GARNER 1979
Presenter: Janet Parker 1979

JORDAN HADELMAN 1972
Presenter: Jill Medvedow 1972

JOYCE OLSON RESNIKOFF 1955
Presenter: Christopher Regan

It's Crunch Time

2/18/2016

Here are our 10 Commitments:

1. We will set our Defense every time.

2. We will pressure the man with the ball.

3. We will prevent penetration. (be in the paint)

4. We will contest all shots hands high without fouling.

5. We will rebound/box out and run the floor.

6. We will run for lay ups and open 3's.

7. We will share the ball. (Make the extra Pass)

8. We will penetrate the defense.

9. We will take good shots both inside and outside.

10. We will attack the offensive boards.

Coach B

Swimming Sweeps CISAC Again!

2/18/2016

Bud Kohler

Under the guidance of Coach Ken Pierson, the names and faces keep changing over the years, but positive results remain constant. On Wednesday, the Girls Swim team cruised through the CISAC league meet to capture their 6th consecutive trophy. HH 499; Westover 366; Williams 280; MacDuffie 44. The girls took 1st in nine out of the eleven events, with Anne-Sophie Neumeister and Sona Pinela taking 2 firsts, and Jing Shi and Liv Caldarella one each in the individual events. The fearsome foursome then combined to take the 200 medley and 400 free relays as well. Maddy Malin, Abby Malin, Shaw Mettler, and Julia Pandolfi won first in the 200 free relay.
The Boys had to fight back to gain their 5th championship title, with a score of HH 136; Williams 107; MacDuffie 23. The Hornets captured 4 firsts including Tyler Bunton in the 50 free, Jannik Eggerman in the 100 free, Matt Lettiero in the 500 free and Tim Bradley, Bunton, Eggerman, and Lettiero in the 400 free relay.
Those few individuals dominated; however, it was clearly a complete team effort for both squads, as underclassmen and middle schoolers recorded addional points to cement the wins. Congratulations to the teams and Coaches Pierson and Ann Kohler, who now prepare for the annual New England Meet where they hope to continue their successful run.

Hornets Fall to Greens Farms 66 to 59

2/17/2016

Most of the time when a team plays away from home it contends with surroundings that can affect the outcome, the Gym, the Crowd and the way the Game is Officiated.

This was an Up Tempo game and having just Two officials makes it very difficult on both teams. The game is simply too fast for two Officials to be in the proper position to make the correct call.

It should be noted that at all Home games at Hamden Hall there are Three Officials, including the victory over Green Farms early in the season.

In the first half, Hamden Hall matched baskets with the Dragons of Green Farms led by Andrew Rice’s 9 points and 4 steals and Dan Draffan’s 8 points along with T.J Rountree’s 7 points and the half time score was Green Farms 32 and Hamden Hall 30.

Green Farms had decided height advantage over the Hornets with their frontline of 6’8, 6’7 and 6’5 as they increased their lead to 12 points midway into the final period of play, but Hamden Hall refused to fold in the second half with defensive pressure along with the scoring of T.J Rountree (17 pts.), and the rebounding and scoring of Draffan (8 pts), began to crawl its way back.

With 40 seconds to go the score was now 61-59 and Green Farms hit a long three to put them up by 4 points 64 to 59. A missed shot by the Hornets and then forced to foul as their opponent made two for a final score of 66 to 59.

Box Score:

T.J.Rountree-8-2-2/3-24 pts.Draffan-7-0-2/3-16 pts.Rice-4-0-3/8-11 pts.A.Rountree-2-0-0-4 pts.DiMartino-1-0-0-2 pts. Smith-1-0-0-2 pts.Williams-0-0-0,Villano-0-0-0,Johnson-0-0-0,Wright-0-0-0

23-2-7/17-59 pts.

Leading Scorer-A.J.Rountree-24 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-9

Leading Assists-T.J.Rountree-4

Leading Steals-Rice-8

Leading Blocks-Draffan-3

Record-12-8 (7-5 League)

This was a game that was important to both teams as the season is winding down.

Hamden Hall is now tied with Brunswick for third place with a league record of 7-5 with two games to go (King at Home and Masters away). Brunswick also has two games left against Greens Farms and King.

If the Hornets can win the remaining two games and secure third place it will give them a home game as the league playoffs begins.

Only time will tell as the Season Continues….

Welcome Baby Aiden!

2/16/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Sandy Winokur Small 2002 and her husband, Brett Small, proudly announce the arrival of Aiden Robert Small born Jan. 19 at 4:48 pm.

Brunswick Comes Back to Beat the Hornets 60-55

2/16/2016

The Hamden Hall defense played a great first half making their opponent work hard and struggle at both ends of the court that resulted in a 29 to 20 half time lead for the Hornets. T.J Rountree, Kyle Smith and Andrew Rice led the first half with 12,7 and 7 points respectfully.

But the second half was different much different. The defense gave up 40 points and our offense only scored 26 points led by Andrew Rice who dropped in half with 13 points. Turnovers and poor decisions hurt the Hornets as they fueled the Bruins come back.

Mid-way in the second half Brunswick went on a 17-0 run even with the Hornets calling two time outs and tied the game 36 to 36 with less than eight minutes to go in the game.

With 2 minutes left in the game Brunswick had a three point lead 52-49 after Dan Draffan made one of two foul shots. Hamden Hall couldn’t break the three point lead as they pressured Brunswick who was now playing for a home playoff berth.

Brunswick scored 24 baskets, (7 three pointers) and 6/7 from the foul line, while Hamden Hall was 18 baskets (6 Three Pointers) and 13/20 from the foul line.

Box Score:

Rice-6-1-5/6-20 pts, T.J. Rrountree-1-4-3/3-17 pts, Smith-3-1-1/1-10 pts,Draffan-2-0-3/6-7 pts,DiMartino-0-0-1/2-1 pt.A.Rountree-0-0-0/2-0 pts, Williams-0-0-0 pts.,Cogdell-0-0-0 pts,Wright-0-0-0-pts,Villano-0-0-0-pts.

12-6-13/20-55 pts.

Leading Scorer-Rice-20 pts

Leading Rebounder- Draffan-7

Leading Assists- DiMartino-4

Leading Steals-Rice-3

Record

12-6 (7-4 League)

All 8 teams qualify for Fairchester Playoff Tournament and with three games left for Hamden Hall (7-4) and Brunswick (6-5) winning will clearly affect the seeding, which means play at home vs going on the road for a game.

With the exception of the undefeated St Luke’s Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth place are still not determined. Within the week we will know where everyone stands for the playoffs.

If Mother Nature cooperates the league schedule should be completed for all of the teams this coming week. Playing a Home game is within our control.

The Season Continues…..

Girls Hoops Notch a Weekend Double.

2/15/2016

Bud Kohler

The girl's basketball team picked up two wins this weekend, improving their record to 11-7. On Friday night the girls defeated a tough Wilbraham and Monson team by the score of 53-43. The visiting Titans entered the contest with an 11-2 record and looked ferocious from the outset. They applied the same kind of continuous pressure that has been a Hornets' trademark, taking a 29-26 lead into the lockerrooom as the result of a last second halfcourt shot. Neither team could assert themselves offensively when the game resumed, yet halfway through the second frame the Hornets had successfully clawed back, outscoring WMA 12-7. The Titans were clearly not used to the relentless low post game of Naomi Van Ness and Rachel Menze and the lid seemed to close on their basket. The Hornets, having solved the Titan pressure game, gradually took over the contest to grind out the win. Van Nes scored 16 points and dominated the glass with 20 rebounds. Rachel Menze led the Hornets with 19 points. She also added 12 rebounds. Kai Clemons also played a key role, as she showed greater poise and confidence down the stretch to go along with her quickness and tenacity.

On Saturday afternoon, the Hornets defeated Westover by the score of 55-36. Kai Clemons had 18 points, 7 steals and 6 rebounds. Rachel Menze contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds. Cassie Smith added 10 points.

Long Ball carries Hornets to Victory

2/11/2016

T.J Rountree came within one of the record, hitting 7 three pointers in a 62 to 50 win over Rye Country Day.

The 6’1 Junior hit 7 out of 10 shots from long range and scored a season high 27 points as the Hornets improved their League record to 7-3 and third place in the Fairchester League.

The first half both teams kept the game close until the last minute when Hamden Hall’s press was effective and led to a 31 to 26 lead.

T.J.Rountree, 6’3 Sophomore Andrew Rice and 6’7 Junior Dan Draffan scored 12, 9 and 7 points respectfully.

The second half opened where the first had ended with the continued defensive pressure as the shot clock ticked away on Rye. This was effective as it limited the timeframe for the offense of our opponent to shoot.

Offensively it was a Rountree affair that was one of the catalysts to carry the Hornets to their twelfth win of the season as T.J scored 15 pts and his younger brother Aiden (8th grade) scored 7 points.

But it was the defense, again, that kept the pressure on Rye and limited them to hurrying their shots and causing several key turnovers that led to baskets.

We are coming down the stretch with only four games left to the regular season.

At this point, we are in third place (7-3) behind Hopkins (8-3).

The remaining schedule will directly affect the seeding for the play-offs.

We do control our own destiny and it begins at Brunswick tomorrow.

Box Score:

T.J. Rountree-3-7-0/2-27 pts. Rice—3-0-8/10-14 pts, Draffan-4-0-1/2-9 pts. A. Rountree-2-1-0-7 pts. Wright-0-1-0-3 pts. DiMartino-1-0-0-2pts.

Moran-0-0-0, Johns-0-0-0- Smith-0-0-0, Cogdell-0-0-0- ,Johnson-0-0-0-,Williams-0-0-0-Vanhise-0-0-0-Villano-0-0-0-

13-9-9/14-62 pts

Leading Scorer-T.J. Rountree-27

Leading Assists-DiMartino-6

Leading Rebounder –Rice and Draffan-8 each

Leading Blocks-Draffan-2

Leading Steals-Rice and Williams-3 each

Record-12-3 (7-3 League)

The season continues and it will not be easy….

Matthew Huff, Class of 2010, Passes

2/11/2016

Matthew Huff 2010 died on Feb. 3.

Making Wishes Come True

2/10/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Caron Shutan 1975 is excited to share news that she has accepted a “wonderful role” in the national office of the Make-A-Wish America Foundation in their fundraising department as Planned Giving Manager.

DiMartino Getting "On Track"

2/8/2016

Bud Kohler

While senior Michael DiMartino continues to contribute to the Hornets' success, first as an All State soccer player in the fall, and now as clutch contributor to the basketball team, his older brother, Austin, also continues his athletic journey at Connecticut College. This fall, Austin played club soccer at Conn College, but has now replaced basketball in the winter with a developing passion for Track. He is learning and preparing to become a decathalon competitor. Last week, Austin finished 6th in the pole vault in the collegiate category at the Cupid Challenge Invitational hosted by Tufts University. He posted a mark of nine feet, six and one quarters of an inch. Austin has competed in various running events as well, and plans to continue to compete outdoors this spring.

We Let an Upset Slip Away 50-49

2/8/2016

We had a game plan to hold a high scoring St. Luke’s, undefeated and first place team in the Fairchester League, to 50 points or less.

This would have to be our finest defensive effort of the season, especially with 6’7 Walter Whyte ranked in the top 100 recruits in the country as their main threat.

This was a rematch for the Hornets where Whyte in the first game controlled the backboards and scored 22 points in a 61-51 victory. It was also a game that the Hornet’s 6’7 Dan Draffan didn’t play due to an injury to his hand.

Hamden Hall came out early with the same determination it had shown in its last victory (over Hopkins) with T.J Rountree, Andrew Rice and Chris Wright scoring 6, 5 and 5 respectfully.

The defensive game plan was working led by the solid man to man defense of Kyle Smith, Andrew Rice, Michael Di Martino, Dan Draffan and T.J.Rountree, but it came with a major cost as T.J. Rountree, Kyle Williams and Andrew Rice each had two fouls each early in the half.

The score at half time was Hamden Hall 24 and St. Luke’s 17 and the momentum was clearly on the side of the Hornets.

This was the lowest offensive output the “storm “had done the entire season. The defensive plan was working; however, as we all know “it takes two halves’ to win the game”

With 9 minutes to go the Hornets had built a 12-point lead and Whyte was playing with three fouls, but that didn’t stop him as he scored 14 of his game high 18 points in the next 9 minutes along with Jonas Harper who dropped in 10 of his 12 points as well. We play with a shot clock as they do in college and St. Luke’s began to chip away at the lead as the Hornet’s hit a dry spell.

St. Luke’s never had the lead until there was less than a minute left in regulation when Whyte put them up 48 to 46.

Hamden Hall quickly avoided the full court press and Dan Draffan was fouled and made 1 of 2 shots to put us within one point.

Jonas Harper of St Luke’s was fouled and made two foul shots to put St Luke’s up 50 to 47 with 13 seconds left on the clock.

A three-point shot was missed by Rountree and Draffan scored as the buzzer sounded making the score 50 to 49 St. Luke’s.

Our opponent is a very good team and I was proud of our boys who gave maximum effort on defense and if it weren’t for mental errors in the last moments of the game the outcome may have been different. We really let this one slip away.

It takes a full 32 minutes of play combining physical and mental skill to get a victory and the team now knows that it can play against good teams and have a chance to win the game. We have improved, but understanding that solid defense and a disciplined offense goes a long way in achieving success and is required for a victory.

The Hornets had more field goals 18 to 15 but the game was decided at the charity stripe where the visitors were 18 for 27 while the home team was 11 for 19.

Box Score:

Rice-5-0-2/3-12 pts, A.J. Rountree-2-1-4/6-11 pts, Draffan-5-0-1/4-11 pts Wright-1-1-2/2-7 pts, DiMartino-2-0-2/4-5 pts, Smith-1-0-0-2 pts, Williams-0-0-0-Villano-0-0-0, A.Rountree-0-0-0-

16-2-11/19-49Pts.

Leading Scorer-Rice-12 pts

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-9

Leading Assists-T.J. Rountree-4

Leading Steals-Rice-5

Record 11-6 (6-3 League)

Next up league games- Wednesday home against Rye and Friday away against Brunswick

The season continues……….

George Levine, Class of 1943, Passes

2/4/2016

George Levine 1943 passed away on January 23.

Girls & Boys Hoops Sweep Hopkins

2/4/2016

Bud K

The Beckerman Athletic Center was truly buzzing on Tuesday evening, as the girls and then the boys teams defeated Hopkins in two drama filled games.
The girls have held a decided advantage over the Hilltoppers in the recent years. However, they knew they were facing a much improved program, and the game promised to be an intense struggle. The Hornets challenged Hopkins with their combination of up tempo offense and high pressure defense. The Hilltoppers were able to withstand the early pressure and gradually pulled ahead by seven in the first half as the Hornet point guards, Kai Clemons and Alyssa Vine, got into early foul trouble and watched from the bench while the team committed a string of turnovers. The Hornets scratched their way back to only trail 30-28 at halftime.

The second half proved to be another story. The Hornets stung the Hilltoppers with a 14-1 run, virtually shutting out the opposition for 11 minutes. Hopkins battled down the stretch and kept it close. They repeatedly sent the Hornets to the foul line, which has been an achilles heel for the relatively young team this season. At first this worked and the lead dwindled alarmingly as Hopkins shot well from the foul line. However senior captain Rachel Menze iced the game with clutch 5-6 shooting from the line herself, giving the girls a well deserved 50-43 victory. Menze led all scorers with 20. Naomi Van Nes added 9 points, 11 rebounds, and a number of blocked shots. Shannon Rhone added 8, Clemons had 6, and Cassi Smith 5.

The boys game was just as intense and included last second drama before the Hornets emerged with a 66-63 overtime victory. The boys came out eager to avenge their loss at Hopkins last Friday, and they sensed that this was their night to get back in the win column against their crosstown rivals after a number of years at the bottom of the Fairchester League. The teams traded baskets throughout the first half, with the Hornets clinging to a 28-27 lead at the break. Like the earlier game, the boys gained the upper hand in the second frame and edged out to what some might have felt was a comfortable 9 point lead. But in a rivalry that has been recognized by the New Haven Register as one of the very best in the city over the last two decades, everyone knows the ability of each team to mount thrilling comebacks. The Hilltoppers made their move down the stretch and whittled down the Hornet lead. And as time expired, Charlie Zane glanced an improbable shot from the baseline off the glass for a 3 pointer to tie the game at 56-56.
Though the Hop jumped out to a 61-59 lead, the Hornets responded, first with a tying basket by senior Michael DiMartino; and then, again like the girls' game, they won it at the foul line. TJ Rountree hit 5 clutch free throws, and then cemented the win with a steal on Hopkins' final attempt to go up court. Rountree and DiMartino both finished with 15 points apiece, while Andrew Rice threw in 16. Kyle Williams added 9 and Kyle Smith had 4.

With the wins, the girls improved to 8-6, while the boys are now in second place in the FAA with an 11-5 record. Congratulations to both programs and thanks to all the terrific fans who packed the BAC.

It's a Matter of Standards

2/4/2016

We set goals at the beginning of the season.

Some of them were:

1) Have fun learning the game 2) Have a winning record

3) Win the Fairchester League 4) Receive a bid to the New England Championships.

5) Change the culture and enhance the tradition of Basketball at Hamden Hall.

But it is Standards, not Goals or Rules, that are the Foundation of an Individual or of a Team.

There is a powerful distinction between STANDARDS, RULES and GOALS.

Rules can be confining at times and Goals can often be out of our direct control.

But Standards are a reflection of what one believes in and a process necessary to achieve success.

I thought we would share with you what is our formula for Standards is and what our concept is for the Hornet Basketball Team.

Be Humble

Realize you still have a lot to learn

Recognize you can learn from anyone.

Be part of something bigger than yourself.

“It’s about Team” and not personal goals

Show Empathy towards others

Listen

Listen to what others expect

Listen to what others need.

Listen to the right people.

Be Quick to listen and Slow to speak.

When you speak it should have value and purpose.

Serve Others.

Make the right decisions for the right reasons.

Make those around you better.

Contribute positively anyway you can.

Take initiative and look for what needs to be done and do it.

Help others achieve their goals.

Hard Work

Work Hard to determine Success.

Work Hard Academically

Work Hard Athletically

Work Hard at your relationships

Work Hard and respect your teammates.

A question that you should ask yourself.

Do you have a good work ethic?

Do your Teammates respect your work ethic?

Do you reinforce Hard Work to your teammates or just stand by?

In the end, it is a matter of STANDARDS and NOT Rules or Goals that create success.

Go Hornets…..

Swimmers top Cheshire & Walkers but fall to Hopkins

2/4/2016

Bud Kohler

The Hornets hosted a quad meet on Wednesday and defeated Ethel Walker and Cheshire Academy, but were beaten by Hopkins.
The girls improved to 9-3, while the boys are now 4-4.

Girls Results:
Hopkins 467 Hamden Hall 304 Ethel Walker 287 C.A. 205
Highlights:
200 IM Sona Pinela HH 2:15.71
500 Free Ann-Sophie Neumeister HH 5:37.37

Boys Results:
Hopkins 155, Hamden Hall 103, Cheshire Academy 36
Highlights:
100 Fly Aaron Ang HH 1:03.85
500 Free Matt Lettiero HH 5:23.20

Congrats on Baby Parker

2/3/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Kimberly Brownstein Greenberg, Class of 2001, and her husband, Jason Greenberg, are proud parents of their first child, Parker Avery Greenberg, born Jan, 2, 2016.

Hornets Prevail over Hopkins 66-63 in OT

2/3/2016

A standing room only crowd watched one of the best games played in this fierce rivalry.

The entire game was very physical and resulted in both teams having players in foul trouble the entire game.

Three starters were forced to the bench, 6’7 Junior Dan Draffan, 6’3 Andrew Rice, and 6’2 T.J Rountree. Hopkins 6’7 Center Edens Fleuizard also was forced to the bench with three fouls as well, prior to scoring his 1000^th point in the first half.

The play of Michael DiMartino, Kyle Williams, Kyle Smith, Pasquale Villano and Chris Wright helped the Hornets as the half ended with score 28 to 27 Hamden Hall.

In the second half Draffan and T.J picked up fouls early and were forced to the bench once again. The 6’7 center Draffan fouled out within a minute of re-entering the game, and 5 minutes left in regulation, leaving the hornets to battle for the rebounds. A few moments later the Hopkins Center also fouled out.

Hamden Hall continued to drive to the basket, rather than rely on the outside shot. Wth both teams without a “big man”, the Hornets managed to break out to a nine point lead behind Rice (9pts), Di Martino (6pts), Kyle Williams (5 pts) only to have the Hilltoppers cut the lead to 57 to 56 with 5 seconds left. Andrew Rice was fouled and calmly made 2 free throws for a 59-56 lead. Charlie Zane, the leading three point shooter in the area, hit a basket deep in the corner “off the glass” to send the game in to overtime.

The overtime belonged to T.J Rountree who made 7 of 9 foul shots and had a huge steal with the score 66-63 to seal the win.

This game showed the grit and determination of the Hornets. They didn’t fold and kept their heads as they were forced into overtime.

Seniors Michael DiMartino played his best game with 14 points and the tenacious defense by Kyle Williams, along with a career high 9 points, stood out. Andrew Rice, even with foul trouble scored 9 of his game high 17 points in the second half and was outstanding. This was a Team effort.

The Hornets went to the charity stripe 42 times, making 28, while their opponent were 20 for 35. Draffan and Rice fouled out while T.J Rountree and Kyle Smith each played with four fouls.

Box Score:

Rice-3-1-8/13-17 pts,T.J.Rountree-3-0-9/15-15 pts, DiMartino-4-1-3/4-14 pts,

Williams-0-2-3/5-9 pts, Smith-2-0-0-4 pts, Draffan-0-0-2/2-2 pts,Villano-1-0-0-2 pts

A.Rountree-0-0-2/2-2 pts.Wright-0-0-1/2-1 pt. Johns-0-0-0.Cogdell-0-0-0, Johnson-0-0-0

13-4-28/42-66

Leading Scorer-Rice-17 pts

Leading Rebounders-Rice and T.J Rountree-9 each

Leading Assists- Williams-4

Leading Steals-T.J Rountree-4

Record 11-5 (6-2 League)

Next Up- League Games Friday away at Masters and Saturday at home against undeafed St Luke’s.

The season Continues.

http://sportzedge.com/2016/02/02/hamden-hall-survives-classic-battle-with-hopkins-bitter-rivals-go-to-ot/

It’s Up to You

2/2/2016

“Just once, do what others say you can’t do,
and you will never pay attention to their limitations again”

Swimming Edged out by Hopkins and Holy Child

2/2/2016

Bud Kohler

The swim team enjoyed two solid showings, only to come up short in the most recent meets. Last Saturday, the Hornets fell to crosstown rivals, Hopkins, 94.5-86.5. The girls team traveled to New York to face FAA foe, Holy Child, losing 88-80, to take their record to 7-2.

First Place Finishes:
200 Medley Relay Ann-Sophie Neumeister, Sona Pinela, Olivia
Caldarella, Jing Shi 2:04.97
200 Free Neumeister 2:09.56
200 IM Sona Pinea 2:23.32
50 Free Jing Shi 27.58
100 Fly Sona Pinela 1:03.58
400 Free Relay Neumeister, Caldarella, Shi, Pinela 4:00.38

Hopkins Stops Hamden Hall 62-56

2/1/2016

Playing away from home is always a task to overcome; but missing foul shots and not creating a consistent offense when you need it is always a drain on the end result.

In the first half the Hornets managed only five baskets while the Hopkins duo, behind the area leading three-point shooter Charlie Zane and 6’6 Eden Fleuizard, scored 13 and 11 respectfully and the score at the end of the half was 29 to 20 Hilltoppers.

The Hornets made a defensive adjustment at half time and began to chip away at the Hopkins lead as Dan Draffan scored 13 of his 16 Points and T.J. Rountree 8 points in the second half.

The lead was cut to 4 points with less than three minutes to go in the game when two consecutive calls were a factor in the outcome.

What many thought was a charge by Hopkins was a “no call” and converted for a basket that gave them a 6 point lead. On the very next play what appeared to be the same situation a charge and basket was waved off against the Hornets. With less than 10 seconds to go we cut the lead to 59 to 56 on T.J Rountree’s three pointer and were forced to foul.

But in the end it is the basics and making only 16 for 30 from the foul line and missing 10 one and ones is not a formula for victory.

Something unusual with the score now 62 to 56, Michael DiMartino was fouled in the act of shooting as the buzzer sounded and the official who did make a call said he couldn’t shoot “because it didn’t have an effect on the outcome” even though he was fouled in regulation with one second left. . Strange?

Side Note,

The game has become too fast for just two officials and the safety of the players and how the game is played is key to the outcome.

Hamden Hall is the only school within the Fairchester League that uses three officials as they do in college to insure that the boys get the best representation of the game.

Box Score:

Draffan-7-0-2/5-16 pts,T.J.Rountree-2-2-6/7-16 pts,A.Rountree-3-0-1-7 pts,Rice-2-0-2/7-6 pts,Smith-2-0-0-4 pts,DiMartino-0-0-2/4-2 pts,Wright-0-0-2/2-2 pts

Villano -1-0-0-2 pts,Williams-0-0-1/2-1 pt.

17-2-16/30-56 pts.

Leading Scorers-Draffan and T.J.Rountree-16 pts each

Leading Rebounder –Draffan-14

Leading Assists- Williams-3

Leading Steals- A.Rountree-3

Leading Blocks- Draffan-4

Record-10-5 (League-5-2)

The loss ended the five game winning streak for Hamden Hall.

It can begin again on Tuesday when we face Hopkins again.

The season continues…..

January

What is a Leader?

1/29/2016

Too often we ask the question about Leadership.

As coaches we look for the ingredient and that intangible element that can be the connection and key to the season and success for the Team.

So what is it? Here are my thoughts…..

A Leader Leads by Example, regardless of their Skill Level.

(a) By being a positive role model at all times.

(b) Expressing positive reinforcement by being the hardest worker at practice.

Without fail, one of the quickest ways to impact a team is with a strong work ethic.

A Leader Brings out the Best in Others.

(a) By making the Teammates better.

By being a spark of energy and enthusiasm, they let the passion shine and be contagious amongst the team.

A Leader is an Extension of the Coach.

Teammates will see Mental Toughness, especially under stress and pressure.

A leader shows how to respond to negative situations with poise and optimism despite mistakes

that have been made.

A Leader is a Hard Worker and Challenges a teammate to also work as hard, builds a bond and develops and creates Trust with the Teammates.

A Leader must constructively confront quickly negativity, pessimism and laziness that can become a disease that will undermine and weaken a team.

A Leader puts the Team First before Personal Gain.

Compliments a Teammate for their contribution whether it be “just a hustle play” or recovering quickly from a mistake or thank the player for the assist.

Praise of the actions and attitudes of players goes a long way.

A Leader needs to be a positive Contributor and Help others to be the same.

Good leaders are consistently on the lookout to assist their teammates and remind the team that today’s work leads to tomorrow’s success.

Leadership is not a matter of one’s physical skill level but a matter of a natural standard that one believes in and lives by……

These are but a few thoughts on Leadership….

Coach B

Girls Sweep and Boys Split at Swim Meet

1/28/2016

Bud Kohler

The swimmers were back in the pool after the exam period and passed their latest tests with a good degree of success. Having eased past Westover on Saturday by a score of 52-38, the Girls bested Wilbraham & Monson Academy 56-38 and Williams School 63-30 in a home meet on Wednesday. The Boys squad defeated Williams 54-40, but came up a few strokes short to Wilbraham 52-42.
Highlights for the Girls included the relay team of Anne-Sophie Neumeister, Sona Pinela, Jing Shi, and Liv Caldarella winning both the 200 Medley and 400 Free. Sona also won both the 200 IM and 100 Butterfly. Jing and Liv finished 1 and 2 respectively in the 50 Free, while Anne-Sophie was a machine in the 500 Free, winning by a full minute over her closest competitor. With those wins, the Girls improve to 7-1 for the season.
The Boys benefited from some balanced scoring. Highlights included Tyler Bunton taking 1st in the 50 Free, Jannik Eggermann winning the 100 Breast, and Matt Lettiero finishing 1st in the 500 Free. In the 100 Fly, Lettiero took 2nd, with Aaron Ang finishing 4th. Bunton, Eggermann, Lettiero, and 7th grader Duncan Farqharson took 2nd in the 400 Free relay. Duncan also finished 4th in the 100 Free. Another middle schooler, Demir Uslu, took 3rd in the 100 Backstroke. The boys currently have a 2-2 record.

Hornets Surprise Brunswick 75-55

1/28/2016

“It’s about Team” a theme we constantly speak about and support as the central core of our team mission.

Within the first 6 minutes of the game, three of the Hornet’s starters (Rice, Smith and DiMartino) were on the bench due to fouls and didn’t play for the remainder of the first half. The play of Chris Wright (11 points) was uplifting along with Pasquale Villano, the rebounding of Aiden Rountree and the steady floor play of Kyle Williams off the bench were key for the Hornets.

This, combined with Dan Draffan’s (8 points) and T.J Rountree (7 points), gave Hamden Hall a 32 to 24 half time lead.

Brunswick only scored 5 baskets in the first half as the intense defense is becoming a trademark of the Green and White.

In the second half the Hornets jumped out quickly led by Draffan and T.J Rountree to increase their lead to 42-30. Brunswick never got their offense going as the Hornets aggressive play and changing defenses never let them get any closer than 6 points.

The visiting Bruins were in third place in the Fairchester League and a team that we haven’t beaten in four years. This was a solid win and, while still early, may have a bearing in the seeding process at the end of the season.

Last night’s win was a prime example of the theme “It’s About Team” with the bench scoring 20 points contributing 11 assists, grabbing 10 rebounds and brought energy to the floor and it couldn’t have come at a better time. If we are going to be a factor, we must have the bench play as they did last night.

Next up we visit our arch rival Hopkins at their gym and based on past history it will be a large and loud crowd.

Box Score:

Draffan-9-0-3/5-21 pts, T.J Rountree-5-2-2/6-18 pts, Rice-5-0-6/12-16 pts, Wright-2-2-1/2-11 pts, Villano-2-0-2/4-6 pts, A.Rountree-1-0-0-2 pts.Cogdell-0-0-1/2-1 pt.

Williams-0-0-0-, Moran-0-0-0,Johns-0-0-0-,Johnson-0-0-0-,Smith-0-0-0-,DiMartino-0-0-0,

24-4-15/33-75 pts

Leading Scorer-Draffan-21 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-14

Leading Blocks-Draffan-3

Leading Assists-T.J. Rountree-5

Leading Steals-Williams-3

Record 10-4 (5-1 League)

We are improving and only have 8 games remaining, all within the League.

Hopefully there are more surprises left as the season continues…………

Post Season Honors for DiMartino and Murchison

1/28/2016

Bud Kohler

Congratulations to seniors Michael DiMartino and Matt Murchison on their post season honors. On Saturday, Michael, a midfielder for the Hornets, was honored as All State in soccer by the CT Soccer Coaches Assn. at the annual banquet at the Aquaturf Club in Southington. It was Michael's second consecutive year being recognized.
Murch was cited as "an outstanding student-athlete" at the annual Walter Camp Football Foundation "Breakfast of Champions". Matt plans to attend Division I Bryant University and play football for the Bulldogs.

Directing in Hollywood!

1/27/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall alumnus and theater director Dave Solomon 1995 is pleased to report that a world-premier play he’s directing had its first preview Jan. 21 in Hollywood in the Hudson Mainstage Theatre.

Alumna Warms Up an Audience!

1/26/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Hamden Hall alumna Stephanie Stiefel Williams 1983 recently strutted her musical (and comedic!) stuff at the Legacy Theatre’s A Cocoa Cabaret at the Woodwinds in Branford.

Hornets beat Williams 83-28

1/26/2016

The old saying that “what was yesterday is not today” was clearly evident with our opponent.

Williams, known as the “blues”, and having a tradition of winning teams, were not the team of the past.
They were simply overmatched as the Hornets opened with a 22-0 lead and never looked back.

It was a game that allowed everyone a chance to contribute and get “minutes”.

Junior Miles Cogdell had a career high with 16 points.

Box Score:

Cogdell-7-0-2/2-16pts,Draffan-6-0-1/2-13 pts,M.Johnson-5-0-0-10 pts,

T.Rountree-4-0-0-8 pts,Villano-4-0-0-8pts

Rice-4-0-0-8pts,A.Rountre-3-0-2/2-8 pts,DiMartino-3-0-0-6 pts,Johns-2-0-0/1-2 pts, Vanhise-0-0-2/2-2 pts,Smith-1-0-0-2pts,Wright-0-0-0,Williams-0-0-0,Moran-0-0-0

38-0-7/9-83 pts

Leading Scorer-Cogdell-16 pts.

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-8

Leading Assists –DiMartino,Moran,Smith-3 each

Record-9-4 (4-1 in League play )

This was our last non-league game and was expected to be a challenge. That never happened.

The next 9 games are all part of the Fairchester League. They will, for sure, be very competitive.

It will determine our position within the League playoffs at the end of the season.

The season continues……

Maritime History Course Brings About a 'Sea' Change in Traditional Learning

1/26/2016

What better way to show off what you’ve learned in your Maritime History course than to build a boat and take to the seas? Of course the “sea” in this case was the pool at the Beckerman Athletic Center.

Three projects created for Tom Iampietro’s Maritime History course involved boat making – one constructed in Hamden Hall’s new MakerSpace Design Lab under the tutelage of science teacher David Bennett. Seniors Sean Morrissey and Matt Murchison built a 4-by-8 foot flat bottom Jon Boat out of plywood that was sealed with primer and painted with oil-based paint.

Middle School Clubs Cook Up Appetizing Learning

1/26/2016

From out of his reusable grocery bag, history teacher and chef extraordinaire (who knew?!) Bud Kohler produced avocados, cheese, mangoes, limes, cilantro, and more. A virtual Mexican fiesta!

Middle School eighth-graders proceeded to chop, dice, shred, and mash – and that was just the prep work for one dish. By the conclusion of their hour-long Cooking Club session, students had prepared empanadas, seven-layer dip, mango salsa, guacamole, and churros.

Once a month during the regular school day, club members – about 14 of them – meet to explore and create different culinary concoctions as introduced to them by Mr. Kohler, who also supplies the ingredients. Students get assigned different prepping tasks and ultimately get to take on, presumably, the best job of all – eating the end results.

Alumna and Husband Speak at Hamden Hall

1/25/2016

Jodi Amatulli

Jennifer Olayon 1995 and her husband, Adam Galinsky, recently visited Hamden Hall to share their expertise on separate topics with our community.

"A Piece of History and a Test of Progress”

1/25/2016

Tonight we begin the second half of the season with a game against an old foe The Williams School.

Hamden Hall’s First Two New England Championships in 1996 and 1997 were against Williams.

They were well coached and played hard and the outcomes were not decided until late in the games.

It seems like yesterday that Co-Captains Zac King and Avery Esdaile held the Trophy indicating the Hornets first ever New England Championship. That Team included the “speed demon” Harry Stanley and the “defensive specialist” Quaison Dobb and Le Andre Dupree, David Hall, Marco Lujic and the “hustle” of Hamden Hall’s own Keith Kaliszewski.

The next year the team returned 8 players and Alex Esdaile, Eric Bost, Rolando Jones, Kerry Hall along with Captain Jonathan Tross made it “back to back” Championships.

They didn’t make baskets; but Jack King and Bruce Rich played an important role as assistant coaches helping us to gain the platform of winning.

There is a piece of History with the Williams School and those two Hamden Hall Teams.

They were good teams and great kids and set the foundation for a program that produced more than just basketball players.

The present team has improved since the start of the season and not many people would have thought we would be 8-4 and 4-1 in League play, but the remaining 10 games will be very difficult and be the real test on how much we have improved. This is a real concern. The past 10 days there has been no practice or games due to exam week as well as Mother Nature sprinkling her white dust. We really do not know the effect of the layoff. Hopefully the boys will come to play.

The remaining schedule has two games against a Strong Hopkins, Two Games against a Solid Brunswick Team, rematches with Undefeated St. Lukes, Defending Champion Green Farms (now healthy) and Rye Masters and King.These are all Fairchester League Games and will have a direct bearing on our outcome this year.

The Season Continues…..

Hamden Hall is on Facebook!

1/19/2016

Hamden Hall Country Day School on Facebook

Some Things to Think About...

1/19/2016

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vince Lombardi

"The Secret to succeeding in life is Always having a Positive Attitude" -Christopher J. Wirth

"If you can't outplay them, outwork them!" - Ben Hogan

"You have 2 primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them." -Denis Waitley

"It's always too early to quit." - Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Debate News January 2016

1/15/2016

Bill Hunter

Debate Team News- Choate Tournament, January 10, 2016

Ten debaters and three judges made the trip up a windy, rain-soaked highway to Walllingford on Sunday to take part in a sixteen-school DANEIS tournament sponsored by Choate Rosemary Hall. Though the competition, like the weather, posed quite a challenge to the four Advanced Pairs of Phil Motter/Maisa DellaValle, Jonas Lustbader/Connor Sandagata, Laszlo Gendler/Kristof Pusztai and Elie Azoff-Slifstein/Jing Jing Wang, and one Novice Pair of Sam Applegate/Eric Lin, all five tandems worked hard, posting scattered wins and overall strong (80/100 or better) speaker points. Coach Hunter would like to thank Dr. Tamar Gendler and Dr. Allison Resnick for help with Judging, without which no participation is possible. The next tourney for the team will be in the State League (CDA) in early February.

Defense is Key to Hornet Victory

1/15/2016

The Hornets won their third straight victory beating Storm King.

Their opponent, whose record was 7-1, was pressured from the opening tip off. The Hornets created several turnovers that led to baskets while disrupting their offensive pattern.

Sophomore Andrew Rice scored 12 points, Juniors T.J Rountree had 8 points, Dan Draffan chipped in 6 points as did Senior Kyle Smith to lead Hamden Hall to a 40 to 25 half time score.

In the second half Storm King began to chip away at the lead and cut the deficit to 6 points with 7 minutes remaining on the clock.

T.J Rountree and Dan Draffan each scored 10 points in the second half including both making 4 for 4 from the foul line when it counted to put the game out of reach.

But in the end it was the defense that was the catalyst for the eighth win of the season for the Hornets. Hamden Hall had created turnovers and had a team high of 16 steals in the game. Andrew Rice had 7 and T.J Rountree stole 4.

Box Score:

T.J.Rountree-4-2-4/4-18 pts.Rice-8-0-2/3-18 pts.Draffan-5-0-6/8-16 pts, Smith-4-0-2/4-10 pts, Villano-2-0-1/1-5 pts,

Wright-2-0-0-4 pts, Moran-0-1-0-3 pts, DiMartino-1-0-0-2 pts, Johnson-1-0-0- 2 pts, Vanhise-1-0-0- 2pts.A.Rountree-1-0-0 pts,

Cogdell-0-0-0, Williams-0-0-0, Johns-0-0-0-

28-3-15/20-80 pts.

Leading scorers-T.J.Rountree and Rice-18 each

Leading Rebounder-Draffan-7

Leading Steals-Rice-7

Leading Assists-DiMartino -4

Record -8-4 (4-1 League)

We now break for exams and will not Practice or have any games until the 25th of January.

It is difficult to create the momentum needed with the Holiday break and then exam week so close together,but that is the way it is. Half the schedule has been completed with an 8-4 record and we continue to improve, but we have a long way to go with the toughest part of the schedule remaining.

Two Games with rival Hopkins, two games with a strong Brunswick, undefeated St.Lukes and now a healthy Green Farms.

Hopefully the year of 2015 has laid the groundwork for success.

The season continues………

Coach B Joins Elite Group with 500th Career Win

1/14/2016

Legendary basketball coach David “Coach B” Beckerman earned yet another distinction this week as he amassed his 500^th career win and joined an elite group to have garnered such a milestone.

Beckerman’s Varsity roster pulled off the feat Tuesday against King in a Fairchester League game played in Stamford. The Hornets defeated King 74-44 and Coach B scored his 500^th win.

“Winning 500 games is some measure of success, but to me the lifelong relationships with the students are far more important,” said Coach Beckerman, who celebrated with his players and their families after the game.

Coach B Nets 500th Win

1/14/2016

Bud Kohler

Coach David Beckerman returned to the Hornet program just in time to celebrate an incredible achievment of recording 500 career wins. The boys varsity presented the coach with the landmark win on Tuesday, defeating the King School of Stamford 74-44. It was Coach B's 257th win at Hamden Hall. He was, of course, equally successful during an 11 season run at Pine Crest School in Florida. After the game, the players signed the game ball and presented it to Coach B in the locker room. As a follow up, at the home game against Storm King yesterday, Mr. Izzo presented Mr. Beckerman with a game jersey and officially retired the #1 number. Congratulations to Coach B, and we wish you all the success for the future!

Life is Delicious When You Foster Goodwill

1/14/2016

Despite a new recipient shelter, the Middle School’s Life is Delicious program actually fostered a stronger interaction level between students and those clients who received meals, according to Middle School Director Brian Christman.

“It was really special this time because there was not enough room for all 10 of our students to stand and serve in a line. Instead, we brought the meals directly to the clients at their beds,” said Mr. Christman. “As a result, there was a lot of interaction between our students and the shelter's occupants. Our kids really enjoyed the exchanges, and it made them so happy to have an up-close view of how grateful and appreciative the clients were.”

Swimmers Top Cheshire & Westover; Split with Canterbury

1/14/2016

Bud Kohler

Girls and Boys Swim teams defeated Cheshire Academy on Saturday. The Girls, led by upperclass veterans Anne-Sophie Neumeister, Sona Pinela, Maddy Malin, and Jing Shi edged the Cats 81-72. The Hornets also got plenty of points from their talented pool of younger upperclass swimmers and middle schoolers including Shaw Mettler, Liv Caldarella, Eva Boyce, Mariah Brantley, Julia Pandolfi, Kathryn Bazaar, and Riley Kohler.

The Boys won with a more comfortable 82-58 margin. Matt Lettiero, Janick Eggerman, Tyler Bunton, Tim Bradley, and Michael Luchini led the way, while Sean Morrisey, Sam Applegate, Nick Annatone, Yoni Hirschfield, and Chris Duffy also scored well . Middle schoolers John Bazaar, Demire Usulu, Duncan Farqharson, and the Ostapanko twins, Daniel and Jacob, also contributed to the win.

On Wednesday the teams traveled to Canterbury School. The Girls defeated the host Saints 65-49, and also dominated Westover School 89-23, improving their record to 4-1. The boys, however, were narrowly edged out 89-85 by Canterbury, and fell to 1-2.

RECORDS VS. RELATIONSHIPS

1/13/2016

The Game against The King School resulted in my 500th win as a high school coach.

As I look back on my coaching career many things come to light.

A National Championship at the JCC.

Coaching the United States Maccabi Team in Mexico City in 1979

The beginning of High School coaching at Hamden Hall starting in 1993.

8 New England Championships and 6 Fairchester League Championships

The move to Florida and building a Pine Crest program over 11 years with a school that had never won a Basketball Championship. We won 3 State Championships and made it to the State Final Four in six consecutive years.

But at the end of the day it is about Relationships and Not Records.

They are only numbers.

Last night and today I have heard from so many former players/coaches and friends congratulating me, “you were more than a coach and made a difference in my life”.

That is what it is all about.

My Wife and I have been invited to 8 weddings of former players. What bigger compliment can a coach have than to be remembered long after high school and college?

At the end of the day we all have the opportunity to make a difference and to add to society. I can honestly say the administrators, students- athletes, managers and coaches have more meaning to me than just the number of wins.

There are so many names from the past that have meaning:

Zac, Avery, Harry, Scott, Casey, Matt, Danny, Keivon, James, Jonathan, Keith, LeAndre, Alex, Taylor, Eric, Carl ,Janet, Jack, Bruce, Bob, Jim, Jay, Chaz, Tim, Lindsey, Mark, Kevin, Tyrone, Evan, Anthony, Greg, Elena, Brandon, Edward, Jeff, Travis, Travon, Joe, AJ, Antonio, Chandler ,Chris, Ian, Aaron, Ryan, Romas, Lance, Ben, Kalvin, Will, Ike, Jeremiah Tevin, Billy, Brett, Veerain, Miles, Nick, Karl ,Jonah, Marcus.

I am not sure how long I will continue to coach but I know the value and the meaning of relationships and I wouldn’t trade them for anything….

King No Match for Hamden Hall

1/13/2016

The Hornets shot 59 percent from the floor to win 74-45 over King in a

Fairchester League Game.

The game opened with a 15 to 2 run for the Hornets and they never looked back.

The half time score was 43 to 25.

Based on the stats it may have been a family affair with T.J.Rountree leading all scorers with 16 points (all in the first half including 4 for 4 from three point range) as well as contributing 5 assists and grabbing 4 steals. His younger brother Aiden just missed a “double/double with 9 points 13 rebounds and a block shot.

The game was an opportunity for several players to get “minutes “and improve on their skill set. 11 players scored for the Hornets

Box Score:

T.J.Rountree-2-4-0-16 pts,Rice-4-0-1/1-9 pts,A.Rountree-4-0-1/4-9pts,M.Cogdell-4-0-0-8 pts,Draffan-4-0-0-8 pts,Smith-3-0-0-6 pts,Villano-2-0-1/2-5 pts, Johnson-2-0-0-4 pts,Wright-2-0-0-4 pts,Johns-1-0-1/2-3 pts,DiMartino-1-0-0- 2pts,Moran-0-0-0,

Williams-0-0-0

29-4-4/11-74 pts

Leading Scorer-T.J.Rountree-16 pts

Leading Assists—T.J.Rountree-5

Leading Rebounder-A.Rountree-13

Leading Steals-T.J.Rountree-4

Record

7-4 (4-1 in League)

Tonight we go against Storm King who is 7-1 this season and has been a strong opponent in the past.

This will be our last game prior to exam week.

We return to school on 1/25.

Almost half the season is gone.

Where has the time gone?

Girls Basketball Has Rollercoaster Week

1/12/2016

Bud Kohler

The girls basketball team enjoyed a solid win over Rye Country Day last Friday. However, the victory was sandwiched by two losses, leaving the Hornets with a 5 - 5 record going into this week's contests. On Wednesday, the Hornets had no response to the St. Luke's Storm, falling 63-38. Despite the the lopsided score, senior Rachel Menze battled to the last with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Naomi Van Nes had 8 points and 11 rebounds.

On Friday night, the Hornets held off Rye throughout a close first half, but then blitzed the visiting Wildcats in the second frame for an impressive 64-49 victory. Naomi Van Nes, who appeared a bit timid early on, seized total control of the paint and led the attack with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Rachel Menze contributed 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Shannon Rhone, Alyssa Vine and Kai Clemons each dished out 5 assists.

Unfortunately, the Hornets then fell short Saturday afternoon to a talented Holderness team from New Hampshire in a non-league contest by the score of 56-54. Kai Clemons led the way with 18 points. Naomi Van Nes added 13 points and 15 rebounds. Rachel Menze contributed 14 points.
Despite the uneven results, the team is moving in the right direction. The seniors continue to provide solid leadership and steady play down low, while the younger squad members gain valuable experience.

Hornets Stop Masters for 63-57 WIn

1/11/2016

6’1 Junior TJ. Rountree scored 21 points (15 in the second half) to lead the Hornets to their third Fairchester League win for the season.

The Master’s School gambled mid-way in the first half using a 2-2-1 zone trap that Hamden Hall recognized and were able to make adjustments and preserve its lead in the first half.

6’7 Junior Dan Draffan, playing in only his second game (due to a hand injury ) of the season, scored 10 points as the Hornets lead at half time after Senior Kyle Williams made a long three as the buzzer sounded to end the half with a score of 34 to 25.

At the start of the second half T.J. Rountree hit two concessive three’s to increase the lead to 40 to 25. However the Master school kept pushing forward behind 6’7 Lucas Currann who scored 12 of his 19 points and closed the gap with a 10-0 run and the Hornets lead was now 50 -45 with 5 minutes left in regulation.

The Hornets were not to be denied creating defensive pressure that caused several turnovers resulting in baskets. T.J Rountree dropping in 9 points, including 7 for 9 from the foul line, in the last three minutes along with solid play from 6’2 Senior Kyle Smith and 6’ 3 Sophomore Andrew Rice, who scored 7 points and 3 steals, (including 4 for 4 from the charity stripe) kept the game out of reach for our opponents.

This was a league game and the valuable contributions from Seniors, Michael DiMartino, Kyle Williams along with Juniors, Dan Draffan, and Pasquale Villano helped to gain our third win against one loss in the Fairchester League.

Box Score:

T.J.Rountree-4-2-7/9-21 pts,Draffan-4-0-4/6-12 pts,Rice-2-1-4/4-11 pts.Smith-0-2-1/2-7 pts.Villano-2-0-0-4 pts.Williams-0-1-0-3 pts.A.Rountree-1-0-1/2-3 pts.

Di Martino-1-0-0-2 pts.Codgell-0-0-0,Johns-0-0-0,Wright-0-0-0,Moran-0-0-0-,Johnson-0-0-0.

14-6-17/23-63 pts.

Leading Scorer-T.Rountree-21 pts,

Leading Rebounder- Draffan -8

Leading Assists-Rice-5

There are two games left this week prior to exams.

After that of course, no Practice or Games scheduled until Saturday the 23rd.

This time of the year, it is difficult to build momentum with first the winter break and then exam week, but that is just the way the ball bounces.

The season continues………..

Something to Think About

1/11/2016

“Good enough is the enemy of excellence.

It is no longer good enough to meet expectations.

It’s time to exceed expectations and, in the process, set new ones.”

Hamden Hall Loses to Choate 79 to 54

1/11/2016

Playing away from home, a hot shooting night for our opponent, along with poor defense by the Hornets, is not a good combination that wins games.

Choate made 9 three’s and shot better than 50 percent from the floor along with 11 for 14 from the charity stripe for their first win of the season (1-9). It was clear that the taller and stronger Choate had something to prove as an “A” school against the “C” classification of Hamden Hall. They had two key players who hadn’t played in sometime (6’8 and 6’7) who returned from injuries after the holiday break. This was clearly was a different team that their record indicated.

The first half Junior T.J Rountree kept pace with the scoring of Choate with 13 points and Sophomore Chris Wright came off the bench to add energy and 5 points as the half closed with the score Choate 40 and Hamden Hall 30. The second half Choate continued the hot hand as they kept the lead and didn’t let the Hornets get any closer than 6 points.

Box Score:

TJ Rountree-3-4-3/4-21 pts,Rice-2-1-2/4-9 pts,Wright-2-1-0-7pts,Smith-3-0-0-6 pts,Draffan-1-0-1/1-3 pts,Moran-0-1-0-3pts.

DiMartino-0-0-2/2-2 pts.A.Rountree-1-0-0-2 pts.Villano-0-0-1/2-1 pt.Johns-0-0-0,Johnson-0-0-0,Cogdell-0-0-0,Williams-0-0-0

10-7-9/14-54 points

This loss may be a good learning experience for the young Hornets who will play a key Fairchester League game the next day against The Master’s School, from Dobbs Ferry.

Defense is the key to winning especially when you play teams that have a physical advantage and we didn’t, thus the game ended with our fourth loss of the season.

This is a learning process and certainly playing against talented players is always a challenge; however we, as a coaching staff, will continue to push the issue of defense as the catalyst to a winning season.

Disney Days

1/4/2016

Taking a trip to Orlando Florida over the Holiday break to play in a National Tournament was an opportunity for the team. It not only allowed a chance to play schools from other parts of the country but also to build team chemistry as well.

The team stayed in the Disney Park itself and now was part of a National Event, something the Hornets hasn’t been part of in quite some time.

First Game was against Eastside H.S. from the State of Virginia, a solid team that focused on deliberate plays and defense. Our boys in the first half seemed to be in awe of the team, the Park and the Rays of sunshine. We were down by 5 at the half. At half time we made some changes and had a 15-0 run at the start of the period and never looked back for a 69-53 win.

We were led by Andrew Rice who had a “double/double” with 27 points and 13 rebounds and 7 steals, Chris Wright contributed 16 points (12 in the second half) and TJ Rountree with 12 points

The Second Game was against another public school from Tennessee, Alcoa High School. We have gotten off to slow starts early in the game most of the season and this game was no different being out scored 19 -8 in the first period and a half time score losing 30-23. The third period the Hornets playing without TJ Rountree, who was hurt, rallied behind Andrew Rice and Kyle Smith to end the period 43-41 Alcoa. In the final period both teams traded baskets until the last minutes of play and Hamden Hall suffered a loss 62-56. It was a game that could have been won, missed foul shots and turnovers were key to the final outcome.

6’3 Sophomore Andrew Rice had 15 points and Senior Kyle Smith chipped in 11 points.

6’5 Junior Pasquale Villano scored a career high 11 points and 8th grader Aiden Rountree added 10 points.

In the next game for third place in our division was Shawnee High School from Oklahoma. With a quick start the Hornets held a 13-3 first period lead and closed the half with the score 22-10 and everything seem to bounce the Hornet way. But someone forgot to tell the lions of Shawnee. They outscored us in the third period 20-10 and the score at the end of the third period was now 32-30 Hamden Hall. We clearly let them back in the game and they knew it. The fourth quarter the teams traded baskets and Shawnee took the lead with two minutes to go.

A steal by Rice which led to a three point play put the Hornets back in the lead. Key foul shots by Pasquale Villano and Kyle Williams kept the lead and preserved a third place finish with a 40-38 win.

This was a good trip and more than the two wins and third place. I believe it further built friendships and created memories that are part of the wonderful experience at Hamden Hall.

The boys headed back for a few days off and then get ready for Choate an “A” school on Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th against Masters a “B” school in the Fairchester league.

As a “C” School, being considered for the New England Tournament not only your record is considered, but who you beat and what level they are, counts heavily in determining the selection process

Hard to believe we have played a third of the season already.

The season continues……