Emerging stars

By Steev Riccardo

Hello sports fans! I finally had the chance to witness Bartlett senior Captain Nick Kobel in action, and after watching the Indians’ first three games, I know what the hype is all about. The kid is the real deal.

Kobel looked great against David Prouty on opening day scoring 19 points, but that was nothing compared to the back-to-back games he played last week against Leicester and Northbridge.

The 6’1” point guard was unstoppable with 35 against Leicester and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, he scores 37 against Northbridge. It’s not just the shooting either, the kid is also an excellent playmaker and a very good defender. He has all the skills to play college ball, but for now he and his excellent supporting cast have a chance to do some real damage this year in Central Mass.

Coach Tony Paranto and the Indians also have to be excited about the emergence of sophomore transfer Alex Givens-Perry, who is an outstanding athlete who can shoot, rebound, and defend with authority at a young age. His 16 rebounds and overall play against Northbridge was a real eye opener.

With Kobel’s leadership, newcomer Perry, the solid threesome of DJ Kirby-Thomas, Akeem Belnavis, and Matt Huberdault, the Indians starting five looks good. They also have a solid bench to go along with the starters. They will be looking to continue their winning ways at home on Friday night against Quoboag.

Jackie Finkel

Bartlett High School Boys Basketball team Manager Jackie Finkel has some serious basketball roots in her family. Her Grandfather Henry “Hank” Finkel played center for the Boston Celtics and was part of the 1974 World Championship team.

The elder Finkel started his career as a Los Angeles Laker but played most of it with the Celtics and served as the back up to Hall of Famer Dave Cowens. Jackie, who has a great knowledge of the game, hopes to attend college and pursue a career in coaching. She certainly has the skills and the roots!

Bryana Poulin

Patriot sportswriter Don Cote pointed out that Bryana Poulin, one of Bartlett’s most recent 1000-point scorers in basketball and all-star soccer star was in attendance this Friday night. She is currently attending Southern Connecticut University where she is a member of the soccer team. She was a four-time Southern Worcester County League All-Star at Bartlett in soccer as well.

The Oxford Pirates Boys Basketball team, coming off a big win over Auburn, will be at Nipmuc Regional tonight. The 1-2 Pirates, who have been led by a couple of juniors in Cody Stone (22 points against Auburn) and Tyler Barrie will be looking to put some wins together. They also play the David Prouty Panthers on Friday night at home.

 The Shepherd Hill Rams boys squad, who are off to a fantastic 4-0 start, play Quoboag tonight and Auburn on Friday.

The View would like to wish a Happy New Year and a thank you to everyone that has contributed and supported us: All my family and friends, The Patriot newspaper staff, All the sports programs at Bartlett High School, Shepherd Hill Regional High School, Oxford High School, and Nichols College, Kevin Wells, Dennis “The Bear” Tremblay, Don Cushing, Dane Laboissonniere, Tony Paranto, Sean and Alex Hetherman, Rocco DiStefano, Jackie Finkel, Sean Halloran, Jeff Parcells, The East Main Street Café, and especially all the View readers! See you on the sidelines!

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