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Boys Hoops Kick off Brutal Schedule Wednesday
Hillhouse First Test for Rams
Coach Dan Lee and the Cheshire Boys Basketball
Team will kick off the 2008-2009 season at home
Wednesday night against a very good Hillhouse
squad. Seniors Billy Ragone, Steven Howard, and
Ryan Dupont will lead the Rams this season. They
will be supported by a talented Junior class led by Dan
Manke, Brian DeBisschop, and John Kubilus. This
season's version has a very experienced bench, led by
Seniors Shawn Adams, Kevin Jefferis, Matt Murphy,
and Ryan Kipfer. Juniors coming off the bench include
Mike Hathaway and Brian Havlicek. Early practices
were a bit challenging for Coach Lee due to the
success of the Football team and the late arrivals
and/or injuries to Ragone, DeBisschop, and Havlicek.
In addition to the Rams Housatonic opponents
(Lyman Hall, Sheehan, Shelton, Amity), Cheshire drew
Hillhouse, Cross, Branford, West Haven, and Notre
Dame-West Haven as Inter-Divisional foes. This
could be the toughest schedule in years for the young
Rams. It all starts Wednesday with the Academics.
Hillhouse First Test for Rams
Coach Dan Lee and the Cheshire Boys Basketball
Team will kick off the 2008-2009 season at home
Wednesday night against a very good Hillhouse
squad. Seniors Billy Ragone, Steven Howard, and
Ryan Dupont will lead the Rams this season. They
will be supported by a talented Junior class led by Dan
Manke, Brian DeBisschop, and John Kubilus. This
season's version has a very experienced bench, led by
Seniors Shawn Adams, Kevin Jefferis, Matt Murphy,
and Ryan Kipfer. Juniors coming off the bench include
Mike Hathaway and Brian Havlicek. Early practices
were a bit challenging for Coach Lee due to the
success of the Football team and the late arrivals
and/or injuries to Ragone, DeBisschop, and Havlicek.
In addition to the Rams Housatonic opponents
(Lyman Hall, Sheehan, Shelton, Amity), Cheshire drew
Hillhouse, Cross, Branford, West Haven, and Notre
Dame-West Haven as Inter-Divisional foes. This
could be the toughest schedule in years for the young
Rams. It all starts Wednesday with the Academics.
Hillhouse Flexes Muscles, Rout Rams 73-40
The 2008-2009 version of the Hillhouse Academics could be a very
special one. Utilizing a very deep bench and a smothering defense,
the Acs finished strong, winning at Cheshire 73-40. In the first game
for both teams, it was evident that the Rams have a tough road ahead
of them. Shooting was a big problem for Cheshire tonight,
rebounding was another. Both of these areas should develop into
strengths for the Rams as the season progresses. Hillhouse
jumped out to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter. Cheshire played well,
got very good looks, but was unable to get anything to fall. The Rams
best quarter was the second, as the early season nerves fell away,
they played the Acs pretty even and went into the halftime break down
35-20. The second half brought more of the same, with Hillhouse
getting most of their points off of the break and offensive rebounds as
they outscored Cheshire 38-20 in the half. The Rams were led by
Senior guard Billy Ragone, who scored 9 points. Shawn Adams and
Steven Howard chipped in with 6 points each. Cheshire will look to
rebound on Friday night when they host Notre Dame-West haven at
the CHS Gym at 7:30 weather permitting. If the snow comes in as
expected, the game may be switched to Saturday. Stay tuned to this
website for updates.
Stats: FG FT PTS REB Ass St B
Ragone 2-7 5-7 9 2 3 1 -
Howard 2-4 2-2 6 1 1 - -
DeBisschop 2-7 0-2 4 2 - 1 -
Manke 0-7 2-3 2 3
Kubilus 1-3 0-1 2 3 - 2 -
Adams 2-4 1-2 6 3 1 - 1
Jefferis 1-3 0-0 3
Murphy 1-2 0-0 1
Kipfer 0-2 0-0 1
Hathaway 0-1 0-2 1
Bailey 1-2 0-0 3
Dupont 1-2 2-2 3 1
The 2008-2009 version of the Hillhouse Academics could be a very
special one. Utilizing a very deep bench and a smothering defense,
the Acs finished strong, winning at Cheshire 73-40. In the first game
for both teams, it was evident that the Rams have a tough road ahead
of them. Shooting was a big problem for Cheshire tonight,
rebounding was another. Both of these areas should develop into
strengths for the Rams as the season progresses. Hillhouse
jumped out to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter. Cheshire played well,
got very good looks, but was unable to get anything to fall. The Rams
best quarter was the second, as the early season nerves fell away,
they played the Acs pretty even and went into the halftime break down
35-20. The second half brought more of the same, with Hillhouse
getting most of their points off of the break and offensive rebounds as
they outscored Cheshire 38-20 in the half. The Rams were led by
Senior guard Billy Ragone, who scored 9 points. Shawn Adams and
Steven Howard chipped in with 6 points each. Cheshire will look to
rebound on Friday night when they host Notre Dame-West haven at
the CHS Gym at 7:30 weather permitting. If the snow comes in as
expected, the game may be switched to Saturday. Stay tuned to this
website for updates.
Stats: FG FT PTS REB Ass St B
Ragone 2-7 5-7 9 2 3 1 -
Howard 2-4 2-2 6 1 1 - -
DeBisschop 2-7 0-2 4 2 - 1 -
Manke 0-7 2-3 2 3
Kubilus 1-3 0-1 2 3 - 2 -
Adams 2-4 1-2 6 3 1 - 1
Jefferis 1-3 0-0 3
Murphy 1-2 0-0 1
Kipfer 0-2 0-0 1
Hathaway 0-1 0-2 1
Bailey 1-2 0-0 3
Dupont 1-2 2-2 3 1
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Shooting Woes Continue as Rams Fall to Notre Dame
Cheshire shot 4-18 from the foul line while Notre Dame-West Haven
was converting 20-29 including 12 of their last 13 as the Green
Knights defeated the Rams 56-42 Saturday afternoon at CHS. In a
foul filled game, Cheshire closed to within 8 in the third quarter at
29-21when Steve Galgano hit a three for ND, triggering a 7-0 run to
provide a cushion. The Rams were forced to foul to try to catch up,
but Notre Dame hit their free throws down the stretch providing the
ending margin. Galgano led four Knights in double figures with 12.
The Rams were led by Senior Billy Ragone with 14 points. Brian
DeBisschop added 8 and John Kubilus 6 but it wasn't enough as
Cheshire drops to 0-2. They will host Wilbur Cross on Tuesday
night (changed from Monday) at 7:00.
Stats: FG FT PTS REB Ass St B
Ragone 6-13 1-4 14 3 2 1 1
Howard 2-9 0-0 4 4 1 0 1
DeBisschop 2-5 3-5 8 5 0 0 1
Manke 1-3 0-0 2 0 2 0 0
Kubilus 3-3 0-4 6 6 0 0 1
Adams 1-3 0-1 3 1 0 0 1
Jefferis 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Murphy 1-2 0-0 2 2 1 0 0
Hathaway 0-0 0-2
Bailey 0-0 0-0 0
Dupont 1-4 0-0 3 1 1 1 0
Cheshire shot 4-18 from the foul line while Notre Dame-West Haven
was converting 20-29 including 12 of their last 13 as the Green
Knights defeated the Rams 56-42 Saturday afternoon at CHS. In a
foul filled game, Cheshire closed to within 8 in the third quarter at
29-21when Steve Galgano hit a three for ND, triggering a 7-0 run to
provide a cushion. The Rams were forced to foul to try to catch up,
but Notre Dame hit their free throws down the stretch providing the
ending margin. Galgano led four Knights in double figures with 12.
The Rams were led by Senior Billy Ragone with 14 points. Brian
DeBisschop added 8 and John Kubilus 6 but it wasn't enough as
Cheshire drops to 0-2. They will host Wilbur Cross on Tuesday
night (changed from Monday) at 7:00.
Stats: FG FT PTS REB Ass St B
Ragone 6-13 1-4 14 3 2 1 1
Howard 2-9 0-0 4 4 1 0 1
DeBisschop 2-5 3-5 8 5 0 0 1
Manke 1-3 0-0 2 0 2 0 0
Kubilus 3-3 0-4 6 6 0 0 1
Adams 1-3 0-1 3 1 0 0 1
Jefferis 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 0
Murphy 1-2 0-0 2 2 1 0 0
Hathaway 0-0 0-2
Bailey 0-0 0-0 0
Dupont 1-4 0-0 3 1 1 1 0
Callaghan,Hand Dominate Offensive Boards, Rams 0-4
Mike Callaghan scored 27 points, 10 off the offensive boards as Hand High defeated Cheshire 70-53 Saturday afternoon in
Madison. The win drops the Rams to 0-4 on the season. Billy Ragone led the scoring with 19 points, Steven Howard added
11. The story of this game was the rebounding advantage enjoyed by the Tigers. The Rams were limited to one shot on the
offensive end and had a tough time boxing out the Callaghan twins. Hand was also very effective at moving the ball against
the Ram defense, feeding the post at will by quickly reversing the ball and setting screens in the high post. Cheshire stayed in
the game until the last four minute by shooting the ball much better than their first three games. The Rams however, could not
penetrate the lead to less than 8. Every time they had a chance to cut the lead, a turnover and subsequent basket at the other
end lifted the lead back to double digits. Ryan Dupont hit a couple of threes for Cheshire. Dan Manke added 5 points, Brian
DeBisschop had 4, Kevin Jefferis and Brian Havlicek 3 apiece and Ryan Kipfer chipped in with two. Twins Ryan and Brendan
Paternester combined for 30 points for the Tigers (3-1). The Rams will host West Haven on Friday night at 7:00
Mike Callaghan scored 27 points, 10 off the offensive boards as Hand High defeated Cheshire 70-53 Saturday afternoon in
Madison. The win drops the Rams to 0-4 on the season. Billy Ragone led the scoring with 19 points, Steven Howard added
11. The story of this game was the rebounding advantage enjoyed by the Tigers. The Rams were limited to one shot on the
offensive end and had a tough time boxing out the Callaghan twins. Hand was also very effective at moving the ball against
the Ram defense, feeding the post at will by quickly reversing the ball and setting screens in the high post. Cheshire stayed in
the game until the last four minute by shooting the ball much better than their first three games. The Rams however, could not
penetrate the lead to less than 8. Every time they had a chance to cut the lead, a turnover and subsequent basket at the other
end lifted the lead back to double digits. Ryan Dupont hit a couple of threes for Cheshire. Dan Manke added 5 points, Brian
DeBisschop had 4, Kevin Jefferis and Brian Havlicek 3 apiece and Ryan Kipfer chipped in with two. Twins Ryan and Brendan
Paternester combined for 30 points for the Tigers (3-1). The Rams will host West Haven on Friday night at 7:00
Dupont, Ragone Lead Rams 70-61
Kubilus, DeBisshop Control Boards
Guards Ryan Dupont and Billy Ragone combined for 42 points
as the Cheshire Rams used superior rebounding and
shooting to gain their first win of the year against the Westies
(3-3). Ragone finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
and two steals, shooting 9-9 from the field and 4-5 from the
line. Dupont shot 6-7 from the field and 3-4 from 3-pt land. He
also made all three of his free throws en route to an 18 point, 5
assist performance. John Kubilus was dominant on the
boards, falling one point short of a double double with 9 points
and 11 rebounds. Steven Howard chipped in with 6 points, 4
rebounds and 6 assists. Brian DeBisschop was a huge factor
inside, blocking 3 shots and altering a number of others while
scoring 8 points and pulling down 7 rebounds. Dan Manke
added 3 points, a rebound and three assists while handling
the ball effectively in the fourth quarter. Brian Havlicek added
an offensive rebound and putback for the Rams (1-5)
Cheshire will host Amity (1-4) on Tuesday night at 7:00
preceded by JV and Freshman games beginning at 3:30 pm
Kubilus, DeBisshop Control Boards
Guards Ryan Dupont and Billy Ragone combined for 42 points
as the Cheshire Rams used superior rebounding and
shooting to gain their first win of the year against the Westies
(3-3). Ragone finished with 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
and two steals, shooting 9-9 from the field and 4-5 from the
line. Dupont shot 6-7 from the field and 3-4 from 3-pt land. He
also made all three of his free throws en route to an 18 point, 5
assist performance. John Kubilus was dominant on the
boards, falling one point short of a double double with 9 points
and 11 rebounds. Steven Howard chipped in with 6 points, 4
rebounds and 6 assists. Brian DeBisschop was a huge factor
inside, blocking 3 shots and altering a number of others while
scoring 8 points and pulling down 7 rebounds. Dan Manke
added 3 points, a rebound and three assists while handling
the ball effectively in the fourth quarter. Brian Havlicek added
an offensive rebound and putback for the Rams (1-5)
Cheshire will host Amity (1-4) on Tuesday night at 7:00
preceded by JV and Freshman games beginning at 3:30 pm
Housatonic
Sheehan 8-0 15-4
Cheshire 4-4 8-11
Lyman Hall 6-2 15-4
Shelton 1-5 3-10
Amity 0-7 1-12
Sheehan 8-0 15-4
Cheshire 4-4 8-11
Lyman Hall 6-2 15-4
Shelton 1-5 3-10
Amity 0-7 1-12
Hathaway's Second Half Dominance Leads JV Over West Haven 70-58
Mike Hathaway poured in 26 of his career high 28 points in the second half and overtime as the
Cheshire JV's got their first win of the year over a stubborn and hard-working West Haven squad. The
Rams took advantage of a high post set in which Hathaway would get the ball there, move it to the
wing, and roll to the basket for a layup. West Haven simply could not stop the play. Give Cheshire
credit for running it until the Westies did something different....after being successful 6 times.
However, the young West Haven boys never quit and came back from a 10 point deficit in the last
1:32, hitting a 3 pointer with 4.8 seconds left in the game to tie it up and send it into overtime. The
Rams regrouped and outscored the Westies 12-0 in the overtime with Hathaway scoring 7 and Greg
Leonetti 3 of his 7 points in the frame. Nate Trumbo hit two free throws to seal the deal. Nate
Howard added 10 point for the Rams and Joe Bahgat chipped in with 8. Other Cheshire scorers
were Brian Havlicek 6, Dan Manke 4, Justin Zovas 3, and Tim Lassen 2. The next game for the JV's
will be Tuesday at home against Amity
Mike Hathaway poured in 26 of his career high 28 points in the second half and overtime as the
Cheshire JV's got their first win of the year over a stubborn and hard-working West Haven squad. The
Rams took advantage of a high post set in which Hathaway would get the ball there, move it to the
wing, and roll to the basket for a layup. West Haven simply could not stop the play. Give Cheshire
credit for running it until the Westies did something different....after being successful 6 times.
However, the young West Haven boys never quit and came back from a 10 point deficit in the last
1:32, hitting a 3 pointer with 4.8 seconds left in the game to tie it up and send it into overtime. The
Rams regrouped and outscored the Westies 12-0 in the overtime with Hathaway scoring 7 and Greg
Leonetti 3 of his 7 points in the frame. Nate Trumbo hit two free throws to seal the deal. Nate
Howard added 10 point for the Rams and Joe Bahgat chipped in with 8. Other Cheshire scorers
were Brian Havlicek 6, Dan Manke 4, Justin Zovas 3, and Tim Lassen 2. The next game for the JV's
will be Tuesday at home against Amity
Kubilus, Ragone Lead Rams to 2nd Straight Win 56-39
John Kubilus scored 8 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in an inspiring effort leading the Rams to a 17 point win over visiting
Amity High. Senior Billy Ragone added 15 points on 6-10 shooting. Cheshire came out fast in this one jumping out to a 19-11
first quarter lead. Ryan Dupont hit a big three pointer in the quarter to spark the run. The Ram defense again came through in
this one, with Brian Debisschop leading the way with two blocks, 7 rebounds to go with 4 points and 3 assists. Senior Steven
Howard had a strong floor game, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Sean Adams was a big spark off
the bench pouring in 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Dan Manke added three points and three assists for the Rams (2-5).
Mike Hathaway chipped in with 2 points and three rebounds. Cheshire will try for their third win in a row on Friday night when they
host Shelton (2-5) On the injury front, junior Brian Havlicek had surgery on his finger and will be out for the season. In the JV
game, Matt Bailey poured in 23 points and Mike Hathaway added 15 as the Rams beat the Amity JV's. Other scorers for Cheshire
were: Nate Howard 6, Joe Bahgat 4, Gil Lassen 3, Dom Severino 3, and Justin Zovas 2. Nate Howard scored 21 points to lead
the Ram Freshmen to a 63-52 win. Vikran Lyall added 10, Alfred Krogi 8, Jake Scinto 7, Kevin Adams 6, Tyler Barnes 5, Adam
Youngquist 4, Max Formica 2.
John Kubilus scored 8 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in an inspiring effort leading the Rams to a 17 point win over visiting
Amity High. Senior Billy Ragone added 15 points on 6-10 shooting. Cheshire came out fast in this one jumping out to a 19-11
first quarter lead. Ryan Dupont hit a big three pointer in the quarter to spark the run. The Ram defense again came through in
this one, with Brian Debisschop leading the way with two blocks, 7 rebounds to go with 4 points and 3 assists. Senior Steven
Howard had a strong floor game, finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Sean Adams was a big spark off
the bench pouring in 9 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Dan Manke added three points and three assists for the Rams (2-5).
Mike Hathaway chipped in with 2 points and three rebounds. Cheshire will try for their third win in a row on Friday night when they
host Shelton (2-5) On the injury front, junior Brian Havlicek had surgery on his finger and will be out for the season. In the JV
game, Matt Bailey poured in 23 points and Mike Hathaway added 15 as the Rams beat the Amity JV's. Other scorers for Cheshire
were: Nate Howard 6, Joe Bahgat 4, Gil Lassen 3, Dom Severino 3, and Justin Zovas 2. Nate Howard scored 21 points to lead
the Ram Freshmen to a 63-52 win. Vikran Lyall added 10, Alfred Krogi 8, Jake Scinto 7, Kevin Adams 6, Tyler Barnes 5, Adam
Youngquist 4, Max Formica 2.
Rams Run Shelton Out of Building 78-59
Steven Howard poured in 14 of his game high 17 points in a four minute
span in the third quarter as the Cheshire Rams continued their
resurgence with a 19 point win against Shelton in a game that was never
close. Cheshire again got superior play from the inside combo of John
Kubilus and Brian DeBisschop. The two juniors controlled the defensive
boards jumpstarting many fast break opportunities for Howard, Billy
Ragone, and Ryan Dupont. The Rams got a couple of strong
performances off the bench from Mike Hathaway (12 points, 2 rebounds)
and Sean Adams (7 points, 5 rebounds). Ryan Kipfer also pitched in with
2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a nifty assist that began with a behind
the back pass that came back to him. Kipfer then slipped a no look pass
to Hathaway for a layup, getting some ooo's and aahh's from the crowd at
CHS. Everyone got into the act in this one. Here is a look at some stats:
Ragone: 13 pts, 5 assists, 1 reb, 1 stl
Howard: 17 pts, 8 reb, 3 assists, 1 stl
Kubilus: 11 pts, 6 reb
DeBisschop: 4 pts, 4 reb
Dupont: 7 pts, 3 assists, 2 reb, 1 stl
Dan Manke: 2 pts, 1 reb, 1 assist
Adams: 7 pts, 5 reb
Hathaway: 12 pts, 2 reb
Greg Leonetti: 1 reb, 2 assists
Matt Murphy: 1 assist
Kevin Jefferis: 1 reb, 2 assists
Kipfer: 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 blocks, 1 assist
Matt Bailey: 2 pts
Justin Zovas: 1 reb, 1 assist
Steven Howard poured in 14 of his game high 17 points in a four minute
span in the third quarter as the Cheshire Rams continued their
resurgence with a 19 point win against Shelton in a game that was never
close. Cheshire again got superior play from the inside combo of John
Kubilus and Brian DeBisschop. The two juniors controlled the defensive
boards jumpstarting many fast break opportunities for Howard, Billy
Ragone, and Ryan Dupont. The Rams got a couple of strong
performances off the bench from Mike Hathaway (12 points, 2 rebounds)
and Sean Adams (7 points, 5 rebounds). Ryan Kipfer also pitched in with
2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a nifty assist that began with a behind
the back pass that came back to him. Kipfer then slipped a no look pass
to Hathaway for a layup, getting some ooo's and aahh's from the crowd at
CHS. Everyone got into the act in this one. Here is a look at some stats:
Ragone: 13 pts, 5 assists, 1 reb, 1 stl
Howard: 17 pts, 8 reb, 3 assists, 1 stl
Kubilus: 11 pts, 6 reb
DeBisschop: 4 pts, 4 reb
Dupont: 7 pts, 3 assists, 2 reb, 1 stl
Dan Manke: 2 pts, 1 reb, 1 assist
Adams: 7 pts, 5 reb
Hathaway: 12 pts, 2 reb
Greg Leonetti: 1 reb, 2 assists
Matt Murphy: 1 assist
Kevin Jefferis: 1 reb, 2 assists
Kipfer: 2 pts, 2 reb, 2 blocks, 1 assist
Matt Bailey: 2 pts
Justin Zovas: 1 reb, 1 assist
CHS JV 78 Shelton JV 66
Greg Leonetti 19
Mike Hathaway 15
Matt Bailey 10
Justin Zovas 9
Joe Bahgat 7
Gil Lassen 6
Dan Manke 6
Nate Howard 5
Greg Leonetti 19
Mike Hathaway 15
Matt Bailey 10
Justin Zovas 9
Joe Bahgat 7
Gil Lassen 6
Dan Manke 6
Nate Howard 5
Cheshire Freshman 61 Shelton 52
Tyler Barnes 12
Bill Weyrich 12
Nate Howard 12
Vikran Lyall 8
Sebastian Little 4
Jesse Feldshon 3
Tyler Barnes 12
Bill Weyrich 12
Nate Howard 12
Vikran Lyall 8
Sebastian Little 4
Jesse Feldshon 3
CHS JV 58 Branford 40
Mike Hathaway 10
Justin Zovas 10
David Wright 9
Nate Howard 9
Nate Trumbo 5
Dom Severino 5
Kevin Adams 3
Matt Bailey 3
Joe Bahgat 2
Tyler Barnes 2
CHS Fresh 59 Branford 43
Nate Howard 15
Tyler Barnes 14
Kevin Adams 8
Jesse Feldshon 7
Billy Weyrauch 6
Sebastian Little 5
Alfred Krogi 2
Mike Hathaway 10
Justin Zovas 10
David Wright 9
Nate Howard 9
Nate Trumbo 5
Dom Severino 5
Kevin Adams 3
Matt Bailey 3
Joe Bahgat 2
Tyler Barnes 2
CHS Fresh 59 Branford 43
Nate Howard 15
Tyler Barnes 14
Kevin Adams 8
Jesse Feldshon 7
Billy Weyrauch 6
Sebastian Little 5
Alfred Krogi 2
Rams Win Again
Sean Adams came off the bench to
score 15 points, grab 7 rebounds
and 3 steals to lead the Cheshire
Rams to their fourth straight win
69-53 over Branford. Dan Manke
also came off the bench and had a
solid floor game with 8 points, 3
rebounds, 3 assists, and two
steals. Here are some other totals:
Billy Ragone: 18 pts 5 assists
John Kubilus: 8 pts 8 Reb 4ast
Steve Howard: 6 points 6 assists
Ryan Dupont: 7 points 2 steals
Brian DeBisschop: 5 points 4 reb
Mike Hathaway: 2 points
JV and Freshman Stats
Sean Adams came off the bench to
score 15 points, grab 7 rebounds
and 3 steals to lead the Cheshire
Rams to their fourth straight win
69-53 over Branford. Dan Manke
also came off the bench and had a
solid floor game with 8 points, 3
rebounds, 3 assists, and two
steals. Here are some other totals:
Billy Ragone: 18 pts 5 assists
John Kubilus: 8 pts 8 Reb 4ast
Steve Howard: 6 points 6 assists
Ryan Dupont: 7 points 2 steals
Brian DeBisschop: 5 points 4 reb
Mike Hathaway: 2 points
JV and Freshman Stats
Lyman Hall 72 Cheshire 36
The Cheshire Rams suffered a setback Friday night in
Wallingford as Lyman Hall showed their inside
strength with a 72-36 win. In a game in which
Cheshire played shorthanded, the Trojans jumped out
to a 25 point lead at half and continued from there.
Dan Manke led the Rams with 16 points. The Rams
will try to bounce back at Amity on Tuesday night
The Cheshire Rams suffered a setback Friday night in
Wallingford as Lyman Hall showed their inside
strength with a 72-36 win. In a game in which
Cheshire played shorthanded, the Trojans jumped out
to a 25 point lead at half and continued from there.
Dan Manke led the Rams with 16 points. The Rams
will try to bounce back at Amity on Tuesday night
| Rough Night on the Hardwood Boys Basketball: Hillhouse 74 CHS 44 Girls Basketball: Hand 63 CHS 51.....story Things had been going pretty well recently for the Cheshire High School basketball teams. The boys had won four in a row after dropping the first four games of the year and the words "state tournament" were being thrown around a bit. The girls, after starting the season with 5 straight losses, had won 5 out of their last six and those same words were being "whispered". Enter the "buzzsaw" or "buzz kill" that was Tuesday night. Now, honestly, no one was predicting a Ram win over #3 Hillhouse in New Haven, but most figured that the hot shooting boys team would keep the game a lot closer than the 30 point defeat at the beginning of the year. Well, it turns out that this is a very, very good Hillhouse team, led by Terence McKiver and Jeremy Moore, two potential D1 college players who scored 17 and 15 respectively, led thier team to a 74-44 win. Steven Howard led the Cheshire attack with 15 points and Billy Ragone added 10, but Hillhouse is an exceptional offensive rebounding team, and Cheshire simply doesn't have the "bulk" up front to keep them off the boards. Does this mean the Rams can't make the Tournament? Absolutely not! This is a very talented Cheshire team with a great deal of shooting ability and defensive skill. To judge their potential success against a team like Hillhouse would be unfair. They will be extremely competitive in every game left on the schedule, including Wilbur Cross, who escaped with a 6 point win the last meeting. I still see this as a tournament team, that will improve in every game leading up to the end of the season. |
Rams Bounce Back at Amity 78-40
6'7" Freshman Nate Howard made his Varsity
debut Tuesday Night, scoring 11 points,
grabbing 5 rebounds and blocking 3 shots as
the Rams rebounded from two straight losses by
chasing Amity 78-40 in Woodbridge. In a game
where 12 different Rams scored, the running
game that had been the star of the four game
win streak was back. Total control of the boards
by the much taller Cheshire squad led to the
lopsided victory. Sean Adams led the balanced
scoring with 12 points. Howard and Billy
Ragone had 11 each with Ragone dishing out 5
assists. Brian DeBisschop had a solid game for
the Rams, scoring 9 points and grabbing 9
rebounds with most of that damage happening
as the Rams sprinted out to a 42-15 halftime
lead. Cheshire will travel to Shelton on Friday
and try to even their record at 6-6 before a
home-and-home series next Monday and
Wednesday against division leader Sheehan
(9-2, 5-0). The Rams are 3-1 in the Housy. Here
are the scorers from tonight's game:
Sean Adams: 12 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Bill Ragone: 11 pts, 3 reb, 5 asst, 2 stl
John Kubilus: 4 pts, 5 reb, 3 asst
Ryan Dupont: 4 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Brian DeBisschop: 9 pts, 9 reb, 2 asst
Steven Howard: 8 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl
Nate Howard: 11 pts, 5 rebs, 1 stl, 2 blk
Dan Manke: 5 pts, 1 asst
Ryan Kipfer: 1 reb, 1 asst, 1 blk
Kevin Jefferis: 8 pts
Matt Bailey: 3 pts, 1 asst
Justin Zovas 2 pts
Matt Murphy: 2 pts, 1 reb
Mike Hathaway: 1 reb
6'7" Freshman Nate Howard made his Varsity
debut Tuesday Night, scoring 11 points,
grabbing 5 rebounds and blocking 3 shots as
the Rams rebounded from two straight losses by
chasing Amity 78-40 in Woodbridge. In a game
where 12 different Rams scored, the running
game that had been the star of the four game
win streak was back. Total control of the boards
by the much taller Cheshire squad led to the
lopsided victory. Sean Adams led the balanced
scoring with 12 points. Howard and Billy
Ragone had 11 each with Ragone dishing out 5
assists. Brian DeBisschop had a solid game for
the Rams, scoring 9 points and grabbing 9
rebounds with most of that damage happening
as the Rams sprinted out to a 42-15 halftime
lead. Cheshire will travel to Shelton on Friday
and try to even their record at 6-6 before a
home-and-home series next Monday and
Wednesday against division leader Sheehan
(9-2, 5-0). The Rams are 3-1 in the Housy. Here
are the scorers from tonight's game:
Sean Adams: 12 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Bill Ragone: 11 pts, 3 reb, 5 asst, 2 stl
John Kubilus: 4 pts, 5 reb, 3 asst
Ryan Dupont: 4 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Brian DeBisschop: 9 pts, 9 reb, 2 asst
Steven Howard: 8 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl
Nate Howard: 11 pts, 5 rebs, 1 stl, 2 blk
Dan Manke: 5 pts, 1 asst
Ryan Kipfer: 1 reb, 1 asst, 1 blk
Kevin Jefferis: 8 pts
Matt Bailey: 3 pts, 1 asst
Justin Zovas 2 pts
Matt Murphy: 2 pts, 1 reb
Mike Hathaway: 1 reb
CHS Freshman 79
Amity 74 OT
Kevin Adams 20
Billy Weyrauch 20
Sebastian Little 14
Vikran Lyall 9
Max Formica 5
Adam Youngquist 3
Jake Scinto 2
Mike Sobelowski 2
Alfred Krogi 2
Jesse Feldshon 2
Amity 74 OT
Kevin Adams 20
Billy Weyrauch 20
Sebastian Little 14
Vikran Lyall 9
Max Formica 5
Adam Youngquist 3
Jake Scinto 2
Mike Sobelowski 2
Alfred Krogi 2
Jesse Feldshon 2
CHS JV 53 Amity JV 40
Joe Bahgat: 10 pts, 8 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk
Greg Leonetti: 11 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Nate Howard: 11 pts, 4 rebs, 1 asst, 3 stl,
5 blk
Justin Zovas: 9 pts, 3 reb, 3 asst,1 blk
Gil Lassen: 6 pts, 2 reb, 1 asst
Mike Hathaway: 2 pts, 4 reb, 2 asst, 2 stl
Dom Severino: 1 reb
David Wright: 1 reb, 1 asst
Nate Trumbo: 1 reb
Billy Weyrauch: 2 reb, 1 asst
Joe Bahgat: 10 pts, 8 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk
Greg Leonetti: 11 pts, 1 asst, 1 stl
Nate Howard: 11 pts, 4 rebs, 1 asst, 3 stl,
5 blk
Justin Zovas: 9 pts, 3 reb, 3 asst,1 blk
Gil Lassen: 6 pts, 2 reb, 1 asst
Mike Hathaway: 2 pts, 4 reb, 2 asst, 2 stl
Dom Severino: 1 reb
David Wright: 1 reb, 1 asst
Nate Trumbo: 1 reb
Billy Weyrauch: 2 reb, 1 asst
Cheshire 50, Shelton 44
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Cheshire (6-6) 7 10 11 22 50
Shelton (3-10) 13 18 8 5 44
Friday, January 30, 7:00 pm
Cheshire Player FG FT Points
Dan Manke 2 0 4
Billy Ragone 5 6 18
Brian DeBisschop 4 2 10
Steve Howard 3 0 7
John Kublius 2 0 4
Ryan Dupont 2 2 7
TOTAL 18 10 50
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Cheshire (6-6) 7 10 11 22 50
Shelton (3-10) 13 18 8 5 44
Friday, January 30, 7:00 pm
Cheshire Player FG FT Points
Dan Manke 2 0 4
Billy Ragone 5 6 18
Brian DeBisschop 4 2 10
Steve Howard 3 0 7
John Kublius 2 0 4
Ryan Dupont 2 2 7
TOTAL 18 10 50
| Rams Drop Heartbreaker to Sheehan in OT Cheshire junior Dan Manke poured in a career high 24 points leading the Rams into overtime against a loaded Sheehan Titans squad. Unfortunately for Cheshire, some questionable calls coupled with Sheehan's excellent foul shooting and ball handling led to a 62-55 win for the Titans. John Papale led Sheehan with 18 points. The Rams fall to 6-7 on the year. Sheehan is now 11-2. The two teams will be right back at it on Wednesday night in Wallingford. The Rams came out strong in this one, led by a quick 7 points from Brian DeBisschop and 5 by Manke and Cheshire was up 17-16 after one quarter. The teams traded baskets in the second quarter with Steve Howard and Billy Ragone heating up from the outside. The half ended 31-31. Sheehan tried to stretch the lead in the third at one point going up by seven but the Rams came back each time and the game went into the fourth quarter at 46-43 Titans. With two teams that love to run and love to score, one would have expected a run and gun fourth, but what we got was cold shooting, physical defense and a lot of perimeter passing and dribbling. Cheshire outscored Sheehan 9-6 in the quarter as Ragone got the crowd on their feet with a driving layup and Manke's two three pointers with a man in his face brought the Rams back to a tie. Manke finished with 5 steals and 2 blocks to go with his 24 points which included 4 threes. Ragone had 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and three steals. DeBisschop finihed with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Howard chipped in with 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Ryan Kipfer had a three pointer and 2 rebounds for the Rams |
| Boys Drop 2nd Straight to Sheehan 77-58 The Cheshire Boys Basketball Team stayed with one of the best teams in the state for about 6 quarters this week. Unfortunately the two teams played 8 plus an overtime. When the dust settled, the Titans eeked out an overtime win in Cheshire then exploded in the second half tonite in Wallingford, turning a close game into a comfortable 19 point win. The win gave Sheehan the Housatonic Championship with a perfect 7-0 record and moved to 12-2 overall. The Rams dropped to 4-3 in the conference and 6-8 overall. Cheshire will need two more wins to secure a postseason berth. They will visit Branford on Friday night. Cheshire beat Branford 69-53 back on January 16th. With 5 tough games left on the schedule after that, Friday's game becomes very important for the Rams. Billy Ragone led the Rams scoring tonite with 17 points. He also added 6 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Brian DeBisschop scored 11 points with 4 rebounds. Steven Howard added 12 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist. Sean Adams came off the bench to score 10, Dan Manke 5, and Kevin Jefferis 3. Matt Pascuzzo led Sheehan with 15, Justin Kuntz 11, and Brett Biestek 13. |
| Kipfer Leads Rams Over Branford 65-59 Senior Ryan Kipfer came off the bench to pour in a career high 20 points and Sean Adams chipped in with 14 as the Cheshire Rams pulled to within one win of a State Tournament bid with a win in Branford. Steve Howard chipped in with 8 points and 5 rebounds and Dan Manke had 6 points, 2 assists and a block for the winners. The Rams are now 7-8 overall with games remaining with West Haven, Lyman Hall, Wilbur Cross, Notre Dame-WH and Daniel Hand. In a game where starting forward John Kubilus sat out with a concussion suffered in Wednesday's game at Sheehan, the bench stepped forward in this one, scoring 38 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Billy Ragone had 10 points, 6 rebounds, Ryan Dupont 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists, Matt Bailey 4 points, 2 steals and a rebound. But this game was all about Kipfer, scoring inside, outside (3 Treys) and on the break. He also grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out four assists, and even had a block to go along with a very active night on defense deflecting a few passes. Adams made four key fouls shots down the stretch to help secure the win for the Rams. He also pulled down 7 rebounds. Cheshire will host Lyman Hall on Tuesday. The Trojans won the first meeting a couple of weeks ago 72-36 in a game where most of the Ram starters did not play. Tonite, it looks like the bench has improved. |
| Branford Freshman 51 Cheshire 43 Kevin Adams 17 Nate Howard 11 Sebastian Little 7 Billy Weyrauch 7 Jake Scinto 4 Max Formica 3 Jesse Feldshon 2 |
| Branford JV 57 Cheshire 51 Justin Zovas 12 Gil Lassen 11 Matt Bailey 11 Joe Bahgat 8 Greg Leonetti 4 Billy Weyrauch 3 Dom Severino 2 |
| Manke, Rams Come All the Way Back vs Trojans Erase 24 Point Deficit Before Succumbing 53-50 to Lyman Hall In one of the most exciting basketball games of the year, the Cheshire Rams decided, with about 2 minutes left in the first half and trailing 30-6, that they were not going to go quietly into the night. They were going to fight. They were going to give everything they had so that they would not be humiliated on their home court. They used a half-court trapping defense to turn Lyman hall over three times before halftime and went on a modest 8-4 run to go into halftime down 20 at 34-14. The Rams came out of the half with great zeal, coming out on a 10-2 run sparked by 7 points by Dan Manke and a big three point shot by Matt Bailey. Cheshire did not stop there. There was a big three pointer by Ryan Kipfer,. With 3:38 left in the third quarter, Lyman Hall big man Jefferson Lora picked up his fourth foul even though he didn't even play in the first quarter. Lora headed to the bench and when Manke hit another three with 1:15 left in the quarter the score was 38-33. As the fourth quarter started, there was a driving layup by Ryan Dupont, who followed that up on the next possession with a three point shot from the corner and the Rams had taken a 40-38 lead. From 30-6. That's a 34-8 run. The Rams were so hot, getting every rebound, stealing the ball, making every pass. During this exciting run, the Lyman Hall team was playing scared, nobody wanted to shoot, they were indecisive, turning the ball over. However, the Cheshire lead seemed to wake up the Trojans a bit. Jim Econopoulos hit a two, Dempsey a two and Econopoulos a three and Lyman Hall was up 45-41. The two teams exchanged baskets down the stretch. Lyman Hall baskets by Lora, Zach Russo and Lora again. Cheshire answered with two free throws by Bailey, a nice inside power move by Brian DeBisschop over Lora, and an offensive rebound put-back by Billy Ragone. With the score 51-47, Manke found himself alone on the right side. He set to take the three and a closing Dempsey got a hand on the ball. The loose ball found it's way to DeBisschop who smartly found Manke again as he had slid down to the baseline. Manke calmly drilled the trey to pull the Rams to within 1 at 51-50. After Lyman Hall missed the front end of two different one and ones, the Rams could not capitalize, turning the ball over on both trips down the court and the Trojans escaped with a 53-50 win. Manke led the Rams with 15 points and 7 steals, all in the second half. |
| Lyman Hall 53, Cheshire 50 Team 1 2 3 4 F Lyman Hall (12-4) 16 18 4 15 53 Cheshire (8-8) 3 11 21 15 50 Lyman Hall Player FG FT Points Jefferson Lora 4 2 10 Zach Russo 2 1 5 Jim Economopoulus 4 2 13 David Dempsey 7 1 16 Tom Silo 1 0 3 Carl VanButtan 3 0 6 Matt Landry 0 0 0 TOTAL 21 6 53 Cheshire Player FG FT Points Billy Ragone 3 3 9 Brian DeBisschop 1 0 2 Steve Howard 1 0 2 Dan Menke 5 2 15 John Kublius 1 0 2 Sean Adams 0 2 2 Ryan Dupont 3 0 7 Ryan Kipfer 2 0 6 Mike Hathaway 0 0 0 Matt Bailey 1 2 5 TOTAL 17 9 50 |
| Hand Ruins Senior Night 62-53 Tough Loss Puts Rams Playoff Hopes in Check Mike Calaghan scored 22 points to lead the Tigers over Cheshire. Billy Ragone had 21 points 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a valiant effort in the loss. The loss drops the Rams to 7-11 overall. Cheshire must now win a road game to qualify for the State Tourney. That win must come at the hands of Notre Dame West Haven or Wilbur Cross. Both teams have defeated the Rams already this year. Dan Manke came off the bench to score 9 points, grab 3 rebounds, 4 assists and a block. Sean Adams chipped in with 8 points and 5 rebounds and Steven Howard had 8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in the loss. Kevin Jefferis and Ryan Dupont each added a basket for the Rams and Matt Murphy had a 3 pointer. Cheshire will be at Notre Dame on Friday and will complete the regular season on Monday night at Wilbur Cross. Seniors honored tonight include Ryan Kipfer, Billy Ragone, Kevin Jefferis, Ryan Dupont, Steven Howard, Matt Murphy, and Sean Adams. The Rams played again without starting big man Brian DeBisschop, who is recovering from a sickness. DeBisschop is expected to start practicing Wednesday and should be available for Friday's game |
| Notre Dame-West Haven 77 Cheshire 57 Cold shooting and turnovers hampered the Rams efforts to qualify for the SCC and State tourneys as Notre Dame systematically defeated the Rams in West Haven. Notre Dame won all four quarters of this one and once they got a 10 point lead at halftime on an offensive rebound putback, Cheshire never got the lead below that mark. The Ram defense struggled in the zone as ND moved the ball inside and out, running effective screens to open up relatively easy shots all night. Cheshire will need to go to Wilbur Cross on Monday night and beat them to qualify for postseason. Cheshire lost to Cross 69-63 earlier in the season. Brian DeBisschop was a bright spot for the Rams in the defeat, scoring 12 points, most of which on excellent hustle on the offensive boards and inside moves. Dan Menke 8 Billy Ragone 10 Brian DeBisschop 12 Steven Howard 2 John Kublius 6 Kevin Jefferies 6 Sean Adams 5 Matt Bailey 8 |
| Cheshire 73, Wilbur Cross 52 Rams Qualify for Post-Season on Last Day With their backs to the wall, needing a win against Wilbur Cross in New Haven to make the postseason, coming off one of their worst defeats of the season at Notre Dame on Friday. Of course the Rams came out and played their best game of the year, beating Cross by 21 and it's on to the SCC tournament which starts Thursday. The 13th seeded Rams will head back to New Haven for a meeting with #4 seed Career High at 6:30. Cross is seeded #9 and will play at #8 Hand with the reward being a trip to play 20-0 Hillhouse. The winner of the Cheshire-Career game will play the winner of the East Haven-Notre Dame game on Saturday at 1:30 at East Haven High School. Team 1 2 3 4 F Cheshire (9-11) 19 16 19 19 73 Wilbur Cross (9-11) 7 14 10 21 52 Cheshire Player FG FT Points Dan Menke 4 1 10 Billy Ragone 5 9 19 Brian DeBisschop 6 2 15 Steven Howard 3 3 10 John Kublius 2 2 6 Ryan Dupont 2 0 5 Sean Adams 4 0 8 Cheshire TOTAL 26 17 73 Wilbur Cross Player FG FT Points Jared McClease 4 7 15 Tyshan Smith 2 0 5 Donthe Long 1 1 3 Kenny Gilmore 2 0 4 Edward Murray 6 4 16 Arthur Tucker 2 0 4 Alex Conaway 0 1 1 John Pittman 1 0 2 Mike Garvin 1 0 2 Wilbur Cross TOTAL 19 13 52 |
| Rams Valiant Effort Falls Short in SCC Tilt DeBisschop's 22 not enough against Career The Cheshire Rams came into New Haven tonight with something to prove. After the most impressive win of the season Monday night at Wilbur Cross, the Rams wanted to show that they can play with the elite teams in the SCC on a nightly basis. Although they fell to #4 Career tonight 66-62, the never-say-die Cheshire kids used a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to dig out of a 12 point hole and make a great game of this one. With star point guard Billy Ragone on the bench with 4 fouls, the Rams began to press the smaller Career guards and come up with four straight steals, two inside baskets by Brian DeBisschop, a deep three and a break-away layup by Dan Manke and all of a sudden we had a 2 point game. The teams traded baskets down the stretch but with the score 61-55 Career, DeBisschop converted a baseline drive and Senior Matt Murphy drove into the land of the giants and finished to bring the Rams to within two again. However, as time ran down, Cheshire was forced to foul and the Career kids made 6-7 from the line in the last 2 minutes and Cheshire turned the ball over a couple of times down the stretch and it was too little, too late. When DeBisschop's long three went in at the buzzer, the final score was 66-62. DeBisschop finished with 22 points and was a force down low, as was Steven Howard (12 points) and John Kubilus (6 points). Dan Manke led the defensive effort in the fourth quarter coming up with 5 steals to go along with his 7 points. Ragone was held to 6 points as the quick and long perimeter defenders from Career made it very difficult for the Cheshire guards to get open shots. Sean Adams had a nice three point play for the Rams off of an offensive rebound. Ryan Kipfer drilled a big three pointer to keep the momentum on the side of the Rams in the fourth quarter. Cheshire will now await it's opponent in the CIAC LL State Tournament. Possible match-ups may be New Britain (18-2) and Stamford (17-3). The draw will be out around noon on Wednesday March 4th |
| New Britain 73, Cheshire 45 Team 1 2 3 4 F Cheshire (10-12) 16 9 6 14 45 New Britain (19-3) 24 16 20 13 73 Monday, March 9, 7:00 pm New Britain High School Cheshire Player FG FT Pts R A S B Billy Ragone 3 0 7 2 3 0 0 Kevin Jefferies 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 Ryan Dupont 2 0 6 0 1 0 0 Dan Manke 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 Matt Murphy 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 Brian DeBisschop 8 0 17 10 0 1 1 Steven Howard 1 0 2 3 3 2 0 John Kubilus 2 0 4 1 2 2 1 Cheshire TOTAL 19 0 45 19 10 5 2 |
| Successful Ram Season Comes to an End to Hurricanes 73-45 Some may think that success can only be measured by win-loss records or championships. Those people are thinking very narrowly. First of all, can you really be successful if you don't challenge the best? If you cannot measure your abilities against the top teams, you may never know what you are capable of. This year's Cheshire Ram Basketball team played a schedule that was delivered in an envelope with a eulogy attached. Hillhouse twice, Cross twice, Hand twice, Notre Dame twice....and that's before talking about the Housy, who boasted two of the top returning classes in the state with Lyman Hall twice, and Sheehan twice. That's twelve games out of 20 against top tournament teams returning most of their key players. Somehow the Rams had to come up with 8 wins to make the post season. Let's look at the other eight games: Shelton twice, Amity twice, West Haven twice, and Branford twice. Ok, so we just need to take care of business in those games and then we can take our best shots in the other twelve. Well, that's not the way this team thinks, or plays. With a couple of anomalies, this team came out and fought every night, taking Sheehan into overtime, and putting the fear of, well you know, into Lyman Hall, Hand, and Cross, only to lose close games. So when West Haven turned out to be a pretty good team and held serve at home to drop the Rams to 7-12, the schedule forecast had it's first glitch. The Cheshire Rams would have to win it's last game to qualify for the post season. They would have to go down to New Haven and beat the defending SCC Champion Wilbur Cross squad, who hadn't lost a home game in 3 years. So what does this group do? They go down there and , systematically, dismantle the Governors by 20, qualify for the post season and guaranty themselves two more games.....against two of the best teams in the state. It seems that these guys wouldn't like it unless they were competing against the best. Well, after a war against Career in the SCC tournament, the season ended tonight at New Britain. It is a sad day for this reporter. Since I started this venture in January 2008, this team, along with this year's Girl's team, has been a pleasure to cover. Dealing with the quality of the student athletes in this program re-enforced my commitment to the website and providing everyone with as much information as possible. I will miss basketball season. It was surreal to me when, with about 3 minutes left in the game, Senior Billy Ragone was coming out of the game, and that his brilliant High School athletic career is over. I think we are all looking forward to what he will do on the football field in the Ivy League. Good Luck, Billy. Good luck also to Steven Howard, Sean Adams, Kevin Jefferis, Ryan Dupont, Matt Murphy, and Ryan Kipfer. Steven, Kevin and Ryan, get out your gloves and bats and Sean, your racket. This site has a lot more coverage waiting for you guys this Spring. In closing, I will say that I can't wait to see next year's Basketball Team! DeBisschop, Kubilus, Manke, Hathaway, and Havlicek. I can't wait to see that develop, and to see Matt Bailey develop, Nate Howard, Zovas, Bahgat, Leonetti, etc, etc, etc....... Great job guys. |