Molly Moffitt likes to get out of her comfort zone.
It’s what led her to travel overseas this summer and tryout for Ireland’s U20 team, kind of spur of the moment.
And it’s what led her to Putnam Science Academy, where the Seattle native kicked off her postgrad season with the girls’ Prep Black basketball team Saturday by scoring 19 points and pulling down eight rebounds in a 97-78 win over Bradford Christian Academy.
“I’ve always liked being in different areas and traveling,” said the 6-foot, 1-inch wing/forward. “That’s one of the things I love about basketball because it has allowed me to explore the country and beyond. It was a push out of my comfort zone for sure. I was house-hopping every two weeks. Every day was different, which is what I love. And that’s part of the reason why I came to Putnam too. It was far from home and a new experience and totally outside what I was familiar with.”
The Mustangs are glad to have her, as her all-around game was on display. She knocked down 3-pointers; she hit midrange jumpers; she scored in the paint; and she rebounded and pushed the ball, either for a coast-to-coast score or to find an open teammate.
“I’m lucky because our guards trust me to bring the ball up, so when I do get the rebound, I’m looking to push. I feel like when I’m really locked in, I can attack well and dish well. Hopefully we saw some of that (Saturday).”
That she is even in Putnam is a bit of a wild story. It started with her not really knowing what she wanted to do with the athletics piece in college. Lacrosse was an option. So too was trying to walk-on to some basketball teams at places like Indiana and Clemson. Focusing solely on academics was also a real consideration. Moffitt was admitted to the University of Washington’s nursing program, which is an ultra-competitive placement, not to mention the alma mater of both of her parents.
But deep down, she wanted to keep playing basketball. So Moffitt, who is an Irish citizen by descent because her grandmother was born in Ireland, reached out to the national U20 coach on Twitter with a couple of highlights and game film in the ultimate “throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it-sticks.” Within days of graduating from Seattle Prep, Moffitt was on a plane to Ireland.
“It was kind of like if it were to work out, it would be my last hurrah and maybe I’d be done with basketball after playing with them,” she said. “I ended up making the team, which was super cool. Just an amazing experience. I really think that everyone who I met and everyone who I came across was God-sent. I have never met more caring and kind people. It was just an experience of a lifetime.
“I spent two months there by myself. I met so many new people, people from Spain, Serbia, Israel, Hungary. When we went to a tournament on our last night, the entire Spanish team wanted to hang out with the Irish team and they brought some Hungarians with them. I was the only American there. It was so random and so super fun.”
Depending on what happens with college after her time at PSA, Moffitt is planning to go back and play again this summer. But for now, the focus is on helping PSA win its first national championship.
“I’ve never really been in a place where everyone wants the same thing,” she said. “In high school some girls were playing just to play, or it was their second sport, or something like that. Everyone here really wants to get better and win has a goal of playing college basketball. It’s really exciting.”
Girls' basketball
PSA Prep Red 64, Hoosac 52
HOOSIC, NY - Zuza Komor hit six 3-pointers on her way to 22 points, and she also added five rebounds and three assists as PSA overcame a slow start to pick up its second win of the season. Zoe Bayer had 21 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while Anna Kitch finished with seven points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists, and Alice Meunier chipped in with nine points and seven boards for the Mustangs (2-0), who at one point trailed 23-4 before mounting their comeback.
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
The Pomfret School varsity boys’ soccer team will be heading to the NEPSAC Class B Playoffs with its first game against Brooks School Nov. 17.
On Nov. 13 Pomfret beat Millbrook 3-1 with goals from: Declan Chapman 9th minute; Grant Maurer 24th minute; and Lawrence Viola 29th minute. Assists came from: Declan Chapman, Grant Maurer and saves came from: Austin Kendig 3 saves and Javier Alonso 4 saves
Before the game the team honored its 11 senior players and two senior managers: Managers Alex Kang and Harry Lee and players: Ethan Forbes, Grant Maurer, Austin Kendig, Declan Chapman, Dylan Tran, Fred Coulibaly, Eumir Rodriguez, Javier Alonso, Henry Cattell, Kaya Horvath, and Tareq Altayyar.
He said: “Our seniors led us off and while the first few minutes of the game were a bit choppy, we threatened Millbrook consistently. Tareq, Dylan, Declan, and Grant went close early, but Millbrook’s keeper made some solid saves. Eumir, Ethan, Ryan Cho, and Henry responded well to Millbrook’s direct passes and long throw-ins. Austin had to communicate well during these long throw ins and his leadership helped us make sure to get first touch. The game needed a goal to get some energy flowing, and in the 9th minute Declan supplied it.
“This gave us a solid advantage and Grant almost doubled the score a couple of minutes later. The pace of the game was still a bit choppy, and unfortunately for Pomfret a Millbrook cross was not cleared, and they were able to tie the game up 1-1. In the game’s 24th minute, a combination from Declan and Grant freed space for Grant to surge through and fire a shot low and hard into the corner. Just 5 minutes later a nice spell of possession got the ball to Grant. He maneuvered past his defenders and fired a cross into the box where Lawrence was waiting to finish coolly.”
He said the second half performance “lacked some of the quality we have been used to during the last few weeks, but our defense remained strong, and we continued to have offensive opportunities. Our shots or final balls were a bit off during this second frame. We stayed organized, focused, and defensively solid, and were able to maintain our 3-1 advantage throughout the half.”
The Griffins’ record is 10 wins, 5 losses, and 2 ties. Ten wins is the most in the program since the fall of 2012.
They were undefeated at home, and won their last five games.
By Patrick Burke
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KILLINGLY — Gerard “Gerry” Edward Cinq Mars, 92, died Nov. 7, 2021. Gerry was born on Jan. 14, 1929, to Emelia Anne (Leboeuf) of Fortierville, and Napoleon Joseph Cinq Mars of Gentilly, Canada. His family lived in W. Springfield, Mass., where Gerry attended public schools. During the Korean War, Gerry served his country as a member of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division stationed in Germany in 1951 and 1952. Following an honorable discharge, he worked in a Springfield auto body shop, inspiring a lifelong love of cars.
After his military service, Gerry used the GI Bill to attend American International College (AIC) in Springfield, and then earned his master’s in education from State Teachers College in Boston.
While at AIC, Gerry met the love of his life Annette Marie Christie. They were married on Sept. 7, 1957, in Springfield. They lived in Boston while Annette completed her nursing degree and Gerry finished graduate school. In 1959 they moved to Killingly to raise their young family. Gerry and Annette enjoyed a beautiful life together for 26 years until her death in 1983.
Gerry began teaching in the newly built Harvard H. Ellis Technical School in the fall of 1959. Mr. Cinq Mars, as he was known by his students, taught history, civics, English, and economics for 30 years. He served as department head, senior class adviser, and faculty coordinator for the yearbook and student government. He cared about the school community and loved working with students.
Gerry served the towns of Killingly and Brooklyn. He served on a commission to build affordable senior housing at Maple Courts and on a committee to renovate Brooklyn Middle School. For more than 20 years (18 years as chairman), he served on Killingly’s Water Pollution Control Authority. He helped secure more than $30 million in state and federal funding to upgrade aging sanitation lines and facilities, ensuring cleaner water in the Quinebaug River. Gerry enjoyed traveling, woodworking, home renovations, breakfast with friends, and long conversations with his siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends, especially about politics and current events. He was a car enthusiast who followed the latest models and enjoyed visiting auto museums to view the classics.
Gerry was a long-time supporter of St. James Catholic Church and Friends of Assisi Food Pantry. In the late ‘90s, Gerry met Faye P. Clapp and they enjoyed each other’s company for 15 years. He leaves his children Laura Whittier, Michele Cinq Mars (John), Sarah Gretzky (James), and Peter Cinq Mars (Karen), and his grandchildren Kyle and Zoe Neil, Madison (Cameron) and Lexington Gretzky, Alexander (Sarah) and Gabrielle Cinq Mars, and siblings Theresa and Michael.
Visitation is from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 20 at St. James Catholic Church, Danielson. Donations: Friends of Assisi Food Pantry, 77 Water St., Danielson, CT 06239.
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Wed. Nov. 17
Art Exhibit
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret presents an exhibit and sale of “Nature’s Canvas: Photography by Nancy L. Barrett” through the end of Nov.
Blood Drive
PUTNAM --- The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8:30 am. To 1:30 p.m. and from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Putnam Elks on Edmond Street. 1-800-RED CROSS.
Fri. Nov. 19
Walk & Campfire
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret will present “Full Beaver Moon Walk and Campfire from 8 to 10 p.m. at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Register:
Sat. Nov. 20
Hazardous Waste
POMFRET --- A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pomfret Community School. This is for household hazardous waste only and is only for Woodstock and Pomfret residents. Bring driver’s license. For list of eligible waste, go to the Town of Woodstock CT FB page.
Sun. Nov. 21
Thanksgiving
PUTNAM --- The Greater Putnam Interfaith Council Thanksgiving service will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. There will be a short presentation on the hosting of an Afghan family in the area. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85288424084. For info and the link: visit the Greater Putnam Interfaith Council website.
Mon. Nov. 22
Holiday Nature Store
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will hold its annual Holiday Nature Store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 23. 860-928-4948.
Fri. Nov. 26
Walktober Redux
EASTFORD --- The Last Green Valley Natchaug Trail OptOutside Hike will begin at 9 a.m. on the Natchaug Trail. RSVP: 774-3300.
Sat. Nov. 27
Tree Jubilee
PUTNAM --- Bradley Playhouse will present its Tree Jubilee and Wreath Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 27 and Nov. 28. Chance to take home decorated tree or wreath and photos with Santa. Nonperishable food donations welcome.
Bluegrass Concert
DAYVILLE -- Killingly Grange, P of H #112, will present The Nick Anderson & Shady Creek Band at 7 p.m. Refreshments. $12 at door. Bear Minimum also playing. 705-3643.
Hiking
THOMPSON --- TLGV & NOW will present a Hiking 101 Acorn Adventure from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 4-9 (younger children welcome) and at 1 p.m. for kids 10 and older. Sponsored by Centreville Bank. Free. Register: www.NOWinMotion.org/Events or call: 860-774-3300.
Sun. Nov. 28
Dazzle Light Parade
PUTNAM --- Northeastern Connecticut's 20th annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will kick off at 5 p.m. from Grove Street and wind through downtown, ending at the new Putnam Municipal Complex. Rain date is Dec. 5. 860-928-1350.
Sun Spotting
GRISWOLD --- The Last Green Valley will present Night Sky Rangers Geoff and Kim at 1 p.m. at Hopeville State Park to do some sun spotting.
Thur. Dec. 2
Book Signing
POMFRET --- Pam Lefferts, co-founder of Ferncroft Wildlife Rescue and newly minted children’s author, will sign her book From Pouch to Couch: Why Lavender the Opossum Lives in a House at 1 p.m. at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road. No charge to attend the book signing.
Fri. Dec. 3
'White Christmas'
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present "White Christmas" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19. $25 for adults; $22 for seniors/students/military. For the 1st 100 calls for the Dec. 3 performance, Centreville Bank will gift you one ticket of those purchased. 860-928-7887.
Sun. Dec. 5
Hospice Tree
Day Kimball Healthcare will present Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies at 5 p.m. at locations around northeastern Connecticut. Benefit: Hospice & Palliative Care of NE CT. More Info:daykimball.org/treeoflife
Sat. Dec. 25
Merry Christmas!
Tues. Dec. 28
Bird Watch
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will hold a Winter Bird Walk starting at 1 p.m. Register:
Thur. Dec. 30
Nightingale Hike
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret on Day Road will present “Hike Nightingale Forest South” at 9 a.m. at the Wyndham Land Trust. Register:
Sat. Jan. 1, 2022
Happy New Year!
Sat. Feb. 19
Wee Walk
THOMPSON --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Animal Tracking at the Robins Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org.
Sat. May 7
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Salamander Search at the 3 B’s” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org
Sat. Nov. 5, 2022
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info:daykimball.org/pianos
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