RHAM keeps an eye on post-season

RHAM's Matt Fitzpatrick dives to keep the ball in play. Photos by Melanie Savage.

In December, at the beginning of the high school basketball season, RHAM boys’ basketball head coach Stephen Emt had only good things to say about his team. “This is the first time in a lot of years that everyone here wants to learn, teach, and play,” said Emt at an early practice. “I’ve always had at least one that doesn’t want to give it all. This time we don’t have that.”

As the regular season draws to a close, Emt hasn’t changed his tune. “This is still one of the best teams I’ve ever had,” he said on Feb. 7. “They’re coming to play every day. We’re improving, and that’s all that matters.”

With a 6-8 record, RHAM needed two more wins to secure a spot in the post-season tourney. With six games to go in the regular season, Emt hoped to secure one of those wins against E.O. Smith on Feb. 7. “We’d like to get those games in the bag as soon as possible,” he said. “We’d love to have a win here tonight.” But despite a lot of hard work and constant effort, the final score of the game was 61-53 Smith.

Rockville and Fermi were still on the horizon, both of which the team has beaten already this season. Catch the team at home against Bloomfield on Feb. 15, and again against Rocky Hill on Feb. 21. Games start at 7 p.m. For a full schedule go to www.casciac.org.

Coach Stephen Emt

16th season

Steve Emt is the all-time high-scorer for RHAM boys’ basketball. His senior year, he lead the Sachems to the Class M semifinals.

“I am RHAM basketball,” said Emt. “I love the school, I love the community, and I love the people around town. You do your best and hope that the kids take advantage of it.”

“Coach knows the game, and he knows what it takes to be successful,” said senior forward Scott Bushey.

Seniors John Crandall, Mike Whitmore, Ryan Kaika, Devyn Coutant, Cam Lewis, Matt Fitzpatrick, Eric Buhagiar, Scott Bushey

Spotlight Player

Kyle Rodegher

Point Guard

#13

Sophomore Kyle Rodegher has shaped up to be the leader of the 2010-11 Sachems team, according to Head Coach Stephen Emt. He’s improved so much since last year,” said Emt. “We pretty much go as he goes. If he’s on game, so is the rest of the team. He loves it. He’s up for the challenge. He 100 percent accepts being the leader of the team.”