By Michael Letendre 

For the second straight season, the Bristol Central boys basketball team is going to be denied a chance at a state championship. 

But, with an opportunity to get on the court and actually play again with friends and teammates, the team has other goals in mind with the pandemic raging in the background. 

“What do I expect or hope this season? To make it through twelve games,” said Central coach Tim Barrette. “I hope my kids have an opportunity to play twelve-plus games.”  

The Rams are stacked, is a group that has played together for more than a couple years and will be looking to mow down all the local Central Connecticut Conference foes during a slick 12-game schedule. 

And along the way, a certain 7-foot-1 center will continue to cement his legacy at Bristol Central. 

With the regular season for scholastic boys hoop ready to commence this week, let’s take a look at the team from Bristol Central: 

BRISTOL CENTRAL BOYS BASKETBALL 

Head Coach: Tim Barrette (14th season) 

Overall Record: In 13 seasons at Central, Barrette carries an all-time record of 140-140.

Last Season’s Record: 17-5 overall (Division II, ranked No. 4). Central was looking for a state title bid but the pandemic stopped the postseason before the Rams were ever able to play a first round game. 

Subtractions: Austin Brown and Shane Ouellette (guards), Mike Lorenzetti (forward). 

Probable Starters: Donovan Clingan (jr, center), Sean Wininger (sr, forward), D’Ante Ross (sr, forward/guard), Damion Glasper (jr, guard), Victor Rosa (jr, guard), Carson Rivoira (jr, forward).

Key Players: Piotr Nizielski (sr, guard), Elijah Rodriguez (sr, guard), Dominic Amara (sr, forward), Roberto Negron-Cruz (sr, guard), Tre Jones (sr, forward). 

Strengths: Long, athletic, very tall 

Weaknesses: Speed. Won’t be able to compete for a state championship this year. 

Why Central will be successful: The guy that’s 7-foot-1, 260 pounds and understands the game better than anyone else on the floor is the reason why the Rams could go undefeated this season. 

Fun Fact: Coach Barrette never hit a three-pointer over his 48 games for the boys basketball team at Bristol Eastern but most of his squad at Central has. That’s the evolution of basketball 20 years later.

Not So Fun Fact: There could be more college scouts at Central’s games than spectators this year. That ‘Not So Fun Fact’ will at least be fun for any player that is at least 7-feet tall for the Central program…