Freshman Teams Completes a Successful Season

Thirty years ago, Kevin Adamson was a standout guard on a Dom Savio basketball team that played in one of the greatest MIAA Tournament games in history, a triple-overtime classic against Milton at the old Boston Garden.

Adamson, now an assistant coach of the Winthrop High School freshman boys basketball team, would like nothing more than to see his current players experience such an exciting moment in their careers.

It will take dedication to the sport in the off-season, participation in summer basketball leagues, and a competitive spirit to be the best – all qualities that defined Kevin Adamson and his brothers, who brought so much joy to their parents with their many athletic accomplishments.

Adamson, who shares the coaching duties with head coach Aaron Daigneault and assistant coach Jason Rockefeller, said, “This probably the best ‘team’ that we’ve had in my three years as a coach.”

“They’re the most well-rounded team we’ve had,” he said. “They’ve played for the town team over the last few years, so a lot of them grew up together playing basketball. They have the components to be successful going forward.”

Adamson said the key to the team’s successful this season was the improvement shown by each player, from the very first practice to the last game of the season.

Winthrop had a 9-6 record heading in to the season finale, beating such schools as Lynn Classical, Saugus, Danvers, Gloucester, and Marblehead.

The strong backcourt in the starting five for the Winthrop frosh consisted of Welvis Acosta and Colin Kinsella (son of former Viking athlete Scott Kinsella).

Adamson praised Acosta’s drive and determination on the court. “He has boundless energies and any rebound or 50-50 basketball belongs to him.” said Adamson.

“Colin was our most well-rounded player and one of our leading scorers,” said Adamson.

Alex Daigneault, one of the two twin sons of head coach and former UNH athlete Aaron Daigneault on the Winthrop roster, impressed opponents with his long-range shooting ability and all-around offensive skills.

The team’s “twin towers,” according to Adamson, were Eddie Ramadani and Elio Hysa. “They’re tall and talented,” said Adamson. “Eddie and Elio really set the tone with their toughness and teamwork in the paint and on defense.”

The reserves brought depth and energy to the Winthrop backcourt. Adamson cited the consistent contributions from Julian Diaz and Aaron Daigneault.

Newcomers to the team who displayed a lot of skills and athleticism during the season were Loert Mana, David Gonzalez, Joe Rogasi, David Gonzalez, Ryan Gagnon, and Nick Marchese.

 Nick is the grandson of former WHS football coach and Bentley University athletic director Bob DeFelice.
“We call Nick, ‘Coach,’ – he’s going to be a coach,” said Adamson.

Dan Liberti excelled in his role as a player-manager.

Adamson said the future is bright for the varsity basketball program.

“I expect some of our freshman players will contend for spots on the varsity team next season,” said Adamson.