‘Guard’ing a new team
Mount boys play National Guard in game to raise money, awareness
The Mount St. Charles basketball team played a charity game against the National Guard Tuesday.
bmcgair@pawtuckettimes.com
WOONSOCKET – There was roughly three minutes left in regulation when Mount St. Charles junior forward Christian Corriveau drilled a long jumper where an exorbitant point total was awarded.
What was a 13-point deficit for the Mounties was quickly whittled down to a manageable three (73-70). Borrowing from the MTV Rock N’ Jock basketball bouts that those from a certain generation will remember , Corriveau was awarded a 10-point shot thanks to generous button pushing by clock operator and three-sport Mount coach Paul Jacques.
The entire scene prompted roars of laughter from the two teams and the enthusias - tic crowd that was on hand to contribute to a worthwhile cause. It also epitomized the carefree and uplifting spirit that unfolded inside the Logee Street campus on Tuesday afternoon.
Mount didn’ t square of f against a fellow interscholastic foe. This time, the opposition featured members from the R.I. Army National Guard. In the end, the squad coached by Master Sgt. Jason Blouin – a childhood friend of MSC boys’ basketball head coach Henry Coleman – held on for a 79-73 triumph. The contest was hailed as “Lo - cal Heroes & High School Hoops” where all proceeds raised from admission sales – a modest $3 for adults and $1 for students – went directly to the Disabled American Veterans Fund.
“It’s a nice way to give back to those who have served over the years,” said Coleman, who on this day played the role of free safety and mingled with the crowd rather than his customary role of pacing up and down the Mount bench.
How did this first fundraiser game come about? Coleman and Blouin graduated from Mount Hope High School the same year (1995). Each season, Coleman asks his basketball seniors/captains to come up with a community event where giving back is stressed and a token of appreciation is extended. With Coleman’s relationship serving as the primary cat - alyst, the Mountie captains took the ball and operated in true fast-break fashion.
“Their service, it’ s terrif - ic and beyond words,” said Mount senior guard Paul Brodeur. “We just wanted to thank them so they could have a little fun.”
According to Blouin, a Pawtucket resident who is the head basketball coach at Moses Brown, Tuesday’s excursion was a pleasant detour from the day-to-day norm for the 11 National Guard members he oversees, some of whom are as young as 17 and still in high school. There was a brother-sister tandem that graduated from North SmithfieldHigh – Shawn and Melissa Cianci.
“It gives my soldiers a break from being in the of - fice and training. Plus, it’s great exposure for the National Guard,” said Blouin as he caught his breath after two 20-minute halves of back-and-forth action. “They enjoyed it as much as the (Mount) kids.”
Coleman allowed his MSC players to coach them - selves. Before posing for a group photo with the soldiers-turned-hoopsters, the coach delivered a poignant pregame message that didn’ t include a single mention of what offense to run if they go zone or man-to-man.
“Just realize the mean - ing behind the game and the purpose of it,” said Coleman. “Recognize the people who are serving our country. Every little bit counts.”
“I didn’t know what to expect coming in. I didn’t know if they were young or old, but it was a blast,” said Brodeur . “We enjoyed it. I hope this becomes an annual staple.”
Both squads came dressed for the occasion. Mount sported blue jerseys with the sleeves adorned in camou - flageand an American flag above the player ’s numbe r on the back. The National Guard wore white “Salute to Service” jerseys that were on display at several high school basketball games throughou t the state this winter.
“Henry had texted me a picture of the jerseys they would be wearing, so I knew we had to step up our game,” said Blouin.
In keeping with their busy schedules, Blouin said that no practice time was specifically devoted in advance of hitting the floor at Mount.You could tell that some of the soldiers had a basketball background, particularly when the National Guard went on a 19-8 ru n to close out the first half to take a 36-28 lead into halftime.
In the end, the finalscore was inconsequential. The postgame scene of sever - al National Guard players taking selfiesin front of the scoreboard was truly priceless and spoke to the joy tha t was undoubtedly felt at the rare chance to release thei r inner jock. A fittingcapper to the day’ s festivities oc - curred when Blouin presented Mount senior forward Don y Feng with a commemora - tive basketball that signified his selection as Player of the Game.
“It was a lot of fun … very lively and good spirits. Good camaraderie on the court displayed by both teams,” sai d Coleman. “Hopefully it’ s something we can build upon for the future.”