The COVID-19 pandemic may be preventing tournament games, but Coach Darwin Shaw has announced six 2020 scholarships from the Osgood Shootout Basketball Tournament.
The tournament, “New England’s Biggest Summer Men’s Basketball Tournament,” has long been known for spirited competition and for bringing the community together. The tournament raises funds for scholarships.
“Due to the pandemic, there won’t be any basketball games,” Coach Shaw announced online. “So I asked The Lord for direction for this year’s 28th annual Osgood Shootout.”
“The Lord responded and has allowed for all six recipients to receive a $500 scholarship,” said Coach Shaw. “Thanks to the sponsors.”
Coach Shaw has announced that this year’s recipients include:
- Stella Ofei, who has been a member of the New Britain High School indoor and outdoor track team and the varsity soccer team. The daughter of Yaw Ofei and Cecilia Owusu-Ansah, Stella was an honor roll student and plans to major in biochemistry at Eastern Connecticut State University.
- Michael Gajda, who was a NBHS baseball player. An honor roll student at NBHS, he plans to play baseball and major in exercise science at American International College. Michael’s parents are Melissa and Paul Gajda.
- Raven-Symone Jarrett, who played volleyball, basketball and track and field for NBHS. “She was also involved in the Little Canes Academy,” the tournament booklet says. The daughter of Symone Jarrett, Raven-Symone is planning to major in criminal justice at American International College.
- Benio Ayika, who played basketball for NBHS. An honor roll student throughout his attendance at NBHS, he is a member of the National Honor Society. Benio plans to major in biology at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. His parents are Theo Ayika and Christiana Ayika.
- Tianna Rochelle Sweeney was twice the captain of the NBHS basketball team. “She holds the school record for rebounds in a game, twenty-two,” the tournament booklet says. The daughter of Tina and Bryan Sweeney, she was awarded the Albert A. Vieira Scholarship. She plans to major in psychology at Mitchell College.
- Tarik Hetmyer, who was a captain of the NBHS football team. An honor roll student, he plans to major in business administration at Southern Connecticut State University. He was awarded the Albert A. Vieira Scholarship. His parents are Marjorie Wright and Clinton Hetmyer.
Coach Shaw says that, “The tournament has awarded 75 scholarships in the past 28 years and 11 Albert A. Vieira scholarships.”
The Osgood Shootout Tournament’s history shows its prestige. Coach Shaw has listed among the Osgood Shootout players who have played in the NBA, Kemba Walker, Jared Sullinger, Andre Drummond, Jordan Williams, Jerome Dyson, Jared Jordan, Ryan Gomes, Marcus Camby, James Thomas and Anthony Ireland. The Tournament has been held at New Britain High School.
“Be blessed and stay safe.” Coach Shaw said. “God is Love.”
