Holyoke Catholic girls basketball shoots past Gateway Regional

CHICOPEE - In the second quarter of Tuesday night's game against Gateway Regional, Holyoke Catholic guard Kieran Ramsey stepped back behind the 3-point line, received a perfect chest pass from guard Kyra Robins, ignored a hand in her face and made her second consecutive 3-pointer and third straight basket. Such was the case for the entire game, as the Gaels seemed to score on nearly every open chance they had, despite the best efforts of the Gator defenders to stop their offensive flow. That particular shot marked the point where Catholic really began to pull away from the Gators en route to a 48-24 win at Chicopee Academy.

Keith Cotnoir dominates for Hampshire boys basketball in win at Palmer

Keith Cotnoir dominated in the paint as the Hampshire Regional boys basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a 53-35 win at Palmer on Wednesday.

Cotnoir finished with 27 points and 19 rebounds for Hampshire, which jumped out to a 20-7 lead and never looked back.

Granby boys basketball falls at Hoophall Classic

The Granby boys basketball team couldn't keep up with St. Joseph's up-tempo offense and fell 66-52 at the Hoophall Classic at Springfield College Monday night.

Corey Baker had 12 points to lead the Rams (6-3). Aaron Gaj added 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Jesse Molin added 10 points.

Granby coach Tim Sheehan was pleased despite the result.

Sammy Dame of Gateway named Gazette Player of Year for gymnastics

Gateway Regional may not be a gymnastics powerhouse in western Massachusetts, but the Gators can boast one of the very best gymnasts in the area.

Freshman Sammy Dame finished second in the all-around competition at the western Massachusetts championships in November and displayed a remarkable consistency throughout the season.

Daily Hampshire Gazette Gymnastics All-Stars

First team

Estee Abrahamson, senior, Hampshire Regional

Vicky Cooley, senior, Hampshire Regional

Sammy Dame, freshman, Gateway Regional

Samantha Grimsley, freshman, Gateway Regional

Aleesha Grochowski, freshman, Gateway Regional

Gateway Regional boys basketball surprises Hampshire

WESTHAMPTON - The Gateway Regional boys basketball team has been an afterthought in the Bi-County League.

The team has been in the lower half of the standings since its last tournament appearance in 2003. Only last season did the 8-12 Gators even have a chance at qualifying.

Five Hampshire, Franklin towns named 'Green Communities'

DEERFIELD - Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. praised western Massachusetts Thursday as a "real leader" in the renewable energy field, saying the region has helped spur the expansion of a state program aimed at reducing municipal energy usage.