High School Sports

January 18. 2013 12:21AM

West basketball player's punishment undisclosed

By JOHN HABIB
New Hampshire Union Leader

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MANCHESTER - A Manchester West basketball player has been disciplined for punching a Central player in a game on Tuesday, but the city's athletics director has declined to say what the punishment is, citing student privacy concerns.

"A decision has been made, but I'm not discussing it with anyone, especially through the media," athletics director Dave Gosselin said Thursday. "All I will say is this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the Manchester School District."

Alfred Nyonee of West, a sophomore who transferred from Central last summer, was ejected in the third quarter of Tuesday's game at Simon Gym for punching Manchester Central sophomore Brett Hanson on the side of the head. Coaches and fans at the game who witnessed the punch said Hanson was defenseless. Hanson fell to the hardwood and remained down for a few minutes as a trainer rushed to the court to treat him.

The trainer allowed Hanson to return later in the game.

Gosselin said Thursday he hadn't spoken to Nyonee, but acknowledged he met with Dumais, West coach Dan Bryson and West interim principal Keith Puglisi to discuss the disciplinary action.

Dr. Tom Brennan, the city's superintendent of schools, said Thursday he didn't attend the meeting.

"I won't comment on what took place at the meeting, but I do stand by Mr. Gosselin's decision," said Brennan. "Sportsmanship is the No. 1 priority and what unfortunately happened Tuesday is just not the way we do things in Manchester. There's no place for it."

On Wednesday, the punching incident and ejection were confirmed by Gosselin and Manchester West faculty manager Sarah Dumais. Neither attended the game.

Gosselin also confirmed Wednesday that Nyonee made an obscene gesture toward the Manchester Central cheering section after sinking a free throw in the first half.

Gosselin said Wednesday that Nyonee would face a two-game suspension by the NHIAA because of his ejection, and that he must complete an online sportsmanship examination with the NHIAA.

Gosselin also said Wednesday that Nyonee faced further disciplinary action from the Manchester school district "for his inappropriate actions."