Two with Hamden Ties Elected to CT Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

HAMDEN, CT - A former standout player at Quinnipiac College (now University) and a longtime CIAC employee are among seven new electees to the Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, according to an announcement released by that organization Tuesday.

Francine Perry Little, the leading scorer and rebounder in Quinnipiac history, was elected as a college player, while Judy Sylvester was chosen as an honorary inductee.

Little, a two-time Division II All-American, has been previously honored with inclusion in the Quinnipiac Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

She is the Bobcats' all-time leading scorer (1,855) and rebounder (1,546). She still holds the school's single-season records for points (656, 1984-85), points per game (21.2, 1984-85), rebounds (635, 1981-82), blocked shots (118, 1984-85) and field goals (266, 1984-85). In some single-season categories, she holds the top two or even three spots.

Little lives in Brooklyn and is self-employed.

Sylvester came to work full time for the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) upon graduating from Hamden High School in 1970. Forty-six years later, she continues to be a vital and integral part of the CIAC family. Her dedication to high school athletics, especially the boys' and girls' basketball committees, earned her the recognition of having the CIAC girls' basketball tournament dedicated to her five years ago.

She currently serves as the administrative assistant to executive director Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CIAC associate director Dr. Steve Wysowski, several CIAC assistant directors and the CAAD executive director. She still resides in Hamden.

The 2016 inductees (pictured in this order) are:

• Kara Crismale-Burgarella, High School Player, Guilford H.S.
• Jennifer Monti, High School Player, Ellington H.S.
• Bill Scarlata, High School Coach, Norwich Free Academy
• Carla Berube, College Player, UConn
• Francine Perry Little, College Player, Quinnipiac
• Charlene Shepard, Referee, New Britain
• Judy Sylvester, Honorary, Hamden

The 29th annual Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Wednesday, April 20 at Cascade Banquet Facility, 480 Sherman Avenue, Hamden. Ticket information may be obtained from Ann V. Fariss at 203-378-6581 or avfariss@sbcglobal.net.

The Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame was the first organization of its kind in the country. It was created in 1987 by five professional and personal friends who strongly felt the need to honor outstanding basketball players, coaches, officials, and advocates.

The Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed to the enhancement of women’s basketball in Connecticut - either through participation, through service, through support, or through achievement. The 2016 Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Famers exemplify the finest achievements in Connecticut.

Photos courtesy of Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame