Meet the Coaching Team...
Todd French
Director
Todd French Started the RI Knights in April of 2018 with one team at the age of 22. Now at 28 years old, the program has grown from one team to having teams in grades 2-12th grade!
Todd was a 4 year starter on the varsity basketball team at Ponaganset High School. After high school he went to college and got his associates degree and was part of the CCRI basketball team in 2015-2016 who won a region 21 championship.
Todd is also the head coach at Ponaganset Middle School and just came off an 18-2 record winning the 2023-2024 Northern Division Championship for the first time since 2009 and making it to the state championship for the first time since 2006 for Ponaganset Middle School.
The passion and energy Director Todd French brings is unmatched. The coaching staff that the knights have built are great! The Knights put the players and parents first!
Thank you for believing in the RI Knights, because if it wasnt for all of you the program would not be where it is today!
Contact Todd:
Email: RhodeIslandKnightsbasketball@gmail.com
Phone: 401-749-8092
Kevin Pfefferle, Co-Assistant Director
Coach Kevin Pfefferle is excited to continuing his commitment to the Knights organization and taking on the role of Co-Assistant Director. Coach Kevin is a two-year varsity player with Smithfield Highschool and is currently the Junior Varsity Coach at North Smithfield High School. In addition, Kevin coaches both 7th and 9th grade teams for the Knights. Coming off of a huge fall season with his 7th grades, his team went 10-3 and won two championships. Kevin is excited to continue coaching and assuming his new role with the organization.
Kevin also has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University.
Jon Rollins, Co-Assistant Director
Coach Jon Rollins is excited to continue his third year of coaching with the RI Knights. Last year during the spring session the 8th grade team complied a 19-4 overall record and won the Pepsi challenge. In his first year with the RI Knights, Jon Rollins made a significant impact, coaching two teams at the Grade 8 level this past year. He successfully guided them through the season, culminating in a thrilling victory at the ZG RI State Championship. Beyond his passion for the game, Jon's coaching philosophy centers on empowering his players and fostering their growth on and off the court. This dedication extends beyond the Knights program, as evidenced by his experience coaching the Ponaganset Middle School boys' basketball team and assisting with the Ponaganset Hoops Camp. He currently coaches in Coventry at recreational, summer, and competitive levels. Additionally, Jon balances his coaching passion with his roles as a Grade 7 Science teacher at Ponaganset Middle School and a consultant at EdtechTeacher.
Coach Mark Favreau
Coach Mark has been with the Rhode Island Knights since the beginning. He’s coached countless kids/teams with one goal, to progress. Mark has found success at just about any age level due to his basketball knowledge, will to win, and never give up mentality. Coach Mark was a 3 year player for Ponaganset High School from 2013-2015 but has been in the Foster Glocester community since 2016. He began coaching recreational development leagues to travel leagues, and is currently in his first year as an assistant varsity coach at Ponaganset High School. Coach Mark is always grateful for the opportunities he’s been given from the RI Knights.
Coach Mark Livingston
4 year varsity Player Johnston High school 1998-2001
All division honors senior year 2001
Coventry JV head coach varsity assistant 2009- 2014
Johnston High school Varsity Assistant coach 2014-current
Head coach 2020-2021 year
D3 State Finals Runner up 2016, 2019
D2 State Championship 2023
Mark has a bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford . Mark is currently a Rescue Lieutenant on the Johnston Fire department. Mark resides in Glocester RI with his wife son and daughter.
Coach Tyler Cicione
Coach Tyler - Has been with program for 5 years now. He graduated highschool in 2019 and played all 4 years of highschool basketball at Coventry Highschool and 2 years of college basketball at the Community College of Rhode Island and Bristol Community College. He is currently the Head coach at Lincoln Middle School and the owner of Cicione Basketball Academy where he offers group and individual basketball training!
Coach Nicholas Sherman
Coach Nick has been with the RI Knights program for the past 3 seasons. His experience includes multiple years coaching for the Burrillville Youth Basketball Association, as well as 4 extremely successful seasons as the Burrillville Middle School Boys Basketball Head Coach. Coach Nick is also a Physical and Health Education teacher at North Smithfield Middle School
Coach Shawn Nolette
Coach Shawn Nolette brings a wealth of basketball experience and leadership skills to the RI Knights Basketball Program. A graduate of the class of '22, Coach Nolette was a 2 year varsity starter at Toll Gate High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he excelled as an All-League and All-City player. His dedication to the game and strong work ethic earned him the role of team captain during his senior year, showcasing his leadership qualities on and off the court.
With 6 years of experience in the AAU circuit as a player, Coach Nolette developed a deep understanding of the game and honed his skills through competitive play. Transitioning to coaching, Coach Nolette is entering his 2nd year as a coach in the AAU circuit, where he is committed to mentoring young players and fostering their growth both as athletes and individuals.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities with the RI Knights Basketball Program, Coach Nolette is also heading into his 2nd year as a coach at De La Salle Academy during the winter season. In his first year coaching at De La Salle Academy, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a top 16 finish in the state.
As Coach Nolette embarks on a new academic journey at Rhode Island College to pursue a degree in economics, his commitment to personal growth and academic achievement shines through. With a humble demeanor, a passion for the game, and a proven track record of leadership, Coach Nolette is a valuable asset to the RI Knights Basketball Program. His experience, coaching skills, and dedication to player development make him an essential member of the coaching staff, inspiring players to reach their full potential on and off the court.
Coach Drew Ferguson
Former 2 year Varsity Player at Bishop Hendricken High School under Jamal Gomes (2013-2015). Former 2 year Varsity Player under Tom Campbell at Coventry High School (2015-2017). RIIL 2013-2014. State Champion 2016-2017. RIBCA All-Star 1st Team All-Division 2016-2017. 1st Team All- League 2016-2017. 2nd Team All-League 2015-2016. Former Division II Junior College basketball player at CCRI under Coach Harris, Josh Perry, and Andy Jackson (2017-2019). 19th Ranked Three Point Shooter in the Country at the Junior College level, shooting 44.6% in 2017-2018. Assistant Coach for Coventry High School Boys Basketball Varsity (2022-Present). Intern for TJL Training Facilities located in Lowell, and Woburn, Massachusetts. Player Development for Team Unknown (Jr Expressions) (2021). Graduated with an Associates Degree in General Studies from CCRI. Graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business from the University of Rhode Island with a focus on Social Media Marketing. I am now a full time performance focused/ player development basketball trainer, known as DFPerformance. I use high level, proven and structured workout plans to make an immediate and long lasting impact. I am someone who is very passionate about the game of basketball. Always studying. Always watching. Always playing. I have lived in a gym my entire life. I have been playing from a young age since my Scituate days at 6-7 years old all the way to me playing college basketball at CCRI. I have had some amazing teammates throughout my years that have really molded me into the person I am today. That’s exactly why I am excited to be apart of the knights family. The way Todd speaks so highly of his players only makes me more motivated!
Coach Jamie LaRose
Jamie LaRose, played AAU basketball in the state of RI from 1993-1998 in the Breakers organization. She attended the University of New Hampshire where she competed as a division 1 athlete in the sport of tennis. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. A strong background in skill development has aided her several years serving as the director of the Summer Hoops Camp in Northern RI. Her love for community motivates her to give back serving on the Town of Glocester Recreational Commission as well as the Instructional Coordinator and travel coach for the Ponaganset Girls & Boys Basketball Associations. Additionally she has volunteered as a coach in the West Warwick Girls Basketball outdoor summer league for over a decade.
In 2003, she was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame for being a member of the Ponaganset HS Girls Basketball Team of 1995-6. This team had an overall record of 25-2, ranked 4th in the “New England Top 10” on NESN. The Journal Bulletin named Ponaganset Girls Basketball from the 1990’s as part of the Top 100 Best of 20th Century in Local Sports for over 150 straight wins and 10 straight State Championships. She was inducted into the Ponaganset Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
Coach LaRose has been coaching youth sports for the RIIL and RIPCOA for 20 years in Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball and Fast Pitch Softball. As the head coach of the Ponaganset Middle School Girls Basketball Team between 2003 and 2018 she amassed 180 wins and only 55 losses for a 77% winning rate that included 5 Division Championships(2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2018) and 1 RI State Championship (2010).
The philosophy developed in her experiences as an athlete and coach in a variety of sports is based on the idea that success is related to effort and found in the journey of hard work striving toward victory. Success is the equivalent of learning valuable life skills, enjoying the game, and learning from mistakes.Sportsmanship, team chemistry, and playing with class are of the utmost importance on all of Coach LaRose’s teams.
Coach Rick Caputo
Rick has coached in the Scituate Youth Basketball Association since 2019 for several rec teams and recently was the 3rd grade boys travel team head coach. As a coach, Rick hopes that the players will develop the same love for the game of basketball that he has. His goals are to help the players improve their skills, learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship, and that through dedication and hard work you can accomplish your goals as a team
Coach Jim Batista
Introducing Jim Batista, a dedicated youth basketball coach for the Rhode Island Knights, where the love for the game meets mentorship. With a decade of military service under Jimmy’s belt, discipline and teamwork are ingrained in every coaching strategy. On and off the court, Jimmy fosters a spirit of collaboration, honed through years of military camaraderie. Beyond victories and defeats, Jimmy strives to instill values of resilience and unity in young athletes, shaping not just skilled players but future leaders both in sports and life.
Coach Armando Batastini
Coach Armando Batastini has been coaching basketball most of his adult life, from developmental youth teams through high school, and is a licensed USA Basketball Gold Coach. He has coached with the Rhode Island Knights for the past three years. Coach Batastini was a member of back-to-back state champion Classical High School basketball teams, and is a member of the Classical Athletic Hall of Fame. He is also a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he was an All-American collegiate boxer. He and his family live in Harmony, and his son is currently a part of the Rhode Island Knights program.
Coach Kyle Cullen
Kyle was a two time all division athlete at Ponaganset High School for basketball. Kyle is a former RI Knight. Kyle attends the Community College of Rhode Island and plays on the CCRI Knights.
Coach Sean Cullen
Sean Cullen – RI Knights AAU Basketball Coach Sean Cullen brings a wealth of experience to the RI Knights AAU Basketball program, both as a former player and a dedicated coach. A standout at Ponaganset High School, Sean went on to have a remarkable post-graduate year at Marianapolis Prep, where he surpassed the 1,000-point milestone and earned multiple All-Division and All-League honors. As a former player in the RI Knights program, Sean credits his experience with the Knights as a key factor in his recruitment to Keene State College. His time with the Knights helped him refine his skills, gain exposure, and ultimately led to his decision to play at the collegiate level. At Keene State, Sean helped the team win the Little East Conference title and reach the NCAA Division III Sweet 16. Since joining the RI Knights coaching staff in 2021, Sean has been dedicated to developing young players, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court. In addition to his role with the Knights, he is currently in his first season as Head Coach of the Scituate High School JV team, while also serving as an Assistant Coach for the Varsity team. Sean’s blend of experience as both a player and a coach makes him a valued and influential member of the RI Knights program
Coach Paul Berardis
Paul Berardis served as the Athletic Director for St. Mary’s School in Cranston, where he dedicated nine years to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He began his coaching career with the Junior Division before advancing to the Middle School level as his sons reached that grade. Over five years coaching the Middle School boys' team, he led them to an outstanding record of 61-6, securing three state championships in the CAL Division 2, a co-state championship during the COVID-affected season, and a second-place finish. Two of his teams achieved undefeated seasons.
In addition to coaching the boys' team, Paul coached the Middle School girls’ team for one season, leading them to a playoff berth for the first time in several years. His influence extended beyond individual teams to the entire basketball program at St. Mary’s, where participation grew significantly under his leadership—from three teams to six in just a few years. This expansion contributed to broader program success, including an undefeated regular season for the Junior Girls team and an undefeated season culminating in a Division 2 State Championship for the Boys' Junior team.
Beyond St. Mary’s, Paul has been a dedicated figure in the CLCF basketball program, coaching a middle school team for the past four years. His teams have earned two first-place finishes and two second-place finishes. Additionally, he has coached in the West Warwick Summer League, securing one championship title and two runner-up finishes.
While his teams’ success on the court is commendable, Paul takes greater pride in the relationships he builds with his players and the lasting impact he has on their personal and athletic growth. His coaching philosophy emphasizes not only the fundamentals of basketball but also sportsmanship, discipline, and life lessons that extend beyond the game. He finds immense fulfillment in seeing his former players excel at the varsity and junior varsity levels at schools such as Cranston High School West, Bishop Hendricken, La Salle Academy, and St. Raphael Academy. His youngest son currently plays for Cranston West and is a proud RI Knights Athlete.
For Paul, the most meaningful recognition comes not from championships but from the enduring bonds he has formed with his players. While he treasures being called “Dad,” one of the greatest honors is being called “Coach” by the many young athletes whose lives he has influenced.
Coach Steve Luttage
Steve has served as an assistant coach for the 3rd and 4thgrade Knights teams for 3 years and 2025 will be his first season as the head coach for the 6th grade team.Steve has been coaching youth sports, basketball and baseball, for 8 years.
In addition to coaching with the RI Knights, Steve coaches the Burrillville Youth Basketball Association’s 4th grade travel team as well as teams in the towns rec. program. Aside from his basketball coaching duties, Steve also serves as the president of Burrillville Little League and coaches multiple teams within that league.
Coach Joseph Ricci
Coach Joseph Ricci has been part of the basketball community his entire life and is now in his fourth-year coaching with the RI Knights. He has coach numerous teams, such has recreational, travel and AAU basketball. Also, Joe started the wrestling program at Attleboro Highschool where he is currently a teacher. He is a graduate of Ponaganset High School and continued his education at Rhode Island College, earning his bachelor’s degree before obtaining a master’s in education from Merrimack College. He brings the same passion and energy to the Knights program, focusing on player development, teamwork, and building confidence both on and off the court. His goal is to ensure that every athlete reaches their full potential through hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset.
Coach Ian Dalpe
Coach Ian is a graduate of Woonsocket High School (03), Bryant University (07) and currently is a Sales Operations Manager at UPS. He currently lives in Burrillville and is the President of the BYBA (Burrillville Youth Basketball Association). He has coached a mix of recreational, travel and AAU basketball over the last 7 years. Some would say he’s “louder than the refs whistle” and his energy is contagious. As a pass-first point guard himself, he prides himself on teamwork, defense and ball movement. Coach Ian is married and has 3 boys who plays for the RI Knights program!