Meet the Coaching Team...
Todd French
Director
Todd French founded the RI Knights in April of 2018 with just one team at the age of 22. Now, at 30 years old, the program has grown into a thriving organization, featuring teams from 2nd through 12th grade.
A former 4-year varsity starter at Ponaganset High School, Todd went on to the community college of Rhode Island, where he earned his associate’s degree and was a member of the 2015–2016 Region 21 Championship team.
Todd later served as the head coach at Ponaganset Middle School, leading the team to an outstanding 18–2 record during the 2023–2024 season. Under his leadership, the program captured its first Northern Division Championship since 2009 and advanced to its first State Championship appearance since 2006.
In his first year as head coach at Ponaganset High School, Todd made an immediate impact, guiding the team to an 18–7 record and the 2025–2026 RIIL Division III State Championship.
Todd’s passion, energy, and commitment to the RI Knights Alongside a dedicated and talented coaching staff, the RI Knights have built a program around player development and putting the families first.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in the RI Knights—this program would not be where it is today without you.
Contact Todd:
Kevin Pfefferle, Co-Assistant Director
Coach Kevin serves as the Assistant Co-Director of the Rhode Island Knights, bringing both playing and coaching experience to the program. A former two-year varsity basketball player at Smithfield High School, and current JV Basketball Coach at North Smithfield High School. Coach Kevin is deeply committed to player development, focusing on helping athletes improve a little each day while motivating them to compete with maximum effort. His passion for the game and dedication to hard work, discipline, and growth set the standard for the players he coaches
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 Shawn Nolette
Coach Nolette brings a strong background in basketball, leadership, and a genuine commitment to player development to the RI Knights Basketball Program. A graduate of the Class of 2022, he was a two-year varsity starter at Toll Gate High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he earned All-League and All-City recognition. As a senior captain, he worked to lead by example and contribute both on and off the court.
With six years of experience competing on the AAU circuit as a player, Coach Nolette gained valuable exposure to high-level competition, playing alongside and against talented athletes, including many who continued on to the college level.
Now in his third year as a head coach with the RI Knights, he serves as the Varsity Head Coach and leads teams on the ZGXL circuit. He strives to help build a competitive, disciplined, and development-focused environment for his players.
At 22 years old, Coach Nolette has had the opportunity to coach and support the development of multiple All-State and college-level players, something he takes great pride in as he continues to grow as a coach.
In addition to his AAU role, Coach Nolette is the Head Coach at De La Salle Middle School, the feeder program for La Salle Academy. Now completing his third season, he focuses on helping student-athletes build a strong foundation and prepare for the transition to the high school level. Many of his players have gone on to compete at La Salle Academy, reflecting the emphasis he places on fundamentals, habits, and team-oriented play.
Coach Nolette is currently pursuing a degree in Economics at Rhode Island College, Class of 2027. He is known for his passion, attention to detail, and willingness to keep learning, and he is committed to helping players develop both on and off the court.
Coach Paul Berardis
Paul Berardis is a veteran basketball coach and former Athletic Director at St. Mary’s School in Cranston, where he built one of the most successful middle school programs in the school’s history. Over five seasons, his boys’ teams compiled a 61–6 record, winning three CAL Division 2 State Championships, earning a co-state title, and achieving two undefeated seasons.
He is currently in his third season with the Rhode Island Knights AAU program, coaching on the ZGXL Circuit, where he leads a10th Grade team, and coaches another 10th grade RI Knights team. In the fall of 2025, his 9th Grade team won three tournament championships and finished with a 12–3 overall record. He also serves as the Head Coach of the Western Hills Middle School Girls team.
Across AAU, CLCF, and summer league play, Paul’s teams have consistently competed for championships. He takes the greatest pride in the relationships he builds with his players and the lasting impact he has on their development. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and character, helping prepare athletes for success both on and off the court. He takes pride in seeing former players advance to the varsity and junior varsity levels at programs such as Cranston High School West, Bishop Hendricken, La Salle Academy, and St. Raphael Academy. His youngest son currently plays at Cranston West and is a proud RI Knights athlete.
For Paul, the most meaningful recognition comes not from championships, but from the lasting bonds formed with his players. While being called “Dad” is his greatest honor, being called “Coach” by the many athletes he has mentored is a close second.
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!
Coach Tom Kravitz
Coach Tom is a second year coach with the Knights, first starting as an assistant with the 2nd / 3rd grade. Coach Tom was a one-year varsity player for Cumberland in 1993. He was invited to work out with the division II California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans team in the 96/97’ season. He has a masters in community planning from the University of Rhode Island and is the City Planning Director for Warwick. After nearly a decade away from basketball, Coach Tom is rediscovering the game through his son who plays for the Knights as well as Burrillville rec and travel where Tom has also coached for several years. Coach Tom‘s primary goal is to have his players learn the game, compete, and fall in love with basketball.
Coach Zach Berardis
Zachary Berardis has been involved in basketball for over ten years, beginning at St. Mary’s Middle School and continuing through his playing career at Cranston High School West. He also competed in AAU basketball, gaining valuable experience and a strong understanding of the game at multiple levels.
Zachary is currently a student at Rhode Island College, where he is majoring in Health and Physical Education. He is actively building his coaching career and currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the Western Hills Middle School Girls basketball team.
Over the past several years, Zachary has gained extensive coaching experience, learning under his father, Paul Berardis, while also developing his own approach. He has stepped into head coaching roles with the CLCF middle school program and the RI Knights. As Head Coach of the St. Mary’s Junior Girls Division 2 team, he led the group to an undefeated season, highlighting his ability to develop players and build a winning team culture.
Zachary’s coaching philosophy centers on confidence, positivity, and skill development. He emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the importance of working together, helping players grow both on and off the court.