The past is returning to the hardwood at Concord High, where former Crimson Tide player Dale Emerson is taking over the boys' basketball program. And Emerson, determined to infuse some excitement and competitiveness back in the program, is bringing along another name from the past to help him out.

Paul Cormier, Emerson's coach and mentor when he played at Concord High from 1975-78, will be serving as director of a preseason basketball clinic for area youth. And Cormier brings not only his coaching experience from Warren Street, but also from Dartmouth College and Fairfield University. And currently he's the eastern pro and college scout for the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

"We're excited," Emerson said. "It's something we want to do every year."

Emerson hopes the high caliber of instruction from Cormier will be a draw not only to elevate the level of play of area high school athletes, but also to help boost the area's youth leagues.

The all-day clinics, being held at Bishop Brady High School, will be on Nov. 1 and 8 for children in grades 5-8, and on Nov. 1, 2, 5 and 8 for players in grades 9-12. Contact Emerson at hoopsde22@Comcast.net or 225-5766.

Postponements

Yesterday's rain forced the postponement of a pair of big area showdowns.

On the gridiron, the football game between Division V rivals Bishop Brady and Bow will be made up today at 1 p.m. at Bow High.

In tournament field hockey action, today's Class M-S quarterfinal game between No. 5 Hopkinton and No. 4 Winnisquam has been moved to tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in Tilton.