Varsity and junior varsity basketball keep Bonny Eagle from getting win

Windham High sophomore Blake McPherson takes a shot
in a varsity summer basketball game against Bonny Eagle
on Monday, July 19 at Windham High School. Windham
defeated the Scots 59-54. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s varsity and junior varsity basketball teams have been practicing and preparing for their regular season during the summer basketball season.

Both the varsity and junior varsity teams got out ahead of Bonny Eagle during summer scrimmage games on Monday, July 19 at Windham High School and then held onto those leads throughout their games. Windham’s varsity team beat the Scots, 59-54, while JV posted a 42-39 win.

Varsity

The game was close to start but Windham pulled away as senior Will Mannette sunk several three-pointers in the first half. The team was quick to get several rebounds, which helped Windham build and sustain their lead. As the half wound down, Bonny Eagle couldn’t catch Windham and the Eagles led 32-27 at intermission.

Windham’s offense and defense were strong. At the start of the second half, Bonny Eagle tied the game at 34. The Eagles moved the ball nicely and Windham moved back into the lead. The Scots were not able to hold any kind of lead for long. With a little over a minute left in play, Windham was up by four points. Once the game was over, Windham walked off the court with a "W."

Windham senior Will Ledbetter said he thought the varsity team played solid team basketball, saying that it was a fun game where they all passed the ball around and got open looks. Ledbetter said it was evident how several players on the team helped contribute to getting that momentum going that would eventually lead to the win.

“The guys played with a lot of effort; they’re starting to trust each other as a team,” said Windham varsity Coach Chad Pulkkinen. “These guys are doing a great job working on what we need to do ... to reach the potential they want to reach in the regular season.”

Junior Varsity

In the first half, Bonny Eagle jumped to an early lead, but it was short-lived. While the game remained close, Windham took the 22-16 lead after the first half.

In the second half, Windham maintained their lead, but Bonny Eagle wasn’t far behind and worked hard to close the gap. Ultimately they could not and lost by three points.

Windham sophomore Noah Mains said working together as a team coupled with sharp passing led to the JV win.

One minute was left in play and Bonny Eagle had an opportunity to tie the game. Windham gained possession and prevented the Scots from the possibility of tying the game. Windham was able to hold on to the lead as the clock ran out.

“Bonny Eagle is a really tough team; they’re physically tough and mentally tough. They make you work for everything,” said Windham JV Coach Geoff Grigsby. “As the game went along (Windham) slowed down and began to work on the few things we’ve tried to work on this summer.” <