It was Senior and Youth Basketball Night on Thursday, Feb. 9 when the varsity and junior varsity girls’ basketball teams played their final regular season games against Cheverus. Both teams kept it close with the Stags but lost momentum in the second half. The effort was there, but shots weren’t falling. Varsity lost 44-32 and JV fell 36-33.
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| Windham senior Elizabeth Levesque moves toward the basket during the final varsity girls' basketball game of the regular season against Cheverus on Thursday, Feb. 9 at Windham High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
Garrison received the Windham Youth Basketball Little Eyes Upon You Award presented by Maine Optometry. This award goes to a senior that demonstrates commitment to the youth in their community.
“I wasn’t expecting it, so it was kind of a nice surprise,” said Garrison. “I’ve always enjoy working with them.”
Garrison said when she helped out during camps it was fun to see the kids and remember when she was in their spot and now it’s come full circle.
Varsity
Windham started slow, but defense slowed the start for Cheverus too and the game was close going into the second quarter.
Windham fought hard for the ball and took multiple shots at the basket. Thornton sunk a three-pointer. After being fouled, Windham freshman Brianna Duarte sunk three consecutive free throws. It was 16-15, Cheverus leading at the half.
“I thought we battled pretty well the first half,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “We went on a bit of a scoring drought in the third quarter, but we had a lot of determination and a lot of grit. We made a little push at the end, but it was too much to overcome against a really good team.”
Cheverus took the lead in the second half. Windham closed the gap some, but Cheverus’ lead only grew in the fourth quarter.
Artes said the team needed to rebound a little bit better and box out. They have to keep playing hard and to the best of their abilities and they’ll be fine. He’s had a great year with a great group of kids. The team has a lot of intensity and heart.
“It was really fun; team energy was great,” said Bell. “Everyone was trying their hardest – passing went well, our overall intensity was great. We’ve had a great season and I can’t wait to see what playoffs bring us.”
Garrison said communication went well and they kept their focus going into the game. Although they were unable to pull through, she said the intensity and ability to work as a team was really good. And, she’s excited for playoffs, too.
Junior Varsity
Windham grabbed rebounds, but Cheverus had several turnovers in the first half. Windham took the lead, and Cheverus tied the game at 10. Windham fought hard and kept it close midway through where the Stags led 16-15.
“We wanted to come out and set our tone in terms of good defense,” said Windham JV girls’ basketball coach Gretchen Anderson. “I’m so proud of everyone, they all contributed; that encapsulates our season; they get down and come back and everyone is cheering on the bench. It felt like a win.”
Anderson said running the offense and defensive pressure went well. Windham never backed down and had good leadership.
Freshman Jada Stewart said she was loud on the bench, hyped up teammates and was aggressive. She said the team did well passing but could have rebounded and boxed out more.
Cheverus led in the second half, but a three-pointer from freshman Nealie Morey stole that lead away. The game was really close until the fourth quarter when Cheverus pulled away a little. Morey hit another three. Windham fought until the buzzer.
“We played harder and better than before,” said freshman Chloe Delewski. “Our passing went really well and our spacing leading to that and getting open.”
Delewski said they did a good job on helping out on defense and defending their players. <
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