Windham boys’ basketball eliminates Edward Little in regional finals

By Matt Pascarella

After knocking out Portland in the semifinals 65-56, the Windham High School Eagles advanced for the third time in recent history to the regional final on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. Second-place Windham took down fourth-place Edward Little, 55-49.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin gets a shot off in time 
during the regional boys' basketball final against Edward
Little at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Feb. 22. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“It means a lot (to head back to the state championship) ... this is an awesome feeling,” said Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin. “I’m super excited to get on that state championship floor and ball out again. We weren’t really nervous because we’ve been here before and ... we were ready for this. I think (Edward Little) built up a lot of their team chemistry and they got a lot better throughout the whole season, so props to them. We just stayed through and fought through. AJ (Moody) played great defense on (Edward Little’s Maiwen) Diing; he’s a great player and AJ shut him down really well. Everybody on the offensive end just moving the ball around and finding whoever’s hot – getting it done. I think we just got to move the ball around and find our good shots instead of forcing shots on offense. They were playing really good defense, and we got to work around it.”

Edward Little jumped out in front early on. After Windham junior Tyrie James sank a three-pointer, the game got closer. Windham defense went hard after the Eddies.

Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer. The game remained tight; not all Windham shots fell. Eagle defense caused several turnovers. Moody had a three-point buzzer beater at the half and Windham led, 23-19.

“It was our best basketball that was needed to win, and, in these games, anything can happen,” said Windham boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “The guys did a great job holding their composure. I think our team is as united as it’s been, which is important especially down the stretch when you miss some foul shots and adversity hits ... all kinds of bad things can happen, and I think our team was ready for those moments. We have great kids who have great experience, it just makes it easy for me as a coach. They were super hungry for it ... we had to come out and match that energy that they wanted revenge; we wanted to make sure we were prepared for that. I thought we rebounded the ball really well; I thought AJ played about as good as you can on Diing. AJ is the best defender in the state, and he stepped up to that challenge today, AJ wanted that challenge, and he took it. Diing is an unbelievable player, and AJ is an unbelievable defender, so I just thought that matchup was fun to watch.”

Windham senior Braycen Freese hit a three-pointer in the second half. More Windham shots were falling, and they led by 10.

But Edward Little was catching up. Windham senior Joseph Blige picked up a turnover and passed to Janvrin who sank a three-pointer.

As the clock ticked away, the game remained tight in the fourth quarter. Six points separated the teams with 2:38 left. With 34 seconds left, three points separated the teams. Janvrin hit two crucial foul shots to expand the WHS lead.

Windham then held down the Eddies until the final buzzer to win their second regional championship.

“It means a lot (to be going to another state championship),” said Moody. “Battling through adversity ... knowing what it takes and executing at practice. I’m proud of us all, I love all my brothers, our community loves us. After a bucket, after a steal, after a rebound, after a timeout, they’re there cheering ... you have our whole community roaring when a three-pointer goes up – they’re there to support us. What we executed in practice (led to this win); practice is our main focus all the time. I’m proud of these guys – rebounding is a main factor, Diing what a great player he is ... I thought we executed pretty well. (Edward Little) came a long way – what a great team they’ve become. We just saw that, and we had to take another step, another level to beat this team; we did a great job at that. Boxing out, trying to rebound (went well). We just need to get back on defense ... transition defense, help-side defense, getting to our spots and after that we’re golden.” <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: The Curse of the Sunday Buck

By Staci Warren

I have been hunting for 16 years now, and although I’ve gotten my Grand Slam, I still don’t have a Big Buck Club patch. In fact, I’ve never harvested a deer bigger than 8 points. As many hunters do, I dream about shooting a big buck, but I’ve yet to figure out the secret to being at the right place at the right time. I scout. I hunt the wind. I try to be scent-free. I use buck lure and calls and try to be as quiet as possible. And when that doesn’t produce, I change it up by not using any call or lure at all. I hunt every morning and afternoon that my schedule allows, including sitting in the rain.

Staci Warren took a photo of this buck that she observed in 
Maine on a Sunday when hunting was not permitted during
deer season last fall. PHOTO BY STACI WARREN

I watch deer all season but the last three years, deer seemed to disappear as soon as rifle season started. The rut season seemed almost non-existent, with a handful of does moving early mornings and evenings.

Last year, three smaller bucks sporadically showed up on my cameras. I really thought there were no big bucks where I was hunting. With no intention on shooting a little buck, I started calling the curled spikehorn, Loki, and the young buck with a tall-webbed antler, Crab Claw. I had not seen Big Guy, the ten-point buck that had been in area for the last three years, until September and then I didn’t see him again all season. After seeing more big bucks than ever, tagged at the nearby store and posted on Facebook, I assumed Big Guy was one of them.

Prior to the season, I had moved stands. I moved cameras so that deer wouldn’t try to avoid them. Then once the season started, I bow-hunted and then rifle-hunted moving to different spots miles apart when I felt like I was over-hunting a spot. It didn’t seem to matter. All I ever saw were a few does, and spikehorn bucks.

Then came the first Sunday sighting. My husband, John, was checking his beaver traps. On his way back he spotted a big buck just staring at him. All he could do was watch him walk away. No rifle as it was Sunday.

The second Sunday buck arrived right after a rainstorm. A big eight-pointer with no brow tines showed for one day, during prime morning shooting hours when I would be sitting in my stand had it not been Sunday. He was a monster, and it was the first and last time I saw him on my camera.

Two weeks later, a small buck showed up 6:40 a.m. – when I’d be sitting in my stand had it not been Sunday. It ate acorns for a good half hour. That same morning, a big wide ten-point buck had strolled right by my stand at 6:04 a.m., before legal shooting hours.

Rifle season ended with no deer. I purchased a muzzleloader permit and spent the next two weeks chasing the dream of a big buck. Every time a buck showed up, I would be so excited that when the alarm went off at 4:30 a.m. it was like the first day of hunting season all over again.

The next Sunday a buck chasing a doe filled my camera, which was also the first real rut action I had seen all season. I continued to see deer on my camera, but now they were strictly night images.

My season ended with seeing eight doe, two spikehorns, and a tall eight-pointer that I saw from my four- wheeler while checking traps. And of course, the bucks came back for a show once the season ended…on Sunday and every day after, of course.

Although I may not have harvested a buck, I’ve learned a lot about deer behavior—that they really do know when we aren’t in the woods. Since Sunday hunting probably will never happen, I can only hope that someday I’ll be able to outsmart a buck, or as others say, luck out. One thing’s for sure. There are big bucks where I hunt, at least on Sundays! My 2024 buck still didn’t get me my Big Buck Club patch, but it’s a beauty, and filled my freezer with meat for the next year, thankfully in time for the upcoming recession.

Congratulations to all of you who were successful in harvesting a deer this season.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

Trail Blazers fall to Saint Dominic Academy in regular-season hockey finale

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers took on Saint Dominic Academy in their final game of the regular prep hockey season on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham and although the Trail Blazers fought hard, they came out on the wrong end of a 2-0 score.

Senior Cole Heanssler of Windham maneuvers toward the
goal during a Trail Blazers prep hockey game against
Saint Dominic Academy on Feb. 19.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was Senior Night and Windham’s Ben Shaw, Erik DuPont, Sam Foley, Philip Traina, Shaun Traina, Cole Heanssler and Bonny Eagle’s Massimo Massaro and Shep Howard were recognized for their time and dedication to the sport of hockey throughout their high school careers.

“We’ve come off kind of a winning streak,” said Heanssler. “We started to get comfortable expecting wins instead of working for them, so we came out pretty slow and ended up going down and it was just a struggle to recover; we weren’t able to generate any offensive plays. We all kind of worked our hardest, especially in the last few minutes of the third (period). I don’t feel like we’re the team that starts losing and gives up, I think we worked until the end there – it just didn’t work the way we wanted to. I think our breakouts were doing pretty good, we were able to get it out of the zone pretty easily. We did have shots on net; I think we need to start working the puck a little more in the offensive zone, especially up to our defensemen. (We need) movement and getting more shots on net; we need it to be a team rotation of all five guys.”

Trail Blazers came out strong with a shot on goal in the first 45 seconds. They were working to be first to the puck. Saint Dominic Academy led 1-0 after one period.

In the second period, Trail Blazers worked hard to score. They were aggressive and battled. Saint Dominic Academy scored again, but the Trail Blazers weren’t discouraged. They had solid puck movement and really pressured toward the end of the period.

“It’s just not really what we’re looking for,” said DuPont. “We had a lot of guys sick; that’s definitely part of it. There’s not really a specific factor – we win as a team; we lose as a team. Definitely when we were working pucks low to high, that works well – we just got to get back to that, I guess. Better puck movement was working ... move our feet more, move pucks faster, get our heads up (needs work); collectively get better chemistry together and get ready to work at that playoff level speed.”

The Trail Blazer defense kept Saint Dominic Academy scoreless during the third period, and Trail Blazer offense were first to the puck and had several solid shots on goal, but didn’t score.

“What went well was our goalie played really, really well,” said Trail Blazer coach Bobby Fothergill. “We’ve asked a lot of him this year and he’s delivered; he’s worked really hard to get better and better before each game. We had glimpses of good offense zone time – I never question their effort, their effort is always there, it was more just poor execution. When we did execute ... working pucks low to high, high to low, getting the d(efense) involved, we had 12 good minutes this whole game.”

As Fothergill looks to the postseason, he said the team needs to play their game and play with intensity, passion and love of the game. He said he doesn’t want his players to make things bigger than needed and to just play hockey.

The Trail Blazers will play Thornton Academy in the playoff quarterfinals at the Biddeford Ice Arena at 5:40 p.m. Saturday, March 1. <

Wolfpack wrestling team turns in solid showing at State Championships

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Gray-New Gloucester/Westbrook varsity Wolfpack wrestling team had a total of six prep wrestlers and four alternates qualify for the State Championships, which was held at the Lewiston Colisee on Saturday, Feb. 15. Windham seniors CK Kennedy, Ayden Cofone, freshman Tristen Merchant, Gray-New Gloucester senior Spencer Fields and Westbrook sophomores Jajjad Jumaah and Cole Tanner all qualified to compete in the event.

Windham senior Ayden Cofone flips his Massabesic opponent
during the finals of the Maine Principal's Association State
Championship Meet in Lewiston on Saturday, Feb. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Cofone won his third state title in four years after he defeated Massabesic in the finals in 43 seconds, with a score of 15-0. The Wolfpack placed 14th overall.

“It always feels good, especially at a state tournament, to do what you want to do,” said Cofone. “I knew I had it locked up, I put him on his back again and I thought to myself, ‘that’s it, I just got my third.’ The ultimate goal is always a New England Championship title, but three state titles are cool. (A New England title) is what I’m striving for and what I’m going to keep working towards. I know what I’m capable of and I’m the best on the mat when I step on the mat. I go in with that mindset ... I thought I did good at top-game, always turning, always looking for another tilt, always getting more points because you rack up the points, you win easy.”

In the quarterfinals, Ayden defeated Kennebunk 8-0. He defeated Cony 3-0 in the semifinals to advance to the finals.

Wolfpack wrestling coach John Nicholas said Ayden has accomplished so many great things in his career and will go down as the best Windham wrestler of all time. He is really impressed by Cofone’s toughness. Cofone has set the bar high for future wrestlers.

Merchant, Jumaah, Kennedy, Tanner and Fields all fought hard, but lost in the quarterfinals and consolation rounds. Fields finished in sixth place.

“I like being here because ... it’s something to give my passion to and something to put my hard work into,” said Fields, who qualified for the state championship for his first time. “I put all my passion in tonight. Mentally matches can be difficult as well as physically. I’d say that’s definitely the hardest part about this sport is that mental fortitude and that strive to keep pushing, through that match. I think the team has done really well; everyone has put out 110 percent. Even for these new guys they look great on the mat. Out of the six guys the came to states, we all tried our hardest. For the team (there has been) a lot of improvement technique-wise, physically, mentally – this sport just boosts your endurance overall. I’ve grown overall as a person and as well as just in the sport ... (wrestling) really makes me focus harder on every aspect of my life.”

Nicholas said we were very pleased with Cofone’s performance, and the rest of the team wrestled well and gained a lot of valuable experience.

“This was the most wrestlers we have qualified for the state tournament,” said Nicholas. “We knew we had a strong team this year, but we were plagued by sickness and injuries the entire season. The main goal was to get healthy and to improve our conditioning. We were able to do both of those things heading into the postseason. We are a pretty young team, so it was important for a lot of the kids to experience competition at the state level. Also, wrestling in bigger venues with big crowds should help us in the future. Many of the wrestlers are coming back next year and we are very proud of how our seniors conducted themselves.” <

Windham indoor track and field teams go full strength in Class A State Championships

By Matt Pascarella

As the winter indoor track season draws to a close, a select team from the Windham High boys’ and girls’ teams headed to the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Monday, Feb. 17 to compete against schools from all over the state.

WHS senior Carter Engelman clears the pole vault bar
during the Class A Indoor Track and Field State
Championships held Feb. 17 at the University of Southern
Maine in Gorham. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Out of 23 teams, Windham’s girls finished sixth overall with a score of 33; while the boys finished eighth with a score of 26.

Girls

Senior Tayla Pelletier became a state champ and set a new school record of 8.46 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles. She also placed first in the triple jump with a distance of 36-8.5 feet; she finished third in the long jump with a 17-5.25 distance.

The girls 4x800-meter relay wasn’t slotted to make the podium (top eight), but the team of senior Abigail Dumont, juniors Emma Fox, Demetria Nicholas and Sydney Broadbent earned a seventh-place finish with a time of 10:56.78 minutes.

They’ve been working since July; even working hard in the cold. It was rewarding to place seventh and a bonding experience. The three juniors gave it their all for Dumont.

Windham girls’ indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle said these girls perfectly fit the mission statement of this team. They exemplify who the Windham team wants to be.

“I just wanted to give it my all, that’s usually how I go into meets,” said Dumont. “I knew I’d been preparing all week; I’m going to be bold; I’m going to be brave; I’m going to have grit ... it definitely helps to have my girls with me, they pushed me through it. I’ve worked hard and I’m just super proud of all of us.”

In the triple jump, senior Ava Gerrity placed seventh with a distance of 33-5. In the long jump she had a distance of 15-6.

Senior Marina Schwarz threw 30-11 in the shot put and finished in seventh place.

Junior Nealie Morey finished seventh in the high jump with a 4-10 height.

“These state qualifiers had to sustain focus, put in real time, and work really hard for each and every inch gained, or time drop earned all season,” said Riddle. “We make the impossible, possible. We ... are very impressed with our athletes' attitudes and capacities to work to overcome the constant hurdles in our way. Senior captains had to lead us to outwit the short cold days of winter, train in hallways, constantly lift each other up, all as they pursued their goals as well. How these senior captains and seniors powered through it all stood out to us.”

Boys

Carter Engelman tied his personal best height in the pole vault and came in second with a vault of 14-6. He came in third in the 55-hurdles with a time of 8.04. In the long jump he finished eighth with a distance of 20-9.75.

“It’s always good to be here, the competitions always great,” said Engelman. “I was mainly just competing against myself. I think I’ve learned a lot about myself today, (even if) the times and heights haven’t been there. It’s definitely a good learning experience.”

In the 55-dash, senior Karl Longstreth beat his own school record with a time of 6.56.

“I thought all of our hurdlers did an awesome job,” said Windham boys’ indoor track and field coach Paula Pock. Carter and Rory (Good) both did excellent in the 55-hurdles; Carter just started long jumping this season and he ended up placing in that which was a bonus event; then he came back and got second, tying the school record in the pole vault. He is now in the top 10 for (indoor) pole vaulters in the state of Maine. Another surprise was Mason Arbour in the high jump, he ended up placing sixth place and he’s coming off a really bad flu ... that’s definitely a highlight.”

In the 55-hurdles, Good came in fourth with a time of 8.06.

In the high jump, jump Arbour finished sixth with a height of 5-10.

Junior Connor Witham finished the 200-dash with a time of 24.90. <

WHS increases energy in second half to shut down Deering on Senior Night

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity boys’ basketball played Deering in its final home and regular game of the season on Friday, Feb. 7, and although the Eagles started a little slow, they quickly turned their game around and sent the Rams packing, 68-56.

Windham junior Tyrie James takes the ball to the hoop during
a boys' prep basketball game against Deering High School
at Windham High on Friday, Feb. 7.
PHOTO BY AIDEN HALL 

It was Senior Night for WHS and Joseph Blige, Lukas Hammond, Conor Janvrin, Esa Antonio, James Ammons, Grant Coppi, Braycen Freese, and Creighty Dickson, as well as cheerleaders Morgan Beck, Ella Roberts and Talia Salazar were honored along with their parents, for their time and commitment to Windham Athletics and were presented with a small gift from their coaches.

“It was bittersweet,” said Freese about Senior Night. “I’ve been waiting four years to be in this position and now that it’s finally here, it’s a little sad. You always work for nights like this and once it gets here, it’s gone so fast. Everyone agreed we weren’t playing to our full potential in the first half, and we needed to pick up the energy. I thought we did really good stopping Deering’s best player. I think offensively we could have moved the ball better, had better shots, and not played so timid with the ball in our hands. I think it was their defense and now that we’ve seen that defense, we can grow from it and play better the next time.”

It was a close game for the entire first half. Windham was stellar from the top of the key; Freese, junior AJ Moody, junior Tyrie James and sophomore Colin Janvrin all sank three-pointers in the first half. This fast-paced game was tight, and Windham led 27-25 at halftime.

“Great atmosphere ... I think our energy on the defensive end and overall, we moved the ball around and just kept playing,” said Dickson, who scored 14 points against Deering. “We knew we had to step it up in order to win and bringing that energy we just played better. Our rotations on the defensive end need work. On the good side, I thought our ball movement was good, and our defensive pressure was really good.”

Defense and a more intense offense allowed Windham to take a small lead at the end of the third quarter. Tensions were high and the crowd was electric; early in the fourth quarter, Windham led by 10. As the clock wound down, Windham increased that lead and pressured.

James said it is the energy on and off the court that motivates this WHS team. He said they came out flat with an attitude that they were supposed to win but were more disciplined and came together as a team in the second half.

“It’s just a great group of kids (the seniors),” said Windham varsity boys basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “The season goes by quick – the time is now for them. Just seeing those guys play their final home game and play like we wanted to which was with a lot of joy and gave it all they got. We’ve got to trust one another; we’re going to go through a lot of adversity no matter what. Guys have been in tough situations in really big games and really close games, so our starting core has been through a lot and even our bench players will come in and contribute and give everything we need. Our guys were playing really hard and knocking down shots, and we wanted to continue to play together with that energy and effort. If you consistently do that, good things will happen. Our experience helps us hold onto a lead like that against a really good team. Having Tyrie back is nice, having everyone healthy is nice; we’re excited for the team.” <

Windham varsity cheerleading’s hard work evident during state competition

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s varsity cheering squad qualified for the state competition after finishing sixth in the regional competition on Saturday, Feb. 1. They competed at the state competition against schools from all over Maine at the Augusta Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 8, where they did a fantastic job.

Windham junior Maddi Kovats, front, with the Windham 
High Cheerleading Team behind her, synchronize a jump
as part of a cheer routine at the Augusta Civic Center 
during the state cheerleading competition on Saturday,
Feb. 8. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

Making it to the state competition was a huge goal for the team, so it was already a win, before they even took to the mat. Every Windham cheerleader was integral to the team’s success.

“They continued to come in every day with a positive attitude and mindset,” said Windham varsity cheerleading coach Amber DiRenzo Bushey. “They worked together as a team to perfect skills and gain new ones. It truly was a successful season. Our opening stunts I thought went really well, our dismount was a little off on one of them, but the actual skill itself went very well. The girls were determined and never gave up.”

DiRenzo Bushey said the Windham team changed all their tumbling routines before the state competition, and she thought that it went well.

“Our goal is to come out and do the best we can do. We just want to do better than last year and keep improving,” she said. “We improved our partner stunt technique as well. They put on a great performance at states; we couldn't ask for a more determined hard-working group of kids. I had a blast with these kids; they are all willing to work so hard, get new skills and try new things, it’s been awesome.”

The team dealt with a lot of challenges near the end of the season and had to rework the entire routine. The team has worked consistently on improving their stunts and tumbling skills. It worked all season to perfect their 360-switch up, and half-switch up, which they performed perfectly.

According to DiRenzo Bushey, Windham’s cheerleaders worked hard to hit coed switch-ups in their pyramid, which are extremely difficult. She said the team also worked hard to perfect their toe touch back handsprings and running tumbling and they all came together to put out the best routine possible.

“It was kind of sad that we didn’t have as many baskets,” said Windham senior Ella Roberts. “We did have one basket in the back that went high; our pyramid was pretty good because it showed off our coeds – when you only have two people under a stunt. As long as we’re proud of ourselves, it’s good either way, whatever we place, as long as we’re happy with (how we performed). Be proud of how far you’ve come, because inside it’s a lot.”

Windham senior Morgan Beck said that the team definitely got stronger through their performances and every time it was better and better. She said that she was happy with how the team performed and was glad she experienced her final competition with this team and was proud they gave their all.

“I’m so proud of us, we’ve been through a lot,” said Windham senior Talia Salazar. “We had to switch things around and I’m really proud of what we did today. I really love all the girls on this team.” <

Windham Unified basketball falls to Portland/Deering by one point

By Matt Pascarella

In a hard-fought game where Windham’s Unified basketball team gave their all, the clock wound down and Portland/Deering edged Windham, 40-39, on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Windham High School.

Windham senior Colby Schmid rises above his opponents
to make a one-handed shot during a Unified basketball
game against Portland/Deering on Wednesday, Jan. 29
at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham took several solid shots that just did not land late in the game.

“I think we did very well this game,” said Windham senior Colby Schmid. “We did better at getting inside (the paint). My buddy Zach and I struggled with the three-pointers. I think we did great at scoring, and I think we do need to work on passing.”

There were a lot of positive aspects shown during this game, including Windham players giving other players an opportunity to move the ball or go in to take a shot. Windham had several stellar opportunities they took full advantage of with Mary Jean, Maddi Small, Zachary O’Brion, Tristan Stanley, Colby Schmid, Jacob Smith and Jack Shirley showing true sportsmanship.

Windham moved the ball well and soon they were on the scoreboard. The Eagles had a small lead to start, but after some time the game was tied.

Portland/Deering took the lead, then Windham snatched it back; this was a very tight game. Windham defense worked hard to limit scoring opportunities for their opponent.

O’Brion had a nice turnover, and the game was tied 14-14 with less than four minutes left in the first half.

Midway through the game, Portland/Deering led, 18-16.

At the start of the second half, O’Brion hit a three-pointer; a few moments later he did it again. This remained a very close game. Windham rebounded and continued to work hard.

Schmid sunk a three-pointer. The game was tied at 24-24.

Portland/Deering took the lead. Windham tried very hard to flip the score, but time ran out.

It felt good for O’Brion to sink his two three-pointers he said. This was a very tough loss and Windham was so close. They need to work on defense and rebounds.

“A ton of rebounds (during this game) we’re hitting the board so much better,” said Windham Unified basketball coach Anne Blake. “Our problem is we’re not moving in to do the close, confident shots; we’re (attempting) too many three-pointers. The rebounds have improved and the team’s playing with a lot more unity. I just think all the partners and athletes worked really well together; we played in a festival last weekend, and this is our third game for the season, so I think we’ve really improved since our practice with the festival. I think the team is starting to improve and the teamwork is showing. Layups (need work).”

Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. <

Windham girls’ basketball crushes Falmouth on Senior Night

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ basketball team crushed Falmouth 73-19 on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Windham High School.

Windham senior Stella Jarvais takes the ball to the basket
during a girls' prep basketball game against Falmouth on
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Windham High School. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Before the game, the team honored Stella Jarvais on Senior Night and presented a gift for her and for her parents for their time and dedication to Windham athletics during Stella’s high school career.

“It’s something really special coming through the years of this program,” said Jarvais, who scored 26 points against Falmouth. “I love this team, and it’s really cool for them to recognize all the years I put into it. It’s kind of surreal (to maybe have played my last home game) because I will not be playing basketball beyond these years. It’s something special to share the court with my sister, because I will not be playing with her in college; so being able to spend this time with Mackenzie (Delewski) and my friends and my sister, it’s something really special.”

Windham came out strong and put up 19 points in just the first quarter. Windham sophomore Denali Momot sank a three-pointer. The squad’s incredible defense held Falmouth to just five points.

In the second quarter, Windham junior Marley Jarvais hit a three-pointer. Windham led by 20 and their offense would not be stopped. At the half Windham led, 37-12.

“I thought our team defense went very well tonight,” said Windham junior Chloe Delewski. “We did a great job defending the perimeter followed by boxing out and rebounding. I thought that tonight our offense was executed well but when we face stronger defenses, we will need to be sharper. It felt great getting this big win because we got the whole team involved and it was just an amazing show that we put on for the crowd. Stella leaving means ... we are losing one of our closest friends and outstanding players on the team. It won’t be the same without her next year.”

At the start of the second half, Windham’s lead grew to 30 points. They rebounded and Windham’s defense kept Falmouth scoreless in the third quarter.

“Passing, getting into our offense, being able to cut and read the defense, so stuff like that went well,” said Stella Jarvais. “Our shooting percentage went up. Just communication I feel like is always a thing that teams can work on; and turnovers, in a lot of the games that came close and came down to the last minute were due to turnovers, so limiting turnovers we can work on.”

In the fourth quarter, a block from Windham freshman Eliana Kostopoulos showed Falmouth who was in control.

Windham sophomore Leandra Woodman sank two three-pointers and Windham freshman Lauren Valle hit a three-pointer too.

“Tonight was about celebrating Stella and honoring her and her four years with us,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “It was good for us to get out and run and put some points on the board. We had a lot of kids do that; we had a lot of kids score today. Good opportunity to kind of get up and down and climb ... the ladder towards the playoffs, just trying to get better every day. We were able to dip in that bench a bit earlier than we usually do and get some kids some experience and everybody did a good job. I think at times, we need to get them up and contest shots a little bit better on the perimeter. We got to contain shots a bit better – we did well today, but against better teams we’ve got to make sure we do that. Offensively we’ve got to move the ball, I thought we did well with that today. We’ve got to be strong at the rim, finishing inside and making our free throws when we need to.”

Artes said when Stella Jarvais came in as a freshman, her ability was raw, but she worked at it and improved over the course of her career. She’s a good teammate, plays hard, is a great defensive player and a great kid. <

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey holds off Yarmouth/Falmouth

By Matt Pascarella

An early goal and strong defense from the Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey team made a real difference during a late-season game against Yarmouth/Falmouth. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak were able to keep their opponent scoreless and posted a 1-0 win on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena.

Cheverus junior Ashley Cloutier of Windham goes after the
puck during a girls' prep hockey game against Yarmouth/
Falmouth on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the William B. Troubh
Ice Arena in Portland. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I thought we were playing a really good third period and we made some adjustments to our forecheck, until we took that penalty with about five minutes to go,” said the Cheverus/Windham/Medomak coach Scott Rousseau. “I thought we handled the last two minutes well; it’s always hectic ... but a great learning experience. We managed the puck well, we did not panic and not take icings and in the last minute I don’t think they really got a scoring chance. We only have four players back and I really hope these eight first-year players are ready for what’s coming; the playoffs are even more intense than this. If you interview (Yarmouth/Falmouth’s) coach, we made each other look bad, it was 1-0, it’s what good teams do to each other. We kind of took some of their strengths away, they took some of our strengths away. At the end we did show a lot of heart and character and find a way to win – and that matters.”

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak hit the ice with strong defense as these two teams were very evenly matched. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak moved the puck well and had intensity the entire game.

Cheverus sophomore Caroline Rousseau scored roughly halfway through the first period. Windham freshman Taylor Lucas had a solid check before the first period buzzer. It was 1-0 Cheverus/Windham/Medomak after one period.

In the second period, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak’s intensity remained, and their defense made sure to cut off scoring opportunities for Yarmouth/Falmouth. Cheverus goalie Ellie Skolnekovich had super-fast hands and kept a lot of pucks away from the back of the net.

“I see it as just another game,” said Skolnekovich, who had 21 saves during the game. “That’s my hometown – I get fired up when I play them, and I know their roster. It’s a 0-0 game in my head the whole way through and it’s really great. I think from the top down, we played really well; we played well as a team. We’re together ... and I think the biggest thing is I can’t thank my defense enough; I cover a puck and they’re right there to get people out of the way, I cover the puck, and they are right in front of me not letting anybody get to me and that’s really, really what builds our team up. I think we can pass the puck more and I think we can make less mental mistakes in the last two minutes of the game. I think we had a lot of adrenaline going and since it was a 1-0 game, it got a little bit intense at the end and I think that we can just build from there. I play a 0-0 game; my adrenaline was going, and I just played my game.”

Tensions built in the third and final period as both teams worked hard to put something up on the scoreboard. A block by Skolnekovich with a little over a minute left coupled with Cheverus/Windham/Medomak’s defense only amplified this team’s tenacity. They kept back Yarmouth/Falmouth until the last buzzer.

“I think our forecheck was able to set it up differently so we can contain their better players,” said Lucas. “Our goalie played amazing tonight; she saved us. We had some good forechecks towards the beginning of the third period that went well. I think that we just need to work on getting the puck out faster in ... the defensive zone and move our feet.” <

WHS boys’ basketball drops home matchup against Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

Windham boys’ varsity basketball came out strong in their second game against Cheverus this season at Windham High School on Friday, Jan. 24. The Eagles were neck-and-neck with the Stags until late in the third quarter when Cheverus pulled ahead and stayed there until the final buzzer with Windham falling, 66-51.

Windham senior Creighty Dickson cuts toward the hoop
during a boys' prep basketball game against Cheverus
at Windham High School on Friday, Jan. 24.
PHOTO BY AIDEN HALL

“I thought we played well; we kind of didn’t play our game and kind of just let off the gas a little bit in the third and they started coming back and they are a totally capable team of doing that,” said Windham junior AJ Moody. “It just didn’t go our way; sometimes fouls get in the way and they had some good free-throw shooters. We need to play defense with our hands up, stay in front of our man help side and try not to slap down the ball and get fouls. We came down and beat ourselves tonight. I saw even though we got fouled we got back up and got right back at them, we shot our best, and I was really proud of all of our guys. We tried to do our thing, sometimes the outcome is not what we want.”

When Cheverus pulled ahead, Windham answered early and tied the game at 13. Windham senior Braycen Freese sank a three-pointer, then Moody followed Freese and connected from long range too.

At halftime, the game was tied at 27-27.

In the first two minutes of the second half, sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer, then did it again a short time later.

The game remained tight until late in the third quarter, when Cheverus grabbed a small lead. By the fourth quarter they pulled away even further.

Freese hit another three-pointer, but as the game progressed, Windham was unable to make up the difference against the Stags.

“We got the right shots and the open shots,” said Windham senior Creighty Dickson, who scored 16 points. “We just weren’t hitting tonight – sometimes that happens. I thought our effort was there, we played hard until the end. I think our defensive intensity in the first half was really good, our ball movement was fantastic in the second half and the first half too. Getting back on defense, rotating and getting to the help side (needs work). This is a bump in the road, this is more motivation for the main goal.”

According to Janvrin, this loss will only make the team stronger. They will embrace it and turn up the intensity during practice, taking it game-by-game. Janvrin said they went in with a stronger mentality the last time they played the Stags; this time, they didn’t play as hard as they could and let up a bit toward the end. They’ve got to come out after halftime with the same mentality they had going into the game.

“Our guys played hard and it’s going to be a good game every time we play Cheverus,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “We had opportunities, we really liked what we got for looks and we missed them and that’s part of basketball. The fact that our guys fought the entire time that’s what I was proud of. (Cheverus) is a good team and we have some guys (injured) right now, and that’s ok and we’re just taking this game as a learning experience. We’ve got a lot of guys on our bench that are ready to play and ready to step up and that’s a great opportunity for them tonight and that’ll just only make us better and stronger. Colin’s a sophomore, he’s started two games now for Tyrie – that’s huge moments for him, we’re going to need him to step up big and he has. We’re extremely confident in who we have for guys. (What went) well (was) composure and fight, consistency in that was really good. Offensively, we got the shots that we wanted. At the end of the day, it’s being ready for those shots, and they weren’t bad misses, but it changes the game. We’re not fazed by this; this is only going to fuel us.” <

WHS swimming team holds own in tri-meet against Gorham, Greely

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s swimming team hit the road on Friday, Jan. 24 to compete in a tri-meet with Gorham and Greely at the Westbrook Community Center. Windham’s boys finished second with a score of 50 and their girls finished third with a score of 32.

Windham freshman Stephanie Roghelia showcases her
speed during a prep swimming tri-meet at the Westbrook
Community Center against Gorham and Greely on
Friday, Jan. 24. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We’re in the middle, it’s the heart of the season, we’re swimming tired at this point,” said Windham High School swim coach Peter Small. “Even their first races when they were sluggish, when they came back their second and third races they broke through that sluggish barrier and came out with a lot of best times, which was awesome to see. If you can do that and break through when you’re tired, it’s a good sign for the future. Kids were able to not let the psychology of ‘I’m sluggish’ consume them and they broke through.”

Windham junior Pascal Hentsch qualified for the state championship and dropped 1.5 seconds off his time in the 100-yard breaststroke. He finished second in that event with a time of 1:16.84 minutes.

Also, in the 100 breaststroke, Windham freshman Mahiro Hammond finished fifth with a time of 1:30.98.

Windham Sophomore Sullivan Scharf finished first in the 100 backstroke with a time of 58.55 seconds. He finished second in the 200 freestyle with a 1:58.30 time.

Windham freshman Peter Funk had a first-place finish in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:11.15. In the 500 freestyle he finished second with a 5:12.59 time.

In the 50 freestyle, Windham freshman Beckett Bragdon had a 27.86 time and a fourth-place finish.

Windham freshman Rocco DiDonato finished sixth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:21.33.

“I think we swam pretty good as a team,” said DiDonato. “I got better at my form in backstroke, because I don’t usually do backstroke. The team, I think we just swam faster and pushed ourselves harder. (We need) a bit more work on form and flip turns a little bit. I think we did pretty good.”

Windham freshman Stephanie Roghelia placed first in the 100 freestyle with a 1:00.19 time and the 50 freestyle with a time of 27.22.

“I think we did amazing,” said Roghelia. “I’m super happy with how everyone has improved, we did really good with teamwork and stuff. I think I did a good job with my flip turns and my breakouts, which I’ve been working on. We did really good cheering on each other, and I’m really impressed with our sportsmanship. I think one thing we can really improve on is to help lift up other teams as well and really bring the energy.”

In the 200-freestyle Windham senior Sarah Inman finished second with a 2:16.93 time. She also finished fourth in the 100-butterfly with a time of 1:16.03.

Windham senior Morgan Farley finished fifth in the 200 medley with a time of 2:46.88. Farley finished third in the 500-freestyle with a 6:26.67 time.

Windham sophomore Maya Fitts had a 4:19.35 time in the 200 medley and finished sixth. She also finished sixth in the 500 freestyle with a 9:00.09 time.

“We need to have more snap in our stroke and when we’re tired,” said Small. “Our turns really start to fall apart ... we just got to make sure that when we’re tired some of the technical aspect of those turns are still there. These guys are working so hard, so impressed with them, they’ll come through with that.” <

Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Westbrook Wolfpack wrestling upsets Deering and Cheverus in a tri-meet

By Matt Pascarella

In their final home meet of the season, the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Westbrook Wolfpack wrestling team secured solid victories over Deering and Cheverus on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The Wolfpack crushed Deering 53-20 and held back Cheverus 44-33.

Windham junior Josh Hamby cradles his Deering opponent
during a prep wrestling tri-meet against Deering and Cheverus
at Windham High School on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

It was Senior Night and Windham High seniors Jack Arsenault, Ayden Cofone, Phineas Cunningham, CK Kennedy, Addison Leger and Gray New-Gloucester seniors John Stults, Spencer Fields, Jameson Hart and Arnost Osmera were presented with a gift and thanked for their time and dedication to Windham athletics.

“This time we had a lot of kids step up and wrestle weights they hadn’t wrestled before,” said Cofone. “We all came out confident and knew what we could do. We work very, very hard and we all push each other every day. It’s go hard, get better, come out for the team and win. As a team we did good not giving up with the last few seconds left, especially when we’re searching for pins late, we go harder to get the extra team points. What I think we could work on is some of us get in our head too much. We get nervous about who our opponent is and as a team we prepare so much. We don’t need to fear who our opponent is.”

Cofone received a plaque for achieving 100 pins during his high school career. The 100th pin happened at the Kennebunk Duals at Kennebunk High School on Saturday, Jan. 11.

According to Cofone it’s a big accomplishment that means a lot and he is really happy to have achieved it.

Deering

The Wolfpack started in the 175-weight class with Westbrook sophomore Cole Tanner who pinned his opponent.

Fields worked extra hard in the 285-weight class to avoid getting pinned – and he succeeded there but lost 11-0 after three rounds.

Leger fought hard in the 120-weight class to not get pinned. She kept moving, never letting her opponent keep her long in a bad spot. She lasted three rounds defending herself but lost 9-0.

In the 126-weight class Cofone pinned his opponent in one round.

Windham junior Josh Hamby pinned his opponent in just 35 seconds in the 144-weight class.

In the 150-weight class, Westbrook freshman Lucas Roberson grabbed his opponent’s leg and brought him to the mat. Roberson cradled and got the pin.

Kennedy also got the pin after he kept his opponent on the mat.

Cheverus

Fields got the takedown and the pin in the 285-weight class.

In the 113-weight class, Leger kept herself moving to avoid being pinned. She would not be flipped to her back but lost 3-0.

“I think (the Wolfpack did) pretty well,” said Leger. “I think that we had high energy, you can see improvement that’s happened ... and the season’s not over yet, so we still have room to improve. Our technique has definitely improved, making sure if you make a mistake to fix it ... during the match. Being more aggressive as a team and maintaining how we start with how we finish (needs work). Overall, as a team we do a pretty good job.”

Windham sophomore Amelia Brickel fought hard but was pinned in one round in the 120-weight class.

Westbrook sophomore Jajjad Jumaah won 13-3 in the 136-weight class.

In the 126-weight class, Cofone pinned his opponent in 39 seconds.

Roberson kept his opponent on the mat and got the pin in the second round of the 157-weight class.

“I think fighting off our backs, fighting off the bottom, working for pins, our conditioning looks like it’s coming along,” said varsity Wolfpack wrestling coach John Nicholas. “The kids are aggressive, working hard in the practice room and it’s transferring to the mat. I knew that Cheverus match was going to be close, they beat us last time, but we were undermanned. On Senior Night, our last home meet, it was good to come out with two wins.” <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: Ice Fishing

By Staci Warren

My family has avid ice fisherman, so I know the pacing that ensues waiting for ice to become safe enough to fish one of the many lakes in the Belgrade Lakes region where we live. For the past few years, it seems the ice shack spends less and less time on the ice. As of the end of January 2023, Maine’s largest lakes still were unsafe to venture on, many smaller ponds weren’t much better, and there were at least two fatalities according to the Sun Journal. In 2018, nine people across Maine fell through ice within a 24-hour period. If you are fortunate enough to have ice, good thick safe ice, then you’ll need to try fishing for Northern Pike. Patience is the key to safety and ice fishing.

Staci Warren's granddaughter Eloise proudly
displays her pike with her dad Aaron.
PHOTO BY REBECCA SUCY

According to MIF&W Northern Pike Assessment 2008 report (MIFW NPA), pike were initially introduced into Maine in the 1970’s, as the result of an illegal introduction into the Belgrade Lakes. Subsequent migration within the Belgrade lakes drainage and additional illegal introductions are responsible for an expanding distribution within central and southern Maine that now reside in 28 non-flowing waters and an additional 15 waters. I’ve had a difficult time embracing the pike; however, I had another avid pike fisherman declare that the landlocked salmon and brown trout we once caught regularly in Great Pond and Long Pond, are not native. While I cringe at illegal stocking of any fish, several other states stock northern pike for their popularity as a sportfish. Maine, however, does not manage northern pike.

“Northern Pike are generally considered predators consuming prey between one-third and one-half the length of the pike. Spawning males average 26 inches long and weigh 5 pounds, whereas spawning females average 31 inches long and weigh 9 pounds. Diet studies on the Belgrade Lakes indicate that pike eat white perch, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, smelt, landlocked salmon, minnow species, and insects and studies suggest white perch are the most consumed forage fish in Maine waters (MIFW NPA).” With those lengths and weights and its reputation as a major sport fishery, pike fishing has bloomed in Maine, particularly in the winter.

Fishing for Northern pike requires a different technique than that for bass, perch, or brook trout. Pike have large sharp teeth that will razor your line in an instant, and they are strong. A pike puts up a mean fight and regular tackle isn’t advised. It’s not so tough though that kids can’t catch; in fact, my grandkids love to pull up pike from the hole.

You don’t need the most expensive setup that’s available, but pike fishermen attest that bigger gear does help. A good strong tip up. One with a larger reel allows for more line and pike will make runs when you’re fighting them. Also, more line means having traps spaced further apart and bigger traps are easier to spot at distances.

The most popular bait are extra-large shiners on a single No. 2 hook with a two-foot 50 lb. fluorocarbon leader attached to regular waxed ice fishing line. When your flag goes up, be ready to set the hook like any other fish but then be ready to let that fish run for as much as 15 minutes before you land it. Pike will fight, and if you don’t let them run to tire out, you could end up losing the fish.

Where to fish: In early winter, fish shallow weeded areas with drop offs. Larger fish tend to be on the outskirts of these areas, and smaller pike within the weeds. By mid-January, move to deeper water but stay within 20-30 feet of water. If you have bait fish, then you’ll have pike nearby. By March, barring falling through the melting ice shelf, fish close to shore in shallow water for pike heading to their spawning grounds. Some of my best pike fishing have been in late winter, early spring.

There is still a lot of debate about releasing pike back into the water. I personally prefer not to put the pike back and will leave it to feed the raptors, whereas my son-in-law releases them back into the lake. His thought is that it’s not going away, so might as well embrace it. I’m not there yet.

While I do admit that catching pike is fun, I don’t like how they made their way here. I just keep reminding myself that if I’m lucky, I might just land a nice brown trout even though I’m fishing for pike. Stay safe and know your ice conditions before venturing out.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

Windham varsity girls’ basketball falls at home to Oxford Hills

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity girls’ basketball hosted Oxford Hills on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and despite fighting hard for a solid 32 minutes, the Vikings prevailed over the Lady Eagles, 44-37.

Windham sophomore Denali Momot takes a shot from inside
the paint during a girls' prep basketball game against
Oxford Hills at Windham High School on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Before the game, Windham senior Stella Jarvais was presented with the “Little Eyes Upon You Award” by Maine Optometry. This honor was established by Pat Moody when he was president of Windham Youth Basketball Association. The award is given to a senior that demonstrates commitment to youth in their community. Members and current WYBA President Ben Delewski and WYBA board member Erik Bowen, who also serves on the Pat Moody Foundation, handed Jarvais the award.

“I think it’s just like an eye-opener, especially growing up in the Windham Youth Basketball program,” said Jarvais, who scored 12 points against Oxford Hills. “Always looking up to the next big star and it being surreal that I’m the person that everyone is looking up to. It’s something that I don’t expect, I’m just playing because I love the sport, not because I’m trying to impress anyone. It represents all the work I’ve put into it from me being in kindergarten to now being a senior, I think it’s cool to see the growth that I’ve accomplished through the years, and it’s especially cool to be recognized.”

Early on against the Vikings, Windham moved the ball well and the game was tight, with Windham leading by one point after the first quarter.

Oxford Hills capitalized on several turnovers and pulled ahead, sinking a couple of three-pointers. Although the Vikings had the lead, Windham was right on their heels and Oxford Hills only led 22-19 at the half.

In the second half, Windham rebounded well, and junior Addison Caiazzo sank a three-pointer.

“Late in the game (we) switched defenses from man-to-man to zone,” said Windham sophomore Denali Momot. “I think especially in the first half, our cuts were a little bit better, but some people were just not seeing them, me being one of them. We had a lot of open shots, and we got each other open very well. In the second half we brought up our defense ... we shut down some of their best players as much as we could.”

With roughly three minutes remaining, just seven points separated the two teams.

“Kids worked hard for 32 minutes against arguably the best team, just a tough matchup overall for us,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “There were a couple little stretches where we let things get away from us, but for the most part we did what we needed to do and competed ... the best we could. Defensively we’re very good again and that’s going to be our backbone this year. We just got to make sure we ride that going (up against Cheverus) and find some offense to go with that. We got to make sure we get good looks and be strong with the ball, take good shots and if we do those things, we’ll be OK.”

Windham did not let up until the final buzzer.

“Facing the fact that one of our top-leading scorers has been out, has been a challenge for us but not letting that get to our heads and our defense really carries us a lot; playing with our defensive side really helped us” said Windham junior Marley Jarvais. “Our main goal was to stop Ella (Pelletier) and (Gabbie) Tibbetts, which we contained in the first half, but Ella is just unstoppable. I think we did a good job putting pressure on her and Stella did a really good job defending her. I think breaking the press went well ... we fixed how aggressive we were cutting in the second half rather than the first half which helped us a lot. Going to our passes (needs work); we tend to wait for the ball and watch the ball go to us rather than going to the ball. We need to work as a team ... and get that one look and so on and so forth.”

Windham’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams play a double-header at home against Cheverus on Friday, Jan. 24. The girls’ game starts at 6 p.m. and boys’ game tips off at 7:30 p.m. <

Trail Blazers start strong, but Lewiston prevails for hockey win

By Matt Pascarella

While the result wasn’t what they wanted, the Windham/Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers played a much stronger, more physical ice hockey game against Lewiston on Monday, Jan. 13 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham than when they played them last year in the postseason. Although the Trail Blazers have improved a great deal, the Blue Devils won, 5-2.

Trail Blazers senior captain Sam Foley of Windham keeps
the puck away from his Lewiston opponent during an ice
hockey game at the University of Southern Maine on
on Monday, Jan. 13. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think it’s a learning game,” said Windham senior Cole Heanssler. “We came out strong but calmed down and let them take the lead. We need to keep the same intensity as if we are always down by three goals. We came out super-fast today and battled in the start. I think there were some good set-up plays, our power play worked pretty well; we weren’t able to generate but were able to move it around pretty well. I think the passing was good, but we need to work on some small errors, some shots on net and stuff.”

Windham came out strong; they knew what this team was capable of and in the first period were right there with Lewiston. Halfway through the first period, Trail Blazers senior Philip Traina passed to senior Sam Foley who scored.

Lewiston narrowly scored and tied the game 1-1 after one period.

In the second period, after the Trail Blazers killed a five-on-three penalty, which kept Lewiston at bay for almost two full minutes. The Trail Blazers had multiple shots at goal, but nothing got by.

Traina fired a shot that nicked the goal post; the Trail Blazers worked hard to tie up this game. Lewiston led 2-1 after two periods. The Trail Blazers outshot Lewiston 2 to 1 in the second period.

“We started off good, played hard, but once we get into a rhythm, we start letting off and the other team gets back into it,” said Windham’s Foley. “At the start of the second period – once we killed off the penalties, we really didn’t pick it back up and (Lewiston) started to control the game. I feel like the breakouts were solid; at least the winger’s perspective, they were getting the pucks out, and then just line rushes, moving us forward. We played more physical; they walked over us (last year in the playoffs) because we let them, but we were laying the body on them today. Got more shots on goal.”

In the third period, Lewiston scored. The Trail Blazers continued to work at it but Lewiston scored twice more. Foley scored for the Trail Blazers, but it wasn’t enough to get past Lewiston.

“This game we were right in until we had a bad turnover underneath our goal line on a power play and (Lewiston) got a short-handed goal – that can’t happen,” said Windham varsity Trail Blazers coach Bobby Fothergill. “That took the wind out of our sails to start the second period. I think in the third period we ... weren’t having ‘puck luck,’ but what I tell the guys – you don’t get ‘puck luck’, you’ve got to make it, if it isn’t going for you, you’ve got to dig deeper; and if it isn’t going then, you’ve got to dig deeper than that. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow; turnovers kind of killed us, that’s what did us in – turning the puck over in bad spots, we’ve got to clean that up. As soon as (Lewiston) got that third goal, it kind of deflated the team. (We’re) working hard ... we just ran out of gas; we’ve got to skate better and be more conditioned. (We) fought hard, one of our players got punched in the head three times and didn’t swing back. That’s what we’ve been working on with these guys, if you get in a scrum, don’t retaliate ... for that player to keep his cool, it shows that they’re growing; they’re understanding you’ve got to stay out of the box. We had some offensive zone presence at times that was pretty good, and I thought we did a pretty good job defensively, we were blocking shots, sticks in lanes, doing all that good stuff. We got to skate a full 45 minutes, and we didn’t do that here You can get better from losing games. You learn and try to limit the mistakes.” <

Windham alpine ski team starts season strong

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s alpine ski team competed in a season-opening meet against Cheverus, Falmouth, Gorham, Kennebunk, Marshwood and Scarborough on Friday, Jan. 10 at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton with Windham’s boys’ team finishing fourth with a score of 85 and the girls’ team finishing fifth with a score of 93.

Windham High senior Katelyn Cotter cruises to the finish
line at Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton during an alpine
skiing prep slalom meet. PHOTOBY MATT PAACARELLA

“We need to work on making sure everybody’s equipment is in the right condition,” said Windham alpine ski coach Christine Fredette. “We had some equipment malfunctions that created problems for some of the racers. All in all, it was great: we had a couple racers who weren’t sure they were going to race, and they ended up racing – pushing through those struggles as a team and cheering each other on, but the most important thing is they are all having fun. I saw some of the drills that we had been working on earlier in the week coming through in their skiing, I saw the kids giving each other encouragement and keeping each other focused and helping to lower each other’s anxiety. I think this sets a good tone, we know where we’re at, we competed well and we’re going to continue to compete well.”

Boys

Windham junior Finn Jorgensen finished first for the team and 18th overall with a combined two-run time of 2:06.34 minutes. Behind him was senior Caleb Lavallee with a time of 2:07.28; he finished second for Windham and 19th overall.

Senior Preston Stretch finished 21st overall and third for Windham with a time of 2:07.78.

“We had good team performances, if we just finish our races and don’t fall, I know that we can do better,” said team captain Stretch. “Conditions for this time of the season are actually amazing because they’ve been making so much snow. The first run, very good, the course was easy, course was very straight, good first course to start. After the second run, it did get a little chopped up and a bit icier. This meet definitely sets a tone that we need to try our best, try harder, not necessarily that we didn’t do good, but we know that we can do better. We need to work on our ability to finish these courses and not get disqualified; we need to work on finishing and not falling.”

Junior and exchange student Eduardo Elorriaga finished with a time of 4:35.34.

Girls

Sophomore Maya Dries finished 12th overall and first for Windham with a 2:04.01 time.

Junior Ella Washburn finished second for Windham and 22nd overall with a time of 2:27.82. Junior Anna Lane finished third for Windham and 29th overall with a 2:32.37 time.

“I think I did good,” said Windham senior captain Katelyn Cotter, who finished fifth for Windham with a time of 2:53.33. “Definitely was a slow start to the season, but ... it’s good to get back on the snow and actually hit a gate. I think it sets a very good tone, we’re all super supportive of each other, a lot of team building, especially up top. Especially with the conditions that held up tonight, it’s going to be a good season for all of us. Our teams did really good at holding their edge, especially in those spots that get icy, our team does really well in making sure they’re getting in, actually making sure they’re sticking to their line and getting nice and close to the gates.

Cotter said the teams just need more practice and time on snow to improve for the season. <

Windham basketball opens 2025 with back-to-back wins over rival Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

After the Windham varsity girls’ basketball team held off Gorham and secured a 41-40 win, the Windham varsity boys’ basketball team took the court on Thursday, Jan. 2 at Windham against Gorham with intensity and remained undefeated after an impressive 78-48 win over its arch rival.

Windham senior Conor Janvrin goes up for a layup during
a boys' prep basketball game against Gorham at Windham
High School on Thursday, Jan. 2.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Guys were excited to play; we looked at film from that first matchup (with Gorham) and saw a lot of things we could have done differently,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “They executed and defense was strong. When that happens, I think we get good opportunities. I just think the energy was high – guys were ready to play them again ... we thought we could play better, and they certainly came out with that attitude. We talk to the kids everyday about proving it to ourselves. We’re playing against ourselves really, the standard that we’re trying to hold our kids to. We want to try to play our best basketball ... and are laser focused on each day. As cliché as that is, they are looking to win each day, to gain something for that next opportunity to play. Decision making and full court passing was a little bit weak tonight, we had some lapses on defense; we’re not going to play a perfect game, but we can at least chase it, and chasing it is making great decisions, playing free. They made up for that with effort and creating mistakes for (Gorham). I’m real proud of the guys, they did it together.”

Windham took the court with force and had several solid turnovers. They rebounded well and had a small lead to begin from there that lead would only grow. Windham junior AJ Moody had a three-pointer in the first quarter. Senior Conor Janvrin sunk a three-pointer in the second quarter. By the second quarter, Windham had built a 10-point lead; their defense was unrelenting. Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer and the Eagles just kept running up the scoreboard and at the half led, 39-23.

“I feel like we did a good job, guys came off the bench, they helped a lot,” said Windham senior Joseph Blige. “Everybody contributed, I feel like we did a great job as a team today; defense in the second half was pretty great. Our energy was really high ... we just got to business.”

The second half began with no slowdown in speed or loss of power for Windham. Less than three minutes into the half, Windham’s lead grew to 20 as junior AJ Moody knocked down a three-pointer, then Tyrie James followed suit.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Windham’s lead was simply out of reach for Gorham. Windham senior Braycen Freese sank a three-pointer. Despite its massive lead, Windham did not let up and their defense remained intense.

High scorers in the game for Windham were senior Creighty Dickson with 17-points, Conor Janvrin with 15, James with 11, and Moody with 10.

“The team energy (led to the win),” said Conor Janvrin, who scored 15-points and had four rebounds in the game. “The team is there to pick us up; the approach was go out there and win – (Gorham) is a well-coached team, they are a great team ... we did our best, went out there and played our game. Our energy was really good, our teamwork, and executing our gameplan went really well. What needs work is we take a lot of contested shots, and rebounding.” <

WHS indoor track and field excels in USM New Year’s Invitational

By Matt Pascarella

To kick off 2025, Windham’s indoor track and field team participated in the University of Southern Maine’s New Year’s Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 4 where they competed against schools in Class A, B, C, and D as well as schools from New Hampshire.

Windham senior Ava Gerrity soars through the air during
the New Year's Invitation Indoor Track Meet at the
University of Southern Maine in Gorham on
Saturday, Jan. 4. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Two Windham athletes placed very high in the meet’s Pentathlon, an event that consists of the 55-meter hurdles, the high jump, shot put, long jump, the 800-meter for the girls and the 1000-meter for the boys. Senior Tayla Pelletier finished first for the girls with a mark of 2947 and senior Carter Engelman finished second for the boys with a mark of 2902.

Boys

“My only prior experience with multi-events was a decathlon from last year, and since I enjoyed that kind of competition then I figured I should try it again,” said Engelman. “Also, times when I can compete in this kind of event are rare and I’d figure I’d make the best of this chance. I was very satisfied with my performance as it was a result of the hard work I’ve put in this year so far. I had four (personal records) in the five events in the pentathlon as well and I’m extremely happy with how I performed.”

Junior Mason Arbour finished fifth in the pentathlon with a score of 2587.

In the 55-dash, junior Karl Longstreth finished sixth with a 6.70-second time. In the 200, he finished fifth with a time of 23.65; both personal records for him.

Senior Rory Good finished seventh in the 55-hurdles with a time of 8.48; a new personal record.

According to Good, competing in the Invitational was fun and he likes getting to run against some of the fastest people in and out of the state. Some things that went well for Good were his blocks felt better than they usually do, and he did well with the nerves and really focused in on the race. He said he needs to work on his turnover between the hurdles which is what is really slowing him down.

Junior Nick Verrill had a height of 5-06.00 feet in the high jump.

“We decided to use this meet to ... see how we could perform against top performers from all over Maine and some teams from New Hampshire,” said Windham boys’ indoor track and field coach Paula Pock. “We were really happy to see the boys step up against strong competition and really perform their best. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the next few weeks.”

Girls

In the high jump, junior Nealie Morey finished third with a height of 4-10.00. She also finished fourth in the long jump with a distance of 16-00.00.

“I feel like I’m very much a well-rounded athlete, so I like being able to showcase it, and I always have a lot of fun doing (the Pentathlon),” said Pelletier, who also placed first in the triple jump with a 36-09.25 distance. “It was great ... I knew I had a good chance to come in first. I’m really glad I did it, it’s a lot of fun and a lot of prep work you got to do, but it’s always worth it.”

Junior Addison Shanholtz placed ninth in the pole vault with a height of 7-00.00.

“I think yesterday went really well,” said senior Ava Gerrity who finished sixth in the long jump with a 15-07.50 distance and sixth in the triple jump with a 32-09.50 distance. “It definitely set the tone for a good season ahead. I’m happy with how I performed but l can’t wait for more meets to see further improvements.”

Senior Marina Schwarz finished 10th in the shot put when she threw a distance of 30-03.25.

“This meet set the tone for our ladies to always show up and bring their best on the day while together they make it fun,” said Windham girls’ indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle. “All while staying in the pursuit of our team and individual goals. This meet was an incredible opportunity to learn how to navigate and stay composed while competing in big meets. It helped them gain experience in how bigger championship level meets are run. This ... builds their confidence (and) is worth experiencing to learn how to prep for the regional championships, States, or even for the New England Championships. It also shows them what is possible and that they too can compete on this large stage.” <