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.” <

Windham girls’ basketball falls against Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off back-to-back wins over Edward Little and Portland, Windham girls’ basketball headed to Cheverus in Portland to play the Stags on Friday, Dec. 27. Cheverus took a considerable lead in the first half, and although Windham started slow, their momentum built, and they picked it up in the second half. Despite their best efforts, Cheverus was too far ahead and defeated Windham, 61-41.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski is about to sink
a three-pointer during a girls' prep basketball game on
the road against Cheverus High School on Dec. 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We did really well in the second half, because their zone defense is very aggressive, so we needed to be more patient and play as a team,” said Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski, who knocked down four-three pointers and scored 17 points overall. “Obviously we’ll get shots in the zone, but instead of taking ok shots when we’re open we were getting better shots when it’s one more pass and we’re just coming together as a team and playing for each other. We played really good defense and did really good help, (Cheverus) just hit their shots ... we’ll finetune some things and get the next one. We need to play better help-side defense. We can work on being more patient with the ball, making good passes and not taking two dribbles and picking it up.”

Cheverus jumped out to an early lead. While Windham was slow to start, once they got on the scoreboard, they began to close the gap. Windham moved the ball and picked up some solid turnovers leading to Delewski sinking a three-pointer. Windham rebounded but trailed, 31-15, at the half.

"We as a team were definitely cold at the beginning,” said Windham sophomore Isabella Vassoler. “I think switching to man-to-man helped. Taking care of the ball is a big thing in that game, a lot of turnovers. Adapting to how they play (is what can be learned). We need to focus on what’s working and what’s not working and balancing out more pros rather than cons. Some pros of the game were splitting the floor and making sure we got in that middle to Stella ... as well as swinging the ball faster and try to calm and play with poise and make sure they aren’t speeding us up.”

Windham kept their heads up and went on a run in the second half. They adapted to Cheverus’ star player Kylie Lamson and contested several of her shots. Switching to man-to-man defense made a difference.

Delewski hit another three-pointer to start the second half. Windham offense had improved. Windham went hard after the ball, but Cheverus remained in the lead. Delewski sunk another three, then several moments later, Windham freshman Sitota Hatch sunk a three-pointer.

According to Windham senior Stella Jarvais, who scored 14 points in the game, it’s difficult to adapt to how fast Cheverus plays. Going into the game, Windham wanted to slow the game down and try to run their stuff. She said this game was eye-opening; they need to work on man-to-man defense in practice, seeing the floor and not rushing. As long as they keep working hard, they’ll get better controlling the ball.

“We just needed to make sure we attacked Cheverus’ pressure and do what we could to stay composed,” said Windham girls’ varsity basketball coach Brody Artes. “We did that well at times and at times we didn’t. Cheverus shot the ball really well at the beginning of the game and we didn’t and that was kind of the difference right there. The kids have done a good job all year of maintaining a good attitude, good energy, whether they’re on the floor or on the bench – everybody has contributed that way. We had to switch things up defensively in that second quarter and as soon as we did, we had a bit more energy and were able to maintain our defensive identity a little bit; we were able to get some better shots because of it. It’s a matter of knowing what to expect and being able to shoot a little bit better early in the game.” <

Surge in third period solidifies girl's hockey victory for Cheverus/Windham/Medomak

By Matt Pascarella

The Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey team added another win to an impressive season when a third-period surge resulted in multiple goals. Its game against Saint Dominic Academy ended in a 4-0 shutout victory on Saturday, Dec. 28 at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena in Portland.

Windham freshman Taylor Lucas keeps her eyes on the puck
during a girls' prep ice hockey game against Saint Dominick
Academy on Saturday, Dec. 28 at William B. Troubh Ice
Arena in Portland. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

"We weren’t playing with a lot of a passion and energy (early on),” said Cheverus/Windham/Medomak coach Scott Rousseau. “I thought we played very well in the second period, especially the last seven, eight minutes; our younger forwards started getting more involved in the forward check, we were getting really close to the net, we were missing or (shots were blocked). I thought we showed a lot of resolve to stay patient and stay with it and we got a break with the power play and that relaxed everybody a little bit and took a comfortable lead from there. In the long run, I think it’ll be a good experience for us to feel some tension and anxiety and be comfortable winning 1-0. We need to rely on our younger, inexperienced players to get that experience and start wanting the puck and make those plays. We’re going to have to play low scoring, tight-checking games and be comfortable with that; at the end, I thought we’ll take that learning experience and keep moving forward.”

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak came out a little slow in the first period, but had stellar defense, with multiple shots on goal. Roughly seven minutes into the first period, Cheverus sophomore Caroline Rousseau scored, assisted by Cheverus junior Joey Pompeo.

While the second period was scoreless, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak’s intensity picked up as they continued to give Saint Dominic Academy’s goalie a workout. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak commanded the ice. Their defense remained strong.

In the third period, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak really turned up the intensity. Seven minutes into the period, Cheverus senior Lucy Johnson scored, assisted by Cheverus senior Zoey Radford. With two minutes remaining Caroline Rousseau scored again, assisted by Windham junior Ashley Cloutier. Windham freshman Taylor Lucas scored, assisted by Caroline Rousseau with less than 15 seconds remaining to end the game on a high note.

“It was a really great pass from Caroline; I was there in the right spot in the right time,” said Lucas. “Despite not playing as well as we wanted to in the first ... we were able to pull together as a team and play really well in the second and third. I feel like we got more energy going on the bench and just brought ourselves together. In the second and the third periods we did really well at passing. I feel like in this game we should’ve come out stronger in the first period, but overall, we did really well.”

Windham junior Ashley Cloutier said the team had good teamwork toward the end, but they need to get that going earlier in the game. It was a spark inside them that got them to work together to score multiple goals in the third period.

“We started pretty slow, but after a while our defense started making quicker passes and quicker decisions and our forwards started getting involved in the cycle game,” said Caroline Rousseau. “We wore the Saint Dom’s players out and I think it just took us a second, but once we got it going, we started making quicker decisions and started moving our feet a bit quicker and got our head in the right space. We definitely started passing more ... all of our goals in the third came off passes with a quick release. Making those quick decisions, making the pass without holding on too long really helped us.” <