Varsity boys’ basketball falls to Sanford on ‘Pat Moody Night’

By Matt Pascarella

A wave of green shirts in remembrance of adored Windham resident Pat Moody flooded the bleachers at the varsity boys’ basketball home opener against Sanford on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and WHS fought hard and had the lead for portions of the game, but Sanford battled back and won the game, 68-60.

Windham sophomore Sean Lebel focuses on the hoop 
mid-air during a varsity boys' basketball game against
Sanford at Windham High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

It was Pat Moody Night, a night to honor the late Windham resident and raise money for the Pat Moody Foundation that was created after his passing as a way to carry on his legacy of compassion, love of community and random acts of kindness. Through the community’s generosity, the foundation has been able to fund scholarships for students, assist youth sports programs and invest in projects that bring the community together. T-shirt sales raised a net amount of $3,600 for the foundation with more money still coming in.

“Having (my dad) in our background and playing for him and his legacy, playing with joy within ourselves is the best,” said Windham senior AJ Moody. “It just shows what he did for the community ... I am just very thankful this can be a thing.”

Four community members were honored and inducted to become part of Moody’s Army that recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to better the community. Linda “Emma” Freese, Maureen Janvrin, Stephanie Bubier and Bob Witham were presented with flowers and a small gift for their tireless efforts to the community.

Windham came out with intensity in this fast-moving game. The Eagles rebounded and moved the ball quickly. Both defenses kept the first quarter to a low score.

In the second quarter, junior Colin Janvrin, who scored 18 points during the game, hit a three-pointer. The game was tied 15-15; AJ Moody scored twice from the top of the key. Junior Luke Drottar sunk a three-pointer. Windham led 28-24 at halftime.

“It was a really good team, so we know what they’re capable of,” said AJ Moody, who scored 11 points. “We knew down the line if we gave them space, they can really take over the game. Four minutes left in the fourth quarter, they were down by 10 and came back to beat us. Great game, great experience, in the end this will help us get more gritty. We know we were going to hit adversity and we just did. This loss will fuel us ... practice is going to be a different mentality. A really good team just beat us, but we’re going to keep going harder and harder – that’s what Windham’s about. We were supportive, had a great bench and great energy.”

A series of three-pointers gave Windham a substantial lead in the second half. They continued to rebound and had strong turnovers. Sanford was quick to make up ground and led by five with just 50 seconds left in the game.

Senior Tyrie James said Pat Moody had an impact on everyone in the gym in some way and it was amazing to see. James said it is the fourth quarter that is most important and that’s where Sanford got them. Windham was a little slow getting back on defense at times. Every loss is a lesson; they did great coming out with energy, but need to keep it up the entire game.

“Such a special night,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “A lot of people came out in support just like Pat would want, and the team fought really, really hard, just like he’d want. Just so happy to see that love and Pat Moody spirit out in the crowd. Little things led to the loss, Sanford is a talented team, and they can make you pay quickly. Shots didn’t fall, things like that happen; there are a lot of good possessions, there are a lot of bad possessions. They stole that win from us. (Windham’s) effort was extremely high. We’re trying to get better at a lot of little things and we’re trying to find our true identity.” <