Windham Unified basketball team shows potential despite loss to Bonny Eagle

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Unified basketball team had their home opener against Bonny Eagle on Friday, Jan. 23 and the team showed immense skill, and the season is shaping up to be a good one. Windham fought hard and left it all on the court but came up short against the Scots 69-54.

Windham sophomore Tristan Stanley passes the ball during
the Unified basketball season opener against Bonny Eagle
on Friday, Jan. 23. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Windham freshman Beckah Denis said it was fun for her to score a lot. Denis was the high scorer of the game with 12 points.

She said that she had a good time and even though they didn’t win, it’s having fun playing that matters; there was a lot of good teamwork and passing. She’s looking forward to the next game.

Bonny Eagle had a small lead early on in the game, but Windham quickly caught up when senior Zach O’Brion scored and freshman Martina Pennell sank a basket. Soon the game was tied, 8-8.

One of the coolest things about the Unified basketball games is how supportive the crowds are and there were even a few instances of the Scots giving Windham players a second chance to score a basket.

Sophomore Tristan Stanley sank two baskets in a row. Windham was slightly ahead and junior Olivia Edwards scored from outside the paint. This close game was now tied. 28-28.

The Scots gained a small advantage before halftime and led 32-28 at the first buzzer. During halftime, both teams had a dance break.

In the second half, Windham moved the ball well and had good defense and offense. Senior Mary Jean snagged the ball and scored with a layup. Denis scored.

Both teams showed excellent sportsmanship. Bonny Eagle began to pull away. Windham kept after it and stayed in the game until the very end but came up short.

O’Brion said although they lost by 14 points, hopefully they’ll get the win in the next game. The way the team played sets a good tone for the rest of the season. They played a very good game.

Senior O’Brion was working on his three-point shooting and while he did not make any this game, he came very, very close. He said he might make one in the next game.

“For our first game ... we have so many new kids, everyone worked their hardest and we came together as a team way more than I thought we would,” said Windham Unified basketball coach Anne Blake. “We’re looking good, I think it’s going to be a great season. They were passing the ball, they were sharing the ball, taking turns shooting. Defense needs a little work – we didn’t do too much on defense yet, but we’ll get there.” <