Trail Blazers hockey ends season with win on late-game goal

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers hockey team shut down Marshwood after Windham sophomore Matt Cote scored a goal late in the third period at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Thursday, Feb. 19. The Trail Blazers ended their season with a 4-3 win over the Hawks.

Sophomore Matt Cote of Windham High School scores the
tie-breaking and game-winning goal for the Trail Blazers
during the final game of the regular boys' hockey season
at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on
Thursday, Feb. 19. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was Senior Night and Bonny Eagle’s Mason Caron and Colby Haskell, managers Wyatt Turgeon and Ben Gammon were presented with a gift, as they and their parents were thanked for their time and dedication to the program.

“Last game of the season, we wanted to go out there and (win) for our seniors, I knew I had to go out there and try my best,” said Cote. “I was fortunate enough to get a very good play by our teammates Josh (Arbour) and Braeden (Greeley) and I was able to ... get a goal there. It felt amazing; I really just wanted to get this win for my team and our seniors. Our two seniors have been amazing for this organization ... (it felt good to go) out there and get this one.”

The Trail Blazers took the ice with intensity. They moved the puck well and had several shots on goal. They gave the Marshwood goalie a workout.

Defense minimized Marshwood’s scoring opportunities, but they did score once in the first period. With eight seconds left, Haskell scored on a power play and tied the game 1-1 after one period.

In the second period, the Trail Blazers went hard after the puck and Haskell scored again.

Marshwood scored twice to take a 3-2 lead after the second period.

“I couldn’t have had more fun with any other team,” said Haskell. “It’s our Senior Night, so stakes were a little higher than usual. Our team just agreed we were going to work (hard) until we had no more juice left. We had a shooter’s mentality, we shot the puck every chance we had, and our passing was more dialed than it was in previous games.”

It all came down to the last three minutes of the third period. Bonny Eagle freshman Alden McGivney scored on a power play and tied the game 3-3. As the clock was winding down, the Trail Blazers worked to break the tie.

Roughly a minute remained when Cote slipped the puck by the goalie. Trail Blazers defense held the Hawks off to end the game.

Greeley said it feels nice to end this season with a win. He said their all-out effort the first period really did it for them this game. In the last (minute), they needed to keep this win going, for their seniors and the team.

“I’ve been with these seniors since they were 5 years old,” said Trail Blazers coach Ben Haskell. “Every year they just get better and better; they are good people they play hard; they play with their heart on their sleeve. It’s meant the world and how proud I am of the people and players they’ve become.

“We knew it was the last game; we wanted to have a strong result for our seniors. Leave it all on the ice and have fun. Moving the puck quicker (went well) ... get shots on net. (In the final minute) our plan was to get the pucks in our offensive zone, keep the puck down there and take a shot if we have the opportunity. It feels great (to end on a win). It was a great learning experience (this season) for our younger players ... we’ll learn and grow and move on.”

The Trail Blazers did not make the playoffs this year. <

Raymond youth futsal program helps strengthen skills in a different environment

By Matt Pascarella

Futsal is similar to soccer but is designed to fine-tune the pace, control and technical skills of traditional soccer. Futsal has several differences; it’s played with a weighted ball and on an indoor basketball court. This creates a much faster style of play than grass.

Jordan-Small Middle School seventh graders Stella Redmon,
foreground, and Brecken Cressey have fun during Raymond
Parks and Recreation's youth futsal league held in the gym
at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond last year.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Raymond Parks and Recreation started offering youth and adult futsal programs last year and this year, the youth program’s spring season begins in April.

“Our program is primarily instructional and skill-focused,” said program head/coach and Raymond Parks and Recreation director Riley Silvia. “Practices ... begin with a stretching routine followed by dribbling activities that introduce a ‘Move of the Day.’ These moves are practiced repeatedly throughout the season so that by the final session, players can perform all learned skills during our dribbling drills. Each week also features a specific theme, such as passing and movement off the ball, quick turns and shielding, defensive techniques, offensive skills, or mastering ball control.”

Futsal participants for Raymond Parks and Recreation play in-house scrimmages each week, instead of league-style games, to give them the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the week in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Youth futsal is broken into three groups: first and second grade, third and fourth grade and fifth grade through eighth grade.

“I think futsal did make me a better athlete,” said Jordan-Small Middle School seventh grader Stella Redmon, who plays for the JSMS soccer team. “It taught me great skills and is overall a great experience. I look forward to being able to play soccer outside of the regular season.”

Redmon said the games were fun and entertaining while showing her how to use the skills learned in a game. She says that she is looking forward to playing futsal in the spring.

“At Raymond Parks and Recreation, youth sports are about far more than gameplay,” said Silvia. “We emphasize routine and structure, so children know what to expect when they arrive. Teamwork and sportsmanship are also central to the program, and players are encouraged to support one another both on the court and from the sidelines. We reward positive encouragement as well, reinforcing that enthusiasm and teamwork do matter.”

Seventh grader Brecken Cressey, who attends Jordan-Small Middle School, plays for the JSMS soccer team and he also plays for the Windham Youth Soccer Association’s 14-Under team. He said futsal helped him to get better at ball control because the ball moves fast and there’s not a lot of space. Futsal makes him think quicker, and to make faster passes, which helps him during regular-season soccer games.

“(Futsal) is fun because the games are really fast and you get a lot more touches on the ball,” said Cressey. “There’s a lot of scoring chances which makes it exciting. Futsal improved my quickness and coordination; Riley was great at coaching us. I want to play again this season because it helps me stay ready for soccer, and it’s fun.”

Players are given the chance throughout the season to demonstrate leadership, such as helping to lead with team warm-ups.

Parents can register students for the youth futsal season by visiting https://raymond.recdesk.com/

Early bird registration runs through March 8 and regular registration continues through April 1.

There is also an adult futsal program which is currently running through May. For more details visit https://raymond.recdesk.com/ <

Windham girls’ basketball falls in playoff quarterfinals

By Matt Pascarella

Fifth-seeded Windham took on fourth seed Biddeford in the Class A South quarterfinal game at the Portland Expo on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and it all came down to the final 30 seconds, where both teams fought for the chance to advance. After leaving everything on the court, Windham came up short and lost, 45-42.

Windham freshman Carly Franzoni speeds by a defender
during the Class A South quarterfinal basketball game
against Biddeford at the Portland Expo on Tuesday,
Feb. 17. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We did a good job in the half court all game long,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “Just a couple mistakes where we let some people loose to open shots and Biddeford capitalized. I’m so proud of the kids; they worked so hard and did everything that we asked them to and more. It’s been a great year. We had some shots in the first half (that went well). Our defensive intensity really lended itself on the offensive end as well – created some good stuff for us. We did a good job moving the ball it was a good team effort overall. Bella was a sparkplug for us today. We just fell short at the end. They played their hearts off. I blame nobody, I blame no one thing. It’s been a real good year.”

Windham began hungry and rebounded well; combined with strong offense, they took a small lead early in the game.

Biddeford soon caught up and tied the game 9-9, then tied it 15-15. Windham junior Isabella Vassoler sank a three-pointer. Biddeford responded by hitting a three-pointer.

Vassoler hit a buzzer-beater before the end of the first half. Windham led, 20-18.

The Eagle’s offense and defense remained solid in the second half. They continued to rebound well, and they were on the Tigers’ heels.

In the fourth quarter, freshman Carly Franzoni sank a three pointer and Windham led. Biddeford tied the game at 35-35.

Sophomore Mackenzie Delewski sank a three-pointer, but Biddeford was right there to tie the game 38-38. Windham fought right down to the final few seconds.

“I think the approach for us going into the game was to just enjoy the experience and be proud of ourselves and how far we’ve come this season,” said Delewski who scored 13 points. “I think switching man-to-man was a great decision because of their shooting ability; I think we rebounded well so Biddeford wasn’t able to get as many shots. On offensive and breaking the press, we were much more composed and made more of our outside shots as well. (Something else that went well was) not having a lot of turnovers; I think we were very patient when breaking the press and we were able to get some good looks after we broke it.”

As the clock wound down, senior Marley Jarvais sunk two free throws. This game was incredibly close as with just 46 seconds left, Windham led by two points. But a Biddeford three-pointer gave the Tigers the lead by one point with 15 seconds remaining.

Artes said they needed to make sure they had good coverage defensively in the final 15 seconds and get a rebound. Then they could take care of the ball, Biddeford would foul them, but then Biddeford sank a three-pointer and that put Windham in a position where they needed to foul Biddeford. A foul at the end and that was that.

“I think we came in with the ‘anybody can win it’ mentality and I think that definitely helped,” said Vassoler, who scored 11 points. “We fought harder, we played better defense, we got more shots up than the first time (we played them in the regular season), we didn’t allow as many three-pointers. I think fixing little miscommunications (might have turned things around). I forgot to switch on the girl, we could have put in a basket, converted it, just little things, but I think we did the best we could. We persevered, we kept with them the entire time. We really were fighting tooth and nail until the end of that game.” <

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey force overtime, narrowly lose in state final

By Matt Pascarella

Making their fourth consecutive state championship appearance, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey played Yarmouth/Falmouth at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 14. These two teams went scoreless for 45 straight minutes, each battling for the win. Midway through overtime, Yarmouth/Falmouth scored and won, 1-0.

The Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls' hockey team
displays the state runner-up plaque after a heartbreaking 
loss in overtime against Yarmouth/Falmouth at the
Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn on Saturday,
Feb. 14. The Cheverus/Windham/Medomak team was
appearing in its fourth consecutive state championship
game. PHOTO BY MEREDITH ROUSSEAU 

“This team (Cheverus) is completely different than anything we were in November,” said Cheverus/Windham/Medomak coach Scott Rousseau. “To go on a 12-1 run and get to overtime in the state final, I couldn’t ask for anything more. The other raw emotion is we lost to a good hockey team, it was their time tonight ... congratulations to them and their players, they were fantastic. We preach all the time that I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but if we have faith in each other, we’ll figure it out – and that’s what makes a loss like this so difficult. You got a lot of girls that were really proud ... and we weren’t just going to give it away and the result was a memorable game.”

This was the third time in four years these two teams had faced each other. The game opened with incredible intensity and defense. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak took several shots on goal, but nothing landed. Cheverus senior goalie Ellie Skolnekovich let nothing by her in any period.

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak aggressiveness did not wane in the second period. Their offense took every opportunity it could, but Yarmouth/Freeport defense was tough. They worked hard to be first to the puck, but the game remained scoreless.

“It was amazing to get the chance and play for this team,” said Windham freshman Logan Curry. “It was (about) supporting each other through the whole thing. Everyone was nervous, we knew we had to play tough, play hard. Yarmouth/Freeport is a great team, and we knew we had to ... show them what Cheverus has. Once we got it, we forechecked liked crazy, we kept the puck in and created opportunities; our defense did not give up, they played phenomenal. I think we played our hardest, I don’t think any of us will go back with regrets, we played our hearts and played for each other.”

Stag offense kept at it in the third period while the Cheverus/Windham/Medomak’s defense remained exceptional.

As the clock wound down it was clear this game was going into overtime.

Roughly halfway through the overtime period, Yarmouth/Freeport scored. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak intensity remained for well past 45 minutes of play.

“I kept telling myself, I’m made for (tough moments),” said Cheverus Skolnekovich, who had 23 saves during the game. “And we were built for moments like that; we weren’t ever really nervous about it being 0-0 ... it was no different than any other game and I kept telling myself one play at a time, and every puck that came, I found a way (to block it). I stayed in the moment and I went for it. We knew we had to play hard, and they were going to come out, and they were going to want to win. The further and further we got into the game with it being 0-0 we knew they were going to get anxious, but props to Yarmouth/Falmouth they stayed really composed. We played our game and we focused on us. I give props to Logan Curry, we put a lot of pressure on her this year ... we worked really, really hard and we played for each other and that was the biggest thing.”

Rousseau said 45 scoreless minutes says this is a very disciplined and intelligent team. They were hoping for that one chance and unfortunately that didn’t happen. They overachieved ... this year. By all measurements, it was a dream season that came up one dream short. <

Wolfpack wrestles strongly through state championship meet

By Matt Pascarella

Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Westbrook’s Wolfpack wrestling team had eight wrestlers make it to the Maine State Class A Championships. Wrestlers from all over the state came to compete at Cony High School in Augusta on Saturday, Feb. 14. Of the eight, the Wolfpack had three place winners, more than last year, and the Wolfpack finished 14th, which was higher than they placed last year with a score of 34.

Windham senior Junius Pope works to gain control during a
match against a Thornton Academy wrestler in the Maine
State Class A Wrestling Championships at Cony High
School in Augusta on Saturday, Feb. 14.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

State qualifiers were Westbrook junior Sajjad Jumaah, Westbrook senior Ben Corriveau and Westbrook junior Lucas Roberson. Alternates included Gray New-Gloucester freshman Lee Thompson, Windham senior Andrew Kennedy and Windham freshman Nathan Somma.

“I’m really proud of my team,” said Jumaah “We worked really hard for this; we’ve been training really hard. I really appreciate (all my coaches) for all they’ve done. My teammates are placing. I was the most mentally prepared ever for any tournament I’ve ever been in. I got in my head (after a semifinal loss), but it’s also a team sport and I had to stop thinking individually. I got to do it for the team.”

After a loss in the quarterfinals, Corriveau had back-to-back wins in consolation rounds and a loss in the finals. He finished fourth in the 126-weight class.

Jumaah won his quarterfinal match, lost in the semifinals and then came back in the consolation semifinals and the finals and finished in third place in the 138-weight class.

“In my semis match, I really got in my head and wrestled conservative,” said Jumaah. “I waited too long and lost semis. I found myself wrestling back to third place; next best thing is what coach always says and I wasn’t going to let myself go out without getting third place. I know I’m going to win All States and after that I’m looking at New Englands. Next week I’m really going to give it my all (in preparation for All States).”

Roberson won in the quarterfinals, lost in the semifinals, won in the consolation semifinals and lost a tough match in the consolation final. He finished fourth place in the 165-weight class.

“My mindset was I just wanted to place ... I’m good at wrestling ... I knew I had to work my hardest every match,” said Roberson. “I got to work my butt off to be (the best version of) me I can be. We were prepared for this and a lot of us were in the right mindset going into our matches, but some stuff that went bad for us was people going into matches completely ok with losing, thinking there was no other option. Everyone fought hard and it was completely even for most of my matches ... I think the competition level was medium, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. I love my family; I love my coaches.”

Thompson lost in the quarterfinals, then won the consolation quarterfinals. He beat a kid from Marshwood that had beaten him twice during the regular season. He lost the consolation semifinals and finals to finish sixth in the 132-weight class.

“I thought the team wrestled very well,” said Wolfpack coach John Nicholas. “Having three-place winners was more than we had last year and we placed higher this year as a team. Our team got healthy after the holiday break, and we started to compete very well. We finished the season with 19 dual wins. Overall, we fought hard at states, picked up some key wins and finished with three on the podium. We really ramped up our practices heading into the post-season and it paid off. We will continue to do so as we get ready for girls’ states and All States.” <

Varsity boys’ basketball ends regular season with win over Thornton Academy on Senior Night

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s varsity boys’ basketball team earned the top seed in the Class A South tournament as it looks toward the playoffs after defeating Thornton Academy at Windham High on Thursday, Feb. 5. The first time Windham competed against Thornton Academy earlier this season the game was a lot closer, with Windham winning by two points in their first game of the year. However, in its final game of the regular season, Windham secured the lead at the end of the first quarter and remained out in front for the rest of the game and crushed the Trojans, 64-51.

Windham senior AJ Moody sets up to take a shot during the
final game of the boys' varsity basketball regular season
against Thornton Academy at Windham High School
on Thursday, Feb. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

It was also Senior Night as Windham’s AJ Moody, Tyrie James and manager Ethan Nguyen were presented with a gift as a thank you to them and their parents for all their time and dedication to Windham athletics.

“We saw a bunch of our old teammates in the stands,” said Moody. “Our (whole) community was here and we really appreciate everybody, especially Bob Witham. Playing for our team and us seniors, knowing it was going to be the last game out on this court, no matter who the competition was, we were going to die on that court and give it everything we got. Our defense was very active; we knew what our roles were there. We just got to work on transition stuff and once we put it all together, I think we’re going to be golden, but right now we have a lot to work on.”

James opened the game with a three-pointer. It was a close game early on with high intensity and everyone was moving at a fast pace. At the end of the first quarter Windham led by just two points, but from that point on they would remain in the lead and Thornton Academy would never recover.

The Eagles’ defense was strong and shut down Trojan scoring opportunities every chance they got. Windham kept distancing themselves from Thornton Academy on the scoreboard. Sophomore Sean Lebel sank a three-pointer and at the half, Windham led, 30-18.

“Our team has gotten a lot better since game one,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “Watching their growth over the season and their composure has never changed, and their execution has been outstanding for this last seven weeks of basketball. The guys are practicing well, they’re focused ... all that stuff translates to games. Our defense was really, really good tonight; we’re a more physical team. We learned a lot from that first game and did all we could to take away Thornton’s opportunities.”

In the second half, Thornton Academy was slowly working to close the gap, but the Eagles remained ahead by more than 10 points. Junior Colin Janvrin hit a three-pointer. James sank a buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter.

The Eagles rebounded well in the fourth quarter as they kept a nice distance between them and Thornton Academy. Intensity never dipped and Windham ran out the clock and earned the win.

“It was amazing, everyone coming to support us, people we’ve seen from our freshman year up to now,” said James who scored 31 points. “We came out with intensity. (We need to work on) transition defense.”

Janvrin, who scored 16 points, said that the first time they played Thorton Academy they didn’t give them their best game, so the coaches hyped them a little bit and said that they needed to play their best basketball; they came out and did that.

“The defensive side really separated us and the offensive side,” said Pulkkinen. “We had some great possessions; possession-by-possession, get a stop, get a great look and we were doing that constantly tonight and eventually that adds up on the scoreboard. They all trust one another and when that trust is there, they knock down shots, get easy layups, that makes us tough to guard. The playoffs come down to details and preparation. We’ll do our best to get these guys ready and prepared.” <

WYBA seventh-grade boys’ earn fourth straight championship title

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Basketball Association’s seventh-grade boys’ McLean team earned their fourth consecutive Maine Basketball League playoff championship title by beating Auburn 42-41 at the XL Sports World in Saco on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Windham Youth Basketball Association seventh-grade 
McLean team gathers after winning its fourth
consecutive Maine Basketball League playoff
championship at XL Sports World in Saco on
Sunday, Feb. 8. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

In this double-elimination tournament Windham had lost to Auburn once, so when it came down to the championship, Windham had to beat undefeated Auburn twice in order to win.

Windham beat Auburn in game one 46-34 at the Maine Basketball Academy in Portland on Sunday, Feb. 8.

The second championship game was a nailbiter with Windham trailing in the second half. But they battled back to tie the game and forced overtime.

Smart playing and skill gave the Eagles the edge during overtime. Windham held off Auburn and won their fourth championship.

“It feels so good (to win a fourth consecutive championship), said Lucien Kri, who sunk a game-winning layup during the final seconds of overtime. “We put in all we had, even if we were tired. My dad (was the motivation to keep pushing and playing hard).”

Joel Delewski said playing together and the team chemistry, along with the talent led to the win. Delewski had a clutch three-pointer that tied the game during regular play with 12 seconds left.

“We encouraged the team to trust themselves and all the work they put in to get to this point,” said Windham seventh-grade boys’ basketball coach Joey McLean. “They rallied together and fought until the final whistle. I’m so fortunate to be able to coach such a great group of kids.”

Windham Youth Basketball Association’s seventh-grade boys’ team consists of Max Inzerillo, Preston McLean, Cam Young, Kri, Ethan Bonnvie, Delewski, Alex Gonzalez, Kody Freese, Bronson Bassett, Grayson Grigsby and Kayo Longstreth. <

WHS swim team tunes up for postseason with solid meet against Kennebunk

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s swimming team competed in one of their final regular season meets against Kennebunk at Saint Joseph’s College on Saturday, Feb. 7. The team is preparing for the Southwestern competitions and the state championships. The Windham boys’ team beat the Rams, 97-37, and the Windham girls’ team put in a very strong effort but lost, 70-22.

Windham sophomore Peter Funk swims the breaststroke 
during one of the final regular season swim meets against 
Kennebunk at Saint Joseph's College on Saturday, Feb. 7.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We talk about elevating the pace in which you race,” said Windham swim coach Peter Small. “We’ve been focusing on technique all year and we’ve seen great time drops. I wanted to see that hunger to race today; have some of the speed things kick in, our turnover rate and we saw it across the board. I feel really good ... and they are responding well to each other racing – they’re lifting each other up even more. They’re responding during meets and they’re responding in practice. Our turns (need work); you can never be as good as you want to be in turns, whether it’s the distance coming in, whether it’s the speed of the hips into the wall, we’re fine tuning a lot of those things along with pacing.”

BOYS

Freshman Thomas Hilmer finished first in the 200-freestyle with a time of 2:24.01 minutes. He also finished first in the 100-backstroke with a 1:13.71 time.

Jacoby Burton, a freshman, finished second in the 200 with a time of 2:37.10 as well as fourth in the 100 with a 1:07.97 time.

Sophomore Peter Funk finished first in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:12.16. Funk was first in the breaststroke with a 1:12.61 time.

“The team did really well, good morale and swims throughout the team,” said Funk. “We're getting ready to win Southwesterns and I think it'll be close between us and TA. I might be a little biased but I think we should come out with the win. I personally haven't (set a personal record) in anything in a while, but I don’t mind because I still have time.”

Sophomore Lonnie Fitts said everybody has worked hard this season and they’re going to keep going until the end.

GIRLS

Maya Fitts, a junior, finished first in the 500-freestyle with an 8:06.64 time. She was second in the 50-freestyle with a time of 36.35.

“Everyone is improving on how fast they are and their flip turns,” said Fitts. “I think I’m getting faster; I set personal records in the 500-freestyle and the 50-freestyle. Maybe team cheering (needs work). (It is a goal of mine to) qualify for the state championship meet.”

Stephanie Roghelia, a sophomore, finished first with a time of 2:18.93 in the 200-freestyle and first in the 100 with a 1:00.50 time.

“A lot of it is the psychological – having kids believe they can swim faster than they can,” said Small. “The mantra today was I want you to go to a place that’s uncomfortable. Our walls can always get better but letting the kids believe in themselves to go to a place that’s uncomfortable, knowing the payout is on the other side.” <

WYBA fifth-grade boys’ squad falls to Gardiner in Maine Basketball League playoffs

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Basketball Association fifth-grade boys’ ‘Black’ basketball team played a crucial game in the double elimination Maine Basketball League Playoffs. The Black team had narrowly lost to the Windham ‘White’ team in the first game of the playoffs. Windham’s ‘Black’ team left it all on the court but ultimately lost to Gardiner, 51-28.

Fifth-grader Callen Call  of the Windham Youth Basketball
Association keeps his eyes on his defender as he holds
onto possession of the ball in the Maine Basketball League
playoffs against Gardiner at XL Sportsworld in Saco on
Saturday, Jan. 31. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“A game like that is an opportunity for learning,” said Windham fifth-grade boys’ ‘Black’ team coach Ethan Stubbert. “You’re going to run into teams that are just hot and (it provides) learning opportunities for kids at this age to know that not every game is going to go their way and continue to bring the effort and the intensity every single play. The objective is to win every single possession ... start small and good things will happen. It didn’t go our way today, but ... good things are ahead.”

While out of the Maine Basketball League Playoffs, Stubbert said that this team still has the opportunity to participate in the Town Team tournament, which is a statewide tournament with no Amateur Athletic Union teams. This fifth-grade Windham boys’ team will get the chance to play in three to four games minimum, more if they win. This tournament is a good chance to get a look at players from across the state.

Early in the game against Gardiner, Windham moved the ball well and offense was working hard to get them on the scoreboard. Gardiner took an early lead, but it was Windham’s Roman Eaton who sank a foul shot to get Windham on the scoreboard.

Windham’s Landen Rancourt also sank a basket from just inside the arc.

Gardiner was way out in front, but Windham kept at it and slowly began closing the gap. At the half, Gardiner led 21-8.

The Windham boys kept their heads up in the second half and started the half strong. Callen Call sunk a three-pointer. Then moments later, he did it again.

The lead remained with Gardiner, but Windham battled hard until the very end.

“We did good,” said Call. “It’s just (Gardiner) is a pretty good team. I feel like I played pretty good, our passing (went well). Our cuts (need work) because ... we don’t look at the ball.”

Malachi Coady hit a buzzer beater before the very end of the game.

“(I learned) to never quit (from this game),” said Coady. “We passed and moved the ball around well. Keeping our energy up and playing harder (might have flipped the score).”

Stubbert said he was listening to them on the bench, and the kids were very supportive of each other. He didn’t see a lot of hanging heads and their attitude in general was positive despite the negative outcome. Stubbert said they are a resilient group that will bounce back.<

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey skates by Biddeford in final regular season game

By Matt Pascarella

In their final game of the regular season, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey dismantled Biddeford 5-1 at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena in Portland on Saturday, Jan. 31. This earned the Stags the top seed as they head into the playoffs.

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak freshman Logan Curry of
Windham moves the puck closer to the net during a girls'
ice hockey game against Biddeford at the William B,
Troubh Ice Arena in Portland on Saturday, Jan. 31.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was Senior Night; Windham’s Ashley Cloutier along with Cheverus’ Scotlyn Buxton, Briella Doherty, Joey Pompeo and Ellie Skolnekovich were presented with a gift as a thank you to them and their parents for all their hard work and dedication to Cheverus Athletics.

“It’s been great to play for Cheverus these past four years,” Cloutier said. “The people have been so welcoming and are like family to me. It really doesn’t matter what school you come from; they just treat you like (one of) their own.”

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak offense and defense was strong as they gave the Biddeford goalie a workout and kept the puck away from the Cheverus side of the ice.

The Stags went hard after the puck and were aggressive. Two minutes remained in the first period when Pompeo scored one of her four goals for the night.

Doherty scored in the first period with 44 seconds remaining. At the end of the first period, it was 2-1 favoring Cheverus/Windham/Medomak.

“We had a tough week; it was really hard; we had a few late nights,” said Windham freshman Logan Curry. “We needed to buckle down and bring it because (Biddeford) is tough, but we were ready, we wanted to win this – we just needed that energy and that led us all the way. Some things that went well were getting it deep and getting pucks on net. We didn’t do that many blind passes and did a good job on the wings. We just need to focus on our game and do what we need to do to get the job done.”

In the second period, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak moved the puck and took multiple shots on goal. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak defense shut down Biddeford scoring opportunities. Pompeo scored; 3-1, Cheverus/Windham/Medomak after two periods.

“We bare down in practices,” said Pompeo. “Coach has prepared us very well, so without him, it wouldn’t be possible. I think it’s a great start to playoffs, it felt like a playoff game. We’re prepared ... I think the defense had great breakout passes and our neutral zone was cleaned up a lot ... getting bodies in front of the net, hard pucks. I think keeping our heads in the game the whole game (is important).”

The Stag’s intensity did not drop in the third period. They were going to get this win. Cheverus/Windham/Medomak defense held back Biddeford and Pompeo scored twice more.

Stag goalie Skolnekovich, had 23 saves on 24 shots on goal.

“A lot of good teamwork and support (led to this win),” said Cheverus/Windham/Medomak girls’ hockey coach Scott Rousseau. “The game was really emotional, and we did a lot better job controlling our emotions and sticking with the things we have to do to be successful. We did a really good job to get pucks behind their defensemen and work on the cycle game and get pucks to the net and get some ugly goals. We did a good job against their top two players ... we did a really good job of not giving them much space, we tied them up. Biddeford is a really talented team, and tonight is a big win for us.

Puck management was really good, we got out of our zone pretty cleanly, and I think our wingers did a nice job of not being panicky with the puck. We really didn’t spend much time defending because we were in puck possession much of the night. If you’re in puck possession, good things are going to happen.”

Cheverus/Windham/Medomak will play in the South semifinal on Saturday, Feb. 7 with the opponent to be determined. <