Windham varsity girls’ soccer defeats Maranacook in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ soccer team played an early preseason game against Maranacook at Windham on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The teams were evenly matched in the first half, but Windham really cranked up the offensive intensity in the second half and knocked down the Black Bears 4-1 by the end of the game.

Windham sophomore Logan Curry won't be caught as she
heads toward the goal during a preseason girls' soccer
game against Maranacook on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We had more intensity and drive to get the ball up in the second half, said Windham sophomore Logan Curry who scored two goals during the game. “I think in the beginning of the game the forwards weren’t as connected, with the help of coaches the forwards started to connect and create more space for the wings to get the ball. We communicated and played to space that helps create more space for other people to get the ball. We had some great plays in the back that led up to the forwards and created some good chances for us.”

The Eagles were a little slow to start in the first half but worked hard to be first to the ball and had multiple shots at Maranacook’s goalie, moving her around between the posts.

Curry scored during the first half. Windham offense and defense kept the pressure on the Maranacook goalie and for the most part kept the ball away from Windham’s goalie. Eagle offense did not let up until the first buzzer.

At intermission, the game was tied 1-1.

“The goal for all these scrimmages is to get better and to get kids to know how to play with each other,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb LeBel. “The younger players are stepping up and I’m really proud of them. We did ask (the team) to pick up the intensity in the second half and they did – they came right out and had some really nice shots.”

Windham pressured right from the start of the second half. Offense came at the goalie hard, with multiple shots at goal. Defense held the Black Bears back and severely limited their scoring chances.

Junior Emily Wardwell scored. Then junior Anna Bowie found the back of the net. Curry scored again before the final buzzer.

“We really stayed connected,” said Bowie. Everyone really got the ball and was getting to open space; everyone had a supporting pass which I think is really important. This is one of the first games where we came together as a team and looked really good. The second half we were definitely more aggressive in the box; we talked at halftime about being more aggressive. In the second half we made sure we won the ball and that’s why we scored more. Our goals are to really grow a bond as a team ... the more connected we become, the better we’ll be. Sometimes with our defense we have trouble figuring out how we can mark all the players. As the season goes on, we’ll figure those things out, and it’ll help us be stronger on defense.”

LeBel said the team did a better job toward the end of the game. Defensively they are getting stronger every single game; their confidence is building and she feels that when they possess well out of the back, it leads to them having really good scoring opportunities. LeBel said their finishing needs work; shoot with purpose and for the corners. If a player doesn’t have a nice shot, they should pass to a teammate so they can finish.

Windham will play Kennebunk in the season home opener at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. <

WHS varsity volleyball works on sharpening skills during preseason games

By Matt Pascarella

In preparation for the start of the regular season, Windham High School’s varsity volleyball team played in the preseason Greely Play Day at Greely High School in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Windham senior Shaylin Burrell sets the ball for her
teammates in a prep volleyball game against Cheverus
during a preseason 'Play Day' at Greely High School
in Cumberland on Saturday, Aug. 22.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We’re starting off getting a bunch of mechanics down and getting players comfortable with each other,” said Windham High varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “Improvement (is the goal). Wins will come with the improvement. It’s letting them get comfortable on the floor, making decisions, communicating with each other. One of the things we emphasize is being ok with failure, because failure leads to growth. We were aggressive, our centers were doing well with getting the balls out to the hitters, defensive coverage was pretty good. Getting comfortable in serve-receive (needs work) and knowing the tendencies of the players when you’re in serve-receive ... anticipating versus watching and reacting.”

The day was broken into 30-minute play periods scored to 25. This was the first time this varsity team played together against other varsity teams. Windham played four games total in which they beat Wells 25-10, lost to Greely 25-10, played a very, very close game with Gray New-Gloucester where they came back from being significantly behind to end the game in a 25-25 tie (winner had to win by two) and then lost to Cheverus 25-17 in the final game.

“I think we did great; I’m glad we got to do this before the real season started,” said Windham junior Ava Sibley. “I think this was a great start to the preseason. We played against some teams we don’t play in the regular season. Our serve-receive was really good. I think everyone did a good job hitting and serving, our serving percentage was really good as well. Sometimes people get in their heads, so I think we need to work on getting our energy up no matter what happens. My takeaway from today is it doesn’t really matter if we win or lose, it’s having fun that matters the most – when you’re having fun you play your best.”

Windham senior and libero Zoi Candelmo said that the Play Day games help the team to see what they need to work on, and it helps their coach to see issues at the start of the season. Their goal is to try to come together as a team. They lost 12 seniors to graduation, so they’re building a whole new team.

“It’s really easy to do the drills (in practice) and expect it because you know where the balls going to go in the drill, but when you go up against players you don’t know; it’s really helpful getting a read on them,” said Windham senior Shaylin Burrell. “It’s so helpful because you get a taste of what it’s going to be like playing these teams without it actually being (scored) for something.”

She said that the team chemistry is really good this season.

“Learning to work together went well,” said Candelmo. “During a few games our serve-receive was good. We came in with three goals: serve-receive, ball-setter, ball-hitter and blocking, and we did well in trying to improve on those goals. We need to work on where to be and when to be there. Setting our blocks at the right place to allow our defense to play around it.”

The takeaway for both Candelmo and Burrell was that the Play Day games were helpful. They got to see what they need to improve upon and had fun in the process. They believe Windham is a balanced team that plays well together and will only get better.

Windham’s varsity volleyball will compete in its home-opener against Gray New-Gloucester at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. <

WHS football starts strong at preseason practice

By Matt Pascarella

The preseason for athletics officially began earlier this week and Windham High School’s varsity football team had its first practice of the fall on Monday, Aug. 17. Windham showed they are working hard and ready to win as a team.

Windham junior Dominic Lopez reaches to catch a pass
during the first practice of the varsity football preseason
at Windham High School on Monday, Aug. 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We had a plan all summer as to what stuff we’d install and where we’d be to hit the ground running, so I feel pretty good about where we’re at and where guys are at,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We’re just following what we went through summer to now. The biggest thing (goal-wise for the players) is energy and being coachable, asking questions and being open to learning. Guys will be working on learning the playbook; the big thing for us is the ability to understand your job and the guy’s job next to you.”

The team has a scrimmage scheduled at Kennebunk High on Saturday, Aug. 22. This will be the first time the Eagles will take the field this season.

According to Windham senior Landon Wyman, scrimmages and exhibition games show the team who’s really getting after it and wants to win. His goals for the season are to let everyone have fun and do as much as possible to try and benefit the team.

Over the course of the summer, players have been putting in the work. The team played summer football in preparation for the fall season. They’ve been putting the talent together to create team chemistry.

“We’ve been a lot more intense from last year,” said Windham junior Dominic Lopez. “We’ve been stepping up in practice and preparing more so we can improve on what we did last year. My goals are to make sure the team ... goes to states and at least makes playoffs.”

Lopez said that his personal goal is to make All-Conference this year. He also said he wants to make sure everyone on the team improves.

“If you see someone mess up, don’t get down on them,” said Lopez. “Try to help them improve what they’re doing and fix them in practice. And ... talk to new players outside of practice to make sure they’re included in everything.”

This team knows what it takes to succeed and has been working hard to make sure that happens. There was a lot of strong effort put forth by many individual players during that first practice of the preseason and the team has been putting in the work all week. Windham is ready to show what they are made of.

After Windham scrimmages at Kennebunk, they’ll play an exhibition game against Noble at home on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff for that matchup is at 6 p.m.

“It’s about building each practice,” said Perkins. “We’re not caught up on who we’re playing and what they’re doing, it’s about us getting better and us seeing ourselves develop so the guys can understand how the process works.”

On Friday, Sept. 4, Windham will take on the Oxford Hills Vikings at home in the first official game of the regular season with a 6 p.m. kickoff. <

Sports lessons impact Windham grad's college academics

By Matt Pascarella

Windham 2023 graduate Logan Hirning was a football star while at Windham High School and played in the prestigious Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic. He also played lacrosse. Next year he will graduate from the University of Maine Orono with a degree in construction engineering and says he learned a lot about how leadership and discipline can lead to success in the long-term during his time playing at Windham.

Logan Hirning played football for
Windham in high school but in
college he is focusing on academics
and plays club lacrosse.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hirning has taken a bit of a break from sports to focus on his education but plays club lacrosse. After graduation, Hirning would like to be hired by a general contractor as a project engineer.

“Sports have always been extremely important to me and club was a perfect way to fit in sports while allowing me to focus on my academics,” said Hirning. “I chose construction engineering because of my roots within sports. Construction is a lot like being on a sports team; each party involved has their own role and responsibilities and in achieving success.”

He started playing lacrosse in the third grade and football in second grade. Hirning also played T-ball and baseball. However, he felt baseball was too slow and from then on, lacrosse became his passion. Although he decided to not play football in college, in playing club lacrosse, he’s made new friends while finding that sense of community that playing at Windham made him love so much.

When Hirning played for Windham, he said it proved to him the importance of being on a team.

Hirning has been able to maintain his scholarship while at the University of Maine Orono. He’s also achieved Dean’s List for academics each semester while balancing being vice president of his club lacrosse team.

This summer, Hirning had an internship with Consigli Construction in Portland working directly under a project manager. He worked alongside subcontractors, collected closeout documents, submitted requests for information to the architect, learned a lot and gained a ton of experience through working in the field.

WHS teammate and University of Maine Orono senior William Woolston has played alongside Hirning since they were both in the seventh grade.

“I’ve had the chance to see him grow as both a player and a person,” said Woolston. “Logan is a great teammate because he’s always encouraging the people around him and holds everyone to a high standard, including himself. He’s a strong defensive leader who communicates well, keeps everyone organized, and leads by example with his work ethic and effort. He brings a positive attitude every day, is dependable, and makes the players around him better.”

According to Woolston, Hirning is the type of person every team wants to have – Hirning is a great leader, hard worker and an even better friend and teammate.

“Some advice that I would give young athletes entering college is if you are worried about academic workload and still need that sense of community or team to look into club sports,” said Hirning. “For me it was a perfect opportunity to maintain both.”

Off the field, Hirning enjoys spending time golfing and fishing. He also enjoys spending as much time with friends and family as much as he can. <

Juniors baseball wins Windham Little League division title

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League juniors baseball team became “A” division champions after they won the championship game against Tri-Town at Windham on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Windham took a 5-1 lead in the second inning. Tri-Town scored one more run during the game, but Windham owned this game with a 7-2 win.

Windham Little League juniors baseball sophomore Brady
Legere is about to catch the ball and make a play during
the championship game at Windham on Wednesday,
Aug. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The WLL 2026 juniors baseball championship team consisted of Brady Legere, Colton Kalakowsky, Nolan Harvie, Max Inzerillo, Eli Souther, Elijah Sun, Brayden Morgan, Cody Ruth, Wesson LeDuc, Byron Dansereau and Matthew Beaulieu.

"Our team did really good against this team,” said sophomore Cody Ruth. “Our team locked in and actually did what we were trying to do all season, listening to our coaches. The other team’s pitchers were a good speed for us ... not too many errors, no errors on defense. Everyone really contributed, it was a whole team effort. This was a really good opportunity to show we got a bunch of young prodigies coming up.”

Tri-Town scored one run in the second inning.

Windham answered in the bottom of the second inning, after seventh grader Sun walked. Freshman Brayden Morgan walked then Ruth was hit by a pitch. Eighth grader Wesson LeDuc walked and a run scored.

Seventh grader Byron Dansereau walked, Morgan scored. After a ground out, Ruth and LeDuc scored. Sophomore Brady Legere reached first on an error and Dansereau scored. Windham led 5-1 after two innings.

Max Inzerillo pitched five innings with four strikeouts and Elijah Sun pitched the last two with three strikeouts.

“Just keep throwing strikes, keep going after the hitter,” said Inzerillo. “It didn’t matter where they were, I just had to keep throwing strikes and keep attacking. We hit really well; we played really good defense. I pitched good. It means a lot (to win); we played all summer.”

The Eagle’s defense kept back Tri-Town and only allowed them to score one more run before the end of the game.

Sun singled, Morgan singled, then Ruth singled in the sixth inning. LeDuc singled and Sun and Morgan scored.

“It means a lot (to win the championship), I contributed to that,” said Sun. “I got the opportunity to play on this team. Everything went well, our pitching, our defense, our offense. Offense has improved over the season.”

After a walk in the seventh inning, it was three batters up, and three batters back to the dugout for Tri-Town.

Eli Souther said the team had really good defense, really good pitching; it was good all around. They shut them down, which is what they were supposed to do.

“The attitude today was to take them seriously and try to get a win,” said Windham Little League juniors baseball coach Charlie Reiniger. “I’m happy we’re a much better team. It’s a good progression ... this group has played together for a while. Pitching was outstanding. Cody Ruth did a fantastic job at third base, our fielding was great, we didn’t make an error today. Max was executing his pitches, and they were grounding out and popping out. It means a lot to me; I’ve had a lot of these guys for a couple years ... it’s a good culmination of a couple years of being with them. They dedicated all summer to it. It’s a nice way to go out because these guys have done everything we’ve asked them to do. It means a lot to me to see them go out on top.” <

Windham Little League juniors softball ousts Portland in championship game

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Little League juniors softball team played in the championship game of the summer season against Portland at Windham on Thursday, Aug. 6. Windham scored four runs in the fourth inning and seven runs in the fifth inning. Defense held back Portland as Windham won this game, 12-2.

Windham Little League juniors softball eighth grader Lily
Nickel fields the ball during the Windham juniors softball
championship game against Portland at Windham on
Thursday, Aug. 6. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I always try to instill in the girls this never quite attitude,” said Windham Little League juniors softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I said to them right before the fourth inning the best thing about softball is it’s not a timed sport. And we still had three innings left; so, now how can we make the adjustments the second time through the order and be more disciplined and put the ball in play? Our plate discipline wasn’t there early on ... and defensively we weren’t on our toes. It was nice to see us make those adjustments in the fourth inning and settle down at the plate. They’ve prepared for this all summer long.” 

The WLL 2026 juniors softball championship team consisted of Audrey Libby, Avary Caiazzo, Bella Wescott, Brielle Duffy, Brooke Legere, Caitlynn Halladay, Acadia Wilson, Isabelle Gonzalez, Leah Ronfeldt, Libby Rulman, Lily Nickel, Lydia York, Madelyn Royer, Madison Kennedy, Natalie Brey, Niyah Cummings, Peyton McLean and Shaylee Stanwood.

The Eagles began the game by stopping a runner at home to prevent a run scored early on.

In the fourth inning, Windham eighth grader Legere singled, as did eighth grader Wescott. Legere scored. Then freshman Stanwood hit a long, long, ball to left field for a two-run homerun. Sophomore York singled; Freshman Gonzalez singled and York scored. Windham led 4-2.

“Being loud, excited and hyped led to the win,” said Stanwood who went 3-4 at the plate. “We got together and ... (weren’t nervous about playing Portland again). Everything went well; our fielding and our hitting was really good today. It means a lot to win a juniors championship, because a little team together, can make you better at the game. I’ve improved.”

Seventh grader Kennedy doubled in the fifth inning. Eighth grader Nickel singled. Legere singled and Kennedy and Nickel scored. Windham added five more runs that inning.

“(My mindset was) just to focus on throwing strikes and be working on my spin pitches,” said Wescott who went 3-4 at-bat and pitched the entire game with six strikeouts. “It feels pretty amazing to win a championship, especially to do it with these amazing girls. A lot of practice and hard work (led to the win). We’ve all played together for a while and it’s been really great. Our hitting was really good, we made good contact, and our fielding was good. Everyone put in a lot of hard work and effort and came away with the win.”

Legere singled in the sixth inning, as did Wescott; then Legere scored to end the game.

Gardiner said this juniors league was exactly what she wanted it to be; it was important for her to get to know the girls and vice versa before high school. This season was very rewarding. <

Windham graduate Sarah Talon to play professional basketball in Germany

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School graduate Sarah Talon recently earned her degree from the University of Maine Orono in psychology with a minor in leadership. She plans to work in a therapy department with young kids and athletes. But before she begins her career, she’ll get to fulfill a lifelong dream. This fall, she’ll be moving to Germany where she’ll play pro basketball after signing with the New Basket Oberhausen team.

Windham High and University of Maine graduate Sarah Talon
puts up a shot during a home game at UMaine Orono in
March. Talon recently signed a professional basketball 
contract to play in Germany this fall for the New Basket
Oberhausen team. PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON  

Once the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball season was over, Talon signed with a Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) agent who sent game film to various teams overseas. There are many opportunities to play professional basketball overseas. While she received interest from several countries, Germany’s New Basket Oberhausen team sent her an offer in early June and Talon signed to play with them.

“I think I’ve always had that goal (of playing professional basketball) in the back of my mind,” said Talon. “I knew I didn’t want to stop playing basketball and I wanted to play at the next level; it was an opportunity that arose and I jumped on it, and I’m really thankful for it. Germany was one of my first offers. It was everything I really wanted and needed, and I jumped on that opportunity really fast.”

According to FIBA agent Muhamet Mehmeti, an overseas playing career depends a lot on agent connections and how successful that agent is at placing players with teams.

“I'm connected in almost every team all around Europe, also Australia,” said Mehmeti. “I started working with Sarah straight after college, she had a good season and also is a good person, so it was a perfect fit for me to work with her. I got her film and started to show her to hundreds of teams all around. We had some interest, but we decided for Oberhausen as this league in Germany has proved to be a good one for players on their first year. (If they) play good (they can) jump in bigger leagues as this process is step by step.”

It was in middle school that Talon realized she was better at basketball than soccer. She remembers watching Catherine McCauley player Allie Clement as well as her big sister Hannah. Clement and Hannah were role models of Talon’s, and she wanted to do what they did.

Talon will be playing on a one-year contract which begins on Sept. 1. In addition to playing on the team, she will be coaching a young girls’ basketball team in Germany. The first league game for New Basket Oberhausen is Sept. 26.

“I’m very excited,” said Talon. “I’m a little nervous obviously – I’ve been to Europe one time. I think being in a new country will be a very cool experience; once I do get used to it, this will be very fun. I will use all the basketball IQ I’ve learned along the way, being at Windham and being at the University of Maine Orono and playing at the professional level, I’m really excited.”

She will spend the year getting acquainted with the German basketball experience. Talon said it’s going to be great to see how different things are basketball-wise there and she is looking forward to this new opportunity. <

WYBA’s Sonic Coed 3-on-3 basketball tournament builds friendships

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Basketball Association held its 11th annual Sonic Coed 3-on-3 Tournament at Moody Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. It was a beautiful night and a fantastic opportunity for Windham and other communities to get together and play basketball, all while remembering the late Pat Moody.

Windham fourth grader Carsyn Dore tries to make a basket
during the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament at the Pat Moody
Courts in Windham on Saturday, Aug. 1. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Over 30 teams were registered to participate from third grade through adult leagues in the tournament which benefits the Pat Moody Foundation. It raised more than $1,200 from the event.

“This tournament develops a sense of community, friendships and resilience,” said Windham resident Marina Longstreth. “Growing this tournament is the future of basketball in our town. The tournament is Pat, he would love to have the kids playing, everybody cheering. At the end of the day there is no winning or losing, it’s getting better at the game, that’s all that mattered for him.”

The money raised will go toward supporting Windham and surrounding communities to help out student athletes in need as well as to fund future college scholarships.

Moody started the tournament in 2013, and it is named in memory of Danny "Sonic" Giguere, Windham Class of 1998, who passed away after a car accident. Giguere was a coach, a teacher, a father of three sons and was very active within the community.

“It’s a great community event,” said Windham resident and Windham High School graduate Connor Janvrin. “It’s such a big basketball community. It’s just nice to see it going so well for the Moody Foundation. It’s fun to play against familiar faces. We’re doing what Pat loved, we’re all having fun ... it’s nice. My favorite thing about the tournament is having fun and playing for a great cause. Of course (I’d come back next year).”

Players from all over Southern Maine come out to play the game Moody loved so much. Members from these communities were lined up along the edges of the courts to support the players. This tournament is about the love of the game and getting to know one another – or reconnecting – through basketball.

“The goal of the Sonic 3-on-3 Tournament is to provide a fun basketball experience with summertime vibes,” said WYBA president Ben Delewski. “It's about including everyone, competing and having fun. The coed aspect of the tourney makes it a really unique experience. The real goal is to get the community together for a fun time…the money raised is just the cherry on top. The Pat Moody Foundation was heavily involved in the tournament the last two years, (now held at) the Moody Courts. Pat is everywhere.”

WHS graduate, Windham resident and Sonic Tournament Co-Director Chloe Delewski, said she comes back every year because the tournament is about the kids who want to come out, play and have fun. Everyone participating loves basketball and that is something Pat loved to do. Pat had a big effect on the community. Chloe Delewski said her favorite part of the tournament is getting to be part of something bigger than herself. She enjoys seeing everyone and will definitely be back next year.

“This is the first time I’ve been here, it’s just a great atmosphere,” said Falmouth senior Connor Gooch. “It’s great for the community. I got a couple friends together, I had never heard of this tournament before ... it was super fun, I had a great time. Bringing the community together, Pat was a great guy who had an impact on other people and stuff like this (is great). My favorite part about playing in this tournament is the people; it’s a lot of fun. I’d come back next year.”

Ben Dewlewski feels extremely lucky to have so many special people and businesses volunteering their time to pull off this event. He wants to acknowledge Jessica Lamb, Peyton McLean, AnnaLynne Goodwin, the entire WYBA Board, The Pat Moody Foundation and tournament sponsors Windham Millwork, Investment Executives and Bob the Screenprinter. He would also like to thank the Sonic Co-Director, Chloe Delewski.

“Pat would have absolutely loved (to)night,” said a Raymond resident and assistant Windham High School varsity boys’ basketball coach Geoff Grigsby. <