Windham varsity basketball coach Pulkkinen earns 100 career wins

By Matt Pascarella

Before winning his second straight boys’ state basketball championship, Windham High varsity basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen notched his 100th career win during the state semifinal game against Portland on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, just 10 years after becoming the team’s head coach.

Windham High varsity boys' basketball coach is interviewed
after his team won the state championship defeating South
Portland on Saturday, March 1. Pulkkinen posted his
100th career victory earlier in the state playoffs 
during the state semifinals against Portland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to coach and to play a small role in the success of the kids at Windham,” said Pulkkinen. “It (100 wins) means I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great young men who share the same passion for basketball that I do. Our culture has been a priority from the very beginning. The true foundation of our program is the people within it—starting with my assistant coaches. They are instrumental in shaping our culture, embodying the same character, work ethic, and attitude we expect from our players.”

Pulkkinen has always had a personal goal of giving back to the town where he grew up. He is grateful for the opportunity to do so.

After college, Pulkkinen got the opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal – to play basketball professionally. He was invited to several pro-camps where he was scouted internationally and selected by the Northampton Neptunes in England. He was involved in the team’s developmental program, working with nearly 400 kids from ages 8 to 16 teaching them basketball. It has become one of the most enriching experiences of his career.

“Working with Chad, and the rest of this staff, is one of the most rewarding parts of my life,” said Windham assistant coach Geoff Grigsby. “Chad, specifically, is why I wanted to join the program in the first place. Watching a couple years of him coaching at WHS showed he had a lot of potential as a coach. I appreciate the culture he's built and the relationships that will last a lifetime because of his leadership far more.”

In 2015, it was Pat Moody who recruited Pulkkinen for the WHS head coaching position. Pulkkinen and his wife had just had their second child and coaching wasn’t on his mind. Although hesitant, Moody could sense this and continued insisting he could excel in the coaching role. Eventually, Pulkkinen took the job and says that he’s glad he did.

“From the start, Pat set me up for success, including introducing me to two incredible assistant coaches who had already been part of the program: Peter Brown and George McCrillis,” said Pulkkinen. “They are two of the best people in this town. I was fortunate to have their experience and guidance in those early years.”

McCrillis is still coaching with him today alongside three other coaches including Grigsby, Noah Estey and Chris Sargent.

“It’s hard for me to explain what a big part (coaching) is in my life,” said McCrillis. “It’s more than just basketball; it’s the kids, it’s the relationships, it’s their families, the community – and that really starts with Chad. We demand high standards and good sportsmanship. To us it’s about the big picture ... it’s not just about wins and losses (for Chad) and trying to feed our own personal egos. He talked about this right from the get-go that he wanted to develop a culture in Windham that Windham would become known throughout the state as a basketball town.”

Pulkkinen was so intensely focused on the team’s success that McCrillis had to remind him the semifinals victory was his 100th win.

Basketball is a vehicle for life and Pulkkinen, along with his coaches, want players to leave the program feeling prepared for life’s challenges through basketball. The game teaches invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. It means a lot to him to know that he has played a small part in his players’ success, hopefully, has had a positive impact in their journey.

“The impact that he has on us is tremendous, he builds confidence in us on the court as people, students, children,” said senior AJ Moody. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had; he pushes us through walls to make us the team we were during the State Championships.” <

WHS graduate Brown continues to give back to basketball program

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2020 graduate Cameron Brown was a star on the court, while succeeding in the classroom. He’ll be a senior in the fall at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, majoring in media studies, with a minor in athletics coaching. He’s been volunteering his time with Windham High School’s basketball program coaching the boys’ first or freshmen team, the summer junior varsity team and the varsity team during the fall season. His goal is to get to the highest level of college coaching he can.

Windham High graduate and University of Southern Maine
senior Cameron Brown focuses on the ball during a
preseason basketball game at Southern Maine Community
College in South Portland last November.
PHOTO BY JAMES LIEBOWITZ,
USM ATHLETIC PHOTOGRAPHY    

“One of the biggest reasons I got involved with the boys’ team at Windham High School was the culture that Chad (Pulkkinen) has built since I was a player,” said Brown. “We had some close-knit teams when I was at WHS but never the culture he has brought to the team this past year. This is a very special group. They work out together, eat together, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company on and off the court. Chad ... is a huge inspiration to me and has always had my best interest in mind.”

Basketball has been something Brown remembers being around from the earliest days in his life. His father was a basketball coach, so he’s always been around the game and was drawn to it from the first moment he could pick up a ball.

“Just having one of the guys back like him, who can relate to the kids and what experiences they are going through is important,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “He understands the commitment it takes and has been able to play at the next level which allows players to pick his brain. He brings a maturity and love for the game that is contagious within the group. He has really evolved his basketball IQ and has become a really good teacher of the game. He’s a basketball coach’s kid, so he understands the game from a different perspective and shows incredible composure and focus while working with our guys.”

Volunteering for Coach Pulkkinen’s staff as a behind the scenes assistant last season was a lot of fun for Brown. The entire staff was very open to everything he had to offer and that really speaks to their character, allowing a young college kid to step into a role and value his opinions. Coaches George McCrillis, Geoff Grigsby, Noah Estey and Pulkkinen are lifelong friends of Brown’s and have all played a crucial role in helping him in his playing and coaching career.

Since Brown is a 22-year-old kid who’s had the experience of playing at the next level where a lot of his players want to go, Brown has brought a different perspective to the program. He believes it’s easy for the players to relate to him, because not long ago he was in their shoes.

One of the things Brown wants to bring to the game and stress to his players as a coach and teacher is being where your feet are. A lot of players worry about things down the line in their career, being scouted, rankings or upcoming games. Brown used to have similar worries until someone told him to just be where his feet are and stay focused on what you can control.

“Coach Cam is a great coach because of the experiences he’s been through as a player at Windham and also the University of Southern Maine,” said Windham junior AJ Moody. “He’s helped me by calling me to come workout with him and pushing me to my best ability. He helped during the championship season by being at some of our practices and showing us the little things that are very useful in the long run. He has helped this program by just bringing a better connection with us. If we are playing down in my gym, we will invite Coach Cam; he’s great to be around.” <

Windham Youth Basketball’s 3-on-3 tournament a chance for all to enjoy sport

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Basketball Association’s ninth annual 3-on-3 Sonic Coed tournament was held at the Windham Public Safety building on Sunday, July 21 and witnessed another solid turnout. The tournament is a chance for players of all ages from any town to compete in a friendly game of the sport they love.

Windham sixth grader Lucien Kri looks to pass during
Windham Youth Basketball Association's Sonic Coed
3-on-3 Tournament in Windham on Sunday, July 21.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“This all started with a good friend of mine, Dan Giguere,” said Windham resident Chris Sargent. “Having my kids play in it and ... these kids just have a love for basketball and it’s great to see; the future is so bright for Windham basketball.”

Giguere was a coach, teacher, father and very active in the community. Sadly, Giguere passed away in a car accident.

Seventh grader and Kennebunk resident Chase Lovejoy was asked to play by Steven DePaolo II who coaches his travel team. Lovejoy enjoys playing basketball and preparing for the winter season.

“I really like playing basketball during the summer, because I want to be ready for the season and this is fun,” said Windham sixth grader Sammi Wyman. “You get to know people that are on your team that you didn’t know before; and you get to play with them.”

The Windham Youth Basketball Association raised $1,500 through the event which will be split between the Windham Youth Basketball programs and the Windham High School basketball programs.

“It’s important because it’s fun,” said organizer Ben Delewski. “I enjoy refereeing it and playing in it; the coed aspect of it really strengthens Windham as a basketball town with a basketball culture.” <

Windham graduate Sarah Talon continues excelling on and off the court

By Matt Pascarella

2022 Windham graduate Sarah Talon has always worked hard. She currently attends the University of Maine at Orono where she helped lead the team to win the America East Championship last month and earned the school its 10th appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball tournament.

Windham 2022 graduate and current University of Maine 
sophomore Sarah Talon keeps her focus on the hoop
during the America East Conference championship game
in Orono on March 15. PHOTO BY SETH POPLASKI  

Talon is majoring in psychology with a minor in leadership and would like to work in the therapy department with young kids and athletes upon her graduation.

“This season has been one I will never forget,” said Talon. “Playing in the NCAA was ... a chance to play against some of the best teams in the country. It was a dream come true. I was once 10, 11, 12 years old and watching March Madness at home and was always hoping that one day that would be me. Getting the opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in basketball was something I will never forget. I knew that I needed to take in every moment and to enjoy it.”

She says that she used to watch Catherine McCauley basketball player Allie Clement, as well as Talon’s older sister Hannah. They were both role models of hers and she began to play basketball when she was 6 and was first coached by Paul Foley, whom she is still in contact with today.

Talon initially thought soccer was her strong suit but seemed to naturally gravitate toward basketball. She realized she was much better at basketball and enjoyed it a lot more. That’s not to say she doesn’t enjoy soccer, and isn’t really good at it, but basketball has given her so much happiness and excitement every time she picked up a ball.

Since she first started playing, Talon has played in a variety of leagues, including the Amateur Athletic Union. Her time at Windham High School helped her prepare for playing collegiately because the AA North region is very competitive and gave her the opportunity to play against other Division 1 players.

“She’s so funny to be around; she’s always in a good mood,” said University of Southern Maine at Orono graduate student and teammate Anne Simon. “She really makes the team laugh a lot, such a good friend off the court. It was great to see her improvement from freshman year to sophomore year. She got to understand her role on the team and really developed over the season; she did an amazing job improving in defense – that was a huge thing for her. Also, offensively knowing what we need from her; she stepped up this year.”

Simon is really proud of the team and Talon. They wanted to go to March Madness and they did. Although they fell to Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA, the Black Bears did a good job focusing on themselves and what each of them needed as individuals in order to be a good team which made the season a success.

“She’s embraced the challenges of a Division 1 athlete and she’s worked really hard and done a really nice job for us,” said Black Bears women’s basketball head coach Amy Vachon. “She’s a great teammate. She’s learned a lot and learned about our program and how things work, and I think she’s gotten stronger and done a lot of really good things. She earned that spot [as a starter] and brings a lot to the table and has had a really great year. Her athleticism is something we don’t see in our conference; she can do things on the court other people can’t; her athleticism is unmatched.”

Talon was one of two non-senior starters on the team. She said the coaches gave her goals to work for in the off season and she worked at them non-stop. Those coaches have confidence in her and believe in her every day. Having high standards from not just the team and coaching staff, but from Talon herself elevated this team to become a championship team.

“You get what you put in,” said Talon. “The amount of hard work you put into this game will get you far. I was told by many people when I was younger how they did not think I could play at this level. They said I was ‘too skinny’ or ‘not skilled enough.’ This only made me want to work harder. There will always be people that will doubt what you want to do. Don't listen to them and use it as motivation to prove them wrong.” <

Windham graduate Tara Flanders reaches basketball milestone of 1,000 points in career

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School 2019 graduate, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) graduate and current University of Southern Maine (USM) senior Tara Flanders scored her 1,000th point on Feb. 22 in a semifinal game with University of Massachusetts Dartmouth at USM in Gorham and surpassed 700 rebounds.

Windham graduate and USM senior Tara
Flanders competes during a college
basketball game against Plymouth State
at USM in Gorham. Flanders recently
surpassed 1,000 points in her career.
PHOTO BY JAMES LIEBOWITZ
USM ATHETIC PHOTOGRAAPHY  

“Coming to USM I knew that I was only 201 points away from scoring 1,000,” said Flanders. “But I tried not to think about it too much because I never wanted that to be my main focus going into games. The mindset I had was ‘if I get it, I get it, and if I don’t, it’s not the end of the world.’ All I cared about was winning games with my teammates. If I’m being honest, I think surpassing 700 rebounds is just as cool as scoring 1,000 career points. Scoring is harder than rebounding because you can have nights were you’re not hitting your shots but getting rebounds is all effort and grit.”

She became interested in basketball at age 5. Flanders remembers her parents driving her to Windham High School to participate in youth camps with the varsity players. Her parents introduced her to a variety of sports, but she always gravitated toward basketball.

“Playing a collegiate sport at any level has its ups and downs,” said Flanders. “I can confidently say that they were some of the best years of my life. The things I learned from basketball I will be able to use with me for the rest of my life, such as how to deal with conflict, how to communicate with people, and how to work together with a group of people to achieve a common goal.”

While at SMCC she got her degree in liberal studies and business administration. She is working toward completing her degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies at USM. Flanders doesn’t specifically know what she wants to do after college but would like to coach. She will start an internship for a non-profit organization called “Strong Girls United” where she’ll be mentoring and working with young girls.

“Tara is only my second player to reach the milestone,” said SMCC women’s basketball coach Katie Stannard. “Tara never goes less than 110 percent while scoring 1,000 points is the headline accomplishment, having over 700 rebounds standing at 5 feet 7 inches actually fits Tara’s value even more. She is always the hardest worker in the room, and there is never any doubt that she will do whatever it takes to make her team successful.”

While Flanders did spend most of her collegiate career at SMCC, she felt she had gotten too comfortable and wanted to challenge herself. She heard there was going to be a new head women’s basketball coach at USM, so she reached out and expressed her interest in playing.

“Tara was extremely valuable this season,” said USM women’s basketball coach David Chadbourne. “Tara’s greatest strength is her ‘motor.’ She literally never stops and always plays all out. Tara is a wonderful person and teammate. I would have loved to have Tara for all four years, but I am grateful for the one season I had the privilege to coach her.”

She wouldn’t have been able to reach this milestone without the confidence that her SMCC coaches gave her. They saw something in her she didn’t see in herself as a freshman. They motivated and pushed her every practice; she was held to a higher standard than others. Flanders trained and practiced off the court.

“It feels really cool to be able to say I ... hit some of these huge milestones throughout my college career,” said Flanders. “I am even more grateful for the love and support I have had from my teammates, coaches, family and friends along the way.”

Her dad, Mike Flanders, will miss watching his daughter play. It’s been their thing traveling together chasing basketball courts from Windham to as far away as Virginia.

Flanders said that she would like to thank her mom, Kelly, and her dad, who have been her biggest cheerleaders. She said their love and enthusiasm is what has kept her going and she greatly appreciates them. Also, she thanks her SMCC coaches Katie Stannard, Patrick Haviland, Vanese Barns, and Danielle Pinkham, saying they shaped her into the player she is today.

According to Flanders, playing in front of people she loves, like friends and family, makes playing her favorite sport much more enjoyable. <

Windham siblings earn triple championship wins during tournaments

By Matt Pascarella

For Windham siblings Creighty, Cooper and Kelenese Dickson, Saturday, Feb 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25 were big days. WHS Junior Creighty Dickson helped his team secure Windham basketball’s first-ever regional title when they beat Portland 43-34 at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Saturday, Feb. 24. Sixth grader Cooper Dickson helped his team beat Falmouth Force 54-52 in the Maine Hoops Town Team Championships at the Augusta Civic Center on Sunday, Feb. 25. Also in that tournament, fifth grader Kelenese Dickson and her team defeated Oxford Hills, 31-28.

(L to R) Windham junior Creighty Dickson, Windham fifth
grader Kelenese Dickson and Windham sixth grader Cooper
Dickson all celebrated championship wins last weekend 
after their teams won titles. Kelenese started playing
basketball after watching her brothers compete for Windham
teams and now has won another championship for her
family. PHOTOS BY MATT PASCARELLA
and KATIE DICKSON   

“It was so exciting to be at the Cross Insurance Arena,” said Creighty Dickson. “I was excited and nervous as it's been a dream of mine. I love my team, it’s my second family.”

Cooper Dickson’s team had never beaten their rival Falmouth and he said going into the game that he really wanted to. He loves playing with his team; they’ve been playing together for many years, and they keep getting better.

“I was really pumped to play Oxford Hills,” said Kelenese Dickson. “We beat them two times this weekend and before this weekend we had never been able to win against them. I had so much fun with my teammates.”

All three of them began playing basketball at a young age. Creighty Dickson began playing at age 5 with youth teams, Cooper Dickson started at age 4 with Windham Youth Basketball and trained with his big brother. Kelenese started at age 6 after she saw her brothers playing and wanted to join them. They all play Amateur Athletic Union as well as travel basketball and spend a lot of time competing.

“It took us not getting in our heads, not giving up and playing our hardest until the end of the game to win,” said Cooper Dickson. “The win felt good because it was the first time beating them. I was really excited; we move onto Rhode Island this month for a regional tournament.”

According to Kelenese Dickson, it took them to push through and work as a team to win the tournament. She said it felt good for her team to be in first place. She also will play in a regional tournament in Rhode Island this month.

Creighty Dickson was injured in the second half of the regional final game but only stayed out momentarily. He wanted to get back on the court and win.

“He’s a tough kid; he’s a true basketball player,” said Windham varsity coach Chad Pulkkinen. “He lives and breathes it; his energy is contagious with our group. He wasn’t going to just step off the floor, if he can still crawl, he’s getting on that court. He’s a great kid who tries his best for his brothers.”

They’ve all stuck with the game because of their love for it. Kelenese Dickson says she loves basketball because it’s full of enjoyment. She likes being aggressive and always wants to be better than her brothers.

“What makes her an exceptional player is her ability to score at will,” said Windham fifth grade girls’ basketball coach Chris Sargent. “She has great defense and understanding of the game and game situations. She has always been the happiest girl on and off the floor. A born leader, great all-around player.”

Creighty Dickson loves the sport and has set goals for himself and wants to accomplish them.

“I love to compete, and I have so much fun,” said Cooper Dickson. “I did drills with my dad and brother and that’s always inspired me.”

According to Windham sixth grade basketball coach Steven DePaolo II, Cooper Dickson is a team asset when he plays team basketball and keeps his head in the game, and everyone plays for each other. It is how the team has been so successful.

“I feel like their time and commitment is paying off as they practice daily and really work hard to be better,” said mom Katie Dickson. “Creighty is consistent, unselfish and good at everything he does ... he paves the way for the rest of them. Cooper is super competitive, and you see that when he is playing. He plays with big emotions and a big heart but really hates losing which makes him determined. Kelenese is so strong and energetic; as the baby of the family, she often can get drowned out in the noise in our home. She has learned to develop a very loud and passionate presence to make sure everyone knows she is with us.”

For dad Craig Dickson, it’s fun to watch them develop and to love the game like he does. It’s great for him to see their extra effort paying off. They play basketball year-round; it’s a daily part of their lives. They are good students. The best part for their father is their hard work on and off the court. <

WHS varsity basketball tunes up for upcoming season

By Matt Pascarella

Last month, the Windham varsity basketball team opened its fall basketball schedule in preparation for the upcoming season and on Sunday, Oct. 29 at XL Sports World in Saco, the squad took on Falmouth and Edward Little. Windham fell, 73-48, to Falmouth but turned it around in a much closer game against Edward Little. While Windham had the lead for most of the game, Edward Little pulled away in the end to win, 51-45.

Windham senior Matt Searway drives past defenders at XL
Sports World in Saco during a fall basketball game against
Edward Little on Sunday, Oct. 29.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“This is a great group,” said WHS coach Cam Brown. “I’m a new voice in the program, so I’m really thankful that they listen and get everything. Some things we did really well were getting out in transition [during the Edward Little game]; we got to limit second chance points, turnovers and fast break points. A huge thing for them is communication. Overall, I think the kids did great.”

Falmouth

Windham was tied with Falmouth early in the first half, but after a short time, Falmouth pulled away. Windham kept it somewhat close by getting rebounds and staying aggressive. Falmouth led by six points at halftime.

Windham kept up the intensity and worked to bridge the gap between teams in the second half. Falmouth got several turnovers that worked against the Eagles. Windham did not give up, though shots weren’t falling. They made a last-ditch effort in the final minutes of the game, but Falmouth was too far ahead.

“At the beginning we came out strong,” said Windham senior Quinton Lindsay. “We were running, playing defense, talking, switching, getting rebounds, doing everything. In the second half we kind of just lost focus – Falmouth was getting rebounds, hitting transitions, getting shots and we just couldn’t match it. To improve we can work on defense, get our stamina back up and just be ready to hit shots when you’re open. We had a lot of open shots [that were missed].”

Edward Little

This was a different game. Windham tied it up very early on in the first half. Their intensity gave them a small lead, though Edward Little wasn’t trailing by much. Windham offense continued to sink shots and its defense blocked Edward Little’s scoring opportunities. Windham got several turnovers and maintained a lead. Windham led 33-26 midway through the game.

In the second half, Windham’s shots weren’t falling early on which gave Edward Little the chance to catch up. Windham junior Creighty Dickson hit a three-pointer. Windham got rebounds and continued defense. As the clock wound down, Edward Little gained a one-point lead. Then the game was tied at 42. Edward Little led by a couple of points and slowly began to pull away. Despite a strong effort, Windham was unable to recover.

“Our energy was up,” said Windham sophomore AJ Moody. “Our defense in transition was going really good at the start and ... it was going well until they got a one-point lead, and we kind of shut down and kept digging ourselves in a deeper hole. I think getting back on transition defense would help [us improve], not digging ourselves in a deeper hole, but stepping out of that hole and keep rising up.”

Dickson said the team played aggressive and that they pushed the pace a lot. They knocked down some clutch shots at the end, but their tempo wasn’t very good – technical fouls did not help, and their lead decreased. They can improve on transition defense, offensive rebounding and limiting their turnovers.

Both Brown and Windham coach Pat Moody said that the benefits of a fall basketball league are getting in with the same group of guys and building team chemistry as they prepare for the winter season. <

Varsity basketball players give back to community by training younger players

By Matt Pascarella

When Windham High varsity senior Erik Bowen and varsity sophomore AJ Moody were up-and-coming basketball players, they had older players they trained with and looked up to. To inspire and help a new generation of younger Windham players, Bowen and Moody recently started conducting training sessions in a newly built gym at Moody’s home.

Windham participants work on their basketball
skills with WHS varsity players Erik Bowen
and AJ Moody during basketball training
sessions on July 25 in Windham.
PHOTO BY ERIK BOWEN

“When they come here, it’s not like [we] want them to be like us, said Moody. “You want them to be better than you. So ... they can achieve more and love the game more.”

Kids come in and talk to them about what they want to work on. Sometimes Bowen and Moody have a plan and sometimes they’ll implement shooting and dribbling drills into a training session.

Bowen and Moody offer one-on-one sessions or trainings in small groups. They’ll referee games so participants can utilize the skills being taught to them. They also offer open gym sessions and will soon be announcing a middle school 3-on-3 league.

The main focus is basketball, but they also want to bring fun and a love of the game into their training sessions. If you want to succeed at the game, you really need to develop a passion for it, and Bowen and Moody are working to accomplish that with their participants.

“We’re trying to get them better but also have them have a fun time and teach them skills like relationship building,” said Bowen.

Sixth grader Julia Call and third grader Callen Call said they have enjoyed these basketball trainings.

Julia Call said the training shows her how to shoot better and make her dribbling moves work better.

Callen Call says Bowen and Moody make skills, drills, and scrimmages more fun.

Some of the drills Bowen and Moody teach to participants are the same drills they work on during their varsity practices. If the younger participants who learn those drills know and develop that muscle memory, it can only help them as they progress in the sport.

Bowen said using what they’ve learned in practice also helps them too. If they’re teaching what they are practicing, that’s going to increase Bowen and Moody’s muscle memory and they’ll do better on the court.

“[I like] talking to the youth and wanting them to be in my position one day,” said Moody. “And to let them know, it’s going to be one nice ride.”

There is a varying cost to the training depending on what you’re looking for. Bowen and Moody are planning to donate some of their funds to the Dempsey Center as well as put some of their money back into their trainings.

“Younger kids aren’t going to come up and tell you they look up to you, but I know they look up to us,” said Bowen. “Trying to create a more personable connection with the younger people that are the future of our community and our basketball program; it’s been nice.”

Moody said if he had had an opportunity like this when he was younger, he would have taken advantage of it. He wants to take his energy and love of the game and give that to the little kids he is teaching so that they can become better basketball players.

“It’s impressive to have these older kids give back,” said Julia and Callen’s father, Chris Call.

Both Bowen and Moody say they are trying to leave the Windham basketball program better than they found it.

They’ve gotten more of a response to their training sessions than expected, and there is still time to sign up by calling 207-239-9576 or 207-838-1604. <

Windham varsity boys’ basketball wraps up successful summer session

By Matt Pascarella

It’s been a busy and productive summer for the Windham High School boys’ basketball team. They became Gold Rush champions during a basketball camp at Thomas College in Waterville. The entire team has been working hard each morning showing up for early morning practices. In the final game of the summer season, Windham boys’ varsity beat Edward Little at home, 56-49, on Thursday, July 27 in a game that showcased their hard work and dedication.

Windham's Conor Janvrin dribbles past two Edward Little
opponents during a summer basketball game at Windham
High School on Thrursday, July 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

For the first time, the boys’ high school basketball program invited Windham seventh and eighth graders to join them in a week of practices as they finished their summer season.

“We couldn’t wait for the summer to start, just because of the guys we had coming back,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “Summer has been great, because we get to hang out with these guys, but also helping fuel their passion for the game. It’s very rewarding for me.”

During the final game of the summer season, Edward Little jumped to an early lead. Windham tied the game with the Red Eddies several times and the game was tied at 22 at the half.

At the start of the second half, Windham really increased their intensity and took the lead. Windham remained out in front and made it difficult for Edward Little to get this win.

Windham junior Creighty Dickson said they pushed the pace, finished at the rim and played fast pace on defense; it was a solid game.

When Pulkkinen opened practice up to seventh and eighth graders, he said he’s seen his players start to understand their roles as role models and that gives them a sense of how to hold themselves as players and athletes. It’s a win-win for both sides. It’s been very collaborative and powerful for the program.

“It’s been good we all work out together a lot,” said Windham junior Conor Janvrin. “We all worked together, everyone knows their role and plays a part in the team; I’m looking forward to the upcoming season [this winter].”

Windham sophomore AJ Moody, sunk 3 three-pointers during the Edward Little game, said this was the last summer with some of the seniors. He really wanted to show up for them and put everything on the line; he couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff. He likes teaching the upcoming high school players new things and he can’t wait to play with them.

The varsity players got to show the middle school players how they do things offensively and strategically. The overall comradery has been really fun. Pulkkinen enjoyed seeing his team as a great set of role models. It was fun for him to see varsity players giving back to the youth program.

“It was really fun to watch and play against a bunch of high-level players and being able to learn from them,” said Windham eighth grader Sean Lebel. “They showed me the pace that high school basketball is played at and is a very big step up from middle school. It was a great way for me to work on fundamentals and get up a lot of shots. It was nice to build relationships with a lot of the high schoolers too.”

Windham junior varsity and assistant varsity coach Geoff Grigsby said the commitment and dedication he’s seen on the court from players of all ages this summer really proves Windham is a basketball community on the rise. <

Eagle Hoop Camp provides great opportunity for younger girls to learn skills from varsity players

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ basketball team shared their knowledge of the game with 30 to 35 up-and-coming younger players during the Eagle Hoop Camp for grades 3 through 8 held at Windham High School during the week of June 26. The camp had a great turnout, and its numbers are growing every year.

Windham varsity girls' basketball coach Brody Artes
addresses a group of participants in the Eagle Hoop Camp 
at Windham High School on Thursday, June 29. The camp 
gave Windham varsity players an opportunity to teach
younger players about basketball.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham sophomore Kendra Eubanks said the week went really well and she thought the girls have learned a lot from Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes and the varsity players. The goal of the camp was to bring the girls together to play basketball, to love the game, learn from the varsity players and have fun.

Eubanks said the younger players look at the varsity players as role models and the camp teaches how to be strong girls in basketball. Eubanks said they need more strong women to get out there and play basketball.

“Everything is designed for the high school kids to compete with the younger kids and participate in the drills,” said Artes. “A lot of the drills we do in the camp are drills we do in a high school practice. Good things for all basketball players to focus on as we progress and get better at the game.”

Artes said the varsity team does a really good job of helping with the camp and forming really good relationships with kids at a young age.

During the week, both the varsity girls and the younger camp participants work on a variety of skills. They worked on ball handling, passing, shooting form and making sure the participants understood what to look for before they take a shot, defensive positioning on the floor, and other basic skills that would be reiterated once they reach the high school level. Exposing younger kids to these skills and drills early is beneficial so it serves as more of a refresher once they reach high school, rather than brand new information.

Windham seventh grader Peyton McLean said the week shows that Windham Basketball has a really good future to come. McLean said she has learned how to get better at shooting by getting your arc up, dribbling and a bit about defense and how to guard correctly.

McLean would love to play on a college team some day and said she will achieve that through practice and getting better every day.

“The camp’s gone super well, it’s super fun,” said Windham senior Mallory Muse. “All the kids are super engaged and it’s really good for all of us to get to interact with them, [encourage] them to have fun so they keep playing. We’ve done a lot of drills, but also games that are fun. It’s fun to see a bunch of little girls who love to play basketball.”

Windham sixth grader Alexis Woodcock said practicing basketball is better for her team. The week has gone well, she’s been practicing a lot and has worked on layups and learned a lot of foot and shooting skills. If she gets better during her time at the Eagle Hoop Camp, she said it will help her team.

Artes said he could see a lot of desire and enthusiasm from the kids and that really brightens up the room for the high school players and they are such a positive impact on those kids, but he also thinks it goes both ways. The varsity players really get a lot out of being mentors and working hard with those little kids – it’s a good give-and-take on both ends.

He said it’s been great and a fun week.<

 

Raymond Roadrunners basketball holds own against NYA

By Matt Pascarella

The Jordan-Small Middle School Raymond Roadrunners basketball team played an outstanding game with a lot of energy against North Yarmouth Academy at North Yarmouth Academy on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Raymond seventh grader Sean Lebel goes up for a layup in
a basketball game against North Yarmouth Academy on
Thursday, Jan. 12 at North Yarmouth Academy.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Raymond kept it neck-and-neck with North Yarmouth Academy matching them shot for shot in the first quarter. North Yarmouth Academy did take a small lead in the second half, but Raymond was determined to not give up without a fight.

Raymond remained aggressive in the second half as they worked to close the gap between the teams. Raymond’s effort was strong, but at the buzzer North Yarmouth Academy got the win 43-35; but Raymond definitely held their own.

“We just need to work on the little things to create better shots,” said Raymond eighth-grader Isabella Vassoler. “I think we did decent. We did really well ... passing the ball around and in the second half we played way better defense and we stayed with [North Yarmouth Academy].

Vassoler said that even if you have to compete against someone taller than you, keep sticking with it and keep your head up. She thought they did much better than she originally expected.

Early in the game, Raymond snagged several turnovers and kept it close as they also grabbed rebounds and moved the ball very well. North Yarmouth Academy tried to get a big lead, but Raymond wasn’t more than a point or two behind.

Raymond seventh-grader Sean Lebel had an incredible game as he put up 20 points over two halves.

“On offense we need to play more as a team,” said Lebel. “Boxing out was a big thing because we let up a lot of second chance points. Our defense wasn’t that bad; I think we did pretty well pressing and getting turnovers.”

Lebel said he learned to not force shots, look for teammates and pass more.

North Yarmouth Academy did have a small lead at the half, 20-15.

In the second half, Raymond remained aggressive and continued to do their best. North Yarmouth

Academy widened the lead, but it still wasn’t out of reach. Raymond took advantage of any mistakes North Yarmouth Academy made, like when they scored on their own basket.

Raymond fought for the ball and was catching up. They continued to get rebounds and sunk several baskets.

Raymond seventh-grader Brooklyn Roy said they played a really good game overall but still need to work on little things like shooting, passing and cutting around the court. She thought communication and getting open for each other went well.

Raymond seventh-grader Niko Powers said passing went well.

“We were definitely outmatched height-wise,” said Jordan- Small Middle School Raymond basketball coach Deb Lebel. “In terms of effort, I just said to them I will take that effort all day long. You don’t give up, you keep playing, you don’t hang your head; that’s what I feel like made it really fun. Raymond kept in the game.”

Coach Lebel said there are still some things they need to work on, but they’ve been working on better passing and boxing out, which really helped them in this game. <

Hard work pays off for Windham athletes Garrison, Scott

Windham seniors Nick Garrison, left, and 
Jason Scott smile after signing letters
of intent to continue their athletic careers
in college.
PHOTO BY MADDIE MICHAUD

By Matt Pascarella

Windham seniors Nick Garrison and Jason Scott have been working hard on and off the field and court since they were in elementary school and that effort has paid off significantly as both signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college during a ceremony at Windham High School on Tuesday, June 7.

Scott will attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he will play football.

Garrison was named Class B “Football Player of the Year” and had WMTW Travis Lee’s “Play of the Year,” but has decided to play basketball for Keene State College in New Hampshire.

Nick Garrison

Garrison has loved basketball his whole life and plays it year-round. He started playing in first grade. His dad has been very supportive, driving him around the eastern side of the United States to various games.

“He was our backbone; a competitor like you read about,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “He’s going to excel because of his work ethic and who he is. All the coaches and fans that he’s accumulated over the years are excited for Nick and what he’s going to do at the next level.”

Garrison was on his school teams in seventh and eighth grade, but it wasn’t until sophomore year of high school that things really began to change; he got some playing time on the varsity team, and he began to improve his game.

During the pandemic quarantine he stepped up his game. He hit the weight room a lot and spent a lot of time practicing on the court; he received private training sessions, played Amateur Athletic Union basketball, and did anything he could to improve.

“Once you see results on the basketball court and results in your physical body it really made me want to play and pursue basketball,” said Garrison.

He said he plans to major in business marketing at Keene State and that it felt great to sign his letter of intent. It’s taken a strong work ethic to get to this point and it feels good that he is beginning to see that hard work pay off.

Garrison said he would like to thank Coach Pulkkinen, who helped push him to the next level and WHS Football Coach Matt Perkins and the coaching staff of the football team; it was a fun four years. He also is grateful to his family for driving him everywhere, all that time and effort was worth it.

Jason Scott

Scott was doing football skills and drills with his uncle in the yard while in second grade. He said he’s always played hard with a lot of encouragement from his family.

He went to football camps in seventh or eighth grade and knew he wanted to stick with it, and he set an ultimate goal of playing college football.

“Senior year was the year,” said Scott. “We probably had one of the best teams I’ve ever been on.”

Scott was injured in the second game of the playoffs when he tore his lateral meniscus and medial collateral ligament but that did not stop him from supporting his team all the way to the state championship.

While Scott couldn’t be there on the field, he said he supported them from the sidelines and motivated them the best he could.

While the injury was a setback, Scott is resilient and he’s been training, running, and doing all he can to be ready for next season.

Scott said he plans to major in business and marketing in college and use that to become a salesman.

“The thing about Jason is he will push himself to the most of his ability, he empowers so many others, he’s very selfless and he is a team-first guy,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins.

According to Scott, he would like to thank his dad, who was there for his games and took him to many activities and camps and his mom, who is a big supporter of him.

“She’s the best mom ever,” said Scott.

He would also like to thank his aunt who motivated him to work hard in the classroom, his grandfather, his brother Landon, and his girlfriend, Gianna Fowler. <

Athletics help Windham’s Sadie Nelson achieve her goals

Windham High graduate Sadie Nelson went on to
play college basketball for the University of
New England and is now a graduate assistant
coach at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania.
PHOTO BY DAVID BATES 

By Matt Pascarella

When Windham alumna Sadie Nelson looks back on her time during high school, it’s hard for her to not think about all the memories that she was able to create through sports.

Sports has had a very positive effect on her life. Nelson is currently an assistant women’s basketball coach and graduate student at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania going for her master’s degree in Education: Art of Teaching.

Nelson graduated in 2016, and while at Windham High School played soccer, basketball and softball. She is a member of basketball’s Thousand-Point Club.

After Windham, Nelson went on to the University of New England where she played basketball and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. While at UNE her team won two Commonwealth Coast Conference championships and had two appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

UNE’s Head Women’s basketball coach Anthony Ewing said Nelson brought a great work ethic and desire to get better and win. She worked hard in practice every day, leading by example. She was a versatile player both offensively and defensively.

“Basketball put me in scenarios that have made me a stronger person today,” said Nelson. “I tore my ACL my sophomore year of college and that was one of my hardest years to date. I knew that I had to put my all into my recovery if I wanted to come back stronger than I was before.”

Nelson did come back stronger the following year and was nominated a First Team All-Conference player.

After UNE, she knew she had more to give the game and wanted to explore the coaching field in order to see the game from another perspective.

Coach Ewing, reached out to her about coaches looking for graduate basketball assistants. Nelson jumped at the chance.

At first, it was hard for her to get out of the player mindset; she later found that mindset helped her relate to, teach and motivate her players.

Nelson said being part of the coaching staff has really opened her eyes to a lot of the hard work that goes into coaching a team.

“Sadie brings ... a great level of experience,” said Cedar Crest College women’s basketball coach Kenric Carter. “By playing basketball for a good program in college, playing in the Division III NCAA tournament, she understands what it takes to win as a player which correlates to her becoming a good coach. I am very happy to have Sadie as my assistant and I am looking forward to seeing her grow as a coach.”  

Nelson sets goals for herself in sports and life and does what it takes to get there. She said it’s important to note she’s failed just as much as she’s succeeded. Athletics have helped her achieve many of her goals and she’s very grateful for this.

“Hard work ... can lead to opportunities you couldn’t have gotten without it,” said Nelson.

She plans to use her master’s degree to further herself in athletics and would like to be a head coach or athletic director someday.

Her advice to students who would like to continue their athletic careers after high school is to advocate for and put yourself out there. It’s important to understand the task at hand and take every opportunity that arises. Set goals for yourself and know the little things matter; be in the moment and don’t take anything for granted.

When Nelson is not on the court, she’s found a new passion for running and is currently training for her first half marathon this summer. She has taken her time to get used to and explore new places, being new to the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Nelson also took up golf last summer and plans to get out on the course soon.

“Being an athlete will always be a part of who I am, but it doesn’t truly define me,” said Nelson. “It gave me the qualities and lessons that will lead me to my next stop in the road and luckily for me I get to continue to wake up and do what I love every day.” <

Windham graduate’s work ethic leads to coaching

Coach Andrew Wing discusses strategy with the Jordan-Small
Middle School boys' basketball team during a game at JSMS
in Raymond in January. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Before Andrew Wing graduated in 2019, he was a star athlete on the field and the court and set a perfect example in the classroom at Windham High School. Now a junior majoring in Sports Communication, he still sets an example in the classroom and has made the Dean’s List every semester at St. Joseph’s College.

It is an academic goal of his to remain on the Dean’s List until he graduates in 2023.

Wing played soccer, basketball, and tennis at Windham High School and while he remains an incredible athlete, he chose not to play sports while in college.

“It was a tough decision not wanting to continue my [athletic] career, but I ultimately decided to fully focus on my education,” said Wing.

Although he chose to not play, he was the men’s basketball student assistant under then-head coach Rob Sanicola at St. Joseph’s. He said it was hard work, but an amazing experience.

Wing made many new friends, built great relationships with the coaching staff and was able to be around a sport he loved.

Now having just finished his first full season as the seventh- and eighth-grade boys’ basketball coach at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond, Wing is staying connected to athletics. He was contacted by JSMS Athletic Director Jack Fitch who asked if he would like to coach the team.

“He gave our boys' team some great coaching and because of Andrew and assistant coach Jed Bloom, the boys had a fun season while learning how to play the game of basketball,” said Fitch.

According to Fitch, they found a good person, a mentor and a coach all-in-one with Andrew Wing.

He says that he had a blast coaching and had no doubt his team improved over the course of the season.

Wing also has a love of film and coupled with his strong work ethic earned him the opportunity to write reviews for Windham resident Ted Trafton’s website “Ted Takes.”

Trafton created the website in 2016 to share his love for film. The website includes preview posts and spoiler-free reviews. “Ted Takes” reviews everything from big-budget film blockbusters to indie movies and even TV shows.

After moving to Windham in 2019, Trafton gravitated toward Wing’s family restaurant, “The Beacon,” in Raymond. It soon became a favorite restaurant of his and they connected over their mutual love of film.

“Andrew is wise beyond his years, an old soul you could say,” said Trafton. “His love for film was incredibly apparent from the start, and what impressed me most was his appreciation for the finer elements of filmmaking often found in the indie film world.”

Trafton said Wing is someone who takes pride in his work, is personable, knowledgeable and a real go-getter.

A year later, Wing has written almost 60 reviews for “Ted Takes.”

“It's extremely rewarding when someone reads a review of mine, takes my suggestion and checks out the film, and enjoys it,” said Wing.

Hard work is the biggest piece of advice Wing can give to graduating high school seniors. If you are moving onto college, Wing says build good study habits, put your education first and you will do fine.

If you aren’t going to college and will be looking for a job after graduation, Wing says to remember that doing something you are truly passionate about can be arguably more important than making money.

After college, Wing plans to work for a publishing company where he can write about sports or film. Having had such a great experience so far, he hopes to continue coaching basketball at either JSMS or even Windham High School. <

Windham unified basketball team gets skilled win over South Portland

Windham junior AJ Mains pauses a moment before shooting a
basket during the Eagles' Unified basketball victory on the
road against South Portland High School on Feb. 3.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham unified basketball team traveled to South Portland on Thursday, Feb. 3 for their third game of the season as Windham looked to continue its success this year.

The Eagles had a very strong start as they scored over 30 points in the first half. After four powerhouse quarters where everyone on the Windham team contributed, the Eagles walked off the court with an impressive 65-44 win over the Red Riots.

Windham sophomore Jacob Smith got things started when he scored early in the game. Windham senior Cameron Malone put up 12 points in the first half.

Windham was quick to rebound early on, too. Senior Austin Rice scored. Windham freshman Colby Schmid hit a three-pointer in the first quarter. Windham senior Kayla Fillinger had multiple baskets in the first half.

Junior Dani Iaconeta scored with a great shot for the Eagles.

“I really love basketball so much,” said Iaconeta. “I just want to thank my friends and my two coaches.”

She said that she had fun during the game.

Windham’s offense and defense were spectacular. For most of the first half, Windham had a comfortable lead over South Portland. As the half wound down, South Portland began to catch up.

Windham had nice hustle and strong passes. At the half, the Eagles led 31-20.

There was no lack of effort or intensity as the second half began. Windham continued to put point after point on the scoreboard as they pulled away and gained a more substantial lead. Windham senior Jayden Kilpatrick scored. So did junior AJ Mains from just inside the three-point line.

Mains said the team had good shooting and defense. He also had fun during the game.

Windham kept up the good work until the clock ran out.

“We have a great team this year,” said Windham unified basketball coach Anne Blake. “They are playing like they are a team; they have learned to pass; they have learned how to rebound and to share the ball. We’re very, very proud of them; they are a great team.”

Blake added the team is progressing on all fronts: offense, defense, everything. They are really working hard and together during their games.  <

Raymond shows Durham they are strong teams

By Matt Pascarella

As the season winds down, the Jordan-Small Middle School Raymond Roadrunner boys’ and girls’ basketball teams hit the court in a home game against the Durham Tigers on Wednesday, Jan 26 and showed their competitors they have skills and strength.

Raymond seventh-grader Isabella Vassoler keeps the ball
close as she drives by an opponent to get a better shot during a
middle school basketball game against Durham at Jordan-Small
Middle School on Jan. 26. Despite a strong effort, the
Roadrunners ' girls' team fell to Durham, 42-11.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The boys pulled ahead early and remained there. They left Durham in the dust 27-12.

The girls fought hard during their game, but Durham won 42-11.

Boys

The Roadrunners started strong and stayed in front of Durham the entire game.

Raymond eighth-grader Braedyn Elwell put them on the scoreboard.

From that point on, Raymond got rebounds, got in front of the ball and had strong defense to keep Durham from getting ahead. Raymond was hungry for the ball and capitalized on any Durham errors.

The Roadrunners moved the ball well and snagged a few turnovers. At the half, Raymond led 12-4.

In the second half, Raymond defense prevented Durham scoring opportunities by blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. In the third quarter, the Roadrunners led by 10 and remained hungry.

The Tigers began to make a comeback, but time was not on their side.

Raymond eighth-grader Benjamin Bancroft was glad they won and said they had a size advantage over Durham which was a contributing factor to the win.

“Durham is a scrappy bunch,” said Raymond boys’ basketball coach Andrew Wing. “Going into the fourth quarter it was only a six-point game ... we brought it in the fourth quarter.”

Wing added he was impressed by Raymond defense which was really good the whole game.

Girls

Durham jumped out to a large lead as they grabbed every turnover chance they could.

Raymond kept their heads up and did not get discouraged. Eighth-grader Jada Stewart put some points up for the Roadrunners.

Raymond was hungry too and grabbed rebounds. They took multiple shots at the hoop, but not everything was falling. At the half, Durham had a 23-6 lead.

Raymond fought the entire game. They scored more in the second half. Raymond’s effort was there, but Durham had a big lead.

Raymond did capitalize on any Durham mistakes. The Roadrunner hunger remained until the final buzzer.

“I feel like we did better than the last time we played them,” said Raymond seventh-grader Isabella Vassoler. “We could have moved more, and got better shots, but we did okay. At the end we started dribbling better, we were passing better and moving.”

Vassoler said they played better in the second half than in the beginning.

“In a game like that we knew weren’t going to come out with a ‘W’, so I needed them to chip away as the game goes on and just try to get better in every facet,” said Raymond girls’ basketball coach Jim Beers. “[Raymond] got a little more aggressive after halftime; didn’t make it any easier for [Durham].

Beers said Raymond is not a team that gives up and they always want to get better. <

Third- and fourth-grade teams love learning basketball skills

Windham second-grader Colby Sargent of the Delta
Properties team works on her dribbling skills as she moves closer
to the basket during Windham Youth Basketball Association's
third and fourth-grade in-house game against A-Team Realty on
Saturday, Jan. 22 at Windham Primary School.
PHOTO BY MATT  PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Basketball Association’s junior league third- and fourth-grade in-house girls’ basketball teams, A Team Realty and Delta Properties, went head-to-head at Windham Primary School on Saturday, Jan. 22 and demonstrated how quickly they are learning the sport.

Both teams showed they have learned a lot about the game and have made massive improvements. Each team will continue to make improvements as they progress through the season.

After an action-packed 32 minutes, A Team Realty edged out ahead 6-4 and got the win for this game.

Both teams began the game with stellar passing as they moved the ball nicely. 

However, some of the passes resulted in turnovers for both Delta Properties and A Team Realty.

A Team Realty scored, then Delta Properties did. Both teams had a lot of energy and took multiple shots on basket. 

At the half, the game was tied at four.

Everyone on both teams put in a lot of effort during the game. A Team Realty and Delta Properties are getting better dribbling and took more shots on basket. There was a lot of teamwork from each team as well.

Windham in-house third and fourth grade girls’ Delta Properties coach Chris Sargent said the girls had great defense against A Team Realty.

“The kids played their hearts out. Going forward we need to really work hard on their spacing on the court and making the easy pass,” said Sargent.

Delta Properties player and second-grader Colby Sargent said her team passed really well and she had fun during the game.

Third-grader Emily Kaffel of A Team Realty said passing, dribbling and defense went really well during this game.

“The girls are working good together,” said third and fourth grade girls’ basketball in house A Team Realty coach Aaron Abrams. “They beat a team today that they lost to last time. We had a good turnout, plenty of subs ... they all did a great job.”

Abrams added passing and working together as a team were a couple things that went really well during this game along with good old-fashioned hustle.<

Windham boys’ basketball varsity and junior varsity fall to Edward Little; first team gets first program win in three years

Windham senior Matthew Fox gets off a shot in mid-air during
the Eagles' boys' varsity basketball game against Edward Little
at Windham High on Thursday, Dec. 23. Edward Little won, 
63-31. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s boys’ basketball teams took on Edward Little before the holiday break and while the varsity lost 63-31 and EL beat the junior varsity 55-39, Windham’s first team got the program’s first win in three years against the Eddies.

The first team played a strong game and came out on top 52-35 on Thursday, Dec. 23, at Windham.

Varsity

The game was tied at seven early on. EL broke away but Windham’s defense kept their lead small. Windham took advantage of EL errors to bridge the gap. Windham senior Will Mannette sunk a three. EL’s offense surged and led 33-16 at the half.

"It’s a reality check ... right now,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “We’ve got to find a way to compete and get better ... guys got to come to work every day and improve and stick together no matter what.”

Pulkkinen said some of Windham’s younger players have stepped up and taken advantage of opportunities they’ve been given.

“We’re giving up early,” said Windham senior Matthew Fox. “We need to find something in us – mental toughness to pull ourselves out ... we need to work together and play as one.”

Fox added Windham is good enough to where they can get open shots, not just the first ones they see.

Windham put 15 points on the scoreboard in the second half, but EL took this one.

Junior Varsity

Although Edward Little had a small lead early on, Windham was not far behind. They were quick to get rebounds and gained on the Eddies. Windham shots weren’t landing.

Windham’s defense kept EL from scoring a lot in the first half. Windham freshmen Conor Janvrin and Joseph Blige both scored three-pointers. As did Windham junior Chase Wescott. Two points separated the teams shortly before the end of the half, but EL edged out 28-23 before the buzzer.

“We could play a lot better as a team,” said Windham freshman Landen Leavitt. “Just moving the ball around better and taking better shots.”

Leavitt said they had good defense at times, but overall, they need to play better as a team.

The Eagles worked hard to catch up in the second half. Windham fought, but EL got by.

Windham boys’ basketball JV coach Geoff Grigsby said the team did better seeing those areas that need work and fixing them in the moment. He said there are some talented players on the team, but they need to pay better attention to detail. The team took a step in the right direction today toward understanding what it takes to improve.

First Team

Windham was up by two after one quarter. It was close, but Windham maintained their lead for most of the game.

Windham freshmen Braycen Freese and sophomore Owen Dakin sunk three-pointers. Windham sophomore Stevie Stewart sunk two three-pointers in the first half.

Windham moved the ball well and got rebounds. Windham sophomore Dan Mitchell scored at the buzzer and Eagles led 26-19.

The Eagles kept up their intensity in the second half. Windham’s communication had them up by 10 at one point. They pressured and continued to be first to the ball. The Eagles would not be caught by the Eddies.

Mitchell said they got the win through a lot of team effort and playing together.

“These kids show up every day working their butts off,” said Windham boys’ basketball first team coach Noah Estey. “[This win] is them putting in the hard work ... and trusting in each other and going out and doing what they need to do.” <