WMS girls’ basketball teams showcase defense against Lewiston

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School’s seventh and eighth grade girls’ basketball teams played several strong games against Lewiston on Thursday, Dec. 7 at home. Windham eighth graders staged a comeback by halftime to take the lead. Unfortunately, Lewiston edged ahead in the second half to win, 45-33. Windham seventh graders came out aggressive and never let up and defeated Lewiston, 49-29.

Windham seventh grader Carly Franzoni easily maneuvers
around her Lewiston opponent during a girls' basketball
game at home on Thursday, Dec. 7.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Eighth Grade

“Our shots weren’t falling,” said Windham eighth grade girls’ basketball coach Katie Franzoni. “We had some really, really good looks and [shots] just weren’t going down for us, unfortunately. I credit the girls for not giving up. It just wasn’t our night. Our team defense was something we’ve really been focusing on and getting on help side and not just focusing on our own player has been huge for us and trying to rebound a little bit better. We need to focus and make those easy ... shots that were there. We need to be in more pressure situations to make those shots.”

Lewiston took an early lead, but shots weren’t falling early for either team, and by the end of the first quarter, neither team had scored 10 points. Lewiston had several turnovers which added to their lead, but Windham fought hard.

Windham rebounded and slowly began to climb up the scoreboard. They hustled and were soon not far behind the Blue Devils. Windham had strong defense and pressured more. Shortly before the end of the first half, the game was tied at 16. A moment before the buzzer went off, Windham pulled ahead 17-16.

The game was tied at 19 early in the second half and remained close. Windham’s efforts were there. They fought hard for the ball, but Lewiston had a big lead as the game progressed. With time running out, the deficit was too much for Windham to make up.

“They were a really good team,” said Eliana Kostopoulos. “Our shots weren’t falling, and everyone was getting frustrated. We had good looks ... we had a couple good ... passes and everyone was working well on offense. They had a solid team; they knew what they were doing.”

Both Kostopoulos and teammate Jennifer Schwarz agreed that getting down on themselves may have contributed to the loss.

“We were doing good on communication,” said Schwarz. “Be sure to keep our heads high as a way to improve.

Seventh grade

The lead was Windham’s early on. They grabbed rebounds and kept the baskets coming. They moved the ball well, had nice defense and teamwork. Their offense could not be stopped.

“We talked and did really well on passing,” said Carly Franzoni. “We did a good job ... shooting and we hustled, and we are really close as a team, and that really helped with our defense.

Windham was hungry for the win and would not be stopped. They were quick to grab second chance opportunities.

Lewiston struggled with Windham defense. At the half the Lady Eagles led 31-16.

In the second half, Lewiston was slowly catching up, but Eagle offense remained strong. Windham’s Madisen Vallerie and Franzoni both hit three-pointers.

“Team communication and our mental game [need improvement],” said Peyton McLean.

By the end of the fourth quarter, Windham was way out in front and would not be caught.

“Big thing I say with basketball is defense wins games,” said Windham seventh grade girls’ basketball coach Darcey Gardiner. “I love how well we pass the ball offensively; I think we share really well. My point guards are able to see the floor, which really helps out. Boxing out [needs improvement]; we ... forget put your body on someone first then go get the ball.

While Gardiner is impressed with Windham’s help side defense, she thinks it will definitely be better when January rolls around. <

WHS competes in girls’ varsity basketball Sebago Lake Showdown Tournament

By Matt Pascarella

Before the start of the regular season on Friday, Dec. 8 when Windham will travel to face Lewiston, the WHS varsity girls’ basketball team played their first preseason game at home in the Sebago Lake Showdown Tournament against South Portland on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Windham sophomore Marley Jarvais attempts a layup during
a preseason girls' basketball game against South Portland
as part of the Sebago Lake Showdown Tournament on
Tuesday, Dec. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The games were the same number of minutes, just played in two 16-minute halves instead of four quarters. Windham worked hard right up until the final buzzer but fell to South Portland, 39-23.

“Three of our starting varsity players are out; I think we need the extra games as much as we can,” said Windham sophomore Marley Jarvais. “I think having three varsity players out, all of us being more supportive of each other is just going to help us way more as the season goes on especially in our game against Lewiston coming up. Our shooting 100 percent outside went well; we did a lot better in the second half with our passing and not trying to rush things as much. We’ve worked on zone ... I think we did a really good job, but it might need a little improvement with covering the middle. We did pretty good for [the team] being mostly non-varsity starters and no upper classmen.”

Windham began the game moving the ball well and communicated on the floor. Windham sophomore Kendra Eubanks put Windham on the scoreboard with a three-pointer.

Windham grabbed rebounds early, but many shots weren’t falling. South Portland was able to maintain a small lead in the first half. Eubanks sunk another three-pointer that was nothing but net.

Windham was slowly gaining on the Red Riots. Windham sophomore Addison Caiazzo sunk a three-pointer as Windham worked to close the gap before the first buzzer.

“We have to learn to just go at our own pace instead of speeding things up or seeing what the other team is trying to make us do,” said Caiazzo. “Our shooting was pretty good; we were able to hit shots when we needed to; our passes were pretty good and we’re really good at going to the basket. Confidence needs improvement; being able to play at that next level.”

Halfway through the game, South Portland led, 19-12.

Windham’s intensity remained strong in the second half; they were not going down without a fight. The Lady Eagles were not far off the lead and Windham’s effort never dwindled. They took several shots at the basket, but not every shot fell. Windham freshman Denali Momot hit a three-pointer early in the second half.

“I found it helpful [to have this extra time to play] because we’re missing a couple of our starters, so it’s definitely getting our bench some education ... more playing time on varsity and experience,” said Eubanks. “It helps build our stamina. We need to be confident and aggressive and use the ball well. We shot very well, passed the ball very well, looked ... everywhere before we passed the ball.”

According to Eubanks rebounding and pushing the ball and being smarter with the ball could use some work.

“We did some good things as a team,” said Windham varsity girls basketball coach Brody Artes. “We don’t want to be playing our best basketball right now. We want to kind of continue to grow and progress over the course of the season. I thought our second half ball movement and offense was much, much better. A couple kids hit some shots and really started to step up and do some good things for us overall. We got to take care of the ball a little bit better and value the ball a little bit more. We had some turnovers in the first half, we’ve got to limit those ... for sure. Defensively, we have just got to get after it and continue to work hard ... we got to make sure we contest all the shots, but then rebound when there are a lot of rebounds.”

Windham will meet Gorham in a home game on Dec. 19. <

Raymond basketball teams improving with each game

By Matt Pascarella

On Dec. 1, in their second game of the season, Raymond boys’ and girls’ basketball teams had two effort-filled games against Old Orchard Beach at Jordan- Small Middle School in Raymond.

Raymond seventh grader Silvia Roma passes to a teammate
on Friday, Dec. 1 in a girls basketball game against Old
Orchard Beach at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELA

The Raymond boys worked hard to turn the game around but lost, 47-36. The Raymond girls had quite a nailbiter that came down to the final seconds with Raymond holding onto a small lead. When the buzzer sounded, the girls fell, 30-29.

Boys

“I was really proud of the effort,” said Raymond boys’ basketball coach Andrew Wing. “We had a really good practice yesterday and everything we worked on I think we got better at – defense, getting back in transition, not giving up as many layups. The press was much better today, cleaner defense.”

Wing said even though defense was better today, it can still improve and on offense free throws need a little work.

Old Orchard Beach jumped out to an early lead.

Raymond moved the ball and had several shots at basket. Eighth grader Sean Lebel put Raymond on the scoreboard when he had a fast break and took the ball straight to the hoop.

Old Orchard Beach grabbed several rebounds and had a 15-8 lead after one quarter. JSMS would make a strong attempt to turn the game around.

Raymond excelled on defense; and eighth grader Liam Buckley had a nice block.

Lebel had another fast break and JSMS put a bunch of points on the scoreboard. It was 23-13, Old Orchard Beach at the half.

The JSMS defense intensified and soon they were eight points away from tying the game.

“We played a lot better than last game,” said Lebel, who scored 25 points. “We still got beat in transition a little bit, but we were able to clean up a lot of things, we didn’t have as many turnovers on offense. The way we were able to get back on defense and get turnovers [went well]; not forcing turnovers for us.”

Raymond grabbed rebounds and seventh grader Cameron Lawler hit a three-pointer. A short time later, they were within four points of tying the game. Then only two points separated the teams.

Unfortunately, Old Orchard Beach pulled away. Nine points separated the team. Raymond fought until the very end.

“We definitely scored more points than last game said Lawler. “We need to work on defense; we’ve been passing better and putting the ball up more.”

Girls

Raymond took the court aggressively. They communicated and although Old Orchard Beach snagged several turnovers and jumped to an early lead. Raymond wasn’t about to let that stand.

Eighth grader Brooklyn Roy put Raymond on the scoreboard. Raymond seventh grader Silvia Roma had a fast break and Raymond led by two after one quarter.

Raymond continued to get rebounds and the game was close. Raymond pulled ahead. They kept Old Orchard Beach virtually scoreless in the second quarter. It was 17-11, Raymond midway through.

The Raymond team wasted no time and scored early in the second half. The game got much closer and only two points separated the teams. Roma had back-to-back baskets as Raymond held onto the lead.

“We worked well as a team,” said Roma, who scored 12 points. “We really pulled together and worked hard and ... we did get a little tired towards the end and some of us were not hustling as much and not calling out who we had, so I think we could work on that.”

Roma was proud of how the team played.

With 33 seconds left one point separated the teams. Raymond worked hard to stay ahead, but Old Orchard Beach was able to edge ahead in the end.

“When we are up, it’s ok to recognize to slow things down, when we’re down then we got to go,” said Raymond girls’ basketball coach Deb Lebel. “They played great defense today, so much better than a week ago, they are improving in their help defense. They are really young, and the more practice they get, the better off we’ll be.” <

Windham High School Scoreboard

Compiled by Matt Pascarella

Girls’ Basketball

No. 4 Windham worked hard in their quarterfinal game against No. 5 Hampden Academy, but while the game was razor-thin close in the second half, Hampden Academy pulled ahead late in the game to win 46-39. In the fourth quarter, Windham caught up to Hampden Academy and a point separated the teams. Hampden Academy pulled ahead, but Windham’s character really showed as they continued to battle. Sophomore Stella Jarvais and freshman Neve Ledbetter were high scorers.

Windham sophomore Ava Gerrity, junior Khalysa
Hammith, and sophomore Tayla Pelletier display
their medals during the Class A Indoor Track and
Field State Meet at the University of Southern
Maine in Gorham on Monday, Feb. 20.
PHOTO BY KRISTA GERRITY   

Boys’ Basketball

On Thursday, Feb. 16 Windham went head-to-head with Portland in the quarterfinal game where No. 7 Windham fought No. 2 Portland in an extremely close game. In the final seconds, Portland pulled ahead to win 49-46. Windham made Portland work hard and the game was tied at 38 with 5 minutes left in the game. It could have gone either way as the clock ticked down. Windham played together and showed Portland they were definitely up to the challenge. Freshman AJ Moody and senior Owen Combes were high scorers.

Unified Basketball

Windham beat South Portland 64-47 at South Portland on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Hockey

At the University of Southern Maine in Gorham on Feb. 18, the Trail Blazers took on the combined squad representing South Portland/Freeport/Waynflete. After a great effort, the Trail Blazers lost 6-4 after three periods.

Indoor Track

The state meet was held at The University of Southern Maine on Monday, Feb. 20 against schools from all over the state. In the Boys’ competition, Windham freshman Nick Verrill came in 17th in the high jump with a height of 5-04.00 feet. In the 4x200 relay, Windham boys came in 17th with a time of 1:40.46 minutes. In the girls’ competition, Windham finished in sixth place. In the 55-meter dash, junior Khalysa Hammith finished fifth with a time of 7.53 seconds. In the triple jump, she came in sixth with a 33-09.00 feet distance. In the high jump, Ava Gerrity finished fourth with a height of 5-00.00, a new personal record. Sophomore Tayla Pelletier finished sixth in the same event with a height of 4-10.00.

Gerrity finished third in the triple jump with a distance of 34-1.00. Gerrity finished sixth in the long jump with a distance of 16-02.25. State champion Pelletier won the triple jump with a 35-06.25 distance. In the 4x800 relay Windham came in 10th with a 11.31.10 time. In the 4x200 relay they finished 14th with a time of 1:59.74.

Alpine Skiing

The state meet took place at Saddleback Mountain in Rangely on Wednesday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. 16.

In the giant slalom, Windham boys came in eighth. Senior Sam Plummer finished first for the team with a score of 1:37.34 minutes. Sophomore Preston Stretch finished second with a 1:39.14 time. In the slalom, Windham finished sixth. Plummer came in first for Windham and 13th overall with a time of 1:20.15. Senior Nolan Dries came in second for Windham and 18th overall with a 1:21.92.

Windham girls finished ninth in the giant slalom. Sophomore Lilly McLean finished first for Windham with a time of 1:36.04. Senior Grace Paiement finished second for Windham with a time of 1:45.76 In the slalom, Windham finished 17th; Paiement finished first for Windham with a 1:36.83 time. Sophomore Katelyn Cotter finished second for Windham with a 2:08.33 time.

Wrestling

In the state meet at Sanford High School on Saturday, Feb. 18, the Windham/Westbrook/Gray New-Gloucester Wolfpack finished in fifth place. Windham Sophomore Ayden Cofone won in the 120-weight class. In the 170-weight class Westbrook junior Gavin Tanner finished second. Windham senior Scott Ingalls finished third in the 182-weight class. <

WHS girls’ basketball ends regular season with intensity

By Matt Pascarella

It was Senior and Youth Basketball Night on Thursday, Feb. 9 when the varsity and junior varsity girls’ basketball teams played their final regular season games against Cheverus. Both teams kept it close with the Stags but lost momentum in the second half. The effort was there, but shots weren’t falling. Varsity lost 44-32 and JV fell 36-33.

Windham senior Elizabeth Levesque moves toward the
basket during the final varsity girls' basketball game of the
regular season against Cheverus on Thursday, Feb. 9 at
Windham High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

Seniors Natalie Adams, Chloe Fitts and Hailey Jenness from the cheerleading squad and Elizabeth Levesque, Abbey Thornton, Sarah Bell, and Kylie Garrison from the varsity team were presented with a small gift as a thank you for their dedication to Windham Athletics throughout their high school careers.

Garrison received the Windham Youth Basketball Little Eyes Upon You Award presented by Maine Optometry. This award goes to a senior that demonstrates commitment to the youth in their community.

“I wasn’t expecting it, so it was kind of a nice surprise,” said Garrison. “I’ve always enjoy working with them.”

Garrison said when she helped out during camps it was fun to see the kids and remember when she was in their spot and now it’s come full circle.

Varsity

Windham started slow, but defense slowed the start for Cheverus too and the game was close going into the second quarter.

Windham fought hard for the ball and took multiple shots at the basket. Thornton sunk a three-pointer. After being fouled, Windham freshman Brianna Duarte sunk three consecutive free throws. It was 16-15, Cheverus leading at the half.

“I thought we battled pretty well the first half,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “We went on a bit of a scoring drought in the third quarter, but we had a lot of determination and a lot of grit. We made a little push at the end, but it was too much to overcome against a really good team.”

Cheverus took the lead in the second half. Windham closed the gap some, but Cheverus’ lead only grew in the fourth quarter.

Artes said the team needed to rebound a little bit better and box out. They have to keep playing hard and to the best of their abilities and they’ll be fine. He’s had a great year with a great group of kids. The team has a lot of intensity and heart.

“It was really fun; team energy was great,” said Bell. “Everyone was trying their hardest – passing went well, our overall intensity was great. We’ve had a great season and I can’t wait to see what playoffs bring us.”

Garrison said communication went well and they kept their focus going into the game. Although they were unable to pull through, she said the intensity and ability to work as a team was really good. And, she’s excited for playoffs, too.

Junior Varsity

Windham grabbed rebounds, but Cheverus had several turnovers in the first half. Windham took the lead, and Cheverus tied the game at 10. Windham fought hard and kept it close midway through where the Stags led 16-15.

“We wanted to come out and set our tone in terms of good defense,” said Windham JV girls’ basketball coach Gretchen Anderson. “I’m so proud of everyone, they all contributed; that encapsulates our season; they get down and come back and everyone is cheering on the bench. It felt like a win.”

Anderson said running the offense and defensive pressure went well. Windham never backed down and had good leadership.

Freshman Jada Stewart said she was loud on the bench, hyped up teammates and was aggressive. She said the team did well passing but could have rebounded and boxed out more.

Cheverus led in the second half, but a three-pointer from freshman Nealie Morey stole that lead away. The game was really close until the fourth quarter when Cheverus pulled away a little. Morey hit another three. Windham fought until the buzzer.

“We played harder and better than before,” said freshman Chloe Delewski. “Our passing went really well and our spacing leading to that and getting open.”

Delewski said they did a good job on helping out on defense and defending their players. <

Windham Scoreboard

EARLY SEASON RECAP

Compiled by Matt Pascarella

Boys’ basketball

Windham traveled to South Portland on Tuesday, Dec. 13 where they lost to the Red Riots 66-46. Sophomore Creighty Dickson scored 15 points; junior Erik Bowen scored 12 for Windham.

Girls’ basketball

Windham played South Portland on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and won their first home game of the season, 45-32.

Ice Hockey

Windham/Westbrook/Bonny Eagle/Sacopee Valley Trailblazers hit the ice on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Bridgton Ice Arena against Fryeburg/Lake Region/Oxford Hills. The Trail Blazers won, 4-3, in overtime; Windham sophomore Philip Traina scored in the first period; Windham sophomore Sam Foley scored in the third period. Bonny Eagle freshman Darren Haskell scored in the third period. Traina scored again in overtime.

Swimming

Windham hosted Falmouth and Westbrook in its season opener on Friday, Dec. 9 at St. Joseph’s College in Standish. Three swimmers qualified for states including senior Hannah Heanssler, sophomore Sarah Inman and junior Grace Theriault. Heanssler finished second in the 100-meter freestyle event with a time of 1:01.12 minutes and first in the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:23.25. Inman finished second in the 100-meter Butterfly with a 1:11.64 time and second in the 100-meter Backstroke with a time of 1:12.55. Theriault finished first in the 500-meter Freestyle with a 6:08.92 time and third in the 200-meter Freestyle with a time of 2:16.48.

Indoor Track

Windham participated in its first indoor track meet of the season against Biddeford, Cheverus and Noble on Monday, Dec. 12 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

Girls

Windham sophomore Ava Gerrity finished first in the 55-meter dash junior division with a time of 7.87 seconds, first in the long jump with a distance of 16-00.75 feet and first in the triple jump with a distance of 32-09.00. Windham sophomore Tayla Pelletier finished first in the high jump with a height of 4-08.00. Junior Khalysa Hammith finished first in the 55-meter senior division with a time of 8.01.

Boys

Windham freshman Karl Longstretch finished first in the 55-meter with a time of 7.09 and first in the 200 with a time of 25.31. Freshman Nick Verrill finished first in the high jump with a height of 5-02.00. Senior Derrick Stephens finished second in the 400 with a 59.05 time and second in the hurdles with a time of 9.37. Senior Caleb Young finished fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:26.38.

Wrestling

The Windham/Westbrook/Gray New-Gloucester Wolfpack wrestling team faced York at York on Tuesday, Dec. 13 and got their second win of the season, 45-24. Sophomore Ayden Cofone, junior Gavin Tanner and senior Scott Ingalls all recorded big wins. <

Tremendous effort shown by Windham girls’ basketball in final home games of season

Senior Sarah Talon leaps to get off a shot during Windham
High School's final girls' basketball varsity home game of
the season on Thursday, Feb. 10 against Cheverus High. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

By Matt Pascarella                           

It was senior night during Windham girls’ basketball final home game against Cheverus on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Kayla Flanders, Kelsey Gerry, Carly Morey, Altanzul Naranbaatar, Riley Shaw and Sarah Talon were each presented with a small gift as a thank you for their dedication to Windham Athletics throughout their high school careers.

Talon received the Windham Youth Basketball Little Eyes Upon You Award presented by Maine Optometry. This award goes to a senior who demonstrates commitment to the youth in their community.

For Talon, knowing the younger athletes look up to her is a very good feeling. Leadership and community involvement is important to her.

Although the varsity team picked up the pace in the second half, Cheverus had pulled ahead and took this one 54-38.

The junior varsity girls battled and gained to the end, but Cheverus kept its distance and won 50-25.

Varsity

Cheverus took a lead in the first quarter as Windham pushed forward and moved the ball well. Windham sophomore Brooke Gerry hit a three-pointer in the second quarter. At the half, Cheverus led 34-18.

Talon said they adjusted at halftime to Cheverus’ defense. She said they knew they had to keep their heads up and keep going.

The Lady Eagles turned up the defense in the second half and prevented Cheverus from scoring as much as they had in the previous half.

Windham’s effort was there, but shots weren’t falling. With three minutes left, 11 points separated the teams.

Windham did not stop trying, but the Stags got away.

“We had a bad start ... little unorganized the first 12 minutes or so of the game,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “We put some more pressure on them in the second half, but they made some shots early that really killed us.”

Artes said they’ve had a good, competitive year with big wins against Bangor and Thornton Academy. The team has improved from start to finish which is what they’re looking for.  

Junior Varsity

“I think we’ve had great success in getting the foundation of this program started,” said Windham girls’ JV coach Gretchen Anderson. “This is a great group of kids ... and they are keeping a positive attitude regardless of score. I’m really proud of them.”

Windham opened the game with a three-pointer by freshman Afomiya Timerga. Windham had an early lead, but the game soon turned close. Cheverus pulled ahead.

Windham remained aggressive and grabbed rebounds. Sophomore Hannah Peterson hit two three-pointers. Halfway through, Stags led 39-19.

Windham worked hard to be first to the ball and went after rebounds. Although Windham’s third quarter was scoreless, the Lady Eagles only allowed Cheverus to score four points during that quarter.

They kept up the intensity for the remainder of the game.

Freshmen Chloe Edwards and Alexis Redmon said Windham played well as a team. Edwards said passing and rebounding went well. Redmon said shooting went well in the first half. <

WMS seventh-grade girls’ basketball cruises past King

By Matt Pascarella

The seventh-grade Windham Middle School girls’ basketball team could not be stopped in their game against King Middle School. Once Windham’s Mackenzie Delewski scored the team’s first couple points, there was no stopping the Lady Eagles who put up 14 points in just the first quarter.

From then until the final buzzer Windham would not be surpassed. Their teamwork gave them a significant lead which they held onto for four quarters.

Windham's Lily Gallagher moves toward the basket as the ball
leaves her hand during a game against King on Jan. 6 at 
Windham Middle School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Despite Windham’s strong lead for the entire game, their intensity never dipped. As the clock ticked away its final seconds, Windham won by an impressive 45-12 score on Thursday, Jan. 6 at Windham Middle School.

“I think they are a very unselfish team; they look for the open player,” said Windham seventh grade girls’ basketball coach Katie Franzoni. “We were able to work on some of the things that in tighter games were not able to work on, like an out-of-bounds play we had practiced before. We were able to do a little more of our offense which sometimes we’re not able to run.”

This helped Windham gain confidence in areas they may not have been confident in before.

The Lady Eagles won the tip off and immediately began moving the ball between teammates. Windham stayed with the ball and communicated throughout the game. Windham snagged rebounds and turnovers.

The Lady Eagles pulled away from King quickly and kept a big distance between the teams. They dominated after one half and led 30-4.

Windham hustled from the start of the second half and prevented many scoring opportunities for King. Windham continued to add points to the scoreboard and gave 100 percent for the rest of the game.

Windham’s Grayson Cornish, who scored her first basket of the season during this game, said it was teamwork that gave the team such a big win; everyone worked together for the entire game.

“We ran our plays really well today,” said Delewski. “We were passing and did really good. We made the shots; they were falling. We were talking a lot more on defense.”

Delewski said they had a lot of energy. They really got into the flow of things; they were making good cuts which helped.

Franzoni said defense did not give up easy baskets. Windham moved their feet more and had minimal fouls during the game.

“Our passing [went really well],” said Coach Franzoni. “Looking for the open player and not forcing shots; we did a good job at trying to get lots of people involved in scoring.” <

 

Windham JV and varsity girls’ basketball are tough on GNG

By Matt Pascarella

In their final home games of the season, Windham’s junior varsity and varsity girls’ basketball teams hosted Gray New Gloucester on Friday, March 12, with the varsity girls crushing GNG 58-19 and JV narrowly falling, 44-37.

Varsity

Windham came out ready to play and play they did just that. Showing very strong defense from Windham the entire game; the Lady Eagles started with a small lead and then pulled away. Windham was capitalizing on as many rebounds as they could and at the end of the first half, Windham led 27-7.

Windham's Lexi Hirning races past several Gray New Gloucester
players on her way to score during a girls varsity basketball game
on Friday, March 12 at Windham High School. Windham won,
58-19 in the final home game of the season for the Lady Eagles.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham senior Chloe Allen sunk a three-pointer close to the start of the second half. The Lady Eagles kept up the intensity for the full 32 minutes. Windham had a significant lead and could not – would not – be caught, winning 58-19.

“Our defensive intensity was fantastic,” said Windham Coach Brody Artes. “We really played good team basketball. It was a good cohesive unit from start to finish ... good way to send out our seniors at home, Lexi (Hirning) and Chloe (Allen).”

Allen said that even with the quarantine during the season, they always bounced back and played hard.

Hirning said that she thought that made the team chemistry that much better.

JV

Windham sophomore Elizabeth Talbot scored immediately to open the game against GNG. The game was very close in the first half and although GNG held a small lead, the Lady Eagles weren’t far behind.

Freshman Brooke Gerry sunk a three pointer in the second quarter and with Windham picking up momentum, getting closer to GNG they only trailed at intermission, 22-16.

In the second half, Windham had continued that momentum. Gerry sunk two more three-pointers. Windham was getting rebounds and soon had the lead; then the game was tied.

The Lady Eagles employed strong defense and with four minutes left, Windham was only down by six.

Gerry hit another three-pointer with only 20 seconds left and despite a strong effort, Windham trailed at the buzzer, 44-37, with GNG picking up the victory.

“We had a couple bad turnovers that led to other things, but overall, I think we did well as a team,” said Gerry. “My teammates did well in feeding me the ball, but I also looked for them, too.”

Windham Coach EJ Regan said Gray New Gloucester was the toughest team they played all season. For Windham to stay right on GNG and be a pain until the very last buzzer was great to see. <

Girls’ varsity basketball fights against Bangor

Riley Beem

By Matt Pascarella

The girls’ varsity basketball team played Bangor, at Windham, on Tuesday, January 15.

Windham had a strong start, blocking a scoring opportunity for Bangor shortly after tip off and then scoring a few seconds later. The Lady Eagles were aggressive in the first quarter with solid defense; keeping Bangor from scoring in the first several minutes. Windham was getting rebounds and turnover opportunities which kept the score close in the first quarter, Windham taking an early lead, but Bangor not far behind. The teams were neck and neck close to the end of the first half. The Lady Eagle’s defense kept Bangor from pulling ahead.

Half: 18-16, Bangor

Windham started the second half with similar intensity to the first. They were taking advantage of Bangor’s mistakes in order to get turnovers and gain possessions. The Lady Eagles defense continued keeping Bangor from pulling away. Windham’s offense had many shots on basket, but the shots weren’t falling. 

Windham was down by six with roughly three minutes left in the game. Fast forward two and half minutes and there are 33 seconds left and Windham still trails by six. Riley Beem #3 sinks a three pointer and now Windham is down by four with 18 seconds left. The Lady Eagles fought hard and did not let up for two halves, but at the buzzer Bangor edges out ahead 41-37.

Top scorers: Alanna Joyce #4 and Molly Hodgkins #14.

“Our effort was fantastic, start to finish. The kids played hard and they left it all out there today,” remarked coach Brody Artes.

Varsity girls’ basketball overtake Massabesic in year end game

By Matt Pascarella

Alanna Joyce

The varsity girls’ basketball team played Massabesic on Monday, December 31 at Windham and it was a game not to be missed.

The girls started strong scoring in the first few seconds of the game. The Lady Eagles jumped out to an early lead, with strong defense. Unfortunately, Hannah Talon #11, left the game in the first quarter after a possible pulled hamstring. Windham kept up the intensity ending the first quarter ahead. The girls were working to keep distance on the scoreboard, but Massabesic was catching up fast and the half ended with the score tied at 15.

In the second half, Windham turned up the offense and defense. The Lady Eagles were aggressive, pulling away from Massabesic, in order to secure the win. Massabesic was not going down without a fight, though.

After the game was tied at 26, Meghan Hoffses #2 sunk a three pointer seconds before the end of the third quarter. It was a back and forth game with the score 33-31, Windham, at four and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Sarah Talon

Then, a minute later, the game was tied at 34. This was followed by another back and forth and was scoreless for a short time until Sarah Talon #12 sunk a foul shot giving Windham a one-point lead.

Tara Flanders sunk two baskets after getting fouled by Massabesic. She then got two more foul shots and Windham was up by four. With 19 seconds left, you could here hearts racing as the clock wound down. At the buzzer, the Lady Eagles took the game, 38-34.

“It was tough for the kids to see [Hannah] go through that, but they did a good job of rallying and trying to keep their composure and push through and I thought they did a good job...some kids out there who typically haven’t been out there in those situations really stepped up and did a good job overall,” commented coach Brody Artes.

Girls’ basketball play exceptional defense

Kayla Flanders

By Matt Pascarella

The girls’ JV and varsity basketball teams took on Edward Little on Friday, December 21, at home, for their final game before winter break.

JV

Windham started out aggressive, taking advantage of rebound opportunities which lit up the scoreboard frequently early on in the first half. Windham was pressuring, with strong offense and defense, capitalizing on any mistake Edward Little made. The Lady Eagles didn’t let up, despite their lead of over ten points in the first quarter. They were beating Edward Little to the ball, getting turnovers and sinking baskets left and right.

Half: 38-11 Windham

Windham didn’t stop in the second half. They kept the pressure on and with 5:35 left in the third quarter, Windham was up by thirty points. They continued taking advantage on Edward Little’s mistakes, and the scoreboard reflected it. The Lady Eagles were focused, moving the ball around well with solid offense and defense. Top scorers:  Riley Beem #3, Kayla Flanders #21, Estella Inman #42 and Destiny Potter #45.

Final: 69-22, Windham

“Our kids played really well...improvement has been amazing. In this particular game, everybody scored, which is really a rarity at any level. It was good to see our kids come together and have a good game,” remarked coach EJ Regan.

Meghan Hoffses

Varsity
Edward Little got a jump on Windham with a twelve-point lead, but the Eagles’ intensity was ramping up. Windham was catching up to Edward Little, working to grab several rebound opportunities in the first half. With a little over two minutes left in the half, the score was tied at 25. You could feel the tension in the air. Shortly before the end of the half, Meghan Hoffses #2, hurls the ball into the air from half court and as the buzzer goes off the ball is mid-air as everyone watches it plunge into the hoop for three points.

Half: 30-27, Windham

The Lady Eagles take the court, eager to put this game in the win column. Their offense and defense were strong; blocking shots as Windham continued adding to the scoreboard, pulling away from Edward Little. At the end of third quarter it was 42-34, Windham. Windham kept up their pace in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on mistakes and sinking baskets.

Top scorers: Hoffses, Hannah Talon #11 and Tara Flanders #33.

Final: 54-40, Windham

“Coming twelve nothing out of the gate, it’s tough to come back mentally from that. The kids did a good job of keeping their composure overall...the girls did a real good job at staying mentally focused. It was a good team defensive effort for us today,” commented coach Brody Artes. 

Varsity girls’ basketball team ready to make it happen this season

By Matt Pascarella

The varsity girls, basketball team took on Skowhegan in a preseason game at Windham on Tuesday, December 4.

Windham was aggressive right out of the gate, with strong teamwork, moving the ball around their opponents nicely. Skowhegan jumped to a small but early lead and it didn’t take the Lady Eagles long to pull ahead. Windham gave 110%, keeping the two teams close, with only a few points separating the score in the first half. It was neck and neck with Windham up 10 to 9 at one point in the second quarter, then the score was tied at 12.

Half: 14-13, Windham

Both teams were giving it their all at the start of the second half. The Lady Eagles had pulled out to a small lead, but Skowhegan was right behind them, even leading at one point 19 to 18. Windham quickly turned the tables, leading 25-21. Windham’s good offense and defense kept Skowhegan from taking a serious lead.

The Lady Eagles were not slowing down. They continued to move the ball around well, taking multiple shots on Skowhegan’s basket. Windham lead by five, but there was still four minutes left on the clock. A short time later, Windham lead by three with 57 seconds left. At the final buzzer the Lady Eagles had taken this one 42 to 37.

Top scorers included Meghan Hoffses, #2, and Hannah Talon, #11. Anna Drummond, #13, sunk a three pointer in the fourth quarter.

“The girls played alright,” remarked coach Brody Artes. “It’s early in the season, so they made some mistakes, but overall, I think our experience came through at the end; we held it together when we needed to and we did alright.” In the upcoming season, “we can look forward to a quality basketball team that’s fun to watch...score some points and really play lockdown defense; should be a fun year.”

The girl’s first home game is Tuesday, December 11 against Portland. JV plays at 5:30 p.m., Varsity at 7 p.m.

The Lady Eagles defeat Thornton Academy at Windham by Matt Pascarella

Windham High School girls’ basketball game against Thornton Academy on Friday, February 2 at Windham was a game not to be missed. Below is a play-by-play of both JV and Varsity games.

JV

The Eagles start strong, gaining possession immediately. They had great teamwork and hustle, moving the ball up and down the court, giving 100 percent. Windham pressured Thornton by taking advantage of any and all rebound and turnover opportunities and their score reflected that. Excellent defense kept Thornton’s score low.

Anna Drummon

Half: 24-5 Windham.

The Eagles could not be stopped throughout second half. Despite their lead, Windham kept pressuring, continuing great offense and defense. When Thornton blocked a scoring opportunity, another Windham player quickly recovered to take a shot at the basket. Anna Drummond, #13, sunk a three pointer in the third quarter and was a top scorer of the game, so was #24, Lexi Hirning.

Lexi Hirnin

Final: 36-16, Windham

Coach EJ Regan on his team’s performance:

“Before we went out I really emphasized defense, in particular staying aggressive with the ball and having a hand up in the passing lane . . . they did that today and . . . they stepped up . . . and did well.”

 

Hannah Talon

VARSITY

Windham brought out the defense right away, blocking a potential scoring opportunity for Thornton. The Eagles were pressuring, going after the ball and putting points on the scoreboard. They were also capitalizing on any turnover opportunities.

Meghan Hoffse

Half: 12-10, Windham

The Eagles started with just as much energy in the second half. Hannah Talon, #11, put two three-pointers in. The Eagles capitalized on turnover opportunities, keeping Thornton’s score low. Top scorers included: #2 Meghan Hoffses and #33 Tara Flanders.

In the fourth quarter, Windham was up by 10 with four minutes left. Then, the Eagle’s edged them out even more. With 34 seconds left, Windham increased their lead.

Tara Flander

Final: 31-18, Windham

“They did a good job, controlling the tempo of the game,” observed Coach Brody Artes. “They did a good job of adjusting from when we played in the past, quick to making sure we have the time and possession on our hands; [and] getting the lead and keeping the lead overall. It was a good win for us.”

Lady Eagles basketball reign victorious over Cheverus by Matt Pascarella

Molly Hodgkins

JUNIOR VARSITY

The girl’s JV and varsity basketball teams kicked off their seasons against Cheverus last Friday, December 1 with back to back home openers. Both teams played very well, which made for two exciting games.

The JV girls started strong having control of the ball over Cheverus. Windham’s forceful offense and defense kept Cheverus at bay from the start of the game.

Lexi Hirning

Anna Drummond, #13, scored after stealing the ball from Cheverus. Shortly after, she scored again.

Windham’s impressive communication and teamwork led to several other players scoring early. Lexi Hirning, #24 and Lexi Bailey, #34 scored in the first half.

The Lady Eagles continued their intensity throughout the first half, keeping sufficient distance - points wise, ahead of Cheverus. Windham protected their lead by conducting several turnovers against Cheverus.

Tara Flanders, #33 throws to Hannah Talon, #11

Before the end of the first half, several Lady Eagles had put points up on the scoreboard. Erin Elder, #22, scored, Lexi Hirning and Julia McKenna, #21, scored single points from foul shots. Lexi Hirning sunk a three pointer, Hayleigh Moody put two in the basket. Julia McKenna scored one point via a foul shot and Molly Hodgkins, #12, sunk two.

At the half, the score was 23-14, Eagles.

Windham came out just as strong in the second half; they wanted that “W” and they were going to get it. The Eagles’ continued to control the ball and had great teamwork. 

Hannah Downing, #42, scored one point via a foul shot. After a turnover, Hayleigh Moody scored two. Lexi Hirning put two in the hoop. Erin Elder scored two. The Eagles’ lead was growing; Windham continued to pressure Cheverus. Molly Hodgkins scored again. Lexi Hirning put two more points on the scoreboard. Erin Elder and Julia McKenna each got other baskets as Windham was pulling away from Cheverus. Maddie Rogers, #5, sinks a three towards the end of the game. Molly Hodgkins scored one point from a foul shot. 

The clock was running out and even though the Eagles had a comfortable lead, they needed to keep up the defense in order to maintain that lead. At the buzzer, the scoreboard read Eagles 48, Cheverus, 40.

VARSITY

The varsity girls wasted no time with Hannah Talon, #11, scoring immediately in the first half. The Eagle’s great offense and defense let Cheverus know that if they wanted to win, Windham was going to make them work for it. The Eagles were strong and aggressive, with several players scoring in the first half. Tara Flanders, #33, sunk one for two points. Hannah Talon put two points up on the scoreboard.

Windham’s excellent teamwork and communication showed they were “in it to win it.”

Both Taylor Files, #20, and Meghan Hoffses, #2, scored putting in two baskets from foul shots. Windham’s energy resulted in several turnovers against Cheverus, helping the Eagles to put points on the scoreboard.

Meghan Hoffses, Hannah Talon and Tara Flanders each scored, putting two in the hoop. Meghan Hoffses scored again after shooting two foul shots. Hannah Talon put a basket in after an assist from Meghan Hoffses.

Although the Lady Eagles were giving it their all, Cheverus was right behind them, almost matching them basket for basket in the first half. At the half, the score was 24-23, Cheverus.

The Eagles kept up the intensity in the second half. Emily Drummond, #30, scored. Hannah Talon put two baskets in and Tara Flanders got one in the hoop.

The game was very close and Windham had to keep it up in order to put the “W” in the scorebooks. The Eagles continued to pressure Cheverus with Meghan Hoffses sinking a three, Tara Flanders and Kayla Gorman both getting single points via foul shots. Hannah Talon kept the pressure on Cheverus by sinking a three.

Windham played strong with excellent teamwork in order to maintain their lead, which was very close at times. 

Hannah Talon sunk two foul shots. At this point there was less than a minute left on the clock and Windham was up by six. After Cheverus fouled Meghan Hoffses, Windham’s lead grew a little, but there still plenty of time left for Cheverus to catch up.

A short time later, there was only eight seconds left on the clock and Windham led by three.

After some tactical defense, the buzzer sounded and the Lady Eagles had game #1 in the books as a victory. The final score was 46-43, Windham.

“It was a great team win overall; a lot of kids did a lot of positive things for us throughout the game. I’m real proud of how they came together as a team . . . to win the game . . . they are a great group of kids. We’ve been working hard to get to this moment.” said Coach Brody Artes.

Congrats to both JV and varsity on their home opener wins! We look forward to an exciting season!