Windham Unified bocce ends season showing improvement

By Matt Pascarella

During the final game of the season, Windham’s Unified bocce team showed they have kept improving game-after-game. Windham tied Gray-New Gloucester 3-3 on Tuesday, June 3 after falling to GNG 2-0 less than a month ago.

Windham senior Colby Schmid keeps his focus during the 
final Unified bocce game of the season against Gray-New
Gloucester at Windham High School on Tuesday, June 3.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Since it was the last game of the season, Windham players were geared more toward having fun and celebrating a successful season. It was also Senior Night; Windham’s TJ McAllister, Colby Schmid along with unified partner Talia Campobasso and each of their parents were presented with a gift and thanked for their time and dedication to Windham Athletics. Jacob Smith was not present for the game but coaches say he deserves recognition for his time with the team.

“It’s really important to me to be involved in the unified programs because I see how much it means to them,” said Campobasso, who has been a partner for unified bocce and basketball; her job is to assist the players in learning the game and guide them if they need help. “With other people helping out it makes their day and their year. I’ve definitely seen a lot of improvement in how they work together. I saw how well we worked with the other team; we played Gray New-Gloucester a few weeks ago, but the chemistry and sportsmanship today was a lot better.”

This match consisted of three 15-minute games played on two separate courts. Gray New-Gloucester won the first set of games, 5-4 and 9-1. Windham answered GNG when they won the next sets, 5-2 and 5-4. In the final set, Windham won a game, 5-3, and Gray New-Gloucester won the other, 8-1, resulting in the tie.

Windham junior Zach O’Brion thought the team played very well. They had more wins than last time and played a lot better as a team. It was fun for him to play one last game with the seniors. O’Brion said he likes learning the game and having fun with his team.

“I think it’s been really exciting (to be part of the season),” said Windham’s new Unified bocce coach Kendall Dolan. “Getting involved in the unified sports was always something I really wanted to do, but unified sports happened the year after I graduated high school, so I wanted to find a way to get involved and luckily ... I was able to step in with Connor as the co-head coach, and it was just really nice to be able to do that. Even against Gray New-Gloucester I think they shut us out in all games the last time we played them, but we won a handful of matches today and we’ve just really learned more about the rules of the game and creating the amount of force on your throws. I’m really proud of them; they did a great job today.”

Dolan said sportsmanship will stand out when she reflects about this season. There were a lot of teams that Windham mixed and mingled players and partners in and out and she believes that it is a really important piece of social interaction involving different kids from different places; this was her favorite thing about the season. Windham was really standing behind the seniors and making it a special day for their senior game; they are going to miss Colby, Talia, Jacob and TJ.

Congratulations are in order for Colby Schmid, TJ McAllister, junior Mary Jean O’Brion, freshman Tristan Stanley, junior Jack Shirley, freshman Maddi Small and Jacob Smith on another great season of fun and good sportsmanship. <

WHS unified bocce displays excellent efforts, sportsmanship against Gray New-Gloucester

By Matt Pascarella

Halfway through the season, Windham’s varsity unified team traveled to Gray New-Gloucester High School where they took on the Patriots on Monday, May 12. Windham showed a great deal of sportsmanship and both teams cheered for their opponents.

Windham senior Colby Schmid gives his bocce ball an
elevated throw during a Unified bocce game at Gray New
Gloucester High School on Monday, May 12.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Despite a 2-0 loss the Eagles showed that the game of bocce is more about making friends, having fun and improving at a game that you enjoy playing, rather than winning.

“I think they did really well today,” said Windham varsity unified bocce head coach Kendall Dolan. “They were really excited, and they were taking pointers from the other team which is just really nice to see two different schools working together; a really great game.”

In bocce, one team throws a small white ball called the pallina, and the goal is to throw larger balls, called bocce, to get as close to the pallina as possible. Only the team closest to the pallina scores points. This match consisted of two 20-minute games with the winner being whoever has the most points when time is up.

Although the score is kept, the object of the unified bocce game is more geared toward having fun and being part of a team.

Everyone on the Windham team, including junior Mary Jean, junior Zachary O’Brion, freshman Tristan Stanley, senior Colby Schmid, junior Jack Shirley and senior TJ McAllister displayed good throws and there was a lot of laughing and high-fiving with both teams cheering each other on.

Schmid said one of the things that went well during the game was teamwork. He said both teams showed great sportsmanship. Schmid said if the team had maybe focused more it might have ended differently for Windham. The season has been going well.

In the first game, Gray New-Gloucester took an early lead and stayed ahead to win that game, 9-2.

In the second game, Windham stayed strong, but Gray New-Gloucester won 11-0.

O’Brion said things went well and he had fun. He wasn’t happy with the loss, but he said WHS will try and beat Gray New-Gloucester the next time they play them.

“We have a really good group this year,” said Windham varsity unified bocce assistant coach Connor McNeill. “Honestly, our team is super flexible, and they are really good about going with the plan whatever it is – one thing that’s hard about bocce is sometimes we don’t know how many players the other team is going to have – so they have to adjust to playing for a different school or playing with a different group that they may not be used to playing with. They are always willing to do whatever we need. In terms of improvement, the more we play the better we’ll go, and Gray New-Gloucester is just really good.” <

Windham Unified basketball falls to Portland/Deering by one point

By Matt Pascarella

In a hard-fought game where Windham’s Unified basketball team gave their all, the clock wound down and Portland/Deering edged Windham, 40-39, on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Windham High School.

Windham senior Colby Schmid rises above his opponents
to make a one-handed shot during a Unified basketball
game against Portland/Deering on Wednesday, Jan. 29
at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham took several solid shots that just did not land late in the game.

“I think we did very well this game,” said Windham senior Colby Schmid. “We did better at getting inside (the paint). My buddy Zach and I struggled with the three-pointers. I think we did great at scoring, and I think we do need to work on passing.”

There were a lot of positive aspects shown during this game, including Windham players giving other players an opportunity to move the ball or go in to take a shot. Windham had several stellar opportunities they took full advantage of with Mary Jean, Maddi Small, Zachary O’Brion, Tristan Stanley, Colby Schmid, Jacob Smith and Jack Shirley showing true sportsmanship.

Windham moved the ball well and soon they were on the scoreboard. The Eagles had a small lead to start, but after some time the game was tied.

Portland/Deering took the lead, then Windham snatched it back; this was a very tight game. Windham defense worked hard to limit scoring opportunities for their opponent.

O’Brion had a nice turnover, and the game was tied 14-14 with less than four minutes left in the first half.

Midway through the game, Portland/Deering led, 18-16.

At the start of the second half, O’Brion hit a three-pointer; a few moments later he did it again. This remained a very close game. Windham rebounded and continued to work hard.

Schmid sunk a three-pointer. The game was tied at 24-24.

Portland/Deering took the lead. Windham tried very hard to flip the score, but time ran out.

It felt good for O’Brion to sink his two three-pointers he said. This was a very tough loss and Windham was so close. They need to work on defense and rebounds.

“A ton of rebounds (during this game) we’re hitting the board so much better,” said Windham Unified basketball coach Anne Blake. “Our problem is we’re not moving in to do the close, confident shots; we’re (attempting) too many three-pointers. The rebounds have improved and the team’s playing with a lot more unity. I just think all the partners and athletes worked really well together; we played in a festival last weekend, and this is our third game for the season, so I think we’ve really improved since our practice with the festival. I think the team is starting to improve and the teamwork is showing. Layups (need work).”

Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. <

Windham unified bocce team making progress in second season

By Matt Pascarella

In just its second season, Windham High School’s varsity unified bocce team played Fryeburg Academy at home on Thursday, May 9 and put in a great effort but eventually fell to Fryeburg, 3-1.

Windham sophomore Mary Jean gives a strong toss toward
the pallina in a Unified Bocce match against Fryeburg 
Academy at Windham High School on Thursday, May 9. 

“I think bocce is the most inclusive of the unified sports,” said Windham unified bocce assistant coach Connor McNeil. “It doesn’t require a lot of physical exertion, but it requires a lot of thinking and different strategies. The best part about bocce is we’re able to recruit some players who wouldn’t otherwise play sports. Our team is really independent; they play by themselves, and they strategize by themselves; as coaches, we’re able to step back and let them play and have fun and I think that went really well today. Our team has shown growth in taking charge of themselves and doing things on their own without needing the support of an adult which is really the focus of unified sports.”

In bocce, one team throws a small white ball called the pallina, and the goal is to throw larger balls, called bocce, to get as close to the pallina as possible. Only the team closest to the pallina scores points. Each match consists of two 30-minute games with the winner being the first to reach 16, or whomever has the most points when time is up.

Although the score is kept, the object of the unified bocce game is more geared toward having fun and being part of a team.

Everyone on the Windham team played very well including senior Dani Iaconeta, sophomore Mary Jean, senior TJ McAllister, sophomore Zachary O’Brion, junior Colby Schmid, sophomore Jack Shirley, and senior Jacob Smith.

Windham players were high-fiving each other, focusing on their throws and celebrating their wins. Many Windham players had at least one throw where they got close to the pallina.

“We did pretty good, but we still need to focus on throwing the ball [closer to the pallina],” said Iaconeta. “We did really awesome; I got to hold the scoreboard that was awesome too. [Bocce] is really fun, and I get to see my friends and it teaches me teamwork.”

Iaconeta said that she had fun during the match and was eagerly awaiting the next bocce match.

“What went well was in the first year we were a little bit worse at throwing the balls and this year we got a lot better,” said Smith. “Our teammates were getting along a lot better. What needs work was we were struggling with sportsmanship because we had never met this team before. I like that we get to be outside, we get to have fresh air, and I get to see Ms. Blake a lot more. I had a ton of fun and I can’t wait until our next game.” <

Windham Unified basketball earns win over South Portland through teamwork

By Matt Pascarella

In just their second home game of the season Windham’s Unified basketball team of Colby Schmid, Jack Shirley, Dani Iaconeta, Jacob Smith, Zachary O’Brion, Davic Ntibandetse and Mary Jean stayed ahead of the Red Riots late in the game on Friday, Feb. 9 to pull out a 58-51 victory, which they achieved through passing and a combined effort with every member of the team scoring at least once.

Windham sophomore Zachary O'Brion gets some air as he
drives for a layup during a Unified basketball game against
South Portland at home on Friday, Feb. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We were very aggressive,” said Windham unified basketball head coach Anne Blake. “They kept their energy up and they really worked hard on getting those rebounds – that’s what we’ve been trying to teach them in practice, and they finally put it together. The other thing we’ve been working hard on in practice is stopping, aiming, then shooting. They put it all together today. Passing the ball [still needs work] especially on breakaways.”

Windham grabbed rebounds right from the start of the game. Schmid and O’Brion then both hit three-pointers. The game was quickly tied, but Windham’s passing allowed them to get out in front of South Portland.

Soon, Windham began to build a decent lead over the Red Riots. The crowd went wild, and the gym roared with excitement every time one of the Unified players scored.

The Eagles’ defense was spot on with a block that prevented a scoring opportunity for a South Portland opponent.

Despite Windham’s big lead, South Portland held firm and was not far behind. Windham led 36-28 at the half. Halftime featured a dance break, which many got into.

“It went really good,” said Windham senior Dani Iaconeta. “We hustled out there and tried to get the ball. I can’t believe we won [the] ... game – that was my birthday wish. We tried to get open and my teammates did really good; we did awesome. We need to try to get more rebounds.”

The game had tightened up in the second half and eventually a mere four points separated the two teams.

The game was tied, 48-48, but Windham players snagged some rebounds and pulled away just enough, while its defense held off South Portland. Shirley tossed in a sweet buzzer beater to increase the lead in the final seconds.

“I thought it was fun and my best friend [Shirley] was in the game with me,” said Windham senior Jacob Smith. “What went well was that we played better as a team this game than we have in the other games; we passed a lot more. Listening to what our coaches tell us [needs work].” <

Windham’s unified basketball closes season with strong performance

By Matt Pascarella

Surrounded by packed stands and cheering fans, Windham’s unified basketball team played their final game of the regular season against Scarborough at home on Tuesday, March 7. It was also senior night where Dani Iaconeta, Kayla Fillinger, Austin Rice and Alexandra Tetrault were each presented with a small gift to thank them and their parents for their years of dedication to Windham sports.

Windham Unified freshman Zachary O'Brion could not be
stopped as he sinks a three-pointer early in Windham's
final regular season basketball game at home against
Scarborough on Tuesday, Match 7.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Right from the very start Windham’s energy was way up and their teamwork and offensive skills were excellent. Windham kept it close with the Red Storm for the entire game, but after two halves Scarborough inched ahead, 43-40.

“We did really great,” said Iaconeta. “I’ve been passing the ball to my friends, and we’ve done really good.”

Iaconeta said she was bummed that this was her last game of her high school career. It’s been really great and exciting for Iaconeta to be on the team throughout high school.

She said passing and advice from coaches both went well during the game. She had a lot of fun.

Rice stole the ball and headed down the court and got Windham on the scoreboard.

He said the team played well and it was exciting. He’s had a lot of fun playing over the season.

Windham defense was strong. Sophomore Colby Schmid sank a layup after he grabbed a rebound and made it down the court. Freshman Zachary O’Brion sunk a three-pointer to tie the game at 9.

This game remained close. Windham junior Jacob Smith’s basket put Windham in the lead for the first time in the half.

Windham kept up their solid defense. Freshman Jack Shirley had a nice steal as Windham was neck-and-neck with Scarborough.

At the half, the game was tied at 20.

Windham freshman Katie Plummer sunk a basket early in the second half as Windham continued to work hard. Windham defense and intensity were both forceful.

Freshman Mary-Elizabeth Jean’s basket helped the Eagles stay in the lead.

Fillinger said the game was good; Windham was fast and shot big hoops. She had fun and is pleased with how the season went. It’s been really fun for her to play on the team these past four years.

“The game was tremendous; the whole team came to play,” said coach Anne Blake. “It was a great finale to a great season. The atmosphere of the game was the biggest thing. It was a very inclusive game, everyone played together as a team. The season was a challenge at times ... but we made great strides and look forward to next year.” <