Raymond softball overachieves in first game against Old Orchard Beach

Raymond eighth-grader Caitlyn Bergsen
bats during Jordan-Small Middle School
softball's opening game of the season
against Old Orchard Beach.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School played their first home game of the season against Old Orchard Beach on Tuesday, May 10 and did a spectacular job.

Raymond has been practicing since before April vacation and the team had a very nice first showing; Raymond battled up until the last out. Old Orchard Beach won 17-10.

Eighth-grader Audrey Getchell hit two in-the-park home runs with everyone on the team doing a great job on the field, offensively and defensively.

“I did alright throwing and catching, and I was hitting pretty good,” said eighth-grader Katie Plummer.

Plummer said that they’ve come a long way since that first practice.

In the first inning, OOB scored five runs.

Raymond answered when eighth-grader Briella Beers walked. Sixth-grader Kylie Gervais doubled, and Beers scored. Gervais then stole home.

In the second inning, Raymond defense nabbed a runner at home. OOB scored five runs.

Raymond brought force in the second inning after eighth-grader Caitlyn Bergsen walked. Plummer was hit by the pitch, then seventh-grader Karla Rodriguez singled and bases are loaded. Bergsen scored.

Beers walked; Plummer scored. Gervais walked and Rodriguez scored. Getchell walked and a run came in. Beers scored. After two innings OOB led 10-7.

In the fifth inning, Getchell ripped the ball deep into the outfield, rounded the bases and made it home.

In the sixth inning, Raymond sixth-grader Phinlee Afthim singled. So did eighth-grader Sarah Penna; Afthim scored.

Getchell hit another in-the-park home run in the seventh inning. Bergsen doubled.

Bergensen said overall she thought the team did very well. There were a couple things she thought they could improve on, but she was pleased with how they played.

“Our teamwork went really well, knowing that we were actually a team,” said Getchell.

Getchell has seen improvement with defense and offense. It felt really nice for her to hit two in-the-park-homeruns.

“We overachieved today,” said Raymond softball coach Jim Beers. “We haven’t had a lot of practices ... our first week of games got rained out. We’re mixing in a lot of inexperienced with some experience on our team.”

Beers said he couldn’t be happier with the outcome and is pleased they can build on that. There are little things to iron out now, little intricacies of the game; if they get those ironed out, they should be fine. <

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. <

Raymond’s girls’ and boys’ basketball team’s skills improving

By Matt Pascarella

Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams showed they are getting better each and every game when they played Sacopee Valley, at JSMS, on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Raymond eighth-grader Gavin Lawler soars into the air to take
a shot during Jordan-Small Middle School's home game against
Sacopee Valley on Thursday, Dec. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PSCARELLA  

The Raymond girls team wasted little time and were soon an unstoppable force that could not be caught. Raymond walked off the court with a 24-6 win over the Hawks.

The Raymond boys squad continues to improve all the time and they worked hard and took several shots at the basket, but not as many as they would have liked were dropping in. After four quarters, Sacopee Valley posted a 42-13 win.

Girls

Raymond was aggressive right away and put the ball up multiple times in the first quarter. Raymond seventh-grader Isabella Vassoler scored first. After that Raymond added point after point to the scoreboard.

“We did a lot more teamwork,” said Vassoler. “We were passing more ... we stayed with our opponent.”

She added everybody did well and they’ve improved a lot since their last home game.

Raymond got rebounds and kept up the intensity. Raymond eighth-grader Briella Beers got a layup. Raymond continued going after the ball and took many shots at basket. Halfway in, Raymond led 14-2.

Raymond eighth grader Audrey Getchell scored early in the second half. Raymond kept up the intensity and continued to work hard. Raymond eighth-graders Jada Stewart and Corey Brackett scored. Raymond kept the hustle up until the final buzzer.

“They played together a lot more and were looking for each other,” said Raymond girls’ basketball coach Jim Beers. “Also better on defense ... now they know how to protect and help out when their teammate gets burned.”

Boys

Sacopee Valley managed to get several turnovers, which gave them a lead early on, but Raymond kept their heads up. They had several shots at basket, with many good attempts that just weren’t falling.

Eighth-grader Ethan Swett put Raymond on the scoreboard. Raymond eighth-grader Braedyn Elwell sunk two three-pointers before the end of the first half.

Sacopee pulled away, but Raymond stayed with the ball. At the half, the Hawks led 25-8.

Raymond boys’ basketball coach Andrew Wing told the team after the game, the scoreboard was only half the story.

“Every game of the season has been more competitive,” said Wing. “I’m seeing they are working harder; they are staying together. The team is getting better, they are getting shots and they’re going to fall at some point.”

In the second half, Raymond moved the ball well and took advantage of several rebound opportunities. Raymond seventh grader Nick Allen sunk two foul shots toward the end of the game to help close the gap.

Raymond worked hard as a team up until the final buzzer.

“We need to work on our defense a little bit more; like boxing out or getting rebounds,” said Allen.

Allen said that he thinks they’ll do better in upcoming games. <

Jordan-Small Middle School soccer getting stronger every game

Jordan-Small Middle School sixth grader Brooklyn Roy, left,
aggressively goes after the ball during a soccer game against
Waynflete in Raymond on Monday, Sept. 20.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Early in the season, Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have shown they are improving in every game.

During the Raymond boys’ game against Waynflete, seventh grader Logan Timmons scored in the second half when he kicked the ball and as the goalie went to block it, the ball fell back into the goal.

Raymond seventh grader Isabella Vassoler took a shot right at goal in the second half of the girls’ game. It easily found the back of the net.

Jordan-Small’s soccer teams played Waynflete on Monday, Sept. 20 at home in Raymond and although both teams fell by scores of 3-1, there is plenty of room for progress as the season continues.

Boys

Raymond goalie and seventh grader Ben Bancroft had a nice block early on. His quick hands and Raymond’s defense kept Waynflete’s goals to a low number.

Raymond moved the ball well. The team worked to score and took multiple shots on goal.

The game was scoreless at the half.

Raymond was more aggressive in the second half, going harder after the ball. Waynflete scored twice during the second half.

Timmons said he thinks the defense needs to be a bit more organized. He was happy he scored his goal.

“The boys’ team as a whole is starting to gel,” said Raymond boys’ soccer coach Jim Beers. “They played great today against Waynflete; they didn't back down, which was nice to see against the bigger kids. They are getting stronger each time. I'm proud of the effort they gave today, in a loss.”

Girls

Even though Waynflete scored early in the game, Raymond did not let this get them down. They fought hard for two halves and worked to turn the score around.

Raymond goalie and eighth grader Evie Behnke made several great saves throughout the game.

At the half, Waynflete led 2-0.

In the second half, Raymond had more hustle, pressured, stayed with the ball and had strong passes.

Vassoler said she thought they did much better than last week, where Raymond lost by more goals. She added she saw improvements like harder kicking and kicking the ball up the field more. As well as improved defense.

Raymond girls’ soccer coach Jim Beers said the girls’ team is learning very quickly. Some are new to the game or have not played in a while but are making progress each game. The girls proved they have fight and want to win. Beers is proud of their effort. <

Jordan-Small baseball squad shows strength against Waynflete

Raymond seventh grader Jacob Buckley bats
during a baseball game against Waynflete at
Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond on
Friday, May 28. Buckley singled in the first
and third innings and scored on both of those
innings. Raymond put in a solid effort, but
Waynflete took a 19-6 win.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

By Matt Pascarella

As the season nears its end, Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School baseball team wanted to show what it could do when matched up against Waynflete at Raymond on Friday, May 28.

Waynflete jumped to an early lead, but Raymond’s offense proved to be tough to hold down and forced a tie. Although Waynflete slowly pulled away, Raymond wasn’t far behind and the Jordan-Small Middle School team stole several bases, exhibited some great skill batting and turned in some nice fielding. Despite a strong effort shown by Raymond, Waynflete pulled away and won 19-6.

In the top of the first, Waynflete loaded up the bases and got a grand slam which brought in four runs. There was some impressive fielding from Raymond eighth grader Josh Plummer who got a double play by catching the ball and then tagged a runner headed to second base. Plummer later tagged out another runner who had taken a lead off first base.

In the bottom of the first inning, Raymond eighth grader Griffin Richmond doubled. Raymond seventh grader Eli Powers walked and then seventh grader Jacob Buckley singled. Richmond scored. Plummer doubled and Powers scored. Raymond eighth grader Erik Dupont ripped a long ball into the outfield and was thrown out on his way to second base. However, this brought in Buckley and Plummer who scored. The game was tied at four after one inning.

In the bottom of the third inning, Waynflete went up 10-4 but Jordan-Small attempted a rally. Raymond’s Buckley smashed the ball to get on base for a single. Plummer crushed the ball and tripled. Buckley scored. Later in the inning, Plummer stole home. Raymond had made progress, with the score now 10-6, Waynflete.

As the innings progressed, Waynflete pulled away and while Raymond put in a solid effort, they could not catch their opponent.

“We are improving on what we do as a whole,” said Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School coach Jim Beers. “They are getting better at knowing the game. In four games we’ve come a long way.”

Plummer said he did well with his pitching, and he did ok with fielding and batting. He did mention an error at shortstop, but other than that he said he thought he played well overall.

Plummer said that there are a lot of inexperienced players on the team and everyone, including him, needed to work on their own skills. Yet, overall, he thought the team did okay this season. <

Jim Beers’ passion is paying it forward

Jim Beers coaching his young baseball player

By Matt Pascarella

Jim Beers has sports in his veins. He’s played a variety of sports and was trained by some of the best high school coaches in the state. A lifelong Raymond resident, he went to Jordan-Small Middle School (JSMS) as a student. Currently, he coaches three teams over the course of the school year for JSMS, plus he coaches Raymond little league and recreational basketball in Raymond for fifth and sixth graders.

Beers played sports all four years at Ellsworth High School. Both his soccer coach, Brian Higgins, and his baseball coach, Jack Scott, are in the New England Sports Hall of Fame. Jack Scott is also in the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. “Scott gave me the fire to be able to recognize in myself when I probably believed I wasn’t much of a player,” said Beers.

He likes to do for the players he coaches, what his coaches did for him. “They may not believe in themselves but I’m able to open that door to show them you can be better than you think you actually are,” explained Beers. “And once they see that, that’s exactly why I coach.”

Beers began coaching when his son started playing in 2004. Since that time, Beers has coached seventy plus teams. He reiterated how lucky he was to be guided by wonderful coaches when he was younger, and he wants to pass that same experience onto his players. Beers describes being a coach as a deep-rooted passion.

His favorite moments are watching a player who doesn’t expect success on the field or the court – and unexpectedly finds it. “The players who don’t expect to make the team, who don’t expect to get a lot of playing time; when they get out there and their eyes light up because they just did something they didn’t expect to do, that makes it for me,” stated Beers.

He went on to say he was that kid, the underdog. He likes to take that player, who doesn’t think they’ll make it and show them they can.

After a season is over, he wants his players to be passionate about what they’re doing. He stressed the importance of showing up every day and putting in the effort. “What I prepare them for is where they’re going, not where they are,” Beer began. “I want them to see you can be better than what you are right now, because you’re going to go places.” If a player’s plan is to play high school sports, Beers’ plan is to get that player there.

Born and raised in Raymond, Beers has no plans of leaving. He has two children and has been married for 23 years. Beers says he lives for his kids and to coach and play, including his own daughter who he coaches in basketball and softball. Beers describes himself as someone who can answer most Jeopardy questions, and a ‘Maine guy’ through and through. Aside from coaching, he plays in a men’s baseball league. Ultimately, it’s giving back that is what matters to him most.

JSMS soccer teams half way through season - By Jim Beers

The Jordan-Small Middle School (JSMS) soccer teams are midway through their 2016 seasons. Starting with the girls team, and they are led by veteran soccer coach Adina Baseler. In her first year coaching at JSMS, she immediately stepped into a challenging situation. Most of the 2015 girls team that would have returned, left to play field hockey instead, giving coach Baseler a younger, more inexperienced team this season. 

"They came together at the start of the season with such diverse skill sets. Some players had never strapped on cleats, but this only seemed to strengthen the bond between the experienced and inexperienced players. They really came together as a team, and it has made this group of young women a true joy to coach," said Baseler, who teaches sixth grade English language arts and social studies at JSMS. The Lady Roadrunners are 0-8 to start the season, but always play hard no matter the score, or the record. 

The roster consists of sixth graders Caroline Bolk, Abby Cochrane, Caylan Kinney, Angelina Vo and Kaydence DeHahn. Seventh graders are Aubrie Froisland, Hailie May Landman, Kaylee Lacasce, Lily Oldershaw, Emma Furey and Isabel Dionne. Rounding out the team are eighth graders Hayleigh Davis, Jesula Murch, Vania Murch, Jaden Murphy, Lydia Knights and Marisa Knights. 

"I am very proud of each of my players. I have watched each member of the team grow as both an individual, and a player, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow with them," added coach Baseler.

The Boys have picked up where they left off last year, charging out to a 6-0-2 record so far. Dating back to the second week of the 2014 season, the boys team has not lost in 32 consecutive games. Coached by Jim Beers, the Roadrunners have scored 36 goals, while allowing 9. Eighth grader Keegan Brooks leads the team in goals with 17. He is ably backed up by seventh grader Alex "Bob" Wing, with nine goals. 

"We work very hard as a team. We have a lot of pride in what we do, and for the school we represent," said coach Beers. Jayson Plummer, Alec Brooks, Oliver Backman and Nathan Plummer patrol the midfield, while Reese Merritt, Boden Sabasteanski, Cayden Theriault and Caleb Crockett make up the starting defense. First year player Niall Gushue starts in goal. 

Seventh graders on the team are Oliver Backman, Sam Gurney, Raymond Dulac, Eli Rogers, Cal Shimko, Alex Swindler and Bob Wing. The eighth graders are Jayson Plummer, Cayden Theriault, Reese Merritt, Niall Gushue, Nathan Plummer, Boden Sabasteanski, Caleb Crockett, Justin Vo, Jeremiah Doherty, Geno Koumphonpakdy, Keegan and Alec Brooks. 

"The team is very talented, at all positions, and that's due to the leadership of our eighth grade class. The effort they show in practice and games is a great example for our seventh graders to learn from," added Beers.

Local boys help guide team to a winning season - By Jim Beers

Over the summer, a combined sixth and seventh grade basketball team in the YES League program, breezed through their schedule and took home the league's championship. Two players from Windham, Sean Cunniffe and Hayden Bilodeau, helped guide the Bruins to an impressive 10-1 record, and the title in their age group.

The team is guided by coach Steve Carey, and has already started their fall program in the YES League. All the parents have expressed the same sentiment, Carey is great with their kids, and thank him very much for what the team has been able to accomplish. The players are made up of players from Cumberland, Yarmouth, Portland and Windham. The Bruins roster is Dominic Sola, Armel Maloji, Shane Tanguay, Andrew St. Hilaire, Gabe Carey, Bailey Hamlin, Nick Hutton, Mpore Semuhoza, Tanner Daniels, Sean Cunniffe and Hayden Bilodeau.

RES kicks off the second annual My School Color Run - By Jim Beers

Last Thursday, Raymond Elementary School, (RES), held a pep rally to raise excitement for the school's upcoming 2nd Annual My School Color Run on September 25th. Last year's event drew nearly 250 participants to the beautiful 1-mile course located on RES grounds, and they hope to surpass that number this year. Race check in on the 25th is 12 p.m., and the race will start at 1 p.m. 

Designed for all abilities, participants may walk, jog, or run the course, with hopes of raising funds for much needed school supplies. Rain date is set for October 2nd. Be sure to get in on the early registration, before September 9th, as that will include your own color packet, racing bib, and My School Color Run t-shirt. Early registration is only $20 per person. Groups of four or more are only $18 per person, and under 4 years and younger are free. Late registration is from September 9 to September 25, is $25 per person, and will not include the color pack, bib, or t-shirt. 

 

Last year's organizer, Susan Brackett is back once again to spearhead the event. "RES is making fundraising fun again this year with our 2nd Annual Color Run. Be sure not to miss out on walking, jogging, or running the course, while being splashed with color in the color zones," said Brackett. "In addition to the Run, there will again be a silent auction this year. Please don't forget to register early, by September 9th, to pay less and get more. The event is exciting for everyone involved, and really does a lot to benefit the students at Raymond Elementary School," added Brackett.