Windham girls’ basketball falls against Cheverus

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off back-to-back wins over Edward Little and Portland, Windham girls’ basketball headed to Cheverus in Portland to play the Stags on Friday, Dec. 27. Cheverus took a considerable lead in the first half, and although Windham started slow, their momentum built, and they picked it up in the second half. Despite their best efforts, Cheverus was too far ahead and defeated Windham, 61-41.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski is about to sink
a three-pointer during a girls' prep basketball game on
the road against Cheverus High School on Dec. 27.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We did really well in the second half, because their zone defense is very aggressive, so we needed to be more patient and play as a team,” said Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski, who knocked down four-three pointers and scored 17 points overall. “Obviously we’ll get shots in the zone, but instead of taking ok shots when we’re open we were getting better shots when it’s one more pass and we’re just coming together as a team and playing for each other. We played really good defense and did really good help, (Cheverus) just hit their shots ... we’ll finetune some things and get the next one. We need to play better help-side defense. We can work on being more patient with the ball, making good passes and not taking two dribbles and picking it up.”

Cheverus jumped out to an early lead. While Windham was slow to start, once they got on the scoreboard, they began to close the gap. Windham moved the ball and picked up some solid turnovers leading to Delewski sinking a three-pointer. Windham rebounded but trailed, 31-15, at the half.

"We as a team were definitely cold at the beginning,” said Windham sophomore Isabella Vassoler. “I think switching to man-to-man helped. Taking care of the ball is a big thing in that game, a lot of turnovers. Adapting to how they play (is what can be learned). We need to focus on what’s working and what’s not working and balancing out more pros rather than cons. Some pros of the game were splitting the floor and making sure we got in that middle to Stella ... as well as swinging the ball faster and try to calm and play with poise and make sure they aren’t speeding us up.”

Windham kept their heads up and went on a run in the second half. They adapted to Cheverus’ star player Kylie Lamson and contested several of her shots. Switching to man-to-man defense made a difference.

Delewski hit another three-pointer to start the second half. Windham offense had improved. Windham went hard after the ball, but Cheverus remained in the lead. Delewski sunk another three, then several moments later, Windham freshman Sitota Hatch sunk a three-pointer.

According to Windham senior Stella Jarvais, who scored 14 points in the game, it’s difficult to adapt to how fast Cheverus plays. Going into the game, Windham wanted to slow the game down and try to run their stuff. She said this game was eye-opening; they need to work on man-to-man defense in practice, seeing the floor and not rushing. As long as they keep working hard, they’ll get better controlling the ball.

“We just needed to make sure we attacked Cheverus’ pressure and do what we could to stay composed,” said Windham girls’ varsity basketball coach Brody Artes. “We did that well at times and at times we didn’t. Cheverus shot the ball really well at the beginning of the game and we didn’t and that was kind of the difference right there. The kids have done a good job all year of maintaining a good attitude, good energy, whether they’re on the floor or on the bench – everybody has contributed that way. We had to switch things up defensively in that second quarter and as soon as we did, we had a bit more energy and were able to maintain our defensive identity a little bit; we were able to get some better shots because of it. It’s a matter of knowing what to expect and being able to shoot a little bit better early in the game.” <

WHS varsity girls’ basketball topples Bonny Eagle to close preseason

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High’s varsity girls’ basketball team played their last preseason game on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Windham against Bonny Eagle. Windham defense kept Bonny Eagle completely scoreless in the first half and limited their scoring abilities in the second half as the Lady Eagles walked off the court with a 46-17 win.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski focuses while
navigating her way between two defenders during a
preseason varsity girls' basketball game against Bonny
Eagle at Windham High School on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We went out and put some good ball pressure on them and forced a lot of turnovers early,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “That’s kind of our identity and what we’re looking to do this year. We’re still evolving with our offense, and we try to get better every day with that, but our difference in intensity was good. We rebounded really well. Marley was fantastic on the boards early on, but as a whole we did a really good job.”

While the game took a slow offensive start, Windham defense did not let Bonny Eagle score a single basket in the first quarter, thanks to a last-second block before the buzzer. The Lady Eagles moved the ball well and snagged rebound after rebound, while turning the ball over a number of times.

In the second quarter, Windham junior Victoria Richardson sank one of her three three-pointers she would drop during the game. Windham’s defense kept Bonny Eagle scoreless, and Windham pulled out front with an enormous lead. At the half, Windham led, 22-0.

“We’ve had a bunch of good practices in the past week where we’re just all really connecting as a team,” said Richardson. We have a lot of new freshmen this year and ... recently we’ve been doing a good job connecting and we really showed that in the game today. I think our defense went really well – we’ve been working on that a lot in practice. We could get a little stronger, I know personally I need to get stronger (and not so much in our heads). I think we’re going to be a really strong team and if we play like we did today I think we can beat a lot of the teams that we think we can’t beat.”

Although they had a substantial lead, the Lady Eagles kept up their hustle in the second half. Junior Marley Jarvais connected on a three-pointer early in the third quarter. Windham stayed with the ball and grabbed rebounds.

Bonny Eagle did eventually score, but Windham’s defense continued to limit those opportunities. Windham remained strong with a very substantial lead throughout the game.

Windham freshman Yani Kostopoulos also had a nice block late in the game.

“I think this was a good game,” said Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski. “We really showed our defense considering they didn’t score in the first half. I feel like we played really well together, that our zone was really good; we did really good at being patient with the ball. We work really hard not just for ourselves but for each other; we get rebounds, we’re not selfish with the ball, we do good passing, and our shooting was really good today. I feel like a lot of people felt like this year would be a growing year because we’re still pretty young, with only one senior, but I feel like we’re kind of selling ourselves short and we’re a lot better team than we think we are.”

Windham faces Lewiston at home on Friday, Dec. 6 in its season-opener; tip-off is at 6 p.m. <

Windham varsity girls’ basketball looks strong for upcoming season

By Matt Pascarella

The start of the varsity girls’ basketball regular season is just a week away and Windham High is in position to be a contender with experienced returning players and new additions making WHS tough to beat.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski goes in for a
layup during the prep girls' basketball tryout session
on Monday, Nov. 18 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think our goal is to work together and play as a team and I feel like already with this first tryout that we’ve had, I think we are already achieving that goal,” said Windham junior Addison Caiazzo. “I’m excited to see how the season goes. Our dynamic and team bonding (from last year can be a positive this year), because we only lost one senior last year, so I think just keeping that bond and bringing it over to this year.”

The team focus this year is to bring in as much positive energy to everything the team works on in practice and to translate that positivity to bring high energy into their games.

“We are excited to start the season, with a team that is mixed with some veteran players as well as some new additions to the roster that are going to step into some big roles in a major way,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “Our overall goal is always to win a state championship, but the emphasis will be playing our best basketball in February. Marked improvement from November to February is something we always strive for.”

Artes and his coaching staff want players to improve individually each day by working hard in practice, recognizing their strengths and how they can use those strengths to contribute to the team’s success, and to be the best version of themselves during the playoffs.

“I’m really going to focus on being positive with my teammates, especially with it being such a younger team,” said Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “I’m working to be more positive and more team-oriented when it comes to practices and having high energy and being inclusive with everyone. Last year it was ... a growing year for our team. At the end of the year, we started to learn our new offense, so I think working through the summer and being able to incorporate it now in the early season, I think we’re going to be able to get it down and run it continuously. Obviously to make it to the tournament is a goal; making it there, and just having a fun last year with the people that I love.”

Windham will continue to be a strong defensive team. The overall size and strength of their players will be a significant benefit this season. Jarvais and sophomore Mackenzie Delewski will lead the way with both players being great defenders and a significant threat offensively. Junior Marley Jarvais will be a defensive specialist for Windham, as a very adaptable player who can guard all five positions.

“I will approach the upcoming season with a positive and a determined mindset,” said Delewski. “Last year we were a very young team that lost to Bangor early in playoffs by just a few buckets, I feel like this year we can go much farther as long as we work hard and fine tune our skills. Last year I learned what it takes to be a varsity athlete; it meant being a smarter player because I was up against older girls, and it also meant learning new plays and how the team works together. My goals for this year include our team making it to the Civic Center and trying our best in each and every one of our games.”

The regular season opens for Windham at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 against Lewiston at home. <

Windham Eagle Soccer Camp brings community together

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp welcomed athletes of all skill levels from grades kindergarten through eighth grade for a second consecutive year. Campers are taught the skills of the game by Windham High School’s girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams as well as Windham High graduates with the week-long camp held at Windham High School from July 15 to July 19.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski showcases her
footwork at the second Eagle Soccer Camp run by
Windham's varsity girls' and boy's soccer teams held
at Windham High School on July 17.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Participants say that this was a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and learn from each other.

“You got ... alumni that’s back – I’m an alumnus and it’s great coming back,” said Windham varsity girls’ assistant coach Jim Stewart. “I think it’s a dream as a parent and a player in Windham to see this community come together and offer a camp for kids to come together and have fun. Soccer is a bit of a mechanism for community. We’re all together, we’re all having fun, we’re all enjoying our time together.”

Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp teaches its participants about the game in a low-pressure environment with high success. The participants learn about Windham soccer and are given the skills to apply and succeed within the varsity program. Each day they are taught a move and the more moves they know the greater the chances for them to succeed.

“I’ve taught the kids my love for the game, and I just want to show them how much I love it and want them to enjoy it as much as I do,” said Windham senior and Eagle Soccer Camp eighth grade counselor Luke Cunniffe. “The kid’s energy is infectious, throughout the whole week so far – when I’m tired, they still have energy, so I got to keep up with them. It’s meeting and getting to know the high school coaches a year before they could potentially play for them. And meet some of their future teammates; it allows them to see what the program is before they get there so that’s something to look forward to when they get to high school.”

The counselors cultivate relationships and a connection with the kids. During the season, camp participants have fun cheering at the varsity games and those connections that are made last a long time.

“Summertime for me, as long as I can remember, has always been soccer camp when I was a kid,” said Eagle Soccer Camp organizer and Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “I remember how instructive, how fun, how much of a character-building moment that all was – great memories. Not only is it about trying to provide young players at every level an opportunity to learn more about the game, and have it be educational and technical ... but I want the program to be strong and the kids coming through to play the game the right way. The kids are making memories, they’re having fun, and they are being active and in the moment. You are also helping build the next generation of coaches.”

For Neal, seeing his players interacting and teaching camp members who are learning from one another puts a huge smile on his face. It's huge for Neal to have the younger kids show up at a high school game and root for players they are familiar with and look up to. He also wants the high school players to know they have a responsibility and set a good example for the younger players.

“I think it’s good to build up the youth; when we’re here it gives them someone to look up to – I just really wanted to be a part of that this year,” said Windham sophomore and counselor Mackenzie Delewski. “I think they’ve learned sportsmanship and how to work with others. The camp as a whole shows how we are all working together to make soccer better – they’re working to get better and we’re working to help them.”

Windham fourth grader Sammy Stubbert has had fun and has become a better soccer player through learning moves. It’s good interacting with the varsity players and he plans to cheer for them during their games. The moves he’s learned will help him on the soccer field.

“I had a lot of fun last year and got better on skill work,” said Windham eighth grader Carly Franzoni. “I love being with the coaches and counselors. They are really nice and it’s helpful – they teach you a lot of stuff.” <

WMS girls’ basketball splits games against Lincoln

By Matt Pascarella

On the eve of a snowstorm, the Windham Middle School eighth and seventh-grade girls’ basketball teams played home games against Lincoln on Thursday, Jan. 19 and ended up trading victories.

Windham Middle School eighth grader Kylie Card speeds 
toward the hoop during a girls' basketball game against
Lincoln at Windham on Thursday, Jan. 19.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

The eighth-grade team took an early lead and while Lincoln caught up a little in the second half, Windham regained the lead and secured a 42-31 win. Windham’s seventh-grade squad was neck-and-neck with Lincoln in the first half and early in the second half but eventually Lincoln pulled away in the third quarter, defeating Windham, 29-20.

Eighth grade

Windham started out with great defense and held Lincoln to one basket. The Lady Eagles fought for the ball and the scoreboard reflected their success. They had high intensity with several steals.

“I think we did really good at getting up and getting back as a team,” said Windham’s Mackenzie Delewski. “It was a really good team game; our press and transition buckets went really well.”

At the half, Windham led 22-10.

In the second half, Lincoln tied the game at 22. From here, Windham recovered their lead and increased the space between them and their opponent’s score. Windham continued strong offense, stealing the ball every chance they got. Denali Momot sunk a three-pointer.

“I think we battled back really well,” said Windham’s Kylie Card. “We put ourselves together and set up our plays well. We had good defense and were very aggressive throughout the whole thing.”

Windham prevented Lincoln from getting close to a tie for the rest of the game.

Windham eighth-grade coach Katie Franzoni said she thought the girls came out strong from the start and forced turnovers from their press and made baskets in transition. Franzoni was pleased with their improvements as this was something that had been a recent focus during practices.

High scorers for Windham were Delewski and Leandra Woodman.

Seventh Grade

Windham won the tip-off and their quick hands kept possession in the Lady Eagles’ favor early on.

Lincoln snagged a few turnovers and the game remained close in the first half.

Windham tied the game at eight. Windham’s defense blocked several Lincoln scoring opportunities.

Midway through, the game was tied at 12.

“This was probably the toughest team we’ve seen all year” said Windham seventh-grade girls’ basketball coach Chris Aube. “We played particularly well defensively. Lincoln had some really big strong kids that we haven’t seen in a while, and I thought we did a good job ... keeping them to one-shot and done – negated some of the second chance opportunities.”

In the second half, Windham stayed right there with Lincoln. Lincoln pulled away a little, but Windham continued to get rebounds and kept Lincoln from scoring much in the fourth quarter.

“I think it was a little bit rough, but I think it helps because we can see how we can improve,” said Windham’s Sitota Hatch.

Hatch said offense, trying to communicate and staying positive all went well. She said trying to work on their defense a bit better, picking up a player is a way they could improve their game.

Eliana Kostopoulos said communication and passing went well against Lincoln.

High scorers for Windham were Hatch and Kostopoulos. <

WMS girls’ soccer teams shut out Moore in season openers

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School’s seventh and eighth-grade girls’ soccer teams controlled the field and did not allow Moore Middle School to score in either game as they won their home openers on Monday, Sept. 26.

Windham’s seventh graders defeated Moore, 5-0; while the eighth graders won, 6-0.

Windham seventh-grader Emily Wardwell keeps the ball away 
from her Moore opponent as she travels toward the goal during
Windham Middle School girls' soccer seventh-grade team's
first home game of the season on Monday, Sept. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Eighth Grade

Windham’s Maya Dries said the team had great communication and passing against Moore and were able to get the win because they played together as a team.

“I think we did pretty good considering we’ve only had a couple practices and we have a lot of new kids who joined this year,” said Dries.

The Lady Eagles took the field ready to get it done. Barely minutes into the first half, Mackenzie Delewski scored.

Windham was first to the ball and had several shots on goal early in the game.

Delewski scored again; followed by Leandra Woodman whose kick slipped right past the goalie.

Later, Maya Dries booted the ball from the top of the penalty box right to the back of the net; she scored on an indirect kick shortly after.

Windham led 5-0 midway through.

The Lady Eagles wasted no time in the second half and took shot after shot at goal. They continued to be first to the ball.

Delewski scored again and Windham posted the win.

Windham eighth-grade girls’ soccer coach Richey Vickers said the more experienced players have taken the inexperienced players under their wing. He says the team is really good at passing the ball around and really good at shooting deep; shooting outside the 18-yard line sets them apart from other

schools and goalies don’t expect that.

Vickers said they all love the game and each other. That’s exactly the kind of coaching Vickers is trying to bring – all inclusive, getting after it and having fun.

Seventh Grade

Windham offense was strong all game; defense kept the ball away from Windham’s goal.

Windham’s Emily Wardwell scored first. Morgan Clark scored next. Windham had solid passing and communication.

Windham’s Lily Emond found the back of the net from a corner kick.

At halftime, Windham led 3-0.

In the second half, the Lady Eagles extended their lead. Wardwell scored from the top of the penalty box and Adyson Miller put one between the posts.

The Lady Eagles’ intensity remained as they succeeded in being first to the ball.

“I think we did really good for ... combinations, finding other people and always trying to find opportunities to shoot on net,” said Wardwell. I think the rest of the season is going to go really good; we’ll get stronger and stronger throughout the season.”

Windham seventh-grade girls’ soccer coach Aaron Talon said they controlled the ball well, got a lot of shots on goal. Talon said they have to work on their spacing. If they work on spacing it will only create opportunities for them.

Talon said they are great kids. This is their first involvement with school sports and there are a lot of girls who’ve come together at a lot of different levels for a common goal. <

 

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.” <