Windham graduate Sarah Talon continues excelling on and off the court

By Matt Pascarella

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. <

Windham girls’ basketball shows improvement against Bangor

Varsity senior Sarah Talon heads to the hoop mid-air
during Windham's girls' prep basketball game against Bangor
at home on Jan. 14. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham girls’ varsity and junior varsity basketball teams played two great games against Bangor at home where they fought until the end on Jan. 14.

After Bangor beat the varsity team by almost 30 points at Bangor in a year-end game, the Lady Eagles showed the Rams that would not happen again. In a very close game, Bangor tried but Windham held them off and won 46-40.

The JV team wanted to take home a win too and worked hard to do so. Bangor jumped to an early lead and could not be caught. Windham did not get down on themselves and stuck with it until the end. Bangor got a 50-22 win.

Varsity

Windham senior Kayla Flanders got the game going with a three-pointer. This was followed up quickly by junior Elizabeth Levesque who sunk another three-pointer.

Windham was quick to grab rebounds and jumped out to an early lead.

The game turned close when Bangor pulled ahead by one. After Windham senior Carly Morey and Flanders each hit three-pointers, Windham pulled away again. Windham led 29-20 at the half.

Windham sophomore Brooke Gerry sunk a three. Bangor was grabbing rebounds and catching up.

With 1:44 left on the clock Windham led by five. With 5.7 seconds left they led by six and stayed ahead until the buzzer.

“I think we knew what happened last game and we wanted to ... move on,” said senior Sarah Talon. “We had all this week to make adjustments and learn from our mistakes last game. It was a really good team win.”

Windham girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes said going into this game they knew they needed to be tougher physically and mentally. Artes said Windham executed, defended, and rebounded better this game. He was very happy with the team for the turnaround and said a lot of kids stepped up and made big plays.

Junior Varsity

Bangor took an early lead. Windham worked well as they passed, but this led to turnovers as Bangor was quick to interfere.

Windham freshman Dakota Small added points to the scoreboard. So did freshman Chloe Edwards. Windham defense was better in the second quarter, as they allowed Bangor fewer scoring opportunities. At halftime Bangor was ahead 23-11.

“We moved the ball really well and did a good job working as a team,” said sophomore Alyssa Conley. “We talked a lot on defense and were a cohesive unit; never getting down on one another, always picking each other up.”

Windham made a bit of a comeback in the second half as they slowly gained; the effort was there, but not all shots were falling. Windham stayed positive but couldn’t catch Bangor.

“We really have been focusing on rebounding in that getting second chance opportunities on offense and limiting their chances on defense,” said Windham JV coach Gretchen Anderson. “Bangor’s press caused us a little bit of trouble, but again, we are learning and adjusting. I’m really proud of how ... they played, they kept their heads up and played really hard.” <

Coaches banquet honors Windham fall soccer athletes

Windham High freshman Stella Jarvais, left, junior Abbey
Thornton, senior Sarah Talon, and Windham girl's soccer
coach Deb Lebel gather at the 46th Maine Soccer Coaches
All-Star Banquet in Bangor on Sunday, Dec. 5. Jarvais made
the 'Southern Maine Calss A All-Star Team.' Thornton and
Talon each made 'Southern Maine State,' 'Southern Maine 
Class A All-Star' and "All-Region' teams. Thornton was
named 'Class A Player of the Year' and Lebel was honored
as 'Coach of the Year.' PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON   

By Matt Pascarella

The Maine Soccer Coaches All-Star Banquet awarded players and coaches from all over the state on Sunday, Dec. 5 in Bangor. Windham’s Stella Jarvais, Abbey Thornton, Sarah Talon, Sam Glicos and Wyatt Flibbert each received honors.

Windham senior Sarah Talon and junior Abbey Thornton each made the “Southern Maine State,” “Southern Maine Class A All-Star” and “All Region” teams.

Thornton was named “Class A Player of the Year”.

“This season was one I will remember forever,” said Thornton.

The best part of Thornton’s amazing season was by far sharing such an incredible experience with her best friends and family. 

Freshmen Stella Jarvais made the “Southern Maine All-Star” team.

Jarvais said it was more surreal than anything to be selected at the banquet, especially in her first year. The team made her comfortable enough to play her best. She was playing for them, to get the experience they had.

Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel said Jarvais was a fierce competitor and stepped onto the field with the confidence of a veteran player. Jarvais never backed away from a play; Lebel is excited to have her back for three more seasons.

Thornton and Talon had 30 goals each for the season, which is rare. Lebel said both had a team-first attitude and played hard for 80 minutes every game.

Lebel added Thornton knows the game well and is extremely deserving of “Class A Player of the Year.” She is a leader on and off the field.

Lebel was named “Coach of the Year” for all New England, large school. She doesn’t feel like she does anything above what other coaches do, so this award is very humbling.

Windham seniors Wyatt Flibbert and Sam Glicos both made the “Southern Maine Class A All-Star” and “All-State” teams. Glicos was also made the “All Region” team.

“These were the two best players, on a team that was the top in conference during the regular season,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Ben Schulz. “Sam and Wyatt both have put in countless hours working on their games, ... speed and agility.”

It felt terrific for Glicos to be a part of the Coaches Banquet. It meant a lot to him confidence-wise. It has always been a goal of his to make the New England team.

He owes it all to the team and the guys setting him up every game.

“It felt great to see not just me but other members of Windham getting the recognition they deserve,” said Flibbert. “It feels good to know I left Windham soccer on such a positive note and that this team has such a bright future.” <

Windham High girls’ basketball turns in solid effort against Gorham

Windham varsity senior Sarah Talon gets above a Gorham
defender to take a shot at the basket during the Lady Eagles' 
home basketball opener on Dec. 10.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s junior varsity and varsity girls’ basketball teams both put in solid efforts against Gorham in the home opener on Dec. 10. Both Windham teams fought hard to make up the difference in games where the Rams had pulled ahead early.

The varsity team had a better second half but eventually lost 66-47. The Lady eagles JV team improved as the game went on, but the Rams won by 61-7.

Varsity

Gorham pulled ahead early on. Windham was quick to get rebounds. A couple foul shots by senior Sarah Talon put Windham on the scoreboard.

The Lady Eagles were aggressive, but Gorham had a 10-point lead after one quarter.

Windham junior Elizabeth Levesque stole the ball from Gorham and passed to senior Carly Morey who put two more points on the scoreboard.

Once Windham gained momentum, they began to close the gap. They took multiple shots at the basket, but not everything fell. At the half, it was 43-19, Gorham.

In the first half I think we came out slow-ish,” said Levesque. “We wanted to adjust, and we knew we could come back and get better. I think we really worked hard defensively, like pushing the ball. We knew that Gorham could run, so we really hustled [in the second half].”

Although Gorham was still ahead in the second half, more Windham shots fell.

Windham senior Sarah Talon put 13 points on the scoreboard in the second half.  Windham kept up their efforts until the final buzzer.

Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes said the team pressured and moved the ball better defensively in the second half. Artes said they need to do a better job executing and focus on getting better.

Junior Varsity

Gorham took the lead early and although Windham tried hard, as they went after the ball and captured rebounds, they remained scoreless. Windham defense did tighten up on the Rams and allowed less points to be scored in the second quarter. At intermission, Gorham led 27-0.

Windham freshman Grace Joly said the third quarter was the team’s best because the team realized how much energy they needed to make baskets. They figured out their offense and had good passes and drives, plus good defensive stops.

Windham stayed with the ball in the second half. Freshman Afomiya Timerga put Windham on the scoreboard. The Lady Eagles continued to get rebounds, but Gorham pulled away. Joly scored twice plus sunk a foul shot in the third quarter. Windham did not get down on themselves and kept up their efforts until the end.

“I think the girls started to get a little bit more confident and a bit more comfortable in the second half,” said Windham JV girls’ basketball coach Gretchen Anderson. “For a lot of the girls this is their first high school experience [on the court]. I’m proud of the turnaround in the second half; we were able to push the ball a little bit more, keep within our offense and the girls stayed positive on the bench.” <

Windham’s Talon to attend UMaine on full basketball scholarship

By Matt Pascarella

Windham senior Sarah Talon will attend the
University of Maine at Orono on a full
scholarship to play basketball next year. Talon
signed her Letter on Intent at Windham High
School on Monday, Nov. 15 in front of her 
family, friends, coaches and supporters.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

Windham senior Sarah Talon has had the dream of playing Division I basketball since she first picked up a ball. Talon has made that happen through countless hours of work and practice and she verbally agreed to attend the University of Maine at Orono the summer before her sophomore year.

Talon made it official by signing a Letter of Intent in front of a big group of friends, family, coaches and supporters on Monday, Nov. 15 at Windham High School. She received a full scholarship to play Division I basketball and will major in sports medicine in college.

When Talon was little, she thought soccer was her strong suit, but realized in middle school she was better at basketball. She remembers watching Catherine McCauley player Allie Clement as well as her big sister Hannah. Clement and Hannah were role models of Talon’s; she wanted to do what they did. Talon wanted to play at Clement’s level and the collegiate level.

Talon has a love of the game which is what makes athletics important to her. She’s competitive and has the drive to rise to the occasion and succeed.

“That competitiveness is just incredibly unique with Sarah,” said Windham girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “[She’s] someone who is always looking to gain an advantage on the court and push her teammates, she just wants to win every single time down the floor. We don’t see a whole lot of athletes that have that drive that Sarah does each and every day.”

Talon has been dreaming about the day she would commit to play Division I basketball for a while and for it to finally be happening in front of everyone she loves is something she will never forget.

“I knew I couldn’t get to where I wanted to be by sitting at home; I had to go out and actually work for it. I had to wake up to those 5 a.m. mornings when I didn’t want to, and I had to come late at night even when I didn’t want to.”

Talon started a workout routine at New England Fitness and Athletics where she said they helped get her to become stronger, faster and more agile, along with everything she needed to do for basketball.

Thornton Academy junior Jessica Dow played on the Maine Attraction Amateur Athletic Union team with Talon. Dow described her as a leader. Dow said Talon has everyone’s back if they are behind in a game, Talon knows how to bring her team together and calm them down. She described Talon as an all-around good teammate.

Talon said she was definitely motivated to continue working harder by people who told her she couldn’t do it, no matter the reason. She used all those negative comments and transferred them directly to the basketball court.

“I proved them all wrong,” said Talon. “And it feels good.”

Talon said she’s grateful to her mom and dad and sister Hannah, for without them none of this would be possible. They have worked so hard over the years, the countless hours of driving, the money spent on hotels for tournaments and everything that has led to this moment.

She would also like to thank Shawn Legassy, Steve Haines, Diana Manduca and Dajuan Eubanks for their hard work and dedication to her and Blue Wave Basketball. Talon started Blue Wave around third grade and the mentioned individuals believed in her and knew she had a shot at something great.  <

Hail to the champions!

Windham High's varsity girls' soccer team celebrates after
defeating Brunswick to win the Class A North state soccer 
\championship on Saturday, Nov. 6. The team includes
Caitlyn Marsh, Liz Talbot, Liz Levesque, Mallory Muse, Kylie
Garrison,  Ashlee Sawyer, Kyla Harvie, Amelia Mortero,
Stella Jarvais, Abbey Thornton, Hannah Lee, Tiana Salazar, Kayla Flanders,
Ashley Clark, Emily Talbot, Reilly Russell, Sarah Talon, and
Eliza Trafford. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

WINDHAM VARSITY GIRLS' SOCCER WINS 2021 CLASS A STATE TITLE

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s varsity girls’ soccer team’s entire season had been building to this moment and the team was ready and had what it took, defeating Brunswick, 3-1, in the Class A girls’ soccer state championship game played at Massabesic High School on Saturday, Nov. 6.

In earning the title, Windham finished the season undefeated at 19-0 and only allowed nine goals all season. It was Windham’s third state girls’ soccer championship since 2013.

Windham put three in the net in the first half to take a commanding lead. Although Brunswick (15-2) scored roughly halfway through the second half, they were no match for Windham’s indestructible defense.

“We didn’t really have any expectations,” said Windham senior goalie Eliza Trafford. “We knew that if we stayed supportive and worked together as a team, we could accomplish anything.”

Trafford, who had seven saves during the state championship game, said she was nervous, but that was good because it showed how important the game was to her.

Windham began the game as they pressured hard; they were first to the ball and controlled the field. They took shots on Brunswick’s goal, but Dragon defense kept the Lady Eagles in check and scoreless early on.

Brunswick couldn’t hold back Windham for long. 23 minutes and 38 second into the game, Windham junior Abbey Thornton with an assist from senior Sarah Talon put Windham ahead.

Thornton said it felt good to win a state championship.

“Everything we’ve done this whole season it’s finally paid off. We can relax, we’ve done it,” said Thornton.

Thornton knew it was going to be a hard game. As a team, if they put their game face on, they could not be stopped. She said the state championship was a goal this year.

Talon was next to score assisted by freshman Emily Talbot 28:53 into the half.

“The moment you pick up a soccer ball you dream about an accomplishment that big. I wanted it so bad, for everyone, for the seniors, for everyone. It was just really exciting ... [to score],” said Talon.

Windham did not let up and continued to pressure. With 46 seconds left, Thornton scored her second goal. Windham led 3-0 at the half.

“This [championship win] was nice coming off a Covid year,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. This was her third state championship win at Windham High School and her sixth state championship win overall.

“These kids have worked pretty hard, I’m really proud of them,” Lebel said. “This group of seniors have been great leaders on the field and in the classroom. Great athletes, but academically they’re really strong.”

In the second half Windham was just as aggressive. They continued to play terrific defense.

Brunswick did find the back of the net once, but that was all the Lady Eagles allowed. As time was running out for Brunswick, Windham only strengthened their defense.

Brunswick had multiple corner kick scoring opportunities that Windham shut down. Less than three minutes remained in the half and Windham was able to maintain their lead until the final buzzer.

Talon said Windham was able to win through toughness, dedication to the game and positivity. She added they have really good team chemistry that they are really proud of and can put into success. She’d like to thank coaches and teammates for making it an unforgettable year; winning the state championship was a good sendoff for her as a senior.

“We kept just saying, ‘play your game; keep it on the ground, keep possession, go to the end line and feed it back in. Don’t kick and run,’” said Lebel.

Lebel saw a lot of unselfish play this year and added the team meshed very well and was inclusive. The upperclassmen took care of the freshmen. She felt positive team chemistry took Windham all the way. She added the team has a lot of speed up top, which is hard to defend, but that this is one of the most skilled teams she’s had in terms of footwork.

“It was incredible,” said Trafford. “We’ve all worked together as a team for many years and it’s just great as a last hoorah to experience something like this.” <

Windham’s Talon wins one-on-one title for second year in a row

Windham senior Sarah Talon plays defense during 
the one-on-one championship game at the Maine
Invite Only Top 30 Skills Basketball Camp held
at XL Sports World in Saco on Aug. 6 and Aug. 7.
PHOTO BY ALLISON TALON

By Matt Pascarella

If you’ve ever seen Windham’s Sarah Talon play during a varsity basketball game, it’s not hard to see why she was picked for Maine’s Invite Only Top 30 Skills Camp. She is definitely one of those players that leaves it all on the court and works very hard to continue to improve her game. During the camp, the invitees compete in a one-on-one “Queen of the Court” championship game. On the weekend of Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 at XL Sports World in Saco, Talon won the one-on-one “Queen of the Court” championship for her second year in a row.

Talon began working with her trainer and now the organizer of the Maine Invite Only Top 30 Skills Camp, Ben Teer, when she began high school. Teer started and now runs the Top 30 Skills Camp.

Talon got her first invite to the camp from Teer when she was in ninth grade. Talon knew from the start “Queen of the Court” was something she enjoyed very much. She considers one-on-one a specialty of hers and often succeeds at it.

Teer said Talon is a true competitor and one of the most athletic and unstoppable guards in Maine. She has tangibles to take over the game whenever she wants.

“Which is why she’s such a good one-on-one player,” said Teer. “Her athleticism, style of play, and skillset sets her apart in one-on-one. She has a killer instinct and is cutthroat; attacking you over and over and over.”

Athletes are selected to Maine’s Invite Only Top 30 Skills Camp by several ways. Teer reaches out to coaches and Amateur Athletic Union directors asking them who they think are top players in each class. Teer hosts online nominations where anyone can nominate who they think deserves it.

He also travels the entire state and watches thousands of athletes compete. He looks at statewide rankings, newspaper all-state teams and conference top awards. Social media also allows Teer to follow the journeys of many of these athletes.

During the weekend, some of the skills Talon worked on was being aggressive on the court and learning ways to never back down from any competition.

When it came to the one-on-one championship, Talon knew if she had won last year, she was capable of winning again this year.

She said her athleticism and confidence played a big role in winning this competition. She knew what her advantages were and used her athleticism wisely.

“It was very nerve racking ... (winning the one-on-one championship) in front of the entire camp. I knew I had a lot of pressure because of last year’s ‘Queen of the Court’ win.” Talon said her experience this year was amazing.

In order to prepare for the Top 30 Camp and the championship one-on-one game, Talon has been working out in the basketball gym, taking hundreds of shots and repetitions every day. She’s also been playing and practicing with her Amateur Athletic Union team, named Attraction.

“This summer has been very important to me in preparation for this winter. I’m hoping for a very fun and successful winter season,” said Talon. <

Windham girls’ varsity soccer wins in double overtime against rival; JV shows they can compete against Gorham

Windham junior Sarah Talon lunges toward the ball
between two Gorham players in the first half of
a girls' varsity soccer game on Oct. 3 at
Windham. Talon scored and Windham took a 2-1
lead. Talon scored again in double overtime and
Windham won, 3-2. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham girls’ varsity and junior varsity soccer teams pressured rival Gorham in two exciting games at Windham on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Varsity player and junior Sarah Talon scored two goals in Windham’s game. The second goal more noteworthy than the first, as Talon scored in double overtime to give the Lady Eagles a 3-2 win.

JV player and freshman Alyssa Conly tied up the game for Windham in the first half, but Gorham scored in the second half giving them a 2-1 win.

Varsity

Sophomore Ashley Clark scored from the sidelines less than seven minutes into the game.  Junior Sarah Talon scored near the end of the first half.

“We need this game; Gorham’s our biggest rival,” said Talon. She had the mentality ‘we need to win this for the team, not just a single person.’ She wanted to get the ball and go. “We performed amazing; our chemistry on the team is insane. Our positivity is really good, we’re one big family.”

At the half, Windham had a 2-1 lead. The Lady Eagles began the second half as they gave Gorham’s goalie a workout. Windham took multiple shots and attempted to head the ball into Gorham’s goal. Roughly nine minutes left in the second half, Gorham tied the game at two. Talon ended it in the second overtime as she fired the ball between the posts and gave Windham the 3-2 win.

“This was a great gauge of where we are” said Windham coach Deb Lebel. “Gorham is a really good
team, so that’s a great win for us. It was fun to have some tough competition.” Lebel added there were tons of unselfish plays and it was really nice to see Windham all work as a team.

Junior Varsity

In their first game of the season, Windham tied the game after Gorham scored in the first half. After a corner kick, the ball bounced off a Windham player and Windham freshman Alyssa Conly kicked it and it bounced off a Gorham player’s head and into Gorham’s goal. Windham’s JV team had the game tied at one at the half. Windham battled hard, but Gorham scored midway through the second half and got a 2-1 win.

“I think we did pretty good,” said Conly. She said there were a couple things they need to work on, but
overall, she thought they did well.

“We’re going to have to work on the 50/50 goals,” said Windham JV girls’ soccer coach Jeff Fish.

He said they need to spread the field a little more. They tried to play it up the field a little too much where they could have played it out to the wings (more toward the sidelines of the field).

Defense was awesome in the first group of players that took the field. Fish noticed the second group was a little shaky on defense, but said they’ll get there. <

Sisters play in National Basketball Tournament in D.C. by Matt Pascarella

Hannah Talon

The U.S. Junior National girls’ basketball tournament was held from July 26 to July 29 in Washington D.C. Windham’s Hannah and Sarah Talon competed in the tournament, playing on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Maine basketball team, Blue Wave Elite, comprised of girls from Portland, Gray, Wells, Standish and Cumberland.

The tournament was structured with seven brackets stemming from 96 teams. Teams played five games in order to get to the championship bracket. Blue Wave won all five of those games and the chance to play in the championship. Unfortunately, they ended up losing to the Lady Lakers, a team from Rochester, New York in the final round. However, second place out of 96 teams is very impressive.

To play in this tournament, teams had to qualify by playing in other tournaments and the players must have met talent requirements to be placed in the appropriate group of teams who have a similar skillset.

Sarah Talon

Hannah, an incoming junior, played on the Windham High School varsity girls’ basketball team and has been playing on the Blue Wave basketball team since she was in fifth grade. Sarah, an incoming freshman, has been playing on the Amateur Athletic Union since third grade and played on the Blue Wave basketball team as a way to hone skills.

“It was a great experience. I got to see some of the best players in the country,” observed Hannah.

She said playing in the games was a little overwhelming at first, mostly because of the size of the 20-basketball court gym, but once she started playing, she was fine and had a lot of fun.

“U.S. Junior National girl’s tournament was a great experience,” remarked Sarah. “Most of the girls I played against were bigger, faster and stronger and will help prepare me for the upcoming high school season.”

The Northeast Girls recruiting website, a website that identifies strong players from tournaments, named both Hannah and Sarah as players to watch in the upcoming seasons.

Congratulations to both of you!