Windham 6th Grade Girls Prevail in Portland Boys & Girls Club Finale

By Malcolm L. Ulmer

The Windham 6th Grade Girls Travel Team cruised to a 22-14 victory over the South Portland Sparks in the championship game of the Portland Boys & Girls Club basketball league.  The game was played in Portland on February 15, 2008.

The Windham girls relied on aggressive defense and teamwork in securing the victory.  The Lady Eagles raced out to a 6-1 lead in the first quarter and were led by Whitney Murray's 4 points and Lonnie Staten's 4 rebounds.  The Lady Eagles extended their lead to 12-1 at halftime and were led in the second quarter by Bri Roy's 4 points and 3 rebounds and Haley Batchelder's 4 rebounds.  The Lady Eagles continued their team effort throughout the 3rd quarter and closed out that quarter with an 18-6 lead.  In the fourth quarter, the Lady Eagles fought off a brief rally by a determined South Portland Sparks team and closed out the victory by a score of 22-14.

As has been the case all season, each team members played a significant role in the victory.  Whitney Murray led the lady Eagles in scoring with 8 points.  Other contributors included Marissa Ulmer with 6 points and 6 rebounds, Bri Roy with 4 points and 4 rebounds, Lonnie Staten with 6 rebounds, Haley Batchelder and Kate Kneeland with 4 rebounds each, Lauren Linevitch with 2 points and 2 rebounds, Lauren Shoemaker with 2 points and 1 rebound, Bailey Pelletier with 1 assist, and Alex Petcher with 1 rebound.  Team members Sam Frost and Sam Russell, who were unable to participate in the championship game due to other commitments, also made significant contributions to the team's success this season.

The Lady Eagles concluded the Portland Boys & Girls Club basketball league with an overall record of 8 wins and 2 losses.

The team is coached by Karen Petcher.  Malcolm Ulmer serves as assistant coach.