Windham Outmuscles Westbrook To Record 36-32 Victory Over Westbrook

Basketball - WHS Boys First Team

January 22, 2010

By David Field

 

Shawn Francoeur with a wild move of his own to the hoop. Francoeur led the Eagles with 19 points. David Field photo.

 

Windham-In a low scoring match that saw lots of shots, lots of loose balls and lots of fouls saw Windham finally prevail over neighboring Westbrook 36-32.

 

Hawreh Haddadi attempts to call for a timeout while on the floor. The whistle had blown during the scrum and Haddadi went to the free-throw line after incurring the foul. David Field photo.

 

The first quarter saw starter Dylan Weisser, Calvin Field, Joe and Shawn Francoeur and Connor Flynn struggle to score points.  It wasn’t for the sake of trying since they put up over 10 shots.  It was that the ball wouldn’t fall through the twine.  Westbrook was stifled by the Eagle defense and ran into foul trouble early on.  However, when the first quarter buzzer sounded, the Blazes put up a shot that found the twine and gave them the one point advantage to start the second quarter. 

 

Joe Francoeur muscles his way to the hoop. David Field photo

 

After a long layoff, the Eagles had difficulty finding the hoop and handling the ball.  One practice in a week and 1 game in over a week doesn’t bode well this time of year.  However, the Eagles used their talons and managed to scrape their way back into the game.  A handful of Blazes found themselves in foul trouble as the half neared and the bench had to be used.  Windham managed to tie the game to finish the first half.  However, it was very clear the Eagles and Blazes were both frustrated.

 

Calvin Field eyes his man on defense. David Field photo.

 

Westbrook came out in the third quarter and really set the tone.  They went up by six points and there seemed little the Eagles could do to counter their offense.  Midway through, Shawn Francoeur came to life and started pouring in the baskets.  The Eagles began to battle and the game drew closer.   The officials whistles were blowing fouls against Windham, but Windham still kept playing and forced the Blazes to put the ball in play or make the free throw shots.

 

Late in the game, the Eagles gather around coach Artes to hear his input during a time out. David Field photo.

 

The fourth quarter was more of the same back and forth between the two squads.  However, Windham had the upper hand and the Westbrook fans were showing their displeasure at the officiating.  Windham had 10 fouls in the second half and Westbrook had eight.  So, both teams were in the bonus zone.  Westbrook’s #40 fouled out with three minutes to go in the game.  Frustration became the underlying theme as both squads struggled to control the ball and put necessary points on the board.  Windham won the battle as the final buzzer sounded.

 

Catch the Eagles on Saturday, January 23 at Scarborough HS as they take on the Red Storm at 4pm.