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- Expect the unexpected at the University of Maine at Pres Isle, committed to providing an affordable education with a personalized experience full of discovery and innovation - From the Cross insurance Arena in Portland, it's the MPA Boys Class AA State Championship presented by Ware Butler between the Wyndham Eagles and the Gorham Ram, - Welcome inside the cross insurance arena.

We have got a great way to end the basketball season here tonight.

I'm Rob Kennedy, along with Brandon Terrell and this game really has it all.

Two top seeds in the north and the south.

Two teams with 18 and two records coming in.

Two rivals separated just by a border, their neighboring towns and two head coaches that go back a long way as good friends and two outstanding teams.

We have some fun here tonight.

- Yeah, how about this Rob, we have neighboring towns right next door to each each other.

You have coaches who have known each other since their college days, not about separating these two teams geographically or on the basketball court.

- Take a look at the Gorham Rams 18 and two on the season.

They've really elevated in the last couple of years.

Seven wins two years ago, 13 last year.

Ryan de Shane comes over from Grain New Gloucester and they're playing for a gold ball.

- Yeah, first AA gold ball appearance here for the Gorham Rams.

You talk about Gorham, you have to talk about Ashton LeClaire.

Mr. Main basketball Semi-finalists.

McDonald's Allstar averaging over 21 points per game.

- Very good team too.

They knocked off during in the semi-finals, defeated Scarborough 46 33 in the regional finals ready to go against their cross border rival the Windham Eagles.

Ryan De Shane is standing by with Greg Lebinski will send it down to the floor - Coach.

I feel like we've talked about this before, but such an interesting situation with a veteran group of guys.

But then you're a first year coach, obviously not a first year coach ever, but first year at Gorham.

What's it been like on this run so far?

- Yeah, it's been amazing.

These guys have bought in, they, you know, really adapt to the way we want to play on both sides of the ball and it's just been a dream season and three, two minutes ago - The score against Windham in the regular season was not super close but I'm sure they're a different team from them.

What did you prepare for in terms of facing them tonight?

- Well the first sat, they're up one so 16 minutes they're right there with us and you know, we just went on one of our runs that we've, you know, we, we've had the capability to do.

We've definitely made some adjustments this time how we'll guard them and how we want to play offensively if the pace is our favor, we like our chances.

- Alright, good luck coach.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

Thanks - Very much Craig.

Let's talk about the Wyndham Eagles right now.

A team that took down Portland 43 34 in the regional finals started slowing that game scored 13 points for the first two minutes of the third quarter.

They were down a dozen battled through it ended the game in a 30 to nine run to be here tonight.

- That's indicative of of their entire season.

Rob, nobody expected much out of these Wyndham Eagles heading into this one.

They weren't kind of dubbed as that championship team heading into this one and they've just used that as fuel to prove everybody wrong.

They're very balanced team.

They're led in scoring by Blake McPherson and Tyree James at 16.5 and 14 points per game.

But Quentin l Lindsey led the conference and assist Craig Dixon led in rebounds and Eric Bowen was the defensive player of the year.

- Greg Lavinsky Hass made his way down to Chad Polk and the Windham coach but sent it down to the floor.

- Coach has been an incredible run for your team.

A team that won five games last year tripled that already this year.

What did you say about the growth about these guys this year?

- They're just stuck together.

I mean it's been the same story for us all year.

Sticking together, making sure that you know when adversity hits we stay together on in those moments.

Incredibly hardworking group of kids, great kids, they deserve to be here.

They've worked their their butts off to be here so we're excited.

- You saw Gorum once, what'd you learn from that Matchup - A lot really.

I mean they're a great team, super powerful.

They were, you know, they're supposed to be here.

They've done a great job getting here and we gotta make some adjustments to beat them.

- Alright, good luck coach.

Thank you.

Back to you guys.

- Thanks very much Greg.

And again this interesting night too with Wyndham playing for their first ever gold ball.

They won their first regionals last week.

It's the first time they've gotten this far for Gorham.

They haven't played for gold ball since 2005 when they lost by three to Cameron Hills and the last win was a 2000 a 74 52 victory over Herman.

Take a look at there Flo.

Let's take a look at the road to the gold - For the Gorham Rams coming in the regular season record 16 and two averaging over 64 points per game.

That's good for first place in class double A this season given up just over 50, the number one seed in the south defeated Deering in Scarborough to get here.

That last gold ball was in Class B over Herman.

They haven't won a class double a gold ball yet.

Over on the other side.

Wyndham hasn't won any gold ball of any kind.

They're here for the first time.

All new experience, the average almost 60 points per game and gave up just under 50 a game.

They beat Lewiston in Portland and here they both are - Just about time to be introduced to these two teams and we'll send things down to our floor announcer.

Pick up the house Mike and meet the Eagles in the Rams here in Portland as they get set to play for a class AA gold ball.

Good, good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Cross Insurance Arena, our host for tonight's main principal association 2024 class AA Boys state championship game.

Tonight's contest features the Class A South class AA South champions.

The Gorham High School Rams.

Their opponents tonight are the Class A A North champions, Wyndham High School Eagles.

Good sportsmanship is a result of a disciplined effort to respect yourself, your opponents and game officials.

Remember, good sports are winners, so be a sport and practice good sportsmanship.

The officials for tonight's contest are Mr. Jeff Mertle, Mr Rob Lamar, and Mr. Patrick Henry.

Our official scorekeeper is Ellen Durgan.

Our spotter is John Hodge, scoreboard Operators Tyler Berth.

Our clock operator is Paul Marquee.

Our musical director is Jacob Hodgkin and our on-site certified athletic trainer caring for the athletes this evening is Annmarie Bouchard.

Now let's meet the team members and we'll begin with the visitors from Gorham High School.

Number zero, sophomore, Atticus Whitten.

Number two, freshman Colton Ewt, number 11, senior Isaac Young.

Number 25 senior Jesse James, number 31, senior Hayden Pier number 33, senior Taylor Farr and number 40 freshman Preston Brown and now the team members from Wyndham High School.

Number two, sophomore Tyree James number three Junior, Joseph Bly, number five Junior, Connor Jan.

Number 10 Junior Grant Kopi number 14 freshman.

Colin Jan Veen, number 20, senior Ryan MFE number 21 Junior Brayson freeze number 22, senior Noah Mains number 24, senior Benny Aziza and number 33 senior Matthew Seaway.

Now the starting lineups for tonight's matchup from Gorham High School.

Number 14, senior guard Gabe Chu and from Wyndham High School, number one, sophomore guard, Adrian Moody from Gorham number 22, senior Guard Caden Smith and from Wyndham number 12 senior forward, Blake McPherson from Gorham Number 23 Junior forward, Jack Carlone and from Wyndham number 13 senior forward.

Quentin Lindsey from Gorham Number 35, senior Guard, Ashton LaClaire.

And from Wyndham number 15, senior guard Eric Bowen from Gorham High School number 45 Junior Center, Griffin Gammon from Wyndham High School, number 30 Junior Guard, crad Dixon Gorham High School.

Coached by Ryan de Shane, assisted by Greg Morton, Chris Crosby, Russ Willette and the student managers are Caleb Reed and Lucas Willette.

Wyndham High School is coached by Chad Kinin, assisted by George MCIs, Jeff Grigsby, Noah Estee and student manager Paolo Ventura.

Well there you go, the starting lineups and the two teams, the Eagles and the Rams and this place is almost full brand new.

You set it pretty well when the ends of the civic center get full for a state championship game, you know you have a crowd on hand and the ends are pretty much entirely full.

- It's packed in here.

You can feel the energy in the arena.

Two rivals going at it here for a state championship.

- Griffin Gammons wearing black with the Gorham Rams, he's set to jump against Blake McPherson Wyndham's wearing whites.

Let's get set to go.

It's only the fourth time these two teams have met in the postseason.

First time since 2009 and never after the quarterfinals.

A huge night in store here in Maine's largest city.

Jeff t's got the ball in the air we're underway.

Windham Mcco with the basketball, excuse me, MC Claire passed that out and gave Misha stop of his way to the hole.

We have our first foul.

- Yeah, first possession, first foul walking foul on Windham gonna be baseline inbound.

See here on the replay a little aggressive cutting off the dribble drive - Issue and mounting the basketball.

We got a chance to do it again as Blake McPherson knocks that away.

- Eric Bowen called for that first foul.

He was the recipient of the Gary Randall Award given out by the SMAA for a player who shows character sportsmanship and leadership tip of the cap to Eric - Action LeClaire Tough shot by Le Claire but he hits those not that time.

Blake McPherson grabs the rebound.

Here's Quentin Lindsey.

Quick pass ahead to bow end the finger rolling Wind's on the board - Left hand on the fast break.

Got it.

- Issue trying to penetrate.

Did so shot.

Won't count.

A foul call before the shot and that's a second foul called against the eagles.

- See on the replay CRE Dixon trying to play on ball defense and again a little aggressive with walking foul.

Two one Wyndham and the early going - Le Claire off the back iron.

Great fight for the rebounds Griffin Gamon has it.

There's a jump ball on the arrow points for the Windham Eagles.

- That's a mad house in here right now Rob.

- This feels like a main event.

It really does.

- Every whistle is an explosion in the crowd.

You see the battle underneath the boards for the rebound results in the jump ball.

Going to Windham, we - Have every elements two rivals, neighboring towns teams that haven't won and one case ever and the second case for a long time they're getting after it here.

Student sections have come alive as well.

Ha Moody, Eric Bowen outside Brady Dixon trying to take it in.

Got fouled.

You'll get Jack car for that.

Dixon we'll head to the line.

- Good strong dribble.

Drive to the hoop hereby rad Dixon pinched the shoulder picks up contact.

He'll go to the strike repair.

- Yon was the SMA north rebound leader at 12 points in the regular season contest against the ramps and he hits the first one - Listed as a guard.

Fairly impressive for a guard to lead the conference in rebounding right - In a mo.

That's a four nothing Eagles lead.

Gabe miss you.

She's going to work on Blake McPherson turn over, gives it right back to the Eagles.

Three second violation.

- Yep, I believe so.

- Couldn't see through the forest of players down by the bucket.

That's where the whistle came from.

Here's a three on the way.

It's off the iron Dixon the rebound.

There's two more - Great place right time.

Brady Dixon.

He's got a quick four.

- Ashton LeClaire now's Gabe Miss you Player control foul.

- AJ Moody takes the charge.

See him step in and gets set up.

He's okay in the shot but after the shot, the follow through through.

- I don't know if it's the Gorham fans booing or the Wyndham fans saying Moody as he drew the foul went and Lindsay, he dared Bowen to take the shot.

He'll try to penetrate on Griffin.

Gamt Dixon heads inside Lindsay three.

It's a nine point lead out of the gate for Windham.

This is not gonna be like the regular season game when Wyndham lost by 27 to Gorum 67 40.

You heard Ryan de Shane say it.

They're a different team and so far unfortunately for him they have proven him right here in the early going.

- Listen to it in here Rob.

You see Lindsay get his puppies in order and knock down the tray ball - That you knew what was going in the minute it left.

Qu Lindsay's hands, - Gorum meets a to to get organized here.

Quick nine, nothing run for Wyndham.

Been impressed with Wyndham coach Chad Kinin and the sense of purpose that this team plays with really tremendous Coach Kinin talked about Be where your feet are, stay present, be in the moment.

Control what we can control.

See so far over the first two minutes they're controlling everything - And with all the rams have been in this situation before they started slowly against steering.

Same thing with Scarborough in both games they got hot and pulled away.

Now they've got a hole to dig out of here.

Early on this shoot, good three point shooter Eagles have not given him a sniff from behind the arc so far.

- Jack car - Mayor's LaClaire for three.

He climbed off the iron.

Nice tip back outside to give the Rams a second chance.

Hayden Smith miss you.

He carried it and right there in the middle of things as well.

Eric Bowen defensively - And this Wyndham defense just putting the clamps on Gorham here over the first two and a half minutes.

Gorham just finding it so hard to execute their offense to dribble drive credit Wyndham - Lindsey.

Roll that down the baseline.

Lake McPherson into the corner for three that won't fall and skying for the rebound.

Caden Smith.

Here come the ramps.

A player back outside three on the way.

Smith bullseye.

- Caden Smith stepped into that one on the trail scratch - And the Ramsey did that.

Lindsey great pass hits the cutting Dixon, he's got the N one coming.

- What a play.

What a bounce pass.

What a finish.

The replay set up has bounce pass by Lindsay and the finish.

Hello - On the turn on the tournament highlight reel that's gonna go up high on the list.

Great pass A better bucket by Dixon and he's at the line to try to give Wyndham a nine point lead.

Restore that advantage - Grady Dixon.

Six points early on here.

Make it seven - Dickson up in the front.

Cordial.

Move back now as the Rams inbound.

The basketball got an almost perfect start for the Eagles up by nine points.

Caden Smith just hit that three Atticus Whitten in the game now he wears number zero, the sophomore strong player off the bench Miss Shoe and rolled out McPherson yanked down the rebound.

Here's Lindsay that bounced pass underneath.

Saved out a bounce.

Great play by the Rams and Gabe Chu and a pass intercepted to turn back over and end result two points.

Rum - Griffin Gammon lost it, cut it back.

Finished - At 10 points of the finals.

Win over Scarborough.

Eight points last time against the Eagles Tyree James in the game two, he's out there.

Number two wearing whites.

Lindsay got his man in the air and he'll get himself to the line.

Atticus Whitten just came in, will pick up the foul.

- Great efficiency offensively in his first quarter for the Windham Eagles.

See Quentin, Lindsay get inside the paint, jump, stop, pick up contact.

Almost got another and one.

- Lindsay - Doesn't score a ton of points.

He's around five or six.

He averaged 7.7 on the season.

He's an assists man overall and he got one more chance at the line - Named the first team Double A North All stars Quentin Lindsay led the SMAA and Assists.

He's - A tremendous distributor.

One out of two with the line.

It's an eight point Wyndham lead you handing to Caden Smith.

Smith Quick first step and that strip and he was the last to touch it.

Smith registers an objection but it's been overruled and it's Eagle's basketball.

- Really impressed with this Wyndham defense so far in the first quarter.

Ham's the highest scoring team in class.

AA 64 per game.

- Re James almost lost that to Le Claire James.

A very impressive sophomore.

11.4 points and he is come off the bench here today Lindsay back outside.

Here's a three on the way.

Hey James.

Moody's on Target, - Nothing but the bottom of the net.

AJ Moody slash - Alina's 11 MCC Claire broke it down low.

The shot won't fall on the first attempt, but Gabe Miss Shoe will head to the line to shoot - MCC Claire nifty bounce pass along the baseline.

Gabe MissU, he'll go to the strike for two, - Three files down on Windham.

Ham's been called for four Windham fans making plenty of noise.

You can see him the left of your screen Miss you will get another chance.

- I gotta turn my headphones up Rob, I can barely hear you.

- This is about as loud as I remember this cross insurance arena.

Local two at the line and that will end up out of bounce.

Good play plan to spike that off in Eagles player.

The Rams will keep it.

There's Ryan de Shane.

- First year coach in the big one.

- Caden Smith tripped and that'll go right back to Wyndham.

- Another turnover in the ledger.

This Wyndham defense continues.

Keep the clamps on.

Just lost it off his own foot there.

- AJ Moody just jumped outta the way to make sure the ball didn't hit him.

Tyree - James Lindsay - Isolated tries don't work on Atticus Whitten.

Lindsay spins scoops no and the rebound Caden Smith.

He got fouled on the way down.

- Little frustration foul thereby Lindsay see it all the time.

Miss a makeable shot.

Okay, Lindsay.

Tough shot but makeable and fouls in the rebounding action Lindsay.

No, no.

Maybe it was Tyree James.

- Atticus Whitten Le Claire stops Little shorts not falling for him so far.

Grady Dixon said a great first quarter kicked outside the moody AJ Moody's hit one three this time they'll accelerate into the paints, kissed off the glass won't fall.

Smith the rebounds, the shoe back quickly for Gorum into the corner.

Three on the way for Whitten too strong and the rebound grabbed down by James who's on the run.

Tyree James forced outside by Caden Smith on a foul calls.

- Now Smith has to be careful with his reaction there to the foul call storm.

A little frustrated, stuck on five here in the first quarter.

Windham already 11 point Advantage opened up here and that's - The fifth foul on the Ram.

So Tyree James at the line.

A good free throw shooter, 71.4% in the regular season.

He had 10 points from the line that went over Portland of his 12 points.

10 came from the charity strike.

That's some clutch shooting in a regional final - And - He's on target and lead is a dozen.

- Kyrie James was named to the double A North all rookie team.

All kinds of accolades for these Wyndham Eagles to the postseason awards.

- Matthew Seaway six one, senior number 33 and for the first time for the Eagles as James hits them both what a weapon to have him coming off the bench.

- An incredible six man - Issue.

- Irie James stuck to him.

Griffin Gammon back outside Smith for three.

Too strong Moody with a basket catch in the rebounds.

- Offensive lows continue for the Rams - Now leads a baker's dozen for the Eagles at up 13.

AJ Moody to James in the corner.

Dixon outside resets heading down for the last 90 seconds of this first quarter.

Controlled entirely by the Eagles.

Lindsay trying to work his way into the paint and it's stripped but he recovered.

Lay out to open for three and they'll pay for that.

Quent and Lindsay Jedi from outside.

- He's got eight here in the first quarter - Issue now foul call is miss you headed into the paint.

That's a shooting situation now for Gorum Rams fifth foul on the Eagles.

- The cat in the hat is here tonight.

And the Wyndham student section.

- The creativity some the students come up with as far as what they wear to these games.

- Game issue.

Missed two earlier here in the first quarter.

Let's knock these ones down.

- Senior continues to be snake pit.

Nothing more frustrating than coming very close in those shots.

Just watching them hit the rim, rattle around and bounce out or roll out in that last situation.

Here's a swish - One for four.

The line he gets off the sn about.

- Enter the last minute of play in the first quarter.

Tyree James watched closely by Le Claire.

Do good athletic players with plenty of speed.

James Little Moore speed that time took it in and scores.

Oh Tyree - So tough.

- 42 seconds remaining player control fo will drawn at his teammate.

Cohen.

- Look at his teammates around him.

Pick him up.

It's the team that really pulls for each other.

You can tell what intensity here in the first quarter.

Windham is playing with - 23 points from the Eagles in the first quarter.

42.1 seconds left.

They have the basketball chance of score some more.

The arrow is pointing in the Rams direction.

Tyree James winding the clock down a bit down to 30 seconds Dixon the six two Junior Griffin Gammons patient just watching now the Eagles with 15 seconds to go getting set to start their attack.

Here they come Dixon.

The kick outs traveling violation called on Bowen.

Got a little too eager.

- The Rams might have a chance here.

Four seconds if they hurry - They have the arrow they'd love to scoring at the ball right back.

Let's see.

Miss you slices.

He'll go to the hole after the he went to the hole.

He'll go to the line I was trying to spit out.

- Great job I Gabe Chu to attack dribble drive, get all the way to the hole and get to the stripe for two - The horn sounded so you won't see anyone going after the rebound.

Just two shots.

For Gabe Chu there are only big shots.

Number - Two, - Despite there being plenty of time left the 17 point gap - Shoe hits the first.

- He's now hit two in a row.

Chance for three, - One out of two in the first quarter ends with the Eagles soaring.

23 7 Paul Windham after one here in Maine.

Public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine Public television is made possible by people like you and by - A new car, a new home.

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Committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in person with two campuses and eight centers statewide.

- The environment is just awesome.

Great campus.

Small close knit community.

Everyone's really welcoming.

Everything feels very personal.

You feel like you belong here.

- Fans are into it.

Here in Portland at the Gorham.

Ram's going to win their first gold ball since 2000.

They have to conjure up those comeback powers that have been so strong in the regional tournament to dig outta the 16 point hole.

- Gorham's gotta settle down.

Take a deep breath.

There's enough energy in this building already.

Let's get into our game and just chip away.

- Abe miss you taking on AJ Moody.

Eye off the glass.

No the rebound.

There's a putback that won't fall either for Griffin Gammon - That who misses on makeable shots there for the Rams.

- They have really struggled to fill the bucket.

Eric Bowen Dixon back outside.

There's CRA with it again.

Came in there with Dixon and Dixon traveled.

Griffin gammon stuck with him the entire way.

- A couple traveling violations by Wyndham opening the door crack here for Gorham - Ram's basketball.

You can't make up the deficit in one shot.

It's gonna chip away.

Gave issue a tries to do just that.

There's two of it.

- Same issue.

Explode to the hole and finish with the right hand.

Great body control through the gap all the way to the basket for two - Lindsay outside Dixon go and resets backs up AJ Moody's dangerous from outside.

He's already hit one three.

Grady Dixon will try his luck.

It won't fall and they'll rebound to Cadence Smith.

Gorum coming back quickly issue outside to LeClaire.

The NBA three is a little bit short and Dixon skied for the rebound for Wyndham - LeClaire with a hand in his face just barely catches front rim.

- AJ Moody.

No, there's a rebound Crate Dixon that won't fall - When you're finally missing a couple shots - Issue back the other way.

Le Clare miss you scoops and hits.

- There's the Gorum offense coming to life.

Scoring the first four points of the second quarter and - Cut the 16 point deficit to a dozen.

Lindsay matched up with Ashton LeClaire Dickson taking a look.

Booty cutting through the paint.

Lindsey into the lane.

Great incisive pass.

Eric Bowen finished - Great backdoor cut by Eric Bowen along the baseline.

Even better pass to find him from Lindsey - Timeout was called before.

The ball was inbounded by coach under the Eagles.

That's why there's a little bit of confusion.

He's been trying to call Time Out ever since the basket - Lindsay drives to his left.

Great bounce pass through the lane here.

There it is.

Right there.

Right to a cutting.

Eric Bowen gets two off the Glass Red's - The needle Main Principal's Association builds partnerships that provide a network of resources, exemplars of leadership and a culture of collaboration for the benefit of all school community members.

More information.

How the main principals association promotes sports scholastic achievement and much more.

Check them out@mpa.cc or up Kennedy here with Brandon Terrell class AA Boys state championship.

The she Staggs won the girls championship right before this one.

Win them with a 14 point lead trying to win their first gold ball.

We saw a team earlier here at the cross arena win their first gold ball.

That was the Brunswick Dragons class A girls - Great new Foster won their first class a gold ball.

They had a Class C gold ball back in 1975.

Big gorum with the possession here out of the timeout.

You have to think Coach de Shane at the quarter quarter break said okay guys, Wyndham just played the best quarter they could possibly play.

They can't possibly be that good in the second quarter.

It's time for us to dominate a quarter.

So far they're up for two.

- Well if they're that good for the next three quarters they'll score 93 92 points in this game.

They dared miss show to shoot and they'll pay for it.

- Gabe, miss you.

Seven big ones in the second quarter, nine in the game.

- Lindsay, the lead's now 11.

Miss you back outside Cam in for three close but no on the rebound for Eric Bowen.

The five 10 senior U plays much bigger.

Alright, - They got another good look there from three couldn't hit it.

- Nickerson blocking foul Called on miss shoot - Blocking foul on the baseline drive.

Gonna be baseline inbounds here for the Eagles - First.

Follow the second quarter by either team Brady Dixon surveying the scene.

Dixon trying to drive, picked his dribble up almost stolen but Bowen has it and Bowen's got some daylight so that shot altered by Gammon who closed down quickly, tried - To go over the front of the rim.

Just roll it off to the left.

- Caden Smith N the Gabe Miss Shoe Smith, the senior excellent three point shooter that time for two won't fall on a foul.

Called in the rebounds.

- Yeah, he motioned two shots here but that can't be the case.

Gotta be on the floor.

You see the shot missed from inside the paint rebound on the foul.

Oh he is he saying he was shooting that?

Yeah, so he was putting that right back up with a follow up put back.

So he gets two shots here.

Griffin - Gammons at the line, an excellent free throw shooter, 76.7%.

One of the leaders in S, the Rams are chipping away.

- Coach De Shane had great things to say about Griffin.

Gammon called him the X factor of this team.

He can guard one through five knock down shots, protect the rim on defense.

- He hits them both norm's.

Got the lead to single digits Eagles by nine with the basketball - Lindsey, - The floor General Lake McPherson back to Lindsay who just skipped that in bounds.

It almost took out Ryan de Shane over there.

- Pushed Shane ducked for cover there.

- That's rejected.

Great block and I follow call trying to go for the basketball.

Blake McPherson - Then the first quarter of the other side of the cross insurance arena was loud, was into it.

Now the Gorham side has some things to cheer about.

They're feeling it here in the second quarter.

Have a foul picked up there on McPherson.

- Exactly halfway through this second quarter, Rams was shaved.

Nine points off.

What was a 16 point gap?

An issue running the floor.

LeClaire stopped a traveling violation called and it'll go against Caden Smith.

- Again, credit to that Wyndham defense been so tough so far here in the first half.

- Eagles though had their offense slowed down here in the second quarter.

IRE James back outside the moody who resets James moving into the corner back outside Tyree James the bouncer inside Lindsay and it's stripped.

That's a held ball on the arrow points in Wyndham's direction.

- Both of these teams so tough on the inside you see the ball inside the paint and there's quick hands on it there to tie it up.

Griffin Gammon.

Hey jump balls.

Stay down here.

- Lindsay Inbounding the basketball for the Eagles.

Tough spot for AJ Moody to be in the ball's.

Going right back to Gorham, another held ball.

I was like walking into a Venus fly trap.

Ray J Moody.

- See Lindsay with the inbound Uhoh tied up right there.

Little extracurricular.

See that those rivals wanna let that ball go?

These kids have been playing against each other in every sport since youth sports - Issue.

Trying to work his way in.

Here's a three on the way, it's good now Freshman, Colton, EWT, - Colton, JT in off the bench.

So lemme knock down this three ball real quick and - Jut will pick up the foul trying to defend against Quentin.

Lindsay, it's a six point game.

Let's take a look at that Jew bucket.

Actually no, we'll take a look at the foul.

- It's a drive and kick by Lindsay.

Lindsay doing a great job finding the gaps, getting inside the paint and then distributing from there makes it so much harder for a defense if you have to collapse to adjust to a dribble, drive - That bounce off McPherson and it's going to be Gorham basketball.

Well it's a tail of two quarters isn't it Brandon?

Wyndham controlled the first and here comes Gorham in the second.

- So you knew a team with the bonafides that Gorham has wasn't gonna go away easily.

They're come back in this second quarter and they have here kick out three ball.

That's straight cash.

- Here's an attempt.

Smoke game Miss show it's a a three point game.

- Don't look now bigger than three.

- You didn't think they were going away did you?

You don't know these Rams.

If you did Tyree James resetting with 2 25 to go in the first half.

James back outside Dixon James will recalculate.

Shifty moved to the baseline.

Ah, rejected.

There was a fo first and Tyree James will go to the line.

- Yeah, four points for Tyree James in the first quarter.

None so far.

In the second is a replay of that three pointer.

Oh that's pure.

- So James the line trying to stop a little bit of bleeding here.

16 point eagles lead at the end of the first quarter has been chipped down to three.

The cool, calm collected sophomore hits another one from the line.

There's Coach Polman - Thousand points score at St. Joe's and Standish Coach Polman.

- 5,000 people inside this arena that doesn't bother Tyree James one bit.

- He's four for four from the strike - Issue is team down five - Issue's.

Made a decisive effort here in the second quarter to get to the basket.

That same spot on the right side.

He is gotten their time again here in the second.

This time picks up the foul call - Three fouls each way.

Now Eagles and Rams foreman Inbounding the basketball Griffin Gammon LeClaire winding his way in to score off the glass.

He took on three eagles and beat them all.

- Ashley LeClaire a thousand point scorer in his career.

First two here tonight.

- Tyree James under two to go Lindsey tough shot won't fall and a rebound down to the rookie Colton Ewt.

- Really a tale of two quarters.

Every shot was falling for Windham in the first and there's a lid on the bucket here in the second.

- Gorum could tie the game in this possession.

Caden Smith that's stolen Quit.

And Lindsey, he's gonna wait for help.

James in the corner.

Great pass with a shot.

Won't fall from McPherson.

That's the kind of thing that was happening to Gorham in the first quarter.

Here's a three Jew it no good A rebound yanked down by Misute.

Too many trees underneath.

Andrad Dixon has the basketball for Wyndham.

- Oh it's big boy basketball under the basket here tonight.

- Tyree No and a rebound again.

Griffin Gamut.

Oh this is fun.

- One possession game.

Go.

Could tie it here.

- Issue makes it a one point game - Issue attacking the basket.

Time after time, that time to the left gets back within one - Eagles look stunted.

It's a 15 point advantage for the Gorham Rams here in the second quarter.

Windham playing for last shot.

They have the ball, A one point lead in the possession arrow went and Lindsey direct in traffic right now it's a red light.

No one's moving.

James nine to work with.

Lindsay sets the screen, they pick him up.

James slices no good now rebound grab down the heave is well wide and wow, what a first half.

I need a drink of water.

You thought Windham might run away with it, but the Gorham Rams have come roaring back.

It's a one point game at halftime in Portland class.

AA state championship in Maine.

Public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

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Back here with you.

Our entire Maine public television crew at the cross arena in Portland Gonna present the sportsmanship award here at halftime and that's presented by fame, the Finance Authority of Maine.

The school recognized that the Sportsmanship Award is displayed respective coaches, players, and officials fair play, honesty and integrity, and a true love for the game of basketball.

Thank you to fame, the finance authority of Maine for helping the Maine Principals Association present the Sportsmanship awards today.

'cause you know there's free money available to help pay for education and training beyond high school.

Even if you're not sure what you want to do, just file the FAFSA file now to maximize your aid.

Need help apply@studentaid.gov and get free help from fame at fame maine.com/fafsa.

On behalf of the Maine Principals Association and Fame, the Finance Authority of Maine, it is an honor to present the sportsmanship banner and boys basketball.

During the season, each basketball team in Maine was asked to select an opponent they felt was most deserving of receiving a sportsmanship award.

The school we recognize with a sportsmanship award have displayed respective coaches, players, and officials, fair play, honesty and integrity, and a true love of the basketball game.

Tonight we are pleased to recognize in Boys Class A A North the Blue Devils of Lewiston High School Here today to receive the award from the MPA in the Finance Authority of Maine, a coach Elgin Sik and assistant coach Carlos Gonzalez.

Along with team members, Mike click, Adam Zinger, Abdi Raman, Teka Cohen Strahan, Joe Sway, Louis Jo Samba and Logan Spence.

Congratulations to Lewiston High School.

Thank you to fame, the finance authority of Maine for helping present our sportsmanship award today fame wants to remind families to file their FAFSA now to maximize their financial aid.

There is free money available to help pay for education and training beyond high school.

Visit fame maine.com/fafsa.

Congratulations to the Lewiston Blue Devils for the Sportsmanship Award.

They were a tough out in the class AA north tournament, knocked out by the Eagles but not easily.

57 44 that improved.

Blue Devil's team really improved.

Greg Levinsky is standing by down on the floor.

We'll send it down to him.

- Thanks Rob.

Yes, I'm here with Pat Moody, the father of AJ Moody, class of 94 here at Windham High School.

And I know you're very involved in the basketball program Overall, what's it been like to watch your son in this whole group grow together?

- It's, it's a dream.

It's incredible.

This group of kids is just so special on and off the court.

They spent a lot of time together.

They've been playing since youth ball and that's another thing with when it comes to Wyndham, the community, the the feeder program.

It's just, it's, it's all there.

It's an amazing package.

- What is it like for you to watch your son out there?

I know he played last year but the team is much more successful - This year.

You know, it's a dream come true.

My my son is just doing a fantastic job and you know, got on the varsity team last year, started, got a lot of minutes.

He takes a lot of pride in his defense and you know, it's, it's, it's, it's a blast and all them, I mean Tyree's almost like a son and so is Eric Bowen.

So I mean all these guys are like my kids.

- That's awesome.

In terms of their closeness, you know, how would you describe the bond that they share?

The whole team?

- Yeah they, they are so tight knit on and off the court when they're not playing, they're back at the house playing against video games against each other all summer long.

And even you, when you notice on the court their communication is, is off the charts.

They're constantly talking on defense, constantly talking on offense, trying to get that edge.

- I don't know if people ever think of Wyndham as a basketball school, but maybe it will be 'cause there's some young guys on the team, obviously some seniors as well.

You know, does the community feel more like a basketball community with this run?

- Absolutely.

Windham against everybody.

You know, that's the thing, it's like nobody believed in us.

We absolutely be believe in us and Wyndham is a basketball town, like I said, one of the largest youth feeder programs in the state, the community, the, the dinners that we had dinner after every single game sponsored by the businesses in the community.

It just, it's so awesome.

It is.

It truly is.

Amazing.

Yeah, that's - Great.

Thank you so much for joining us here.

Yeah, thank you.

Talk to you guys at the table.

- Thanks Craig.

And I think that's one common theme that you can speak about.

Brenda Tarrell, you've been on a coach, the gold ball winning team and a lot of times you hear that from players, from parents, from coaches.

To get this far you gotta have a team that's really close.

Yeah, you hear - It again and again throughout championship Saturday is how close these teams are and that's no coincidence.

The teams that are the closest have the most success oftentimes and you, that's why you hear it a lot on championship Saturday.

Go to the statistics Wyndham eight for 21 shooting, 38% Gorham, 39% right there.

It's just a story of quarters.

First quarter was all Wyndham.

Second quarter all Gorham Wyndham a little better from the foul line.

89 to 50% turnovers are about even couple more for Gorham but it's been back and forth one quarter each and we're one point apart here at halftime route.

What - Is it about these Gorham rams though all tournament long they get down and just come storming back.

Ryan de Shane I think should get a scoreboard installed in the locker room and just put 15 to nothing visitor over home.

Make his guys feel at home and they can come out of the gate.

Fired up.

- Yeah, it fired Gabe Chu up in that second quarter.

I know that he went two for six from the foul line in the first quarter and at the quarter break he must've said, I got this guy 'cause he poured in 12 points in that second quarter and attacked the basket relentlessly.

- Ryan de Shane's team down one point.

I'm sure one of the things he's talked about in the locker room is like, we got the momentum, we just shaved 15 points off a 16 point deficit.

Let's just keep it going boys.

- Yeah, Windham looked like a million bucks in that first quarter on both ends of the floor.

They had incredible intensity and effort on defense and offensively they just made all their shots and of course things flipped in the second quarter for Gorham.

So I think both coaches have a similar message at halftime, right?

We, we've weathered their best punch, we've thrown a punch ourselves now let's settle in and play our pest ball over the last 16 minutes.

- I, he was a dated reference here, but it's kinda like watching Rocky versus a Paul O Creed as one just starts punching and punching and punching.

It looks like they'll knock the other out and and the other comes back and does the same exact thing.

The first round was like all Apollo Creed and Rocky won the second round I suppose and just gonna see what happens in the second half.

Are they both taking their best punches?

They both absorbed their opponent's best punches all to play for in the final 16 minutes.

- That's been a great job.

High Windham, I love their scoring has been a little more balanced and we talked in the pre-game.

That's their thing.

They, they are a balanced team.

They spread it around 8, 6, 6, 4 3 and on the other side, Gabe Chu took over, he's got 14 Ashton Le Claire, just two.

That's something to keep an eye on here at halftime.

- You mentioned the cat and the hat was here.

Here he is.

Dr. Seuss's birthday.

I mean that's the reason for the celebration now.

Either way it's a great game here in Portland.

A one point battle between Wyndham and Gorham.

We'll head back to the second half here in Portland on main public television right after this - Production of high school basketball on Maine Public television is made possible by people like you and by - Hammond Lumber Company serving contractors and do-it-yourselfers with building supplies and custom services from 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

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The - Environment is just awesome.

- Great campus, small close-knit community.

- Everyone's very welcoming.

Everything - Feels very personal.

- Do you feel like you belong here?

I think I've really learned a lot from watching high school Chris show.

- Just like the endless potential of intellect.

- I used to wanna be on jeopardy.

I think that was like my life goal at one point - And my dreams have finally come true.

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Windham with a one point lead and the basketball Grady Dixon standing right in front of us.

Referee Jeff Meel will hand 'em the basketball will get set to go.

The Eagles in whites attack the basket to our left.

The Rams wearing black.

They'll attack from left to right across your screen.

Dr.

Joining us wherever you're watching this game, Maine.

New England's worldwide.

Welcome to the cross arena here in Portland.

This second half is set up to be a classic.

Yeah, - You've tuned into a good one.

Don't touch that dial.

Get comfortable on the couch.

Grab some popcorn.

It's gonna be an electric last 16 minutes.

- Don't touch that Dow these days.

Probably has to be, I think reset a bit with don't x out of this window.

- That's true.

If you have a dial, I would.

I'd be impressed.

- Brady Dixon outside Mass.

McPherson stepping to the hole and it won't go.

It's set up there on the rim.

And grab down by Smith, Caden Smith with a basketball.

- McPherson yet to get into the scoring column for the Eagles - Miss Shoe.

Guarded closely by Dixon.

Shoe dribbles by him kicked outside.

Caden Smith won't get the shooter's roll that time and the rebound grabbed down.

Outlet passed AJ Moody and spiked it back in bounds.

But right to Gabe Chu.

Three on two for the ramps.

Camon couldn't finish it off - Back and forth, but a lot of misses on both ends here - Lindsey to Dixon.

Lot of contact down.

Low bodies flying every place, but we play on - A windshield wiper game.

It's a back and forth action.

- A Claire outside the Rams will slow it down for a moment.

This issue takes a look around Gamon into the lane off the back iron and they'll rebound.

It's gonna be a foul against Carlis - Gammon stop and pop elbow jumper.

Couldn't get it to go here on the replay.

Gets up for that J no good rebound foul action on Carlis - First foul in the second half.

Carlis the junior.

He'll come out at has Whitten the soft or in off Ryan de Shane's bench json handling the basketball deferring to Lindsey, Eric Cohen Moody right in front of us.

Lindsey looking for options outside three on the way that's catching the iron.

McPherson with that attempt.

Hayden Smith back down the floor.

Slow start to the second half.

Le Claire is past blocks.

Lindsay's on the floor.

It's a jump ball on the arrow pointing down the floor.

- A lot of turnovers, a lot of misses here to start this second half.

First two minutes here.

- Ram.

Set to inbound underneath the basket.

Just waiting for 'em.

These players to really start getting on track from outside Ash and LeClaire.

Caden Smith traveled.

Win the basketball.

- Add to the turnover Total both teams disjointed on offense.

Tough to find success here in these first two minutes out of the locker room.

Somebody's gonna settle in and make a shot.

- Windham the hut.

Start in the first quarter.

Gorham had that in the second quarter.

Neither one starting hot here in the third.

No points yet.

Lake McPherson, Eric Bowen outside.

We'll be back to McPherson.

McPherson.

Nice pass across the paints.

Dixon, one chance, second chance.

Rejected and was Gamma who went up and rejected it.

And then Dixon committed the foul after he lost the basketball.

- I said it earlier, Rob, it's big boy basketball around the basket tonight in Portland as you see Griffin Gammon gets up, it says, not in my house.

- Here's Tyree James back in the game.

Brady Dixon will head to the bench issue.

Handling the ball for the ramps.

Still a one point game, two and a half minutes into the second half.

Griffin Gamon, LaClaire outside Gammon.

A three pointer on the way for Miss Shoe.

Yes.

Shooter's - Roll for Miss Shoe hits the front rim and snuggles down into the net.

- Gorum by th by two on the three pointer now and Lindsey, AJ Moody.

Let's see how the Eagles respond.

They led from the get go, but find themselves down by a deuce.

McPherson bullies his way in.

Still won't fall.

He's gonna be thinking, what do I have to do?

- He still can't get into the Scorebook book.

- A Miss Shoe rolls around, doesn't fall.

Miss shoe's got the rebound three for Smith Giddy up.

- You see that so many times.

One of the best three pointers is to kick out three after an offensive rebound and Caden Smith gets its feet in order and knocks it down.

Solid - Smith just terrorized Windham in the regular season.

23.63 pointers.

He hit just under 40% from behind the arc over the regular season.

And that's a big shot.

- The offensive rebound kick out feet in order.

Yes sir.

- That's a five point lead, a 21 point swing in this game.

Wyndham led by 16 today.

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This Rams team throughout the postseason, the comeback.

Kids chill a ways to go if they want to take home the gold ball when they've made another comeback run climbing out of a deep hole.

- All of a sudden Windham is searching for some offense.

Just four points since that explosion in the first quarter, they put up 23 in the first quarter, just 4 cents.

- It's like someone shut off the spigot.

This is a big possession for the Eagles.

Just to gain some confidence back.

'cause you're right, it's been a while for them.

Tyree James Bowen behind the arc.

Neil Resets going, had to find Lindsay.

Lindsay trying to get by.

Camon takes on Camon and wins.

Oh acrobatic shot quitting.

Lindsay, - How about the potty control there to hang and float and finish - This shoe handing off to Smith.

Now work it down the block.

Gammon double lost it.

Win the basketball.

- And I found Griffin gammon down low in the low block.

Could hacked of hands and knock it away off of Gammon.

Add that to the turnover total - Lindsay, the senior Tyree James Rowan took a look at the entire front court.

Rudy and James, both sophomores.

This is AJ Moody using his speed.

We'll go over the line through the foul on Caden Smith.

- Say when both teams really needed offense Tonight both of 'em make a concerted effort to dribble.

Drive to the same spot on the floor to their right.

Get the angle they want.

Try to grow some contact.

Go the line.

AJ Moody will shoot two - His team down.

Three can pull them closer.

Let's see what the soft war can do with a couple of free throws.

- Took Eric Bowen has some blood on him.

- Yeah, he is cud a little bit so he's off.

And Matthew Seaway, the big seniors on - On Sunday.

- Here's Moody.

Got - Two shots too.

- Every free throw, despite there being 11 and a half minutes left in regulation is huge right now in a game this tight and Moody hits the first, it'll be a one point game with a six two sophomore, then bury this and he does.

So now go and buy one with a basketball Caden Smith.

Oh, almost stripped Smith though off the Iron Moody on the floor and a foul called - That Caden Smith with a good look from inside the paint.

Couldn't get it.

Frustration foul and the rebounding action.

Now Windham found themselves down by five.

All of a sudden come out of that timeout, they've scored four.

Post it back to one, get the ball back.

Chance to retake the lead.

- That's the third foul on the Rams here in the third quarter.

Tyree James.

Little daylight kicked into the corner.

Three on the way.

Hat's off the iron.

- McPherson's still coming up empty.

- He's trying to shoot through it.

He's been so close.

Le Claire has the speedy James right with him.

Whitten take the three.

Nice.

No look Dish, but in a little too deep Mishu issue with it now.

Second chance for the ramps.

Now foul.

Called against the Eagles.

- Gabe Chu played 32 minutes a game in the regionals.

Of course two games for Gorham.

Two wins.

He does not come off the court in incredible condition.

You saw him trail down that offensive rebound for the Rams - Brady Dixon back in the game for Wyndham.

Matthew Seaway.

Heads to the bench for coach Chad Polka Rams basketball up one points.

Ashton Le Claire at the elbow.

Little Fadeaway back iron as a rebound for Dixon who just returns went and Lindsay to AJ Moody.

Tyree James and Fur tried to force that in.

It was stolen by Gammon.

- Be passed a little too soon.

Didn't allow his teammate there.

Dixon to come open on the cut.

- Atticus Whitten number zero in the corner.

Whitten.

Lindsay's watching him closely knowing that Whitten, if he gets a chance, will fire it up from deep.

Won't get a chance now because that's gave issue slicing to the hole.

- 19 points came high now for Gabe, Mishu, - Quent and Lindsay.

Wow.

Call against the Rams.

And that's four on Gorham.

Now on the next one, if there is one of the next 2 0 7 Wyndham will be shooting - Two top scorers for these teams.

Ashton LeClaire for Gorham, Blake McPherson for Wyndham.

It's combined for two points right now.

Rob - Annex is Whitten picks up the foul.

Tyree James stops Ducks hits.

Count it.

You'll have a chance to tie it at the line.

- How about the sophomore?

A Super s simulating sensational sophomore.

Tyree James works to pivot foot, picks up contact and somehow finishes the tough angle with the left hand.

- I don't know he made that shot.

Seemed like an impossible angle, but the sophomore knocked it down and won.

Colton Jewett's trying to get in the game.

- Alright, - He checked in.

Jeff Meel, making sure he checked in with the scores table.

Tyree James is to wait a little bit longer to try to tie this game and lock us up at 34.

- One shot one.

- We are level 34 a piece.

Two minutes to go in the third quarter.

A classic brewing here in Portland.

Miss Shoe Brady e Dixon, giving you in the eye.

Miss shoe back outside.

Jew it, the rookie wanted to penetrate a little more and couldn't do it.

Mc, Clara will, that shot was altered by Dixon.

Who's Got the ball now.

Dixon with the Eagles for the lead here.

Moody.

I gotta throw that into the corner.

The Eagles will keep it.

- Yeah.

Windham had numbers on that Fast break passed just a little too far ahead of AJ Moody had to save it.

Windham fortunate to keep possession here.

- Quentin, Lindsay Inbounding the basketball and they caught the Rams unaware.

Blake McPherson finishes off the glass.

- McPherson gets into the Scorebook with - 2 36 34.

The Eagles back in front in this Seesaw battle.

- It's pandemonium in Portland.

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36 34 Windham back on top at 16 point game where the Windham in front.

That's a memory.

- McPherson wasn't even expecting that pass.

I think it was going across the set of screen.

All of a sudden he says, oh look what I found.

I'm just gonna go ahead and lay this in for my first two points of the game.

- Now the Rams were totally unaware of that pass.

McPherson slightly less so but he capitalized after we recovered and he needed that bucket.

That'll prime the pump a bit for him because he's been trying to shoot through a slump.

Two points.

There's a lot for your confidence even in close like that.

90 ticks of the clock to go in the third quarter.

Aiden Smith LeClaire.

Hey miss you now foul called on the Eagles.

That's three now on Wyndham.

So no shooting situation yet for the Rams.

This old triple C matchup.

Norman Windham great rivals for a long time in many sports.

First time they've met this late in the postseason ever.

La Claire, mark that down to gamut outside.

Three on the way Ewt won't corrupt.

He's another rebound for Craig Dixon, the SM North rebound leader showing his stuff here in this contest.

- Two point lead with the basketball under a minute left.

Wanna run some clock off here?

That's what - Lindsay's doing.

Aim it a virtual standstill.

Lindsay now operating with Colton Sheew right there Lindsey got by the bounce pass underneath.

Moody for two, Windham by four for him with a basketball 28 seconds to work pass down low.

It's dunk Griffin Gammon in one - Great dump off pass.

Griffin Gammon threw the contact you see here.

He sets up in the short corner, threw contact, throw it down.

Big man - Lindsay tried to stop him, only succeeded in picking up the foul and gamon the sophomore.

A very good free throw shooter, 76.7% on the season and make it a one point game.

Once again.

- Main basketball rankings gave us some stats, Rob for the state game including efficiency rating from the regional tournaments.

Griffin's Gammons efficiency rating for the regional tournament was 28.

That's incredible efficiency rating.

Basically the good things you do on the court minus the bad things you do on the course.

- We just did a very good thing, a two point dunk, the free throw.

It's a one point game.

Windham hoping to score and get the ball right back.

They have the arrow in 15 seconds for Tyree James and the boys to work now.

10 seconds.

Lindsey is directing traffic.

James wanted to take it to the hole and dip and he traveled and will give Gorham 2.8 seconds to try to conjure something up before the buzzer.

- Coach de Shane furiously trying to get his players to set up a play here to get a shot off in three seconds.

- Here's the heave down the floor, here's the shot.

The buzzer just shorts.

Nifty move.

Caden Smith came close and we've got a one point game heading to the fourth quarter here in Portland.

Win to buy one on Maine public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

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- Almost everybody's standing here in Portland as we get set for the fourth quarter on a tight ball game with a gold ball at stake.

Wyndham 38, Gorham 37 and the Eagles have the basketball and - The first quarter was all Wyndham Eagles.

The second quarter was all Gorham Rams the third quarter tied 1111.

- Who's gonna win the fourth?

That's the question.

Win the fourth.

You'll probably win the game.

Tyree James trying to cut his way inside aj.

Outstanding defensive player in a big three in the first half.

Lindsey hack out to reconfigure.

Good.

Hit the runner though.

Excellent defense by the ramps.

They can take the lead here.

Good - Strong rebound by Gamon.

Two - Griffin Gammon kicked outside LeClaire baseline and the Rams were in front.

Again, - Bit of a defensive letdown bear allowed Le Claire to get to the basket unimpeded for two.

- James, can he put his team on top?

Well not with that shot but he can do it from the line.

- Tyree James.

Nine points in the game as the sixth man dribble drives, picks up harm.

He'll go to the line for two - There with the foul.

James averaging 11.4 points per game during the regular season.

Average 12 points per game in the postseason coming to this contest and he's locked us up at 39.

Mentioned before when he was in the line.

He is a very good free throw shooter.

71.4% and a 32nd time out calls - Six time outs remaining between the two teams here in the fourth quarter.

Have a lot of stoppages strategy wise.

You're gonna stop and talk about things here.

Coach de Shane and Coach Po.

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You can watch this game or any of the other state final games on your mobile device.

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That's all@mainepublic.org.

That kind of sums up what it's feeling like here inside the cross insurance arena.

It was loud from the get go.

An almost sellout crowd.

There are not many empty seeds, especially on the sides.

Even the ends are almost full - And the Windham fans have the terrible towels going.

Bo's loud behind us.

- Tyree James shooting for an Eagle's lead.

No, it's tight.

Lonas grabbed the rebound.

Miss you running the floor outside.

Caden Smith, miss you.

Trying to go baseline on McPherson and I'm blocking foul calls man are too bad as Griffin Gammon buried the three at the end of that but it won't count.

It's always the way right?

- That's right.

Miss you.

As he has all game long attacks.

The basket kicked out across the other side but foul first.

- First called for the foul.

Here's a three on the way off.

The iron won't fall, the putback won't go.

For Carl Eagle's basketball - Strong one-handed rebound by Carlis couldn't get the Putback.

- Love the games where you're still six 40 away from the end but every possession matters.

Brady Dixon off the iron.

- The pass was just a little low.

Dixon had to go down and get it and when you see that the shooting percentage plummets couldn't make the three balls - Mess up the rhythm of the shooter.

Yep, he show Gamond just hit from right there and the Eagle certainly knew it as Dixon came out to play him immediately.

- Windham sitting in a zone here.

One, two.

Two variety.

- MSU split it and hit it.

Wow, what - A dribble.

Drive by Gabe Cher right into the teeth of the zone, raises it up and in over the front rim.

- Lindsey blocked and it'll stand with the Eagles though.

- Big time players making big time plays in big time games.

You see Caris here defending the dribble drive left hand block.

Windham ball - Almost intercepted.

Brady Dixon will run this down.

Oh one hustled by Griffin Gammon and it'll stay with Windham - Griffin.

Gammon has amped up his game here in the second half, getting on the floor, rebounding the ball, throwing down a slam dunk - Tyree James person return the favor.

James has it again.

James.

The crossover dribble now foul called against Gabe issue - And James comes up limping here.

Little contact to that right leg.

He's okay.

Lose his explosiveness.

Here you see James go between his legs, cross over a couple times, pick up the block and foul - Moody from NBA range.

Boom.

AJ Moody's got the Eagles in front again.

His second three worked outside.

That's B blocked Whit and Lindsey got fouled on the way past by Atticus Whitten may not be a bad foul because Q was off to the races.

- It slows things down, allows Moreum to set their defense.

Not a bad foul here.

Atticus Whitten, you see the previous play AJ Moody Splash - Win and by one of the basketball every possession counts.

What more can you ask for in a gold ball game between two rivals and a one point contest coming down the stretch in the fourth quarter.

It does not get better than this.

Moody just hit that three.

But Claire's watching him closely.

Moody's shot won't go traveling.

Violation calls.

- That's a right call.

Veteran official.

Jeff Mertle right there.

Johnny on the spot - Now the Ram trying to get their noses back in front.

Once again - The 1 2, 2 half court zone again for Windham, - Gabe Chu, Caden Smith around the screen.

I left him open for a moment.

LeClaire too strong.

The rebound right down to Misute.

Caden Smith into the corner.

Gammon wants it again and hits it again and this time it counts.

- Griffin Gammon three ball corner pocket - Lo by two.

What's Wyndham's answer?

We're about to find out.

Grady Dixon stops, steps, hits - What a step through grad Dixon gets two with a left hand and we're back to tied up.

- 44 a piece.

Here's Gammon again.

Bullseye - Ripping gamon feeling it.

Listen to this crowd.

- A sophomore averaging 8.4 points a game.

He just got six points in about 45 seconds and he is given his rams a three point lead.

- It's deafening in here.

Rob Griffin Gammon stepping up his game here in the second half.

He's got 13 points in the game.

Couple huge three balls here in the fourth court.

- Amazing contest here in Portland.

They're just joining us.

The Windham Eagles had a 16 point lead at the end of the first quarter.

As we take a look at this three again by Griffin Gammon.

- Gammon steps into it.

Let him cook.

- Let dueling fan sections.

Now Ram's a little louder right now but that could change the next 4 25.

This game has had so many twists and turns.

It's a winding road.

- You have the feeling that this is gonna have a storybook ending don't you Rob?

- I do have that feeling.

That's who we are in store for in the next 4 25.

That may not be enough basketball to decide a winner.

Tyree James is team down three json just put the team on his back here in the fourth quarter.

Moody to tie it up.

Oh so close.

And the rebound yanked down by Carlis.

Big board for the junior - Halfway down by Moody in the corner.

- This shoot crossover dribble couldn't get inside.

However, this shoot Le Claire tried to set him a screen that didn't work either.

Solid a defense by the Eagles.

They need to stop here as we're halfway through the fourth quarter order.

Miss Shoe again.

Mc.

Claire was open for a moment underneath they'll D Dish.

Go outside mcc.

Claire's got Crad Dixon in his face.

Mcclar again spins into the corner.

Carlone doesn't want that shot.

Issue watched by Moody here.

3 23 to go.

One of the longer possessions of this game.

We haven't seen too many long ones.

- Windham digging in.

How about this defensive possession by the Eagles.

- Le Claire slicing.

No Lindsay, the rebound.

Here come the Eagles who might be able to tie it here.

Fed underneath, knocked away Rams basketball.

Great play on the floor.

- Huge play.

I think that was Caris.

- It was.

Put - His hand in there and knock it away.

- It was Jack Caris and this is Gabe Mishu off the glass for two.

- An impossible make by Gabe.

You falling to the floor right hand cut it.

But he's coming up Lame - Tyree for three won't go gorum by five in a 32nd timeout call.

Yeah I Gabe issue was grabbing his right calf.

Hopefully for the Ram's sake it just tightened up and the trainer can get loosened for him and get him right back in the game.

- That's a massive development.

Gabe Mishu has been the leader for Gorham.

He has 23 points and again he usually plays all 32 minutes for Gorham.

Typically does not come off the court.

- No, I bet he won't be off for very long.

He can get back in.

He'll be back in at his first opportunity.

- He's gonna rub down on his calfs over there.

Looks like hopefully just a crimp.

- That's what it looks like.

They're helping him up.

He's gonna go right to the scorers bench and check back in Caden Smith.

Oh James.

Almost with a quick hands Le Claire into the lane through the contact - Travel.

The - Traveling - Violation.

Nope, sorry.

Foul - Player - Control offensive.

Yep.

- I was looking for the official to make a signal and I couldn't see Jeff Merle who was surrounded by players.

Let's see it here.

- Yeah, offensive foul.

Just initiated contact into Tyree James displaced the defender.

Another huge stop for Wyndham.

Wyndham had gone to that half court zone.

1, 2, 2 zone.

A couple possessions just to give Gorm a different look.

They've been back in man to man the last two times down and gotten two huge stops - Up here.

Trying to check back in.

Wasn't allowed to.

Brady Dixon.

Five point gap for the Eagles McPherson.

A great time for him to heat up and there he is.

It's a three point game.

That's what we have to go under two minutes crunch time in Portland.

Hey miss you.

Miss you Trying to work on Tyree James drew the double.

Here's Atticus Whitten into the paints.

- Winham only has one team foul.

They can be very aggressive here - And they will be Dixon almost sto it.

Miss you has it back.

Here he comes.

The floater no good as McPherson with a rebounds.

Eagles back quickly.

Dixon stops.

Good defense by Gammon.

Tyree James took a long look, cuts his way inside and drew the foul.

- James will go to the line for two.

- He can make it a one point game.

- Another beautiful drive by Tyree James are going to him more and more often here with his dribble drive skills.

Picks up the harm.

He'll go to the stripe for two.

He's six for seven at the line so far in this one.

- He is the two biggest ones by far.

We'll get one more.

That was the fifth foul on the Rams.

The Eagles will shoot the rest of the way on defensive fouls.

And as Brenda Terrell mentioned, Windham has been in just one foul in this fourth quarter.

James hits the second.

It's a two point ball game.

80 seconds remaining.

- And anyone who's not in foul trouble could be super aggressive here.

- Miss Shoe quick shot doesn't fall chance - Sir.

That's what Gore needed.

- Chance for a Windham to tire take the lead Dixon for the tie.

Got it.

- How about that?

Confident Dribble drive along the baseline by crazy Dixon and he got two.

- I quickly erased a five point deficit.

The Eagles did and a timeout called with 53 seconds to go and this place is coming unglued.

- How about this for both coaches right now?

Under a minute left Tie ball game state championship.

Both schools looking for their first ever class.

Double A gold ball.

Dixon to tie it left hand window.

Yes.

- Mentioned the start of this game.

Chad Polk in the Wyndham coach and Ryan de Shanes the Gorham coach.

Go back a long way.

They're good friends.

Hard to envision what a conversation a week or so after this game over a beverage or two might be like between these two.

They have to know they're in a classic right now.

- Might take a couple weeks to cool down from from this one.

And this is high intensity, high emotion, but this is what you do it for right here for these situations for both coaches with a chance to draw something up here to win a gold ball.

- You never know when to be back in this game again.

For Gorum, it's been 19 years.

Last time they were here they lost to Camden Hills.

66.

63.

The Eagles.

They've never been here before.

This is the first time.

And what a debut for this Wyndham team married AJ Moody's dad say at halftime Wyndham's a basketball town.

Who would argue that right now?

- Aren't too many fans on there sitting down right now.

Wow.

What an atmosphere.

- And they say the cross insurance arena can't get loud.

- It's deafening in here.

I think I heard what you just said.

- It's not quite the level of the old Bangor auditorium but it's awfully close.

If that's the measuring stick, I'd say it's about 0.8 auditoriums.

Point eight meccas.

- Oh yes.

Point eight old barns.

- Quorum basketball on this tie game.

Any shoes back in the contest?

Caden Smith back outside the playful last shot here trying to kill 45 seconds.

- First good look that opens up.

- Shoot outside.

Mond didn't want the three Smith resets with 35 seconds to go and a foul called against James but no problem there.

That's just a second foul on the Eagles.

- Make Gorum run a couple inbounds plays here and inbound the ball against denial pressure.

- 33.8 seconds.

You see the time and the score.

- Deny this really hard because you still have two fouls to give before Gorham shoots.

- Hayden Smith, typical task inbound the basketball, but he pulls it off.

He show there's another foul.

- Yep.

Make him do it again.

- That goes against Dixon.

30.6 ticks of the clock.

- You saw what they did for their last side line inbound so I know what to expect here again they can hard deny still one more foul to give - Eric Bowen reenters the game for the Eagles.

Rie James.

The very impressive soft boy he is.

Had a good night tonight.

- Go offense defense.

Get the AA North defensive player of the year.

Eric Bowen, back onto the court - Block.

Rolling 30 seconds.

Ram's trying to win it at the depth over there.

Arch rivals Hayden Smith.

22 seconds to go.

Ram's certainly want the last shot now unless it's a great look.

Smith 14 - For all the marbles.

- It's a crescendo here in the crossroad in Portland.

Six seconds Miss Shoe outside Smith offline.

The rebound knocked away.

We need some more basketball.

- It's fitting isn't it Rob?

These two rivals, they can't settle this in 32 minutes.

They need some more.

- It's exactly what this game and these two teams deserve more basketball, more chances of showcase their skills right here in Portland under the Bright lights 49 49 at the end of regulation.

- That was a pretty good possession.

He's now.

Now Jeff Mertle is calling both head coaches to the center court.

I dunno if he wants to give them some overtime reminders or he wants to tell his kids.

Make sure we're settled down here.

And playing with sportsmanship.

I, I don't know what he's saying here.

Having a good long conversation with both head coaches.

- Well it's not customary in basketball.

I don't think it over time to have a coaches meeting.

It's not like football where they have to flip a coin.

- Both coaches shake hands, go back to their respective huddles and get ready for four more minutes of action.

- See the clock four minutes has been put up there again, if you're just joining us, wind to mow the first quarter ran out to a 23 to seven lead 16 points after the first quarter.

The rams came roaring back in the second and it's been nip and tuck ever since.

- A good last possession by Gorham.

They're able to inbound the ball several times against pressure, able to run the clock completely down and get the last shot.

Caden Smith got a pretty good look.

It wasn't a great look but it was a pretty good look for the gold ball.

Just barely missed it to the left.

- And again the fans raise the decibel level here in Portland.

- Let's do overtime, - Well jump it up.

Ripping Gamon in black.

He'll represent the Rams, the soft one.

Lake McPherson, the sixth four senior, he's there in white for the wind of Eagles.

Hope these players realize that they're involved in a classic.

This game will make some history for each program.

Here we go.

Eagles basketball off the tip Lindsay to James Tyree top shot.

Too strong rebounds loose on the floor back out to center court.

Despite the best efforts of Gabe Mishu will commit the foul.

Gravity was working against him or more so inertia that was never a physicist.

- One of those either way.

Gabe Chu gut on the floor.

It's just kind of unfortunate there.

Right into the legs of Quentin Lindsay.

You see loose ball from inside the paint squirts out and Mishu slides about eight feet on the floor.

Picks up the foul here - Now the bonus continues when the fourth quarter.

So Lindsay will shoot two.

His eagles are up by one.

Lindsay, a quick point to the stands.

One more big free throw for the six foot senior no good.

The one point game Gorum basketball.

Miss you calling Carlis out for the screen.

Miss you takes advantage and hits - Fancy footwork by the senior Gabe Chu gets the right hand to go - Warren back in front by one Tyree James.

It's crazy.

Dixon trying to work on Griffin Gammon McPherson spinning away from Smith Dixon again into the lane recovered the basketball McPherson NBA three.

Perfect.

- Blake McPherson held to just four points in the game.

Steps up and Barrys a big three.

- A massive shot by the six four senior and now it's the Rams turn to answer.

Miss you back into the paint and he's tied things up at 53.

- Let him cook Gabe miss you.

- 27 Dejavu all over again, wasn't it?

- He gets to that right hand time and again he's a magician.

Getting to that right hand and then finishing 27 points for Gabe Chu - Brady Dixon to Tyree James James.

That explosive first step and he got by the defender.

Wyndham's on top by two - Had a great answer by Tyree James with a Drbo drive and finishes with the left hand.

- These teams leaving everything on the cross arena floor tonight.

- This is epic - And issues hit the last two buckets and he hit a third one parked outside Caden Smith under two to go.

Halfway through the overtime.

Will one be enough Smith, we touched that last and went off the Rams.

- That smart play by Smith there.

He knew he couldn't pass to himself.

It'd be a travel.

He tried to fox out Kyrie James and it just kind of harmlessly fell outta bounds.

He had to watch it.

- Problem was the teammates I think expected that Smith was going to pick that up.

They stopped as well.

So Windham by two with a basketball.

Dixon Yamin and Dixon are a great one-on-One battle here.

Timeout.

Called by the Eagles.

1 25 to go in a two point game with a gold ball on the line.

- Brady Dixon called that time out himself.

We've got a couple left, - Two time outs left for both teams.

Now he's a 32nd time out, not a full time out.

The referees have just indicated 85 seconds to go - In the Wyndham huddle.

You gotta draw up a sideline inbounds play here.

And then the set that you want up by two minute and a half remaining every shot from here on out for Wyndham's.

Gotta be a good look.

And - Now it's a full time out again.

- I didn't have any 32nd time outs.

- They gotta take the entire 60 - And the stands are just gonna, or the fans are just gonna stand up and wave those towels and have a full throated cheer through this entire 62nd time out.

- Both sets of fans are bouncing here in Portland.

- We got sandstorm on the speakers and we got pandemonium in Portland.

- What's - A Ram's still in the huddle.

They head back on the floor now they're down a bucket went and Lindsay's going to inbound the basketball for the Eagles.

They're trying to avenge one of their two losses this year.

Gson Tyree James taking his time.

75 ticks of the clock is all that remains in this first overtime period.

Will it be the only overtime period?

Dixon, we're now down under a minutes.

Nixon playing the old Bob Cozi role now.

Just dribbling and killing time.

Right - Go can pick out who they want to foul and put on the line.

They're in the bonus.

- Here's the foul.

It's going be Quentin Lindsay to shoot.

- He's issue.

Almost had that steal from behind.

Just got a piece of the arm - And the moment is not too big for quitting Lindsay.

He's excited to head to that line.

The minute the foul was called, he was celebrating.

And when he get a chance to make this a two possession game, if he could connect twice, - He shot two foul shots already in overtime made one of two.

- Is that five on issue?

Looks like he fell out.

Out.

It's he's out.

You can't believe it.

So loud in here.

We can't hear the announcements.

One more for Lindsay.

It's gonna - Be a one possession game.

- Exactly what I was thinking.

And this one's huge and neither one fell the door open a little more for the Rams so they get back on top.

They can tie or take the lead in this possession.

- Two to tie three to take the lead.

- Almost knocked away by pretty Dixon it was knocked away but it'll stay with the ramps.

Timeout taken here.

- Ghost to Sheen.

Didn't love the look of that possession.

Pause the timeout here again.

Gonna set up a sideline inbound, then their best set here down by 2 38 seconds left Gold ball on the line.

- One timeout remaining for Gorham.

Two timeouts left for Wyndham.

The Rams have the possession arrow in their favor.

38.2 seconds to go.

We'll see if that plays in any role in the conclusion of this game.

Every - Teams are so close and they're no surprise that this game has been this close.

It's really been one for the ages here tonight in Portland.

- I think all the fans here with their hearts in their throat right now.

Unless some of the neutrals from the earlier game, she Staggs fans stuck around.

They probably don't have a preference of who wins this one.

But everybody here, Rams or Eagles fans are the bestest interest.

The pressure is high, the tension is mounted.

38.2 seconds to go and it's Gorum basketball down two points.

- Windham with their biggest defensive possession of the year scoring with their biggest offense as possession of the year.

- It's all come down to this Carl OAS inbounds Smith.

Lost it.

Oh, picked up Brady.

Dixon ahead Tyree.

And it won't count.

It won't count.

- Intentional foul.

- We call the intentional foul first.

So that means the Eagles don't get the basket, but they do shoot twice and they'll get the ball right back.

Let's see it again - So we can get the intentional foul.

Yeah, see he grabbed, he pushed him after he made the pass trying to foul him and Jeff Merle's right there with the call.

- Colton Jew at the rookie call for the intentional foul and a chance for Arad Dixon, who's been so good tonight to launch his team forward toward their first gold ball.

We'll get another one.

- Three straight misses for Wyndham.

Haven't put this one away yet.

- That one falls.

It's a three point game.

Eagles basketball, 31.8 seconds to go.

And a timeout taken by Chad Kin and he's got one left now.

Nope, nope, nope.

I take that back.

Referee just pointed which way the ball was going about a timeout was called as he pointed to the bench.

My mistake.

Walk running at 30 seconds.

Do Fowls Tyree James, this may not be the guy you wanted the line.

You are a Gorham Rams fan.

They had no choice.

- James is seven for nine at the foul line in this one.

- Look at the Windham fans.

Two shots for Tyree.

James sophomore came in on the bench and he has added so much and he's made it a two possession game.

- That's the big one.

Get the lead up to four - James looking to do some further damage to the Gorham Ram's chances and does now it's a timeout call.

Full time out, taken by Chad Kinin.

He's got one left now and as the Eagles can feel it, up five with 27.5 seconds remaining.

- Now Coach De Shane gonna tell his players it's not over yet.

And we need a quick basket here and we can use our last time out to set up our defense in full court variety.

There's still 27 seconds left here.

Let's execute.

- Ryan De Shane's team has been comeback kids all year, but most of those comebacks we're getting down early as they did tonight's, they roared back in this game forced overtime.

So they have one more epic comeback in them.

It would certainly be one for the ages.

They can cut off this five point deficit with 27.5 seconds to go.

- Each team gonna have one timeout remaining over these last 27 seconds.

Borum doesn't get a bucket on this possession.

Probably not gonna matter.

- Well they need it.

It's desperation time for the Rams and they can't waste any time.

They need a basket and they need to hurry.

They have to start all the way under their own bucket.

And here's some pressure coming from the Eagles.

Carl oas the Ewt, he's hurrying Colton Ewt takes it all the way in and he scores and a foul called as well.

- Wow.

We fouled him from behind.

- Hey Angel - Looked like, yeah, it looked like they were gonna let him just make that layoff and still keep their three point lead instead Moody with a soft challenge from behind.

Hits 'em right on the head.

Yep and won.

- That could change things if Colton's Jew at the rookie.

What a big moment for the freshman at the line and won't go Dick's in the rebound.

And they followed Tyree James again.

- James is shaken up.

Yeah, - He hit his head when he fell.

- Yeah, these teammates need to scrape him off the floor here and - He's having a hard time getting up.

Moody - Is bear hugging him to get him up off the floor.

Still holding the back of his head.

- Now in a situation like this, if he isn't able to continue, what options does Chad Ping have As far as someone shooting?

- Yeah, he can choose any bench player to come in.

If he is medically unable to continue it looks like he's gonna be able to shoot these foul shots.

- He's gonna shake it off every shot of the line.

Bigger and bigger for Tyree James.

One outta two last time.

- Of course the Gora Miss means he really just needs one of these - And these Mr.

Reliable with a stripe, isn't he?

- He sure is.

Steps in there.

Knocks down a big one.

Back to a two possession game.

- A knock on the head doesn't bother Tyree at all.

Five point game time running out of the Rams.

They have got to hurry here.

There'll be a miracle comeback.

There's a three for Smith.

He got it.

It's not over yet.

A two point game - Don't go anywhere yet folks.

- Now Rams still have a pulse.

- They're able to take a time out here.

They're able to set their defense down by just two.

So obviously you want to try to steal the inbounds pass and if not, quick foul.

Windham will walk back down.

Shoot two more shots.

But you know you have a chance to keep it in one possession game.

- Quick foul.

And if you foul, you hope you can follow somewhere other than Tyree.

James, here's that three from Caden Smith.

- See Smith picks up the ball screen.

Moody's hand in his face, doesn't matter.

Knocks it down.

Stiff.

- Restoring hope for the Rams.

A two point game, 10.8 seconds to go.

And it goes from quiet to loud in a heartbeat.

Fans take the floor.

The teams rather take the floor and the fans rise.

- Wyndham needs their press breaker here.

Gotta get organized.

- Went.

And Lindsay Inbounding the basketball for Wyndham.

He finds the open man moody.

It's a two on one, but Moody will take his time and get bear hug and tackled.

And - He lost his gut.

It looked bad, - But he I know.

Yeah, it wasn't, he - Kind of tripped over his own feet.

Yep.

- He got bear hugged and tackled because the defender Carl Onas, I think it is.

Or is it?

Smith just lost his footing.

We'll see it here.

It's, - He hasn't wrapped up and then he just kind of trips over his, his own feet and - It looked like he was trying to Yeah.

Hold himself up on the opposing player.

Yep.

- Both players on the floor give each other five.

Yep.

You see Moody stretching out the opponent.

Yes - He is.

- He's stretching out the opponent.

- Talk about no hard feelings.

- He says, Hey, you got a cramp.

Big guy.

He's helping him up.

- They both realized that was not intentional.

Yep.

He saw that right there.

And AJ Moody shook his head, said, I know it did look bad at first.

You're right.

And then you saw the players go down.

You kinda realized what was happening there.

And Caden Smith was just trying to maintain his balance and then his weight took both players to the floor, - Could to had each other in a bear hug and their feet got tangled up.

So now Moody needs to refocus.

He goes to the line I had by just two here.

He needs both.

- Both will probably win a gold ball for the Eagles.

One out of two A Rams have hope to tie missed them both.

Well came on to last 8.6.

Quorum has no timeouts though.

- Wow.

No hesitation at all.

AJ Moody.

As cool as the other side of the pillow.

- Moody is confidence.

This for a gold ball, most likely.

Got it.

And now the Eagles can feel it.

And Gorham's uphill climb became almost vertical.

- AJ Moody gets taken to the floor.

He helps up the opponent, the display of sportsmanship.

He has to refocus, walks to the line and oh just calmly knocks down too.

For a gold ball.

- You don't always see players help each other out.

I don't think I've seen a player stretch of the player out in quite some time.

But to do it in overtime of a gold ball game that just shows the respect between these two programs and the players on the floor.

- So those two kids have probably been playing against each other since they were in first and second grade and in different youth sports.

And you'd love to see that sportsmanship and you'd love to see AJ Moody step up in a big situation and knock down too - Bitter rivals with tons of respect for each other.

One of the rams have left, they'll need to pull a rabbit outta their hat for sure.

And they have very little time to do it.

As you see, 8.6 seconds to go in overtime gonna be hands off defense by the Eagles.

No doubt.

Colton Jewett back outside Smith for three short.

The rebound Dixon throws it ahead.

The Eagles celebrate.

That's what it looks like to win your first ever gold ball in school history.

- Congratulations to the Wyndham Eagles and Coach Chad poking in.

Soak it in.

Enjoy it fellas.

This is a night of a lifetime.

- It's a moment the boys and whites will never forget.

But down to the other end.

Heartbreak for the gorum ramps.

- Wow that one had it.

Little something and everything.

- A a 16 point comeback for Gorham.

They had Wyndham showing some bite at the end of the game.

It had an overtime period, it had clutch free throws by a sophomore in overtime.

And an AJ Moody, another sophomore sealing the deal at the line.

A Windham Eagles 2024 class AA state champs their first foray into a finals game ends in success.

- Windham was eight for 12 from the foul line in overtime to clinch this victory.

- Free throws, win games or lose them in this case of victory.

- Wow.

What a scene.

What a game.

What a night.

- Just take a look around you and soak it in.

I hope the players are doing this.

- And the DJ's got sweet Caroline going.

- You can hear 'em singing.

- The Windham fans are feeling so good.

- Tyree James hasn't stopped bouncing.

And why not The software came in off the bench.

An integral part of this Eagle's win and now they'll climb the ladders, scissors, and hands.

- Something - The Wyndham fans have never seen their boys basketball team do not till now.

We had to experience this last year watching the Brewer Witches do the same thing with their first championship.

We saw it earlier today for the Brunswick Dragons girls.

And now Windham has joined that exclusive club.

- Mentioned Tyree James coming in off the bench.

He had 17 points for Wyndham Hedges six at halftime, 11 in the second half in overtime on the game.

He was 11 for 13 at the foul line.

That's clutch.

- Clutch doesn't go far enough to describe that, - Especially - When you're looking at a crowd of oh 5,000 people.

The civic center seats about 6,200 and there weren't many empty seats even down to the end behind the baskets racing and freeze the junior up to take his turn with the shears.

And I love this ceremony because every player, whether you played in this game or not, gets to take a piece.

'cause even if you didn't play in this game, you still play a massive role every day in practice.

- Absolutely.

- State championship team, you need those guys every single day.

Whether they play in the game or not, it's hard to prepare for a team like the Gorham Rams, unless you've got quality players given they're all in practice every single day.

And they may not have gotten into this game, but they have earned every step up that ladder.

Brady Dixon, that junior comes down.

Noah Mains a senior on our Jan Brenn making his way up the ladder.

He's number five.

A six three Junior league back to defend this Wyndham title next year.

- Down, down, right there.

Okay.

- And the players sometimes just wanna savor the moment on that ladder.

- Sometimes - I think the shears are a little dull sometimes.

I think they just wanna stay up there a little longer and just freeze the moment.

Make each sensation last a little bit longer.

AJ Moody's celebrating.

There goes Tyree James up the ladder, the two sophomores, a simultaneous climb went and Lindsay up there.

He's gonna finish the job it looks like down to the other end of the two sophomores, moody and James.

They've almost got the net off the rim as well.

Moody and James are ready.

You see him right here, ready to wave it.

They're just waiting for their senior Quentin Lindsey.

Look at - Some sharper scissors.

- He's got the net down.

I think he does.

Look at the smile, look at the jubilation.

- These two sharing it.

- The two sophomores.

Sharing the golden moment and as good as that must feel for the players, the best still yet to come here in the post game for the Windham Eagles.

I don't think you could cap a main basketball season any better than the Eagles and the Rams just did - What a cherry on top main high school basketball.

23.

24.

Wow.

Great day of basketball here in Portland.

So that was the best - Over on that bench though they would not agree.

That's the tough part to see the dejection of a team like the Gorham Rams who played so well tonight deserving of a gold ball.

But as clin East Wood said, unfor forgiven deserves, got nothing to do with it.

- The EC - Victory.

It's a cruel game sometime.

Victory.

- Absolutely.

The ecstasy of victory and the agony of defeat.

That's how it works.

- And we'll send it over to the house of Mike for our trophy ceremony and honor both these teams on behalf of the main principles association and where Butler building supplies congratulations to both teams on their exceptional championship level play throughout the 2024 tournament.

We hope that the memories you made this season and over the past two weeks of the tournament last a lifetime.

As you all think back to your tournament experience with your teammates, coaches, families and friends, may you take with you the pride in your efforts on the court.

You have represented yourselves, your communities, and main basketball.

Well for the seniors on both teams.

Thank you.

Thank you for all of your leadership throughout your high school basketball careers.

We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Representing the Main Principals Association, our Eric Curtis, athletic Administrator from Bonnie Eagle High School and Michael Daley, athletic administrator from Deering High School and representing Ware Butler Building Supply is Mike Finney, manager of Ware Butler Gorham.

To begin the award presentation, I would ask head coach Ryan de Shane of Gorham High School with his assistant coaches, Greg Morton, Chris Crosby and Russ Willette to come forward and assist with a presentation of awards.

We will begin with the managers, Caleb Reed, Lucas Willette, that freshman, Colton Ewt, Preston Brown, - Trustee - Sophomore, Atticus Whitten, juniors Jack Lonas.

- Hey Jack Griffin, - Gammon Seniors Isaac Young, Gabe, miss you, Caden Smith, Jesse James, Hayden Pier, Taylor Far, and Ashton LeClaire.

On behalf of the Main Principles Association and where Butler Building Supply, it is our pleasure to present the Runners up plaque for the 2024 Maine Class.

AA State Boys Basketball Championships to Gorham High School.

Congratulations.

And now to present the awards to your 2024 Maine Class.

AA State Basketball Champions of Wyndham High School.

I would ask head coach Chad Nan of Wyndham High School and his assistant George Riis, Jeff Grigsby and Noah Estee to come forward to assist with the presentations manager Paolo Ventura, freshman Colin Jan, sophomores Adrian Moody and Tyree James Juniors.

Joseph Oblige Con, Jan Veen, grant Kopi Brace, Brayson Freeze Crate Dixon and seniors.

Quentin Lindsey, Eric Bowen, Ryan sm, Noah Maines, Benny Aziza, Matthew Seaway, and Blake McPherson.

At this time we'd ask Coach Kinan come to come forward to accept the game ball.

And would the captains please come forward?

On behalf of the Maine Principals Association and where Butler Buildings apply, it is our pleasure to present the state championship for the 2024 Maine Class A A Boys State Basketball Championships to Wyndham High School.

Congratulations, enjoy celebrating your state championship.

The main principles association where Butler Buildings apply and the main Bureau of Highway Safety remind you that to celebrate your achievements, you must get home safely.

Don't drive distraction.

A gold ball feeling is nothing like a gold ball feeling when, when it's your first one in school history.

It's even greater times like Miss, be Greg Lebinski.

He's on the floor soaking in the atmosphere.

We'll check in with him.

Next we come back to Pacific Center here in Portland on Maine, public television - Production of high school basketball on Maine.

Public television is made possible by people like you and by - Five county credit unions.

Serving members since 1956 committed to delivering convenience through technology, branch access and local service.

- Sheridan Construction, a Maine company committed to building on their promise for over 75 years.

- Hammond Lumber Company with 22 locations across Maine and New Hampshire serving professional contractors and do it yourselfers.

Since 1953, - The University of Maine at Augusta committed to providing a quality, affordable education online and in person with two campuses and eight centers statewide.

- The environment is just awesome.

Great campus, small close knit community.

Everyone's really welcoming.

Everything feels very personal.

You feel like you belong here.

We're not gonna waste any time.

Greg Lavinsky is right in the middle of the Wyndham Eagles celebration.

Let's send it to him on the floor.

Yes, - I am right here with the Wyndham Eagles, the state champion.

Wyndham Eagles.

Eric Bowen.

You're holding the ball.

Yeah.

It's been quite a journey for this team.

How would you describe the emotions that you're feeling right now?

I mean, this is - What dreams are made of, right?

We overtime game state championship.

Like this is what we dreamed of forever and these guys got it done.

- Where's Cre Dixon Cre Dixon crew right here.

You had the busted lip a couple games ago.

Yeah, just a grinder.

Right?

And that's kind of the identity of this team.

When did you guys, last year, you lose or you win five games this year, your state champs.

What's the difference and what's the turnaround come from?

We just - All family.

All the work we put in the off season, all, all the work throughout the season.

Caught us here.

Yeah, - For sure.

All right.

Blake McPherson, how long are you in there?

Another battle with Gorham.

You guys lost by 27 in the regular season, but today you're the champs.

Why is that?

- You know, we, we had some, we had some exposure that we needed to go through and you know, it kind of came into us.

But you know, we handled it our way and we got the dub.

So it's all that - Matters.

All right, coach, let's bring you in here.

You've been the coach of this team for almost a decade.

Yeah.

It's the first time that they've gone this far.

Why this group and why now?

- You know, I, I asked, I think I asked Bowen if I was dreaming on the bench.

These guys are just unbelievable competitors.

Relentless competitors, relentless friends.

They're, they're, they're great on the court.

They're great off the court.

I know a lot of people counted us out in going into this game, rightfully so with how we played against 'em the first time.

But if you watch these guys play all year, they never give up.

They never give up.

They always fight.

Tonight we were down, we came back, got it into overtime.

And I, and I was never in doubt with these guys behind me.

All right.

It's the best basketball team we've ever had in Windham.

All - Right, Windham Eagles.

Let the people at home know how it feels to be state champ.

- That's how it feels to be.

State champs, the Windham Eagles 62 58.

And what a great way to close out the 2024 basketball season.

That's the sad part.

It's, it's over.

- That's what dreams are made of.

Eric Bowen said it and said it.

Well, he's gonna remember this night for the rest of his life, - And they certainly will.

The Eagles State champs for the first time, their first foray into a gold ball game and they get the job done.

62 58.

They had the squat and scrape, but they did it.

Well, that'll do it.

For our broadcast tonight.

I wanna thank my broadcast partner, Brendan Terrell, my captain Nick Godfrey doing all the production back in the truck for Maine Public Broadcasting and the Iron Tire Maine Public Broadcasting Crew here in Portland.

My name is Rob Kennedy Ang So long for the 2024 basketball season, the Windham Eagles.

Your boys AA state champs.

Thanks for watching on Main public television.