Windham Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Manchester Central

A close fought loss (79-74) it was also high scoring for a high school basketball game but without Windham’s typical bombing away from 3.

The high scorer for the night was once again Jack St. Hilaire with 27 who maintained his ability to do damage from deep while the rest of Windham’s deep threats were generally quiet. Supporting Hilaire was Jack Runde who funneled in 20 of his own, mostly from near the hoop, physical play.

Windham could have taken the game and had fought back from some seven down in the second half to take a three point lead with under three minutes to play but a series of extremely costly inbounding turnovers and difficulty in breaking a half-hearted press by Manchester Central, caused the loss and dropped the team to 3-6 on the year.

Windham JV Basketball vs. Pinkerton 02/25/21

Well, this was the last game of the year for the JV team. It was a loss as was the prior away game at Pinkerton who is just too big a team for Windham to deal with. Out rebounded and outskilled down low, this was a tough matchup. Unlike the prior away game vs. Pinkerton this one went Windham’s way for the first half when they brought more effort and passion than they have brought all year. But a short let down from their top energy was all that Pinkerton needed to cut the deficit and return to a leading spot from where Windham could not fully recover. JV finished the year with an 8-4 record and should be very happy with the result. In truth I think they should have finished 8-2 as the only team they were outclassed by was Pinkerton. The other losses were a matter of focus and effort. Something they will have to work on as many of these players move on to Varsity next year.

Windam Varsity Basketball vs. Bishop Guertin

The home game of the home and home series vs. BG. After romping to a 16 point win at BG Windham went flat at home, unable to hit a shot. Seriously…the first have was unbelievably gross in terms of offensive abilities. This is the issue that Windham has…if they don’t hit from 3—particularly DaSilva, they don’t have sufficient confidence from their younger players and particularly their low post players to make it hard on the other team. A certain willingness to bang around in the paint is missing. To truly be a special team they will need both abilities or else they will be completely reliant upon staying hot…all the time—a difficult proposition when DaSilva gets double teamed or has an off night. This loss ran their record to 4-2 on the year.

Windham JV Basketball vs. Bishop Guertin 2/5/21

Game one of the two? Not good. Blowout city. A struggle from beginning to end exhibiting the team’s lack of rebounding and difficulty with the press. An inside scoring presence has begun to emerge in Conrad but the entire team needs to improve its rebounding and take on a more committed attitude when it comes to the game. Good action in the game however as Windham struggled to stay within shouting distance of BG who was definitely the best team they have faced this year and played almost in an opposite manner from Windham with nary a 3-pointer shot by them in the game. All cuts, speed and aggression to the hoop.

Windham Varsity vs. Nashua South 01/29/21

Well, it had to happen eventually right? A loss on the last Friday in January put Windham down to defeat for the first time this season. As Joey DaSilva goes, so goes this team. Secondary scoring is an issue as is a willingness to play tough down low. More offense out of Jack Runde is desperately needed despite his age and inexperience. A low post presence would open up DaSilva for more unpressured shots. For now, DaSilva will be resorting to shooting with 2 or 3 guys in his face and usually from far outside the three point line in desperation which isn’t a recipe for success long term.