Like I said, going back a bit for these. This was by far the most exciting high school game I have seen here in Windham. The Jaguars trailed for the entire game, never once having the lead and were down by two goals a number of times. In the end though, their offense came through in the final minutes scoring three goals late in the game including one with only about 3 seconds left to take the win. Best win of the year and put Windham into third place in DII in the State where they would stay. Literally showing their heart and blood to get the win.
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Hanover 5/13/22
Going into the wayback machine here but I hadn’t gotten around to these pics yet. This was a 14-5 win for Windham that started the first of what would be 6 wins in a row to close the season and place them the third seed for the DII NH Playoffs. Game #1 is today against Alvrine who Windham has taken down twice already this year. Hopefully the team will stay healthy, get a bit of a challenge but put the game away and move on to the second round.
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Portsmouth and St. Thomas Aquinas
Took some time off from posting these as there was a point where the team lost 3 of 4 games and the most important player was out with a concussion for three games…not exactly the most thrilling stuff for me to shoot. I did take some photos of these games including against Portsmouth—a loss to the best team in DII in NH and one of the top few teams in the state and St. Thomas Aquinas that is one of the top few teams of DII (also a loss). Neither was a disaster but does show the length the team has to go to play with the best. Faceoffs remain feast or famine for the team, the offense must work on cutting more to the net rather than relying on the speed and agility of individual players which can be offset by doubleteams and good stickwork, and the D could still use a bit more nastiness. But all in all? The team is at 10-3 and tied for 3rd in DII. The upcoming Timberlane game will determine the team’s seeding for the postseason. A win and they will be either the #2 or #3 seed…a loss? They could drop to 7th. This is likely the difference between a first round bye or relatively easy matchup and having to play a peer in the first round and possibly Portsmouth or Derryfield in the second. Timberlane will be a challenge...a true coinflip of a game. Each have beaten teams the other has lost to and lost to teams the other has beaten. Timberlane was the runner up to Portsmouth in ‘21 for the state championship and will not likely wilt. Enjoy the pics!
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Salem 04/22/22
Another home game, another win. Having issues with the camera and not focusing the way I want and so the shots are limited and I deleting 90% of what I took…just wasn’t happy with the results. The game was a 13-5 win but it was far more nail biting than that looks. Windham was down 3-0 to start and the D1 Salem team looked to have taken Windham on its heals being down its most senior defender.
The defense clamped down and allowed only two goals after the first quarter and the offense picked up the remaining slack to take the win. No comments beyond that. A nice way to show that they can come back from a punch and not quit.
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Alvirne 04/18/22
I had not posted anything on the past Friday’s game—which was a 16-0 shutout of Kingswood who was supposed to be a decent team this year due to it being an evening game under what passed for “lights”. I quit taking pictures at the half as it just wasn’t worth it. I can crank the ISO and get shots that look fair on a .25” by .25” square but its not worth my time to even look through those let alone edit them…so into the trash they go.
Monday’s 15-2 win over Alvirne is a different story. At least there are some good shots from that game, as relatively uncompetitive as it was. Likely the most physical game of the year so far there were some decent hits given in both direction and a number of fouls as well. Windham kept up its heavy scoring attack and were kept to 15 goals by some great play by the Alvirne goalie who was their best player on the day. Despite the score, Windham got frustrated at times with the saves he was making to the point of trying trick shots and a number of skip shots to try and get past the keeper. Prior games saw Windham scoring on what appeared to be about 2/3 of their shots where here they got more shots off but only were scoring on about 40% if I had to guess.
Windham’s defense also had to play on its heals a bit more than in prior games with a number of “man down” situations. This was what was most notable as Windham’s D in these situations stood strong and kept the Alvirne shooters to the outside and frustrated their ability to get clean looks in a dangerous position. This bodes well for the remainder of the season if they can keep it up. Too often do High School lacrosse players allow shooters to get their arms and hands free vs. staying in the chest and hips of their opponents and here we saw great improvement in this area. Windham goalie Jack Milano was once again more than up to the task of saving the bulk of shots sent his way and remains an anchor in making smart and crisp passes out of the crease.
Wednesday brings what should (though I thought this of the Alvirne game too…) be the first big test of Windham’s season. Losing out in the first round of the ‘21 playoffs to Hollis-Brookline in a bitter 18-9 defeat, Windham will be out for a bit of redemption but as we saw last year where Windham came into the playoffs with a higher seed…nothing can be taken for granted.
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Bow 04/12/22
Good game to start the year. 14-1 was the final score against an overmatched Bow team. Coming into the season Windham was ranked in the top 4 or 6 teams in DII and Bow in the bottom 6 or 8 so this was expected. Bow only managed three shots on goal for the game, was unable to control faceoffs and couldn’t force Windham turnovers. Offensively Windham looked strong on faceoffs which is key for them and while on the smaller side physically, Windham didn’t put a lot of balls on the ground, distributed the ball well resulting in balanced scoring from mid-distance chances (not many bombs that went in by luck and not many easy dumpins from up close—both of which are good signs) and stayed out of any need for physical play. The starters were in until about the final 5 minutes of the game and more than held their own in all phases of the game.
Friday’s upcoming night game on the road vs. Kingswood will be the early test of the season as the teams are ranked closely to start the year. That should give a better view at any cracks in the team’s capabilities and willingness to punch back when hit in the mouth.
Windham Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Portsmouth 2/9/22
And so it ends…
The fact that it ends this way for every team but one each year makes it no less disappointing. The Windham boys team exited the DI tournament in the first round with a loss to Portsmouth in a score of 57-39. The loss dropped Windham to a record of 9-10 on the year.
The loss really came down to two factors—the largest being an inability to score inside or put any real pressure on the interior defense. As a point of note…Windham did not go to the line a single time in the game and drew only a couple fouls (literally). You can’t compete if you can’t impose your will and draw contact. This has been a consistent issue for Windham the past two years. In the prior season they posted a record of 8-5 under then coach EJ Perry but again bowed out in the first round of the DI tournament. Last year they had the dynamic scoring of Joey DaSilva to bail them out at times and while the team this year had some great outside shooting, it was not of a nature that could create its own shot like DaSilva could. Spot up and open shooting off skip passes or defensive lapses this team had down…it just was not able to put a player one on one and beat the other team.
The second factor in the game that came to the forefront was a lack of cohesive defense on backdoor cuts and pick and rolls. While Windham had throughout the years shown an ability to effectively double team ball handlers and switch on open players appropriately, they struggled here against the slashing and cutting Portsmouth team leading to numerous easy layups.
All in all it was not a bad season. 9-10 isn’t a bad showing for a team that lost its leading scorer and numerous starters from the year before and also switched coaches. The style they play however, regardless of the coach, will always be subject to letdowns, cold streaks, and ineffective play if they can’t develop an inside presence both offensively and defensively and multiple ball handlers who can break the press on their own. Being completely absent in the former (perhaps a bit by choice and style) and possessing only a single one of the latter leaves them subject to more physical, aggressive teams.
Oh…and the lighting and gym in Portsmouth? Wow…how horrid is that place? Its like playing in a dungeon…almost as bad as Timberlane. You can’t hardly see your hand in front of your face at times its so dark, the lights are literally from about 1920 and cast these weird shadows and sickly pall over everyone. And the rims? I’ve never heard a ball come off the metal that way before…it sounded like the ball was bouncing off a tin shanty out on a local pond…No wonder Portsmouth isn’t an outside shooting team…they can’t see the basket and there is zero chance of the ball getting a fair bounce off those hoops…just…wow….
On to the spring sports!
Windham Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Spaulding 01/25/22
I’ll be honest and say I felt sorry for Spaulding in this game. Eventually losing by 20 behind solid all around Windham play underneath (Jack Runde returning to form with key rebounds and putbacks and inside scoring after two pointless games) and timely shots from long distance, Spaulding was outmatched from the start. Now 0-17 on the year Spaulding looked dejected coming off the floor at the end. Meanwhile Windham was ebullient having had a chance to play some teammates that do not often see the court allowing them their moments to shine and have the crowd cheer behind them.
What I truly felt bad about was the decisioning of some schoolboard admin or athletic director with no actual education who sits watching the View and MSNBC mainlined into their grey matter, forcing the poor kids and Spaulding staff to wear masks. As if its not bad enough to be outmatched by a decidedly middle of the road (about .500 on the year) Windham team, they had to pretend that masks hung around their ears and over their throats while playing or in some half assed semblance of compliance while on the bench, were actually doing anything for what are healthy, vaccinated, young adults that see more of them die on ski slopes each year than at the hands of an octogenarian targeting virus. They looked like fish out of water…as if they had been left behind when everyone else has moved on…like I felt in second grade when my mom made me wear hand-me-down, plaid cotton pants that went out in the mid 70s and never seen again but I was begrudgingly wearing circa 1983…
On the other hand, rules or not, Windham has dispensed with the idea of complying with bureaucratic, do nothing, hacks…for the most part... Sure, sprinkled among the crowd here and there was a mask or two. But overall it was a maskless environment with everyone going about their lives. Even a number of parents with whom I have had significant disagreements with over the past two years appear to have come around and were now running around the court now sans-mask. Just takes people a while to get where they need to go sometimes I guess…
With Windham finishing out the year against some weaker opponents they should be able to target a winning season as an overall goal. They won’t lose a ton of players between ‘21 and ‘22. But what they will lose is size with Chris Billone (their leading scorer as well) graduating. It will fall upon Jack Runde to take on an even more physical, post presence in the next year because they will continue to be undersized. I’d like to see the year finish out with a two guard operation of Brian Desmarais and George Fortin on the floor for extended periods as even in last night’s game, with just the slightest of full court pressure from Spaulding, there were too many turnovers and silly passes. Having two individuals who can deftly handle the ball and smartly break the press is going to be a huge need. We’ll see how many more games I get to!
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 Varsity Football vs. Nashua North 09/17/21
First of the team’s four games that I’ve seen this year and this loss drops the team to 2-2. Far better than last year’s Covid shortened season though. This game against the State’s D1 defending champs was a lot closer than I thought it would be and Windham held a 10-0 lead going into the 4th quarter. Special teams played a huge role in both directions. Windham started the game with an onside kick recovery and had multiple interceptions/fumble recoveries. Unfortunately Windham also muffed a punt giving the ball back to Nashua at one point (though they prevented a score with an interception) and allowed a broken play prayer of a pass to go for the game winning touchdown. Tiger An showed as a beast of a runner for 104 yards—though the team seemed to go away from him in the second half to their detriment as it was clear that Nashua’s defense was completely gassed by the end of the first half. Moving a bit away from the punishing run game gave Nashua time to recover and some life, which they took advantage of on some big plays and costly penalties. A great showing by Windham against one of the State’s best and in front of what it likely to be the largest crowd they will see this year, one only wishes for what could have been.
Photography wise…I HATE night shooting. Just so much you can’t do. Now Windham’s field was pretty well lit in some areas but the endzones were virtually black…not good. But we work with what we have…
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Goffstown 05/25/21
Well that was MUCH better. A bit of aggression, a bit fiesty, a bit angry (broken sticks, some chirping, some actual bad blood developing between the teams)—that’s what we like to see. Windham was out to a big lead early and nursed it in the second half for a 14-4 win. Didn’t get quite to the running clock with a greater than 12 point lead but…good enough. This runs the record to 11-6 on the year with one game remaining, again against Goffstown. Then its on to the tournament—hopefully the boys aren’t too worn out from Memorial Day Weekend for the Monday game which will be super tough and Windham will be the underdog. Going to have to bring their “A” game and then some if they hope to advance out of the first round.
Windham Varsity Lacrosse vs. Timberlane 05/13/21
Running their record to 7-5 this was a second win in three days vs. Timberlane. Not an easy win but they will take it. Offense seems to be solid and has rounded into nice shape with consistent faceoff wins, crisp passing and a number of players who can score off their own playmaking. Defense still needs work. I’d love to see more aggression, more bodywork, less stickwork. No opposing player has been scared about coming into the heart of Windham’s defense yet and that needs to change. Far too many players get off uncontested shots against Windham goalies. Seven wins in a row is solid and should see them in the middle of the pack for seeding come tournament time.
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.
Windham JV Basketball vs. Timberlane 01/19/21
So we’ll begin the JV Basketball season with a win by Windham. Down three players due to Covid protocols the team drew down a couple members of the Varsity team to help out. The game was a bit of a blowout but Timberlane started to cut into the large Windham lead in the second half when the pressure relaxed and Windham felt they had the game in hand—something they need to cease doing as in today’s game it is far too easy to squander even a 20 point lead. It was a good to start the season though and showed the potential this group of players has both this year and next. I’ll be putting more of the photos up in the next day or two, hopefully completing this before the Timberlane rematch on Thursday.
Windham Vs. Salem 10/24/20 Gallery
So we are going to try something a little different and put the larger photos here vs just on Instagram where they are tiny. Also…why give Instagram traffic, hits, advertising and so on?? Hope you enjoy. All photos are available in full rez on request if you need to print them out at a larger scale. I’ll be updating this gallery with more photos from the game as time goes on.
