The Gorham Girls defeated Noble (Quarterfinal) Massabesic (Semi-final) and Scarborough (Regionals) in the MPA Class AA South tournament to advance and compete in the State championship game. Following the Scarborough game, the girls celebrated their South Regional win by taking down the nets, a basketball ritual. Anna Nelson earned and received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Photo credit: Amanda LandrySophia Michaud celebrates cutting down the net for Gorham.
The state game at Cross Arena in Portland began with Kate Dupuis and Anya Mazaris-Atkinson (GHS students) absolutely crushing the National Anthem in front of a crowd of approximately 5,000 spectators. That kicked off the tone of the game with high energy on the court; going after loose balls and hitting the outside shot on offense.
Heading into halftime, Gorham and Cheverus were tied up. Cheverus changed their defense to start the third period, and it proved to shake up the Gorham offense for a stretch of time. The game continued to be played at a high caliber; tough defense on both sides and an up-tempo style.
Gorham’s Anna Nelson, Sophia Michaud, Nicole Walker, Leah Woodbury, and Ellie Gay stood out in playing tough defense and quickly bringing their offense down the court to chip in some key baskets. One of Cheverus’ guards, Julia Kratzer became red hot from the floor, scoring four 3-point shots, giving the Stags momentum.
Kratzer grew up in Gorham, attending Gorham schools until moving on to Cheverus and joining her twin siblings, Ryan and Mia, in her freshman year of High School. The Cheverus defense in the second half of play and Kratzer’s crucial 3-pointers were a combination that would change the course of the game.
The Gorham team, however, never let up and fought back to cut the lead to within nine going down the stretch into the 4th quarter, a testament to this team’s level of competitiveness and talent.
Photo credit: Amanda LandryKate Dupuis and Anya Mazaris-Atkinson preparing to sing the national anthem at the Girls State Championship game at Cross Arena.
Getting to the State championship game is no easy feat. It takes assiduous play, adjustments, and high energy in every game. Special team chemistry showed all season long, and this team’s heart and hustle were evident throughout the tournament.
Gorham Coach Laughn Berthiaume was named coach of the year leading the team to the State Championship game. Assistant Coach Neile Nelson was inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame. Anna Nelson, Ellie Gay, and Brylee Bishop were named to the All-Tourney Team in South AA.
Congratulations to all the coaches and the entire Gorham Girls 2022 Class AA South champs and State Runners up.