The Gorham Unified Team played their season opener v. South Portland, in front of a packed gym at GHS on Jan. 31. The program began in 2018, followed by a special celebration in their 2nd season in 2019, courtesy of Adam Parvanta, Gorham High School’s media/technology teacher. There was a small break in the action during the COVID-19 season but the sport is growing strong again in Gorham and is now represented in over 65 schools in Maine. Twenty-one teammates fill the 2022-2023 roster this year, once again coached by Eric Lelansky and assisted by Abe Tabachnick and Lisa Curley.
The home opener was full of action on both sides of the court; crisp passes, outside shots and impressive drives through the lane. The game was watched by a full crowd of family and friends, teachers, coaches, athletes from other GHS teams and GHS alumni. Brian Edwards (GHS ‘19) who holds a scoring record was also in the house cheering on his former teammates.
Unified Basketball ActionJames Hatch for Gorham played well and shot well posting double digit points. River Cummings, Dylan Taini, Landon Paradis and Niko Gagne also chipped in points. Both teams controlled the ball effectively and efficiently hitting some fine shots. There was genuine camaraderie throughout the game on both sides for Gorham and South Portland. Jack Dreifus, partner for South Portland’s program and who plays varsity soccer and lacrosse shares, “ this is such a great program and I am privileged to be a part of it.”
On the Gorham side, Game Day student assistant coaches include Andre Dube, Haden Pelletier and Caden Smith. Smith was all smiles as he left the court to catch his varsity basketball team bus heading to play an away game. The game ended shortly thereafter, but not before a few more impressive outside shots were made on both ends of the court. Final score: Rams 39, South Portland 51.
Alumnus Brian EdwardsFollowing the handshake lineup, parents took group team photos for South Portland. All of the players seemed to be enjoying the win and just being a part of such a great program. On the Gorham side, athletes were greeted with plenty of hugs and cheers.
As the gym filtered out, other athletes from the girls junior varsity and varsity teams re-entered the gym preparing for their game v. Brunswick and also senior night for the Rams, the lone senior being Elizabeth Willette. Overall four teams were in action that night. The varsity boys basketball team traveled to Brunswick, and the boys varsity ice hockey team played on their home ice.
Photo credit: Katie BrownLuci Orlando, Winnie Mooreland and senior Elizabeth Willette in between the Unified game and before the senior night game
Now that February is here, there will be plenty of “last” regular season games and play-off action. The boys varsity ice hockey team finished strong to move into the playoffs as the #6 seed. The girls varsity ice hockey team finishes with an impressive 12-4 record and will go into the playoffs as the #2 seed, hosting #3 Red Riots. The ski team will compete in the upcoming SMAA finals. The unified basketball team will have both away and home games throughout the month of March.