Medomak Honors State Champion Alumni

Medomak Valley honored their two State Championship boys’ basketball teams between Alumni games Friday night.

In a brief ceremony, current school Athletic Director Matt Lash extolled the virtues of the Panthers 1977 and 1980 boys’ basketball teams. Several members from both squads were able to attend the ceremony in their honor and were introduced to strong ovations.

Members of the 1977 team in attendance included Frank McGrady, David Philbrook, Mike O’Brien, Andrew Johnson and Paul Begley.

Teammates from the 1980 team who returned for the ceremony included Robbie Barter, Mark Begley, Bob Cogan, Scott Farley, Mark Jones, Steve Rhodes, Karl Pitcher, Henry Bither, Jim LaHaye, and Randy Williamson

The loudest hand of the night went to former boys’ coach Art Dyer. Dyer coached the Panthers for 10 seasons between 1970-80, accumulating a 164-34 regular season record. Offering a few brief remarks, Dyer recalled how the teams seemed to unite the school.

“I would like to believe the basketball teams helped bring the community together,” Dyer said.

Retired principal Ron Dolloff praised the teams for bringing the school together, recalling that Medomak Valley opened in 1968.

“They were a wonderful bunch of guys who came together for a specific purpose,” Dolloff said.

The 1977 team posted a 16-2 regular season record, averaging 68.1 points per game, while holding their opponents to an average of 51.1 In the state tournament, the Panthers defeated Traip, Mexico, and Gorham on the way to the championship final where they defeated Hampden, 72-57 for the state Class B title.

The 1980 team went undefeated, at 18-0. The team averaged 83.6 points per game and held their opponents to an average of 56 points. The Panthers rolled over York, Greely, and Cape Elizabeth in the state tournament before defeating Schenk 80-59 for the school’s second gold ball.

All told, under Coach Dyer, the Panthers posted a record of 21-9 in the state tournament in the course of making 10 straight tournament appearances. Dyer’s reign also included four West B titles and appearances in West Class B Regional title games in six out of his last seven years.

Alumni gamesMedomak Alumni games took on a new look this year. Because of the MPA five date rule, teams can only play out of season scrimmages on five different dates. There were three alumni games, featuring a women’s game, an old timers’ game and a recent alumni game. The highlight of the games was the night’s finale that saw the game won on a Cliff Blackman foul shot, called after he was fouled in the act of shooting at the final buzzer.Women’s gameThe White team won 37-35. Playing for the White team were Beth Pinkham (03), Jasmyn Rose (09), Megan Bradstreet (08), Ali Ludwig (05), Jen Post (86), Jamie O’Jala (06), Jen O’Jala (07) and Tracy McClain (93).

Playing on the Blue team were Laurie Stiles (95), Ali Cornforth (08), Kayla Vannah (09), Lelia Dyer (84), Heather Fogg (05), Jen Baum (08) and Miranda Conary (08).Old Timers’ gameThe Blue team won the Old Timers’ game 63-46. Playing for Blue were Matt Lash (93), Troy Smith (93), Kyle Benner (00), Justin Hills (91), Kurt Snyder (91), Michael Phillips (92), Aaron Winchenbach (86), and Kevin Pagnano (86).

Playing for the White team were Scott White (86), Dusty Starr (01), Brent Curtis (99), Jon Spear (98), Tim Spear (95), Matt Calderwood (89), Dante Rivelli (92) and Nick DePatsy (82).Recent Alumni gameThe White team won 65-64 on a foul shot from Cliff Blackman after time ran out on the clock. Playing for the White team were Alex Goldrup (09), Derek Vannah (08), Justin Ames (07), Zach Armstrong (06), Cliff Blackman (06), Colin O’Donnell (07), Jared Simmons (07), Brian Blackman (07), Sam Lash (05), Isaac Lash (04).

Playing for Blue were Dale Winchenbach (09), Zach Durkee (07), John Wood (07), Jason Rhoda (07), Kevin Fogg (09), Travis Merrifield (08), Marcus Benner (08), Matt Migliore (04), Scott Migliore (07) and Andy Ferrier (06).