Windham Whippets capture Division M title

Taylor McBride dances in a circle of her teammates after Windham's state championship win. Photos by Melanie Savage.

It was sweet victory for the Windham girls’ basketball team at the Mohegan Sun Arena on March 19. The Whippets (number 2 seed) put away Weaver (number 21 seed) by a final score of 54-46 to capture the Division M state championship title. “I don’t think it’s our best game of the season,” said Windham coach Ken Valliere, “but it’s probably the one we’ll remember the most.”

“I basically grew up with these seniors,” said McBride. “To have the championship the senior year, it’s fantastic.”

McBride contributed 10 steals, seven assists and nine points during a game that was truly a team effort by the senior members of the team. Haley Mather contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Carlee Smith came in with 13 points. Ali Risley contributed 11 points. Danyelle Rodriguez sank three good three-point shots. And senior Caitlin Coleman produced a good free throw for the final point of the game.

“Unfortunately, it took us a while to establish the inside game,” said Weaver coach Wendell Williams. “My hat goes off to them. They deserve to win. We’ll be back next year.”

The Whippets finish up their season with a 25-4 record and the first state championship for Windham since 2005. Seniors: Taylor McBride, Ali Risley, Haley Mather, Carlee Smith, Danyelle Rodriguez, Caitlin Coleman, Cara Begley, Justine Lambert, Katie Nelson, Megan Phelps, Haley Roberts.