It was a loooooooong winter...

With Winter behind us--oops wait did I say that?--I mean with Winter sports season behind us, we look forward to the spring teams taking the fields, track and links, but first a little recap of the basketball, hockey, skiing, and indoor track seasons:

After several years of dominance and high numbers of participants in Nordic Skiing, this year was lean. Peoples had one girl and one boy this year on the team. Sophomore A.Coles led the way for the girls, and competed hard all season. Sophomore D. Stames led the way for the boys and skied strong all season long. He logged several top 5 finishes and medaled in 10th place in the boys state classic race, and 11th in the boys state skate race...Stames was also 11th, 1st Honorable Mention on the All-State Nordic Ski Team...

In indoor track it was the same story...A. Scarf was the lone girl and D. Safford was the lone boy. They both competed hard, but it was Scarf who was a one-woman show at states. Scoring enough points to beat  entire girls teams, she placed 4th in the long jump, 3rd in the high jump and 2nd in the 55M hurdles. She set new school records in the high jump and the hurdles as well.

In Girls Hoop, the teams did well with the JV improving their skills and increasing their knowledge of the game under first year coach Darcie Jones, and the Varsity finishing 7-13 and losing their first round playoff game to Lake Region. Junior K. Newton was named to the All Mountain League first team, Senior Jill Stein was named to the second team, and Freshman J. Bohannon was named Honorable Mention. The team also earned the sportsmanship award for the league.

In Boys Hoop, both teams also did well with the JV team coming together as a team and playing some very exciting games, and the varsity finishing up 7-13 and hosting Poultney in the first round of the playoff. Winning that game the boys moved on to play rival Hazen at Hazen. The boys lost that game, but had a good season. All-League announcements have not been made yet...

In Boys Hockey the team finished 15-5, got a first round bye and hosted Northfield in the Quarterfinals. They lost 2-1 in OT, but the season was one of the best in recent memory. Junior C. Hinrichs was named first team All Lake Division and Honorable Mention on the All State Team with a 34 goal and 21 assist season. Junior S. Loh was named second team All Lake. Many new kids came out for the team this year and next year the boys should be strong again.

Until next winter...

Boys' updates

The Hockey team traveled down to Brattleboro and the Basketball team hopped on over to Lamoille on Friday night. The hockey team came away with the 4-3 win as Sophomore Center J. Thompson netted two goals for the Wolves. The boys play next at home on Saturday vs. the Hilltoppers from St. J. Face off time is 5pm.

The Boys' Basketball team was looking for a little payback after being crushed by 30 points at The Den by the Lancers in the first of two games this season. The game was back and forth all night with the score being tied at 22 at the half and Lamoille being up 29-27 after 3. The game stayed close (31-31), but with 4 minutes left in the 4th, Lamoille started scoring and PA found it hard to fill the hoop. The final score was 44-34, but many of the boys felt good about their effort. They play at Lake Region on Friday 1/14 at 6/7:30

1.4.11 updates

It was a lose-lose situation last night for boys winter sports...First let's get to the hoop action...The boys hosted Lake Region last night at The Den and came away with two L's. The JV game started out with the boys going down 10-1 and after one it was 13-1. The boys then held the JV Rangers scoreless for the first 6 minutes of the second quarter and clawed their way back to make it 20-14 at halftime. The boys fought hard, but the Rangers led the rest of the game and came away with the W. The Varsity game was a different animal all together. the boys jumped out to a 13-3 lead early and led the game until about 4:30 left in the 4th quarter, when Lake Region tied the game at 20. The game then went 22-22, 24-24, and then the Rangers pulled away with two quick layups and a three to go up 31-24. The Rangers added four more and the boys added 4 more and Lake Region came away with the 35-28 win. The boys are now 1-4 on the season and travel to Lamoille on Friday for 6 and 7:30 games.

Top to Bottom:

S.Shane with the jumper 

K.Mandigo with the layup

E. Cross with the runner

R. Davis with the driving jumper

The boys hockey team, which had been a goal scoring tear for its first 7 games (50 goals), was held scoreless last night at Stowe and suffered their first loss of the season. Stowe won 4-0 and Senior Stowe player Ross Mandigo picked up his 100th career point during the game. The boys look to get back on track as they travel to Brattleboro on Friday for a 3:00pm game with Colonels.

Updates, updates, and oh yes more updates

Hope all you PA sports fans had a fun and relaxing Winter break...school is back in session and a lot happened over the break, so let's get right to it...

First off we have to talk Hockey. As we head into the new year the Hockey Team is now 7-0 and on top of the Lake Division. The first day of the break they traveled to Norwich to take on St. Johnsbury in the first round of the Scott Boyce Memorial Tournament. They won the game 6-5 and took their spot in the championship game the next day against host Northfield. They beat Northfield 8-5 for the championship in game that saw senior J.Caldwell score 4 goals. 

With the hardware for the Boyce Tourney in hand they returned to Green Mountain Arena on 12/27 to face cross-county rival Stowe. In what would prove to be a fantastically played hockey game for both teams, tied 2-2 going into the 3rd period, the Wolves would pull off the W in dramatic fashion. Senior T. Guy would score the go ahead goal unassisted with about 9 minutes left in the game. Caldwell added an insurance goal about 5 minutes later. While the offense got the goals that solidified the win, the team could not have won without the stingy goal-tending of sophomore L. Caldwell. Caldwell was a beast between the pipes stopping 47 of Stowe's 49 shots on net. 

Two nights later on 12/29 the boys  had a rematch with Northfield at Green Mountain Arena. The boys jumped out to a 4-0 lead and it was 4-1 after the 1st period. Northfield came out strong in the 2nd, and with 5 minutes left in the 3rd Northfield took the lead 6-5. With the momentum shifted in the Marauders direction, Coach Loh called a timeout and gathered the team. They responded well and scored 3 goals in the next 1:41. It started with the tying goal from junior S. Loh on a 5-3 power play. Senior J. Caldwell then went the length of the ice skating through the entire Northfield team to deliver a blistering wrist shot past the Northfield netminder for the game winner. Loh added the insurance goal and the boys pulled out the gutsy win 8-6.

The boys travel south down RT 100 tonight for a rematch with Stowe. Face-off time is 6:30...Get there early for a seat and dress warm...

It's hard to see here, but T. Guy is scoring the go-ahead goal against Stowe on 12/27.
Captured from video courtesy of    R. Hinrichs Sr.

Next let's talk hoop. With both the boys and girls starting of winless this year, it was nice to see last week 12/30 and last night 1/3 for them both to get their first wins of the season. 

With the Lamoille game--a 61-31 loss--still fresh in their minds, the boys took to the floor against another cross-county rival Stowe on 12/30. The game started off very evenly matched but ended with the boys getting their first victory of the still young season. Sophomore S. Angione poured in 11 hard-earned points, and R. Davis added 9. Angione was named WLVB/Booth Bros. player of the game by radio announcer Brent Curtis. The offense was good, but the real story was seniors N. Jones and C. Mandigo holding Stowe standout J. Scrubb to just 9 points for the game. The boys tip-off with Lake Region tonight at home; game times are 5:30/7pm...

With Stowe canceling their girls season, we looked to add two game to the schedule for the teams. On 12/28 the girls made the trek down to Oxbow for one of those makeup games. Coach Mac sasid the girls played their best game of the season to that point and were extremely competitive for the duration of the game. However, everytime the Lady Wolves would get close, Oxbow would pull away. The game ended 49-40.

Last night the girls got their first win of the season over Craftsbury 44-26. The girls are 12 deep this year and Coach Mac has no problem playing everyone. All the girls contributed in the W, but it was K. Newton who came away with player of the game honors from Curtis. The Ladies travel south tomorrow to take on Twinfield. Game times are 5:30/7pm. 

Top: Jill S. plays tough D under the boards
Bottom: Olivia P. Grabs a defensive board and looks to outlet

Not much to report on the Nordic Skiing front. The fickle weather has played a huge role in how much actual skiing is happening, but we'll keep you up-to-date as the season progresses...

   

Basketball updates

Both the boys and girls varsity teamsare off to 0-2 starts. The girls have lost to Northfield and most recently to Lyndon. The boys dropped games to Fairfax and most recently to Twinfield. The boys will try and rebound Tuesday night when they host Lamoille at The Den for 5:30/7 starts. The girls won't play again until 12/30 when they travel to Fairfax to take on the Bullets. for 6/7:30 starts.

See you tomorrow. Get there early. The gym will fill up fast.

GO WOLVES

Boys Hockey on a roll

The Boys Hockey Team won its third straight game Saturday night 12/18 against the Vikings from Lyndon. Five minutes into the game the score was 3-0 Peoples and the boys never looked back. The first goal of the game was scored by sophomore J. Thompson (LUHS) (2 goals). Junior Defenseman C. Hinrichs added a Hat Trick of his own, senior center J. Caldwell added 2 goals and 3 assists, S. Loh added a goal and an assist, P. Titterton added a goal and an assist, J. Sciortino (LUHS) added a goal, A.Cochran had 2 assists, B. Andres had 2 assists, T. Guy added 2 more assists, and C.Waller also added an assist.

The Boys play next in the Boyce Tournament at Norwich on Wednesday 12/22 at 5:30 vs. St. Johnsbury.

In their second game vs. Milton on 12/15 the boys won 6-1. J.C. had a goal and 4 assists, C.H. had 2 goals, 2 assists, B.A. had a goal and an assist, C. Leikert added a goal, A.C. had a goal, S.L had an assist, and P.T. also added an assist, and L.Caldwell was a beast between the pipes with 25 saves.

The boys' next home game is Monday 12/27 vs. Stowe at 6pm.

WONder woman at UVM indoor track meet

Junior track athlete A.Scarf was a one woman show on Saturday at the indoor track meet at UVM:

She won the 55 hurdles in 9.24, the high jump with a 5' 2" and placed 2nd in the long jump with a 14' 3.5".  

Her high jump mark of 5'2"is a new school indoor record.

This photo is from last year's indoor track season, but you get the picture; She's faaaaaaaaaaaaaast...

Boys Hockey

The boys' hockey team jumped all over North Country Saturday and spoiled the Falcons' opening game at the new Jay Peak Ice Haus by winning 8-3. The boys skated out to a 4-1 first period lead and never looked back. The score after two was 6-3, and Sophomore Goalie L.C. and a stingy veteran defense held the Falcons scoreless for the third period, and the boys added two more to make the final tally 8-3. Senior J.C. led all scorers with 4 goals--yes 4 and 2 assists, Junior C.H. had 2 goals and an assist, Junior S.L. had a goal and an assist, senior P.T. had a goal and two assists, and senior T.G. had 2 assists. The boys' home opener is Wednesday 12/15 at 6 pm vs. Milton. 

Girls Basketball

The girls opened up their season at Northfield on Saturday losing 38-24. The girls jumped out to a good start, but by halftime Northfield was up 7. To start the third quarter Northfield went on a 7-0 run and that was the difference in the game. The girls fought hard to not let the lead grow, but in the end they stalled on the offensive end and were never able to close the gap. The Girls' home opener is Wednesday at 7 vs. Twinfield.

Winter season under way

Practices started after Thanksgiving break and the teams have been working very hard to get ready for the season.

The girls had a very successful scrimmage on Saturday against Mt. Abe and tip off their regular season on Saturday 12/11 at Northfield and have their first home game on Wednesday 12/15 against Twinfield. The girls are young this year and for the first time in a few years Coach Macallister has a full roster of 12. The JV team has 14 players and is gearing up for their season under first year coach Darcie Jones.

The boys had their first scrimmage last night against Lyndon and looked very good. They played hard but more importantly played together. They are also 12 deep and the boys JV has about 14 guys as well. They tip off the season at Fairfax on Tuesday 12/14 and open at home two nights later 12/16 against Twinfield,

Please note that this year all home games will start at 5:30 for JV and 7:00 for Varsity.

The Boys Hockey team, which appeared on the verge of having 10-11 players this year has grown to a mighty 21 boys. Some have not played competitive hockey before, but Coach Loh says everyone has come in with good attitudes and fantastic work ethics. The team looks to be strong and should be very competitive in the Lake Division this year. They have their first scrimmage at U-32 tonight at 8pm and open up their regular season at North Country and the brand new Jay Peak Ice Haus on Saturday at 4pm. No more trips to Stanstead...They open up at home on 12/15 against Milton at 6pm at Green Mountain Arena.

The Nordic Team is low on numbers as in we only have one High School racer as of now...if you are interested in skiing please stop by my office in the next few days and let me know. The first home meet is Tuesday 12/14.

The Indoor Track Team is also a little low on numbers, so stop by if you are interested in throwing events, high jumping, long jumping, or running...we could use a few more...They open up at UVM on Saturday 12/18 at noon.

See you in the stands. GO WOLVES

Just in case you needed a reminder of how good we are and what you'll be missing if you don't come to watch...

Top to Bottom: 

Sophomore D. Stames skating at home; 

Junior J. Strek with the driving layup; 

Sophomore L.C. with the save; 

Junior C.W. with the jumper; 

Junior A. Scarf hurdling over the competition.

Alumni news

The following is web press release received today from JSC Asst. Athletic Director Mike Osbourne...congratulations Luke

#12 - Lucas Fitzgerald, Fr., M, Morrisville, Vt./Peoples Academy

Fitzgerald, currently undeclared, was one of the most exciting players in the NAC as a rookie as he was a threat to make a play whenever the ball was at his feet. 
With 10 points on three goals and four assists, Fitzgerald led the Badgers in scoring in 2010 and which tied him for 10th place overall in the NAC.  His three assists in conference play were second among all players regardless of class and tops among league rookies.

Boys Soccer Semis...

The Boys' season ended last night in the semi-finals. The boys lost to #6 seed Fairfax in PK's 4-2. The game was  probably the best boys' game played on the upperdeck pitch all season. Fairfax dominated possession in the first half, but the boys still managed some very good chances at goal. Neither team could find the back of the net.

In the second half and overtime periods the boys found their form and dominated the play creating chance after chance. Ryan M and Avery C made several runs from the back creating chances for the Wolves. The Fairfax goalie was strong and made several key saves, and several of the PA shots went just wide of the Fairfax net.  PA keeper Alex B was also strong and made many key saves as well...

The shootout victory sends Fairfax to the finals to face #1 seed Leland and Grey on Saturday.

The boys finished the season 10-3-3, and while they were disappointed with their season ending before they had hoped, they can be very proud of their efforts and results this season. They really responded like champions in overcoming the adversity and challenges that have come their way in the past year. Under first-year coach Phil Rogers they really grew together had an awesome season. Congratulations boys...

Girls Soccer Update; Team, you know !!!

10.30.10--The girls lost in overtime to Oxbow Saturday 1-0. The game was hard fought with both teams creating several chances on the wet field. The weather was raw and unforgiving, but both teams fought hard and played well. PA lost sweeper Stacy T to a pulled hamstring in the second half, but sophomore Haleigh W did a great job filling her shoes in the back. In the end it was two phenomenal saves made by Kaleigh N the last of which bounced to an Oxbow attacker and found the back of the net one minute into the overtime.

Although they fell short of their goal of winning a third straight championship, the girls should be proud of what they accomplished this year with a very young team. They had a great season. Congratulations girls...

Boys beat Northfield

10.29.10--In what was one of the hardest fought matches of the boys season yesterday, PA came away victorious against the Marauders from Northfield, 2-1. It was 0-0 at the end of the first 40. The boys took about 20 minutes to get going and for that first 20 Northfield looked really good. The Marauders were controlling the midfield and put several shots just wide of the PA goal. The next 20 minutes provided a much more balanced game with both teams getting scoring chances and both teams defending well. About 15 minutes into the second half, the boys struck first. A low corner kick from sophomore Owen F found the left boot of senior Ben A and he chipped it over everyone into the Northfield goal. PA 1, Northfield 0. Northfield would even the score about 8 minutes later. PA failed to clear a corner kick and it bounced right to a Marauder at the edge of the 18 and he blasted it past the PA defense to level the game at 1. With about 12 minutes left to play and a lot people thinking OT, the boys struck again on a corner. This time Owen found the head of Junior Center Middie Ryan D who snapped it into the Northfield net for the game winner.

The boys play Tuesday at 3pm vs. #6 seed BFA Fairfax.