BANGOR — Wells girls basketball coach Don Abbott says his team this season was a special group.
It turns out, he’s not the only one.
During the McDonald’s High School All-Star basketball games this past weekend, the Maine Principals’ Association, in conjunction with the Maine Red Claws, named the Wells Warriors the Girls Team of the Year.
The award is based on sportsmanship, academics and community service.
“It says a lot about this team,” Abbott said. “It was a good group of players who really played for one another. They are an outstanding group of kids, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
On the court, Wells went 14-6 and reached the quarterfinals of the Western Maine Class B playoffs.
It lost to Greely 43-38 in a game that came down to the wire.
Abbott said the Warriors were in the running for the team award after several individuals and at least one business nominated the squad. The nominations were anonymous.
“We had a great year,” he said. “This really is the icing on the cake. To win an award like this and to have people think your team is worth this, is a great feeling.”
In addition to an award, the Red Claws presented the team with a $1,000 to go toward its basketball program.
Hampden Academy won the boys award. The Broncos are a Class A school 10 minutes south of Bangor.
The MPA recognized Wells in part for its work with Shootin’ for a Cure, an ongoing fundraiser that raises money to fight cancer through sports.
The Warriors have participated in the project for the past three years, and this year, they helped raise $27,000, said Wells Athletic Director Jack Molloy.
“We were very excited when we got the word about the team award,” Molloy said. “They do so much for this community and run a basketball program the way it should be run. It’s also a credit to Coach Abbott and his staff.”
In addition to the team award, Wells’ Kelly Beisswanger earned a prestigious individual honor. The MPA named Beisswanger to its 10-person, all-academic team. During a banquet honoring the academic team members in Bangor, the MPA named Beisswanger its girls Class B academic player of the year.
“Kelly and I were at the banquet, and as soon as I heard, I texted the entire team to let them know she had won,” Abbott said. “She is a great player and person who really reinvented her game after battling some serious injuries. She is truly deserving of this.”
— Contact Al Edwards at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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