The names may change, but the Cougars continue to dominate.
By Kevin Mills
Staff Writer

DIXFIELD – In previous years, they thought big. This year they modified expectations hoping big things would happen as a result. Well, it worked.

The Dirigo girls’ basketball team lost virtually its entire lineup after back-to-back state titles. The Cougars went from one extreme to another, from seasoned veterans to untested rookies. It forced the coaching staff to use a different road map, but Dirigo still found the same destination.

“We felt it was important to let them develop their own identity early on in the season,” said coach Gavin Kane. “As coaches, we didn’t want to force too much pressure upon them, while still employing our philosophy and doing what we thought was needed to be successful.”

It took some patience. It took some nurturing and a little pushing. Still, the Cougars captured a 10th straight regional title and play Dexter in Saturday’s state title game.

Many, including fellow coaches, say this is one of the greatest achievements of the Dirigo coaching staff, among many. They took a team full of first-time varsity players and turned them into champions. They play with poise, with togetherness and a firm understanding of what has to be done. While some teams were ahead of them talent-wise or equal in experience, the Cougars still raced ahead of the field.

“You all have a certain role on the floor,” said junior guard Jenn Harvey. “You just need to do that role, and we’ll all be successful. You don’t need to expect something huge of yourself because you know what you need to do, and that really helped make everyone comfortable. You just have to go out and do what you do best. It’s all a team effort. and we just have to go out there and play our special roles.”

The foundation was put in place during the summer. The team, with just one senior and seven freshmen or sophomores, was formed and played a lot of basketball, setting the tone for this winter.

Forming a close-knit atmosphere early certainly helped. They bonded on the court and off it during pizza parties, team dinners and trips to the movies. The team gets along extremely well. With so many new players on the roster, everyone could relate to the growing pains.

“We were all learning together,” said freshman guard Kathrine Gagne. “It seemed easier knowing that I wasn’t the only freshman on the team, and that everyone else was just getting to be on varsity.”

Despite the storied history of the program, Kane, along with coaches Rebecca Fletcher, Matt Clark and Rob Marcia all tried to keep the focus away from the lofty expectations of another title. Then the team opened the year with an impressive win over Wiscasset, one of the preseason favorites. They beat Mountain Valley soundly and got a win at Jay. Suddenly, the pieces were falling into place.

“We sat down with the team and asked them what they had for expectations and goals,” said Kane. “They all agreed that they had the same goals as the previous year. They were very emphatic about not wanting the coaches to treat them any differently than past teams, and they wanted to accept all challenges ahead of them.”

With increased expectations came increased challenges, sometimes at increased volume. Demands at the varsity level can be intimidating to newcomers. Kane recognized the youth of his club and the potentially fragile nature they’d have. Players would get challenged and admonished when they weren’t focused or not executing properly. They were constantly reinforced but not torn down when making mistakes.

“I knew what the coach expected and what the coaching staff expected,” said Harvey. “I was ready for it. Personally, I like a coach who is very determined and knows what the team has to do to win. If he expects that from me than I can only expect that from him. So I was ready to be pushed.”

The emphasis for the team was on fundamentals and learning skills. They went over offensive and defensive schemes until they became instinctive.

“It seems second nature to you,” said Harvey. “When you see it (in a game) you know exactly what to do. It’s those things that you do continually during practice. It’s consistency, not necessarily doing it a lot but a little every practice. It helps put it in the back of your mind. So you know what to do in a championship game.”

A variety of players would be worked into the mix and prepared for anything. When Harvey injured her ankle in the quarterfinals, Gagne was ready and did an admirable job. Shannon Daley has often filled in for Michelle Holmquist or Holly Knight when foul trouble called. Katie Hutchinson, Abby Fenstermacher and Amanda Law have all come in and chipped in quality minutes in tough situations.

“I like how he’d sub us all in,” said Gagne. “He would usually go with four players that are used to being on varsity and then one freshman. He’d sub us in and out so we’d all get used to playing with them.”

It has made for quite the transformation. What was a nervous group of schoolgirls became a seasoned and composed unit when it mattered most.

“I think we were very nervous at the beginning of the season,” said Harvey. “I think we were sort of coming into our own. As the tournament went on, I don’t think there was an overconfidence or a cockiness, but I think we were very comfortable with what kind of team we are. I think that gives us a certain confidence and stability on the floor.”

It has also made for a rewarding journey for coaches.

“I have had an incredibly enjoyable time coaching this team,” said Kane. “From a coaching standpoint, there is so much for them to learn, and I enjoy the teaching aspect. I love watching kids improve, both in their ability as a player and their confidence as a young person. Coaches get great satisfaction from that.”