Mike LaBonte has been part of Lewiston girls’ basketball as a father and as a coach.

He watched as the Blue Devils endured a lengthy losing streak that spanned a couple seasons.

“As a dad and as a coach, I’ve been right there for all those games,” said LaBonte.

Now the Edward Little grad hopes to be part of a brighter future. He was named the new varsity coach at Lewiston earlier this week.

“We really are on the cusp,” said LaBonte. “I don’t know how much noise we’ll make, but I think teams will have to take us a little more seriously. I think if the girls can battle right to the end and have confidence in themselves and trust in themselves, people are going to be excited about playing Lewiston High School girls’ basketball.”

LaBonte replaces long-time coach Mike McGraw, who resigned after the summer basketball season. When the job became open, it seemed natural that LaBonte would apply to replace him.

“I’m familiar with all of the girls because I’ve been working with them since they were in sixth or seventh grade,” said LaBonte. “So there’s a familiarity there. Mike and I have been working together, and we thought it would be a nice easy transition. It would make it easier for the girls to go forward.”

LaBonte has been coaching at Lewiston for four seasons. He’s also been coaching local travel teams for seven years. He also spent a year stint as an assistant and JV coach at Oak Hill.

His hire is intended to continue the progression the Blue Devils have been on in recent seasons. He hopes his familiarity with the team helps maintain that momentum.

“For the most part, it will be the same,” said LaBonte, whose daughter played for Lewiston a half dozen years ago. “So it’s going to be a pretty easy transition for the kids. They’re not going to feel likethey’re  having to learn a bunch of new things or get used to a bunch of new people. It should be pretty smooth.”

Prior to McGraw and LaBonte, the program had gone through four coaches and suffered through lengthy losing streaks, including the run of 74 consecutive losses. The team has continued to improve in recent seasons. McGraw often credited LaBonte and middle school coach John Hesler for their work at helping that program progress. After two wins last year, the Blue Devils feel they’re headed in the right direction.

“As I said, I know we’re right on the cusp,” said LaBonte. “My biggest challenge is trying to get them to understand that they really are right there and ready to be competitive and make people think twice about Lewiston basketball.”

kmills@sunjournal.com

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