It all began with a discussion about decorations.

As the Jay girls’ basketball team traveled the summer basketball circuit, the Tigers couldn’t help but notice visiting gyms adorned with championship banners.

“We were looking at all the basketball banners, and we didn’t have one,” said senior guard Betsy Gemelli. “So we were like, ‘This is our year.'”

Jay had reason to be optimistic. It had the bulk of last year’s team returning. Liz LeBlanc was back from injury. The Tigers were more experienced and seasoned. They had ample reason to set their sights high.

“We knew we had the potential,” said Gemelli. “If we put our minds to it and do what we could, we knew we had the potential.”

The Tigers managed to do what no other Jay girls basketball team had. They not only won their conference title, but also took the Western C crown and won the school’s first state championship.

“We won MVC’s and said that one banner wasn’t good enough,” said junior forward Hillary Deane. “Then we won Western Maine’s and said that two isn’t good enough. Now we have three banners and a gold ball.”

A preseason favorite, Jay lost the season opener at Lisbon, despite a solid effort. After running off a winning streak that put them in first in Western C, Jay had a sluggish outing against Hall-Dale and then lost at the buzzer to Dirigo. Late in the year, the Tigers watched Mountain Valley beat them convincingly after three tough games in a span of four days.

Those were mere minor setbacks for Jay, which rebounded to beat the Falcons the following week in the MVC championship game.

“We’ve gone through a lot the last two years,” said Deane. “This year we had no team problems and no personal problems. So, we felt that this really was our year.”

The disappointing losses toughened and prepared them for the pressure-packed tournament. In both championship wins, the Tigers rallied from behind to win late.

The Tigers had the MVC player of the Year in LeBlanc. Deane was the Western C MVP. What proved to be Jay’s greatest asset was the teamwork and contributions it got throughout the lineup. Point guard Mallory Bonnevie ran the show effectively and hit clutch shots. Gemelli drew charges, one of which was critical in the state game. Beth Moore and Gina Nemi were outstanding in the post. Alexis Blodgett hit key shots when needed. Kelsea Beisaw and Brittany DiPompo came off the bench, chipped in baskets and gave the defense a lift.

“This team, we have great chemistry,” said Deane. “I’ve never really been on a team that has had chemistry like this.”