Last year, Jordan Chamness was a Boothbay Region Wildcat guard playing middle school basketball. She is now a Lady Seahawk seeing plenty of playing time on the varsity team. Chamness is one of nine players on the roster, and against Richmond on Feb. 18, the Lady Seahawks were minus two players. So Chamness and her six other teammates saw plenty of action. Boothbay trailed 6-2 early in the first quarter, but a strong defensive effort combined with excellent ball movement propelled the Lady Seahawks to a 44-32 victory. 

The small varsity roster provides a big opportunity to the younger Lady Seahawks. Freshman Chamness scored six points in the victory and sophomore Meghan Leeman added four. The 2020-21 season has been a big surprise for Chamness. She expected to play on the junior varsity, but Boothbay only has a varsity squad. “It’s not what I expected, but it’s been a nice surprise,” Chamness said. “There is a huge difference in the skill level between middle school and varsity. It’s been challenging, but a nice challenge. I really enjoy playing with my older teammates who have been very helpful.

Leeman saw limited action as a varsity player last season. She is also benefitting from a small roster and seeing plenty of action. “I love playing a larger role on the team this year,” Leeman said. “Everyone puts a big emphasis on sharing the ball and wants to see each other do well. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Winning games in the recent season has been common place in Boothbay Harbor. The Lady Seahawks have played in three consecutive regional finals and won a state championship in 2019. This season is more different than any other in Maine high school basketball history. The coronavirus has resulted in a reduction of games and schools playing a regional schedule. The Lady Seahawks improved to 3-5 on Feb. 18  in a season where the team’s schedule includes games versus Class A and B schools instead of a majority of Class C schools. As the season progresses, the younger and older Lady Seahawks alike are learning their hardcourt lessons well.

“We’re working together much better as a team,” Coach Brian Blethen said. “On defense, we’re blocking cutters better and doing a better job of jump cuts on screens and handoffs. I think that really showed tonight.”

With only seven players available, Blethen needed scoring contributions from more players. Junior Jaelyn Crocker led all scorers with 16 points. Seniors Glory Blethen had nine and Kylie Brown scored five. Margret Sledge added four points. 

Coach Blethen was impressed with his younger players’ contribution to the victory. “I was happy that so many players were involved in all aspects of the game,” he said. “It was good seeing the next generation of Lady Seahawks playing together, and doing so well.”

The Seahawks have home games scheduled against Monmouth (Feb. 25) and Lincoln Academy (Feb. 26), both at 6 p.m., and will finish the season at Lincoln Academy on March 4 at 6:30 p.m.