Dear Editor:

What an amazing journey this past basketball season has been! I would like to take this opportunity to thank some folks who made this historic championship run possible.

First, many thanks to the parents. In the modern age of high school sports, it has become commonplace for parents to interfere in the player to coach relationship. Thankfully, this is not commonplace with our parent group. Thank you for your unconditional support of the players and coaches.

I’d like to thank the YMCA, and specifically, Andy Hamblett. Andy allowed our team to use the Y to help prepare for the tournament. I truly believe that we would not have had the success we did if not for Andy and the Y staff.

I’d like to thank my family, Merritt, Trish and Alyson, for all their support. You enable me to live out my passion of coaching basketball. Your dedication to me and to the program is overwhelming. Thank you and all my love.

I’d like to thank all the peripheral folks who make the season possible: administration, bus drivers, janitors, teachers, volunteers, other winter sports coaches and friends.

The community at large — thank you for supporting us all season. We had great crowds all year; you made Porter Memorial Gymnasium a very formidable home court advantage. And the way you all stepped it up for tournaments was outstanding. 

A special thank you to Channel 7. Merritt, Mike and Bill — nobody does it better. And Jonne Trees ... I’ll take you over Spielberg or Scorcese any day.

Thank you to coaches Brian Blethen and Matt Brewer. The time, energy and effort that you both put into this season was nothing short of astonishing.

Thank you to ReAnna Heino, our manager. One of the most dependable high schoolers I’ve ever come across, you were there every step of the way and did a fantastic job.

And lastly, thank you to the Lady Seahawks. You epitomize everything that is good about sports. A true team, and truer friends, it was an honor and a privilege to be able to call myself your coach. We had 64 practices, 22 games, and almost came home with a gold ball trophy. Your hard work and dedication makes me proud. We will "Go Get It" again next season. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey. Thank you for the memories and for making basketball fun.

Coach Tanner Grover

Boothbay Harbor