Maine Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year

Every state has those who find themselves at the very pinnacle of a particular sport.

I'm very fortunate to have been part of the life and times of a very special, talented, and promising student athlete who can be listed as one of Maine's greatest basketball players.  Ever.  Simple as that, ever.  Let me introduce you to Garet Beal, a two time Maine Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball.

He's also my neighbor, student, and newest duck hunting partner...

During his senior season at Jonesport-Beals High School, Garet averaged 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game while leading the Royals to an undefeated regular season record.  I must also share that his statistics are even more staggering for the amount of time Garet averaged per game, just 24 minutes per contest.

In addition to these incredible achievements, Garet broke his father's single game scoring record with a 55 point explosion in three quarters this winter and set the all-time scoring mark at JBHS with a total of 1686 points.  The four year varsity starter averaged over 20 points per game for his entire career and is considered to be one of Maine's best Division 1 basketball prospects.

The 225 pound 6'5" guard has accepted a full scholarship to the University of Maine.

However, I can't just let this post completely praise my good man G without inserting some interesting story about me...

Just last weekend, I brought forward a unique team of former Royals for what I will refer to as "The Match Up".

I'm not sure when exactly I played last, but it's been some time.  Needless to say, there existed an abundance of smack talk on Tweeter between G and myself whilst the banter around town was focused on my demise.  It even got so bad that Garet put on Twitter and Facebook that he "was going to shut me down".  I retorted that he may do that, but he'd never "shut me up" so I even opted to dress the part acquiring black headband and socks to make sure he'd find me on the court.

I had informed my students that there existed a list of unique achievements that wouldn't be brought up until I had met the criteria of performance.  They would find out as I progressed up and down the hard court.  Here's a couple (well as least all of them):

First shot- a called 3 pointer as soon as I let fly which sunk like a desperate boys heart when a girl said she wouldn't dance with him.  3 points for the cause.

Fast break lay up breaking through a feint defense.  2 points for the cause.

Vertical finger roll of a bounce pass.  Another 2 points for the cause.

Jump shot on the baseline before Mr. Basketball could make his way over.  2 points for the cause.

A steal from Mr. Basketball that not only surprised Garet, but the entire crowd especially after I laid in another basket.  My last two points for the cause. 

Survived 18 minutes of running (thank god for the treadmill and a few 3 milers outside this spring)

Dunked a couple lame one handed runners during warm ups

Earned a double technical, got kicked out, returned incognito and was kicked out again.

Enjoyed one fine evening with a bunch of fine young gentlemen and the older legends. 

Mr. Gatorade Player of the Year finding himself in a bind, I'm the awesome dude with the head band!

When it was all said and done, the smiles skunked the frowns.  For that, I'm fortunate to be right where I live.  I'd like to wish our outgoing seniors the best of luck and thanks for being a positive element in my life, you all are legends in the making.

Have a great day,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

One million ducks...

Well not really, but springtime has brought the ducks.

Today, I figure there must have been over 25 mergansers, 15 common goldeneyes, and a zillion buffleheads just under the shore.  I opted to take a few pictures from the house and by the wharf with the video camera.

Enjoy.

The Downeast Duck Hunter

On the board!!!

Living in a small coastal community certainly isn't for everybody. I however, wouldn't have it any other way. Our island school has a rich tradition in terms of basketball and my family has been a huge part of this honored past.

My father held the Eastern Maine tournament scoring record of 90 points in 3 games for 15 years until it was broken by another local.

My sister is considered one of Maine's elite with her accolades; two state championships, all-Maine first team, and a Division I scholarship to the University of New Hampshire.

And well, I did well also... but that's for someone else to talk about, not me.

Today, I'm very pleased to share the beginning of a new era. My oldest at 8 years of age, began her basketball career. With too few ladies in the 6th, 5th, and 4th grade, our three 3rd graders were asked to join.

After a lot of discussion and balancing the sides, my wife and I agreed to let our beauty participate. With an emphasis on rest, study, and commitment; she has become the newest Honey Bee.

Big eyed and green to the game, the rookie stormed out onto the court and began absorbing the immensity of the process. She motored up and down the court, anchored her spots as dictated by the coach, nabbed a rebound, earned an assist, and then with less than a minute left to go in the third period she made it happen.




Tonight we go across the bridge to play the very strong Falconettes who make up the other half of our two town school district. Here's to tradition, and those who keep it going.

Enjoy your weekend

The Downeast Duck Hunter