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