Calais boys will take a 40-game undefeated streak into tourney

Ask Ed Leeman how many consecutive games the Calais boys basketball team has won, and his answer will differ from historical fact.

The Blue Devils’ coach will refer only to games played this winter, or 18 after Calais capped off an undefeated regular season by earning the top seed for the Eastern Maine Class C tournament.

But history says the streak entering postseason play is 40 games – dating back to last year’s undefeated run the to the state championship.

It’s all about focus for the Blue Devils, focus on the task at hand and the goal on the horizon. Last year’s season was magical for Calais, but Leeman is working to ensure his players understand those memories won’t help them produce another magical season this year.

So far, the lesson has been well received. Since opening the season with a three-point victory at home against Class D contender Lee Academy, the Blue Devils have been a dominant force in the Downeast Athletic Conference and beyond.

Calais features an attacking style both offensively and defensively, a tribute to the team’s collective talent and depth.

Seniors Brandon Tomah, Chris Taylor and Robbie Rogers lead the Blue Devils. The versatile Tomah was a third-team Bangor Daily News All-Maine choice last winter, while Taylor adds a strong defensive and rebounding presence as well as a complementary offensive threat and Rogers contributes a veteran presence and plenty of intangibles.

Center Cal Shorey, guards Sam Bell and Jordan Leeman and forward Rod Tirrell are among the other key contributors to a team that has continued to add depth as the season has progressed.

While Calais is a heavy favorite to repeat as regional champion, the Blue Devils are not without challengers.

Chief among them is Piscataquis Community High of Guilford, in search of its first Eastern C title since 2001.

Coach Jamie Russell’s senior-laden team brings a 15-game winning streak of its own into postseason play. The Pirates feature the inside-outside combination of 6-foot-5 center Roy Burdin and perimeter players Mike Wharff, Shane Tracy and Brandon London as well as a strong defensive scheme that includes key contributions from twins Jarrod and Jeffery Robinson.

Like Calais, PCHS typically goes deep into its bench, with Andy Zimmerman, Nolan Lovell and Thomas Douglas all providing a lift.

Other teams that have remained near the top of the Heal Point ratings throughout the season have included Washington Academy of East Machias and Houlton.

Coach Kenrick Liburd’s Washington Academy club has lost twice to Calais this year, but largely has had success elsewhere in the DAC thanks to a lineup that includes center Joey Hunter, forward Jeff Ramsdell and freshman guard Ben Teer.

Houlton, under first-year coach Mike Fogarty, has been the top Class C team from Aroostook County. The Shiretowners are led by guard Drew Farrar, forward Josh Beals and center Doug Haggerman.

Another team never to be counted out in the Eastern C tourney field is Dexter. The Tigers lost two hard-fought games to PCHS during the regular season, but coach Peter Murray’s club has a solid senior class led by Aaron Woodman, Dan Beatham, Zach Leal and Steve Robinson.