PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook County Snowdogs are the top Special Olympics basketball team in the state.
That was proven on March 18 as the team captured the Division I title in a tournament held at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
The Snowdogs won four consecutive games to capture the title.
“They played extremely well and all their hard work showed and paid off for them,” said coach Brian Hamel, noting it is the first time the team has taken the Div. I championship.
Members of the winning team are James Barry, Bobby Belanger, Desiree Brooker, Paul Doucette, Austin Hanson, Phil Hanson, Jesse Hatcher, Jeff Heath, LaJeanna Miller, David Roussel, Sarrinna Wilkinson and Jessica Wright. Andrew Perry helped coach the team along with Hamel.
Two other Snowdogs team were entered in the tournaments. The Div. II team came in fourth place and the Div. III team ended up in fifth.
The Snowdogs contingent departed on a chartered bus from Presque Isle March 17 and took in a Maine Red Claws NBA D League basketball game in Portland that evening. Team personnel also dined in area restaurants during their two-night stay.
“We had a great tournament weekend,” Hamel said. “The teams played very well against many competitive teams and I’m a very proud coach.”
