By Michael Hoffer
(Ed. note: We'll recap the rest of the 2008-09 sports season next week)

After a madcap three weeks of tournament action, the curtain has fallen on the 2008-09 basketball season.
For all five Portland schools, it was a year to remember.
The Deering girls' team repeated as Class A state champion. While that was the lone Gold Ball captured, there were plenty of other memories.
Waynflete fell a basket shy of playing in a first-ever Class C Final. Cheverus, McAuley and Portland all qualified for the playoffs as well.
On the boys' side, Cheverus dominated from Day 1 until the Stags were shocked in the semifinal round of the playoffs. Portland had to play a prelim, but then took flight and soared to the regional final. Deering almost upset the eventual champ in the quarterfinals, while Waynflete overcame a 2-9 start to reach Augusta.
From mid-November through the final day of February, strong team play, dynamic individuals and coaches, and dramatic finishes were the rule.
The 2009-2010 season can't arrive soon enough, but for now, here's a look back at a season to cherish.

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Sophomore Kayla Burchill and her Deering teammates had no peer this winter as the Rams went 22-0 and repeated as Class A state champs. (File photo)

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Cheverus junior Lenny Cummings and his teammates had their way with every opponent this winter until running into Thornton Academy in the regional semifinals. The Stags finished 19-1. (File photo)

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Senior Mariam Qazi and her Waynflete teammates enjoyed their best season since joining Class C, winning 17 games and reaching the regional final for the first time. (File photo)