2011-12 Winter Male Athlete of the Year:

JOSH BRITTEN, Senior-Basketball

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CITATIONS

* Bob Butler Award winner

* WMC Class B all-star, first-team

* WMC leading scorer

* WMC leader in steals

* WMC Senior All-Star

* Maine McDonald’s Senior All-Star

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* Mr. Maine Basketball semifinalist

Britten had a senior year players dream about and in turn was the type of player every coach longs for.

Britten grew up in Yarmouth and had a basketball in his hands by age three (his first word was “ball”). He soon grew into one of the finest athletes in town, also playing soccer and lacrosse. His time in high school was marred by injuries (ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist), but Britten managed to play four years of varsity basketball, helping the Clippers make the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, including a trip to the regional final a year ago. That was a mere warmup for what came this winter.

Britten, who honed his game with the Maine Hoops AAU program, was, simply put, the most prolific offensive weapon in the Western Maine Conference and arguably in the whole state. He had 19 points in the season-opener, erupted for 32 in just three quarters against Lake Region, scored 17 at York, including the game-tying 3 and the winning foul shot, had 24 versus Fryeburg, 23 against Freeport, 19 in a one-point win over Greely and 25 (including the 1,000th of his career) in a win over Poland. He continued his onslaught with 18 points against Gray-New Gloucester, 30 versus Freeport, 25 in a heartbreaking one-point loss at Greely which saw him miss a potential game-winner at the horn, a record 52 in a four-overtime victory at Poland, 24 versus Cape Elizabeth and 18 against Falmouth in the regular season finale.

Britten and his teammates were even better in the tournament. In a romp over Lincoln Academy in the quarterfinals, Britten had 22 points and nine steals. He added 15 points, five rebounds and three steals in a semifinal round victory over Spruce Mountain. Britten was held to 12 points, but hit the program’s biggest free throw in decades and had four assists to help Yarmouth beat Falmouth for the regional crown. Then, at states, he was unstoppable early, helping the Clippers get the jump en route to their first championship in 44 seasons. Britten wound up with 29 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocked shots in that one.

He earned postseason accolades galore, capped by the Bob Butler Award. He’s also been a fixture on the soccer pitch and lacrosse field and is a member of Interact Club and does community service. Britten will likely take a PG year next year, but has his sights set on playing in college.

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We haven’t heard the last of this standout. Josh Britten’s legacy of hard work, great skill and championship form will long live in the town of Yarmouth.

Coach Adam Smith’s comment: “Josh has worn the mantle, through his play in games and practices and with his vocal leadership this year, of; ‘we are not going to lose, we will do whatever it takes, no rest, no letdown, no excuses.’ He is relentless with his play and his positive energy radiated throughout this team. His ability to not only share the spotlight but direct it towards the other two invaluable captains, Chris Knaub and Sam Torres, helped the other 10 guys play the ‘team’ basketball needed to carry them through 22 games this season. Josh is stubborn, intense, and loves competition. His attitude is contagious and as a coach I find he is harder on himself than I ever could be on him. He brought his game every night. He’s a smart player. What he did in the tournament is a testament to the time and effort he put in. I’m glad he was ours.”

2010-11 winner: Luke Pierce (Basketball)

2009-10 winner: Ethan Gray (Hockey)

2008-09 winner: Cam Woodworth (Skiing)

2007-08 winner: Jack Gross (Skiing)

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2006-07 winner: Lucas Denning (Basketball)

2005-06 winner: Jack Gross (Skiing)

2004-05 winner: Pat Delaney (Hockey)

2003-04 winner: Ben Swardlick (Skiing)

2002-03 winner: Gunnar Hagstrom (Basketball)

2001-02 winner: Jay Fletcher (Hockey)

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2011-12 Winter Female Athlete of the Year:

MORGAN CAHILL, Senior-Basketball

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CITATIONS

* Bob Butler Award finalist

* WMC all-star, first-team

* WMC Senior All-Star

* WMC All-Academic team

* Maine McDonald’s Senior All_Star

Cahill made a triumphant return to Yarmouth and her superb senior season helped return the Clippers to competitiveness.

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Cahill grew up in Yarmouth and started playing basketball at a young age. She immediately made an impact as a freshman and was a standout as a sophomore. Cahill spent her junior year at Cheverus, then returned home this school year. After helping volleyball win a first ever championship in the fall, Cahill (who got to play with her younger sister, Sean) dominated the competition this winter.

She had 13 blocks in a season-opening loss to Gray-New Gloucester, scored 11 points in an upset win at Wells, then went off for 21 points against York, 22 versus Freeport, 20 against Cape Elizabeth, 24 versus Gray-New Gloucester, 22 against Traip, 25 versus Poland (including the 1,000th of her career) and 31 in a regular season-ending win at Falmouth, which gave Yarmouth the No. 8 seed for the playoffs and allowed the Clippers to host Falmouth in the preliminary round.

There, Cahill ensured Yarmouth would make it to the quarterfinals for the first time in six years, scoring 22 points, adding 13 rebounds, three steals and three blocks in a decisive win. The run ended against Lake Region, but Cahill bowed out with 14 points, 10 boards and three blocks. She finished third in the conference in scoring (16.9 points per game) and was fifth in rebounds (11).

Cahill plans to play lacrosse this spring. She’s undecided on where she’ll go to college, but knows she wants to play basketball and study nursing.

She played a huge role on a resurgent team and was at her best in the limelight. Cahill was at times unstoppable and won’t soon be forgotten.

Coach Jay Lowery’s comment: “Morgan’s an impressive kid. She’s a premier player. Fabulous. One of the top centers in the state. She was a big part of leading the way and supporting the younger kids.”

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2010-11 winner: Becca Bell (Skiing)

2009-10 winner: Becca Bell (Skiing)

2008-09 winner: Lauren Stackhouse (Skiing)

2007-08 winner: Julianna Lord (Skiing)

2006-07 winner: Molly Hallweaver (Skiing)

2005-06 winner: Meredith Shaw (Basketball)

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2004-05 winner: Aylie Baker (Basketball)

2003-04 winner: Kalie Dunn (Skiing)

2002-03 winner: Emily Poole (Skiing)

2001-02 winner: Emily Erickson (Basketball)

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

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