Category: News

Saint Anselm Holds Off Molloy at Home

By: KJ Cardinal

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Saint Anselm rode a hot shooting night from senior Josh Morissette and a pair of double-doubles from sophomores Will Davies and Jovan Ristic to outlast Molloy, 97–92, in a high-paced non-conference matchup Saturday at Stoutenburgh Gymnasium.

Saint Anselm (3–1, 0–0 NE10) leaned on Morissette’s perimeter scoring to spark the offense early, as the senior guard (Exeter, N.H./Phillips Exeter Academy) poured in 21 points on five three-pointers. Davies recorded the first double-double of his career with 15 points and 10 assists, adding four rebounds and two blocks, while Ristic contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double of the year.

Freshman Hayden Johns had a career-high 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting, and Isaiah Griffin added 11 points, including nine from the free-throw line. Paulius Rapolis and Jack Medalie added 10 and six points, respectively, as Saint Anselm continued to find balance across its rotation. The Hawks shot 54 percent from the field and piled up 48 points in the paint while going 25-for-39 on two-point attempts.

The game featured 19 lead changes and five ties, with Saint Anselm building its largest first-half lead at 53–38 before Molloy closed the gap to 54–46 at halftime. The Lions briefly retook the lead midway through the second half, but Saint Anselm regained control behind a 7–2 run capped by Griffin’s trips to the line. Layups from Morissette, Johns, and Medalie on three straight possessions restored momentum, and a finish inside from Medalie marked Davies’ 10th assist of the night as the lead stretched to 85–78.

Johns added two more finishes at the rim in the closing minutes, and Davies knocked down a pair of late jumpers to secure the Hawks’ second straight home win.

Saint Anselm travels to Franklin Pierce on Nov. 25 for a 5 p.m. tipoff.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by Michael Griffin …

St. Anselm Men vs. Molloy (11.23.25) - MICHAEL GRIFFIN
St. Anselm Men vs. Molloy (11.23.25) – MICHAEL GRIFFIN
140 photos

St. Anselm survives St. Michael’s in overtime

MANCHESTER, N.H. — After 40 minutes of evenly matched basketball, Saint Anselm took control in overtime and powered its way to an 85–78 victory over Saint Michael’s on Wednesday night at Stoutenburgh Gymnasium.

Saint Anselm (2–1, 0–0 NE10) leaned on balanced scoring and timely execution, highlighted by Jovan Ristic, who finished with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting along with seven rebounds. The Hawks also got a strong night from Josh Morissette (Exeter, N.H./Phillips Exeter Academy), who added 13 points and knocked down three threes.

Jack Medalie added 11 points and hit three threes of his own, while Edward Onyia provided 13 points and eight rebounds in an efficient outing inside. Will Davies contributed nine points and ten assists as Saint Anselm found answers throughout a game that featured 12 ties and 18 lead changes.

The Hawks elevated their play in overtime, shooting 60 percent from the floor and going 8-for-8 at the line. Key threes from Jack Medalie and Jakye Rainey helped Saint Anselm seize control early in the extra session, and the Hawks’ 49–34 rebounding advantage provided needed separation down the stretch.

Saint Anselm returns to action on Nov. 22 vs. Molloy College at 1:00 PM at Stoutenburgh Gymnasium in Manchester.

Plymouth starts slow, drops third straight

PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Plymouth State dug itself out of an early 10–0 hole and battled back behind five double-figure scorers, but the University of New England’s second-half surge proved too much as the Panthers fell 92–84 on Thursday night at Foley Gymnasium.

Plymouth State (3–3, 0–0 Little East) showed resilience after the slow start, highlighted by a standout performance from freshman Keegan Martinez, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds on 9-for-15 shooting. Yansel Reyes added 19 points, including two threes and strong downhill scoring that helped PSU close the gap throughout the first half.

Asante’ Aurora chipped in 14 points, while Torran Bosworth (11) and Brady Hulland (10) rounded out the Panthers’ five players in double figures. Plymouth State generated 20 second-chance points and used its physicality inside to stay within striking distance deep into the second half.

The University of New England (2–3, 0–0 CNE) countered with one of its most efficient offensive efforts of the season, shooting 51.6 percent and getting a dominant 24-point, 11-rebound night from Adam Lux. Jaelen Jackson added 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Jayden Thornton scored 17 off the bench while hitting three threes. UNE’s transition game made a significant impact, producing 27 fast-break points and turning 22 PSU turnovers into 19 points.

Despite the early deficit and UNE’s shooting, Plymouth State continued to push behind balanced scoring and a strong free-throw effort (21-for-28), but the Nor’easters’ late-game execution held off the Panthers’ final run.

Plymouth State returns to action on Nov. 25 when it hosts Rivier. The University of New England travels to Southern Maine on Nov. 23.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal …

Plymouth State Men vs. UNE (11.20.25) - KJ CARDINAL
Plymouth State Men vs. UNE (11.20.25) – KJ CARDINAL
105 photos

Fast start propels NEC past Plymouth St.

By: KJ Cardinal

PLYMOUTH, N.H. — New England College used a fast start and a balanced scoring effort to grab a solid road win on Thursday evening, defeating Plymouth State 73–65 at Foley Gym.

New England College (2–3, 0–0 Great Northeast) jumped out to a 20–7 lead in the first quarter and never trailed, stacking double-figure scoring from Jayden Estrada (12), Nyah Belton (10), Camryn Lewis (14), and Ajayah Lively (10). Lewis powered the Pilgrims inside with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Estrada added six assists and ran the offense with poise.

Plymouth State (5–1, 0–0 Little East) surged back behind a strong second-half push, highlighted by Ashley Stephens (13), Hailey Malozzi (12), Sophie George (12)—who hit four threes—and Elli Cox (10). Stephens went 6-for-8 at the line, and Malozzi added seven boards and three steals as the Panthers made a late run.

New England College’s depth proved to be the difference, producing 29 bench points and helping the Pilgrims win the rebounding margin 44–30. Lewis converted six free throws, and Lively delivered eight rebounds of her own as NEC held off PSU’s fourth-quarter charge.

New England College is back in action on Dec. 3 at Mount Holyoke, while Plymouth State returns to the hardwood on Nov. 25, traveling to Rivier for a non-conference matchup.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal …

NEC Women at Plymouth (11.20.25) - KJ CARDINAL
NEC Women at Plymouth (11.20.25) – KJ CARDINAL
101 photos

SNHU knocks off #24 Bentley

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Southern New Hampshire knocked off No. 24 Bentley on Wednesday night in non-conference action, using a strong second half and a dominant outing from Ugo Nwachukwu to earn a 79–73 win at the Stan Spirou Field House.

Southern New Hampshire (2–1, 0–0 NE10) rode the two-way presence of Nwachukwu, who delivered 27 points, 16 rebounds, and four three-pointers in one of the top performances across the NE10 this week. The Penmen knocked down nine threes as a team and shot 54 percent in the second half to pull away from the nationally ranked Falcons.

No. 24 Bentley (1–2, 0–0 NE10) leaned on Cooper Farrall, who powered his way to 24 points and 12 rebounds, keeping the Falcons within striking distance throughout the night. Bentley trailed just 36–33 at the break and stayed within one possession early in the second half before the Penmen pushed the margin behind steady guard play.

Jojo Wallace turned in his best performance of the season for SNHU, scoring 21 points with six rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Jacari Sanders added 17 and provided key shot creation late. The Penmen also earned 14 second-chance points and converted 16 points off turnovers to keep control of the momentum.

Bentley countered with balanced support behind Farrall, as Osiris Nalls added 15 points off the bench and Ivan Misic chipped in nine, but the Falcons couldn’t overcome SNHU’s late-game execution and foul-line efficiency (16-for-21).

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal…

SNHU Men vs. Bentley (11.19.25) - KJ CARDINAL
SNHU Men vs. Bentley (11.19.25) – KJ CARDINAL
111 photos

SNHU falls to nationally ranked Bentley

By: KJ Cardinal

MANCHESTER, N.H. — No. 23 Bentley used a pair of 20-point quarters and a sharp perimeter performance to pull away from Southern New Hampshire for a 79–51 road win in Northeast-10 play Wednesday night at the Stan Spirou Field House.

The nationally ranked Falcons (2–1, 1–0 NE10) came out firing behind Niya Morgen, who knocked down five three-pointers on her way to a game-high 22 points. Bentley built a 40–31 halftime advantage and continued to push the pace in the third behind Kayana Armbrister, who added 15 points, four rebounds and two steals in a strong two-way effort.

The Penmen (1–2, 0–1 NE10) kept things tight early thanks to a perfect night from Meghan Gordon, who scored 19 points on 7-for-7 shooting, including a pair of threes. The Penmen trailed by just nine at the break, but the Falcons extended the margin with a 39–20 second-half surge

Bentley’s depth proved significant as Ava Orlando and Cherish Bryant each added nine points off the bench, while the Falcons generated 16 points off 17 SNHU turnovers. The Penmen also received eight points each from Ava Winterburn (Goffstown, N.H./Goffstown HS) and Madison Hughes, though the Penmen struggled to regain its offensive rhythm after halftime.

Bentley returns to action on Nov. 23 with a trip to Saint Anselm, while Southern New Hampshire heads to Post that same day. Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal…

SNHU Women vs. Bentley (11.19.25) - KJ CARDINAL
SNHU Women vs. Bentley (11.19.25) – KJ CARDINAL
122 photos

Les Poore: North Country Icon and Pillar of Lisbon Athletics

By: KJ Cardinal

Lisbon’s Les Poore was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Sunday afternoon at the Grappone Center in Concord.

For more than 30 years, Poore has been one of the most respected figures in New Hampshire high school athletics with a combined six state championships – four in basketball and two in soccer. As an educator, coach, mentor, and longtime leader at Lisbon Regional School, his impact stretches far beyond championships.

A 1983 Lisbon graduate and proud Plymouth State alum, Poore returned to his hometown in 1987 and never looked back. Over a remarkable 35-year soccer coaching career and 27 years on the basketball sidelines, he shaped Lisbon athletics with a blend of work ethic, discipline, humility, and unwavering belief in his players. His teams became known statewide for their toughness, preparation, and sportsmanship.

Poore’s coaching résumé speaks for itself. In basketball, he guided Lisbon to four Division IV State Championships (2005, 2006, 2007, 2011) and seven Final Four appearances, collecting 312 career wins. On the soccer side, he led the Panthers to two Division IV state titles (2006, 2008), six Final Fours, and 332 victories. Even in rebuilding years, Poore’s teams remained competitive — a reflection of his ability to inspire belief and accountability in every athlete he coached.

But Poore’s influence extended far beyond X’s and O’s. As Lisbon’s Athletic Director from 2003–2023, he helped elevate the school’s programs to meet the highest standards of the NHIAA. His statewide service included work on the NHIAA Eligibility Committee, along with multiple honors:
• NHIAA Coach of the Year in both soccer and basketball (four times each)
• NH Soccer Hall of Fame inductee (2017)
• Walter A. Smith Award (2021) for outstanding service to interscholastic athletics

Throughout his career, Poore lived by a simple but profound philosophy: treat everyone with respect, win or lose with dignity, and always be there for your players. That approach earned him not only wins and titles, but lifelong friendships and the gratitude of athletes who saw him as a coach, mentor, and role model.

Les Poore’s legacy in Lisbon and across New Hampshire is one of commitment, consistency, and character — the true measure of a coach who made a difference.

Hoop legends headline NHIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

By: KJ Cardinal

A pair of New Hampshire basketball legends were inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon as Matt Bonner and Mike Lee headlined the Class of 2025 at the Grappone Center in Concord.

Concord’s own Bonner has long been one of New Hampshire’s most iconic basketball figures, and his path from the Capital City to the NBA remains one of the Granite State’s greatest hoops stories.

Few figures have impacted New Hampshire high school athletics the way Mike Lee has. From classrooms to courts, from Farmington to statewide leadership, Lee built a legacy rooted in opportunity, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to kids.

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these two deserving inductees…

Matt Bonner: From Concord to the World Stage

NHIAA Awards Committee Chair Peter Cofran welcomes Matt Bonner to the NHIAA Hall of Fame.

A 1999 Concord High School graduate, Bonner dominated the New Hampshire landscape like few ever have. Under Coach Billy Haubrich, he poured in 2,459 career points, becoming the first Class L player to surpass the 2,000-point mark. Bonner led the Crimson Tide to a staggering 77–6 record and three straight NHIAA Class L State Championships (1997–99). As a senior, he averaged 35 points and 14 rebounds, earning NH Player of the Year honors three consecutive seasons. His postseason accolades included 1999 Gatorade New England Player of the Year and a finalist nod for National High School Athlete of the Year.

Bonner continued his rise at the University of Florida, where his combination of athleticism, academics, and leadership made him a standout in the SEC. A four-year letterwinner and All-SEC performer, he earned Academic All-American of the Year in both 2002 and 2003. Florida later inducted him into the UF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015.

After college, Bonner carved out a 12-year NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, becoming a fan favorite known as “The Red Mamba.” He helped the Spurs capture two NBA Championships (2007, 2014) and led the NBA in three-point percentage during the 2010–11 season. Beyond the box scores, Bonner was respected league-wide for his professionalism, team-first mindset, and leadership.

Despite his national profile, Bonner never drifted far from his New Hampshire roots. A proud Concord native, he has consistently given back to youth programs across the state and encouraged young athletes to chase their dreams with character and commitment. In 2018, he and his sister, Becky Bonner, were both inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame, highlighting their shared dedication to community service and youth development.

Bonner’s journey — from a dominant force at Concord High to a two-time NBA champion — stands as one of the most inspiring stories in Granite State basketball history.

Mike Lee: A Farmington Legend Who Shaped New Hampshire Basketball

Mike Lee spoke on behalf of the entire Class of 2025 at Sunday’s induction.

A 1970 graduate of Alton High School and a 1974 graduate of Plymouth State, Lee began his career teaching in Massachusetts before returning home in 1976 to join Farmington High School. What followed became one of the most influential careers in NH school athletics.

From 1977–1993, Lee served as Farmington’s Director of Athletics while also teaching remedial education and running work-study programs. He later earned a master’s degree in Supervision and Leadership from the University of New Hampshire and transitioned into school administration as an elementary assistant principal, middle school principal, and eventually principal at Farmington High. At every stop, his focus never changed: students first — academically, athletically, and as people.

One of Lee’s most lasting contributions came in 1979, when he founded the Farmington Holiday Tournament, originally a four-team boys event. In 1981, he added a girls division to guarantee equal opportunity — setting a statewide standard long before it was common practice. Today known as the Mike Lee Holiday Bash, the event has grown into New Hampshire’s largest boys holiday tournament and remains one of the state’s longest-running traditions. The girls bracket stands as the longest-running girls holiday tournament in New Hampshire.

Lee’s service to the NHIAA was just as impactful. He contributed on the Basketball Committee (1998–2009), the Executive Council (2005–2009), and the Classification Committee (2006–2009), helping shape policy across the state. Coaches throughout New Hampshire credit him for his leadership, mentorship, and his consistent message across decades: school teams come first.

His list of honors reflects his influence:

  • Walter Smith Memorial Award (1996)
  • Farmington Sports Hall of Fame (2008)
  • Inaugural class of the NH Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2019)

But Lee’s true legacy can’t be measured in awards — it lives in the thousands of students who learned lessons through sport under his guidance.

A devoted husband to Carolyn “Candy” Cushman Lee and proud father of Josh and Tim, Mike Lee’s impact reaches far beyond Farmington. His imprint on New Hampshire athletics is permanent.

Joining Lee & Bonner on the NHIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is:

  • Jeff Cousineau, Coach (Derryfield)
  • Les Poore, Coach (Lisbon)
  • Rick Ross, Official (Wrestling)
  • Harold Sachs, Coach (Salem)

Check out the full photo gallery from the 25th annual ceremony by KJ Cardinal…

NHIAA Hall of Fame Induction (11.16.25) - KJ CARDINAL
NHIAA Hall of Fame Induction (11.16.25) – KJ CARDINAL
119 photos

Rivier comes up short vs. Colby

By: KJ Cardinal

NASHUA, N.H. – Rivier dropped a non-conference matchup on Saturday afternoon, falling to Colby College, 77–67, at the Muldoon Center. The loss moves the Raiders to 2–2 on the season, while Colby opened its slate at 1–0.

Colby opened the game on a 7–0 run, but Rivier responded with early scoring from senior Rob Baguidy (Goffstown, NH/Goffstown HS), sophomore Steph Barnes, and first-year Daylen Dalcour to steady the offense and close the gap to 13–9. Baguidy continued to attack the lane midway through the first half, helping the Raiders briefly take their first lead of the afternoon.

Rivier trailed just 33–31 at halftime after holding the Mules to three made three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes.

The Raiders maintained momentum early in the second half behind drives from sophomore Matt Youngquist and senior Izaiah Shaw-Glen, and a fast-break finish from junior Theo Briscoe IV gave Rivier a 45–44 advantage. The teams traded baskets over the next several minutes, with Shaw-Glen pacing the offense with eight second-half points to keep Rivier within 65–62.

Colby responded with a decisive 12–3 run late in the half, converting a three-pointer and three inside scores to pull ahead 77–65 before closing out the win at the free-throw line.

Baguidy led Rivier with 20 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Shaw-Glen followed with 16 points to go along with seven boards and four assists, while Dalcour added 12 points from the frontcourt.

Rivier returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 18, traveling to take on the University of New England at 7 p.m.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal …

Rivier Men vs. Colby (11.15.25) - KJ CARDINAL
Rivier Men vs. Colby (11.15.25) – KJ CARDINAL
83 photos

Riv’s comeback bid comes up short

By: KJ Cardinal

NASHUA, NH – Rivier overcame a 19-point first quarter deficit to force overtime, but the Raiders came up short versus visiting Wheaton, 84-81, on Saturday afternoon in the Muldoon Center.

Gianna Donato had a career day as the sophomore poured in a career- and game-high 30 points for Riv. Fellow sophomore Sydney Perry also had a big afternoon with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while JuJu Nealy added 12 points before leaving the game with an injury.

Prior to the start of the game, Rivier was issued an administrative technical foul as one of the shot clocks was not functioning. Wheaton went to the line and connected on two freebies before tip off and started the game with a 2-0 lead. In a game that would go to overtime, this would loom large.

Following the technical, the Raiders started the game extremely slow as they were just 4-14 from the field, including 0-5 from three, in the opening quarter with eight turnovers. Rivier dug themselves into a 26-7 hole with less than 30 seconds left in the first.

The second quarter, however, was a different story. Riv outscored the Lyons, 23-17, and had cut the lead to seven before trailing 43-32 at the break. Once again, the Raiders were able to trim the Wheaton lead to seven, but the Lyons would take a 63-48 lead to the final stanza.

Halfway through the fourth, Nealy suffered an injury and would not return. The Raiders trailed by nine, 68-59, at the time of the point guards’ exit. Ball handling duties would be given to Donato and she took over on the offensive end of the floor. Donato pumped in nine points over the next three minutes and got Riv within striking distance, 72-69, with 1:55 left.

Trailing by two on the final Rivier possession of regulation, Donato missed a driving layup and freshman Madi Ricker (Farmington, NH/Farmington HS) was there to clean up the offense foul and get fouled in the process. Ricker, who led the team with 43 minutes played, took a deep breath and knocked down both free throws with 12 seconds left to send the game to overtime, 74-74. Rivier won the fourth quarter, 26-11.

In the extra frame, the two squads battled throughout and a Donato lay up with 23 seconds remaining would give Rivier its first lead of the game, 81-80. Following a timeout, Wheaton’s sideline out-of-bounds play was a direct post to Cheyenne Colbert (Brookline, NH/Hollis-Brookline HS) who knocked down the turnaround jumper to give the Lyons the lead for good. On the night, Colbert netted 17 points with five rebounds.

For the game, Rivier turned the ball over 32 times and was just 14-27 (51.9%) from the line. With the loss, Riv falls to 0-3 on the young season and next up is Brandeis on Tuesday, also at the Muldoon Center.

Check out the full photo gallery of the action by KJ Cardinal…

Rivier Women vs. Wheaton (11.15.25) - KJ CARDINAL
Rivier Women vs. Wheaton (11.15.25) – KJ CARDINAL
148 photos