READFIELD — Maranacook added some unprecedented hardware to its trophy case this fall with a Western C championship plaque and a state runner-up plaque. But an Alex and Ani bracelet coach Jeannine Paradis shared with her team may have been more appropriate for display.

“It talks about people coming together for a common goal and that’s what we talked about — a common goal,” Paradis said.

Maranacook Black Bears celebrate as the clock winds down in their victory over Mountain Valley in a Western Maine Class C semifinal game on Feb. 20 at the Augusta Civic Center. Staff file photo by Joe Phelan

The Black Bears’ goal was to make history in 2015. By working together for a common cause they did just that, becoming the first Maranacook team to reach the state final. For leading them there, Paradis is the Kennebec Journal Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

Bringing the Black Bears together was not an easy task. For a time, chemistry was lacking, to say the least.

“Last year, we didn’t really play together as a team,” senior guard Sarah Clough said. “A lot of us didn’t really like each other that much. But this year, we’re a family. We all love each other. (Paradis) just believes in us. When we’re down, she’s there for us. When we have issues, she’s always there for us. She’s an amazing coach. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Paradis insisted the players focus on their role from day to day and the next opponent from game to game. While two-time KJ Player of the Year Christine Miller was Maranacook’s go-to player, Paradis noted that other players’ contributions would be just as important to a successful season. But those who deferred to Miller in the past would have to be more assertive, whether by scoring more, rebounding more or handling the ball in crucial situations.

“We just talk about expectations, and how every person is as important as the next, and we all need to come together and do our job,” Paradis said.

More and more players stepped up as the season unfolded. Catherine Sanborn ran the point with a steady hand. Clough became a more consistent and, at times, explosive scorer, and Liz D’Angelo developed into a strong presence in the paint. Other role players such as Kristen Hall, Sage Hyland and Jana Elwell consistently did their jobs. That allowed Paradis to utilize Miller in other ways and allowed the Black Bears to dictate what style they wanted to play on any given night.

Even when it didn’t seem to be their night, the Black Bears saw their coach’s face reflecting their confidence back at them.

“If we were down at halftime, I never panicked because I knew we didn’t quit. And we came back and won many games,” Paradis said. “They believed, and they knew that I had confidence in them as a group no matter what was going on.”

The Black Bears gained more confidence by winning seven of their last eight and securing the top seed in the Western C tournament. They won their first KVAC championship, then rolled over Carrabec and Mountain Valley in the first two rounds of the tournament. In the regional final they played one of their best defensive games of the year to beat Dirigo, 47-37.

Maranacook fell one win short of adding to their historical season, losing to Houlton, 59-51, in the state championship game.

Paradis, whose basketball coaching stops include the Mt. Blue varsity girls and Madison JV boys, counts coaching legends Tom Maines, Paul Vachon, Tony Hamlin and Mike McGee among her influences. She’d like to join their ranks as a state championship winning coach one day. But Paradis, who was named KVAC Class B Northern Division Coach of the Year, said the players are what brings a smile to her face every day, not the plaques and trophies they win together.

“This team paved the way and did many firsts. It was Maranacook’s first regional title and hopefully not the last,” she said. “But it’s more about making memories and remembering the kids for the little things they did and the all-around aspect of coming together as a team.”

Randy Whitehouse — 621-5638

rwhitehouse@mainetoday.com

Twitter: @RAWmaterial33

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