Wells lost its first three games of the season, but Coach Troy Brown wasn’t overly concerned.

“They were three of the best teams in Western B,” Brown said of his team’s opponents — Greely, Poland and Yarmouth.

Brown knew that his team, with a starting five of football players, needed time to get into basketball shape. Since falling to 0-3, the Warriors have gone an impressive 7-1. Their only loss was a 63-61 double overtime setback against York last Monday.

Wells has back-to-back games with Freeport tonight and unbeaten Falmouth (11-0) on Saturday.

The Warriors are reaping the benefits of a championship football season. The players are used to winning.

“All of the football players were either starters or played leading roles. These kids never give up and they don’t panic,” said Brown.

The football players in the starting lineup are Jake Moody, Doug McLean, Dylan Stevens, Zach Deshaies and Cole Boston. Moody, a sophomore guard, scored 28 points against York. Josh Ingalls is another football player who has returned after missing the start of the season because of injury. At 6-foot-4 and well over 200 pounds, Ingalls gives the team size in the middle.

Brown said the key to the season has been defining roles. Each player has a specialty that serves the team well. Moody is the point guard and team leader. McLean is strong on defense. Stevens is a strong wing player who played the entire game against York. Deshaies can score and rebound.

Had the Warriors had their full complement of football players, their record might be even better. Paul McDonough and Jason Chase are sidelined this winter because of injuries. McDonough, Wells’ all-state quarterback, had foot surgery after the football season.

Moody leads the team with 18.9 points per game, while Stevens is averaging 16.5 points.

Wells is ranked ninth in Western Class B and could greatly improve its chances of hosting a prelim game if it can knock off Falmouth.

“Falmouth is a huge game,” said Brown. “We have a tough stretch.”

The Warriors have another game remaining with Falmouth after Saturday, and also play Cape Elizabeth and York again.

WINDHAM’S BASKETBALL fortunes suffered a severe blow during football season when standout Nolan Allen tore up his knee.

Losing last year’s SMAA MVP — a player who averaged nearly 25 points per game — has taken its expected toll.

The Eagles are 3-8. But Allen has turned his injury into a positive by encouraging his teammates in games and practices. He sits on the bench during games and does what he can to help the team.

“Nolan has made the best of a tough situation,” said Coach Kevin Millington. “His therapy is going well and he’s doing a good job of what he needs to do.”

BONNY EAGLE has two of the best players in the SMAA, and in the state for that matter, in senior Cole Libby and sophomore Dustin Cole.

In addition, the Scots have a strong supporting cast. It’s not surprising, then, they’re 9-2 heading into the regular season’s home stretch.

The only drawback is that the Scots don’t have much height. Going against the likes of Cheverus, Deering and Portland, which all have a height advantage, Bonny Eagles need to block out and be accurate from 3-point range. Several players in the lineup can shoot the three, led by Cole, an all-SMAA selection as a freshman a year ago.

The Scots, ranked fourth in Western Class A, handed No. 2 Cheverus its first loss of the season, 46-39, on Jan. 3.

PORTLAND’S GAME at Cheverus, the second meeting of the season between the city rivals, has been moved to Monday night. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday night but was changed because the Bulldogs had scheduling conflicts.

With no one unbeaten and the top teams knocking one another off in the SMAA, Cheverus Coach Bob Brown feels the regional tournament could be wide open.

“I’m not sure anyone can’t be beaten. It’s anybody’s game,” he said.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH