JJ CARLO, Sophomore – Basketball

Contributed / Kneka Smith

* WMC Class C/D all-star, first-team
* WMC Class C/D/ All-Defensive team

Courtesy Waynflete Athletics.

Carlo simply soared above the competition this season, keeping the Flyers in contention throughout.

Carlo saw varsity time as a freshman, but truly came into his own this season, stuffing the stat sheet while helping Waynflete reach the postseason.

Carlo finished sixth in the league in scoring with an average of 16.7 points per game. He was also third in steals (3.1) and 3-pointers made (44).

Highlights included 24 points in a season-opening loss to Poland, 16 points in a victory over Sacopee Valley, 20 points in an overtime win over Boothbay, 20 points in a victory over Traip Academy, 22 points in a win over rival North Yarmouth Academy, 23 points in a loss to Hall-Dale, 22 points in a second victory over Sacopee Valley, 23 points in a setback to Old Orchard Beach and 25 points in a preliminary round tournament loss to Winthrop.

JJ Carlo, Waynflete’s Winter Athlete of the Year, is just getting started and his future, along with that of his team, is very bright.

Coach Rich Henry’s comment: “JJ was obviously a vital part of our team on both ends of the court. He has always had a competitive drive and a love for the sport, but this past season he learned what it’s like to be a focus of the other team’s game plan. We’ve talked with the team about knowing one’s role and JJ was willing and able to take on the role of being a scorer. A lot of players think they’d like to be in that situation, but having a team depend on you to do that, night-in and night-out is a big responsibility and not everyone is cut out to actually do it. In addition to his offensive performance, JJ is actually gleeful about being at the point of our press on defense and that level of enthusiasm carries over to others on the team. JJ is able to play off the ball or with it in his hands as a point guard. I think we’ll be able to post him up as he continues to get stronger and to take advantage of matchups. When you consider that he’s only a sophomore, with so much room for growth and development, it’s exciting to think about coaching him for two more years.”

Previous winners:

• 2023-24 Nico Kirby (basketball)
* 2022-23 Jasper Curtis (hockey)
* 2021-22 Henry Hart (basketball)
* 2020-21 Chris Saade (basketball)
• 2019-20 Ben Adey (Alpine skiing)
• 2018-19 Mitchell Adams (hockey)
• 2017-18 Diraige Dahia (basketball)
• 2016-17 Willson Moore (Nordic skiing)
• 2015-16 Milo Belleau (basketball)
• 2014-15 Milo Belleau (basketball)
• 2013-14 Serge Nyirikamba (basketball)
• 2012-13 Serge Nyirikamba (basketball)
• 2011-12 Luke Jeton (swimming)
• 2010-11 Joe Veroneau (basketball)
• 2009-10 Nate Niles (Nordic skiing)
• 2008-09 Hassan Jeylani (basketball)
• 2007-08 Tom Reagan (Nordic skiing)
• 2006-07 Lucas Milliken (Nordic skiing)
• 2005-06 Lucas Milliken (Nordic skiing)
• 2004-05 David Wells (swimming)
• 2003-04 Jeff Bates (Nordic skiing)

MYA CLARK, Sophomore – Hockey

Andree Kehn / Sun Journal

Courtesy Waynflete Athletics.

Imagine playing goalie for the first time.

On a championship-contending team.

And coming up big time and again.

That was the story of Mya Clark this winter, as she helped the Beacons, the co-op team Waynflete is part of, along with Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Deering, make it all the way to the regional final.

Clark was destined to end up in goal for the Beacons, as she has also played goalie for Waynflete’s field hockey and state championship-winning girls lacrosse squads.

She played in 17 games this winter and made 333 saves as the Beacons wound up one of the top teams in the entire state.

Highlights included 25 saves in a loss to Cheverus, 14 saves as the Beacons handed Cheverus its only loss of the season, 23 saves in a victory over Gorham, 19 saves in a loss to Yarmouth/Freeport, 25 saves in a one-goal win over Penobscot, 24 saves in a loss to Gorham and 20 saves in a wild overtime win over Penobscot.

Clark made 15 more saves as the Beacons were beaten by eventual repeat state champion Cheverus in the South Region Final.

Clark now turns her attention to helping Waynflete’s girls lacrosse team repeat as state champion.

Mya Clark, Waynflete’s Winter Athlete of the Year, will be heard from again on the ice next season. She’s shown that she’s intimidated by nothing and is at her best when the stakes are the highest.

Coach Bob Mills’ comment: “Mya’s accomplishments this season are all the more impressive considering she had never played ice hockey before this year. Her positive attitude, tireless work ethic and willingness to improve helped her go from a novice to a confident and capable goalie within a few games. Mya has all the attributes of a successful goalie: athleticism, compete level, courage and an even-keeled temperament. Her reassuring presence in net was an inspiration for her teammates and coaches and helped the team stay competitive in every game. We are excited to have her back next season.”

Previous winners:

• 2023-24 Lucy Hart (basketball)
* 2022-23 Leah Kramer (Nordic skiing)
* 2021-22 Becca Good (hockey)
* 2020-21 Sarah Morgan (Nordic skiing)
• 2019-20 Clara Sandberg (Nordic skiing)
• 2018-19 Clara Sandberg (Nordic skiing)
• 2017-18 Lydia Giguere (basketball)
• 2016-17 Annika Brooks (basketball)
• 2015-16 Kelley Frumer (Alpine skiing)
• 2014-15 Helen Gray-Bauer (basketball)
• 2013-14 Colby Harvey (swimming)
• 2012-13 Martha Veroneau (basketball)
• 2011-12 Martha Veroneau (basketball)
• 2010-11 Martha Veroneau (basketball)
• 2009-10 Morgan Woodhouse (basketball)
• 2008-09 Annie Cutler (basketball)
• 2007-08 Margaret Veroneau (basketball)
• 2006-07 Margaret Veroneau (basketball)
• 2005-06 Margaret Veroneau (basketball)
• 2004-05 Holly Whitney (Nordic skiing)
• 2003-04 Betsy Critchfield (Nordic skiing)

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.