While many students were enjoying time off over winter break, Sanford’s varsity athletic teams remained busy competing across the state and beyond. From wrestling and track invitationals to dominant basketball performances, the Spartans used the break to build momentum heading into the heart of the winter season. Sanford’s cheerleading team will also enter the spotlight next weekend, competing in its first competition of the year Saturday in Gorham.

Wrestling

Sanford wrestling delivered a strong showing at the Sanford Wrestling Association Tournament (SWAT), facing some of the toughest out-of-state competition in New England. The Spartans posted solid performances throughout the lineup in a highly competitive field.

While there, Ricky Callis earned his 100th career win. Ryder Lachance went 5-1 over the course of the tournament and earned a third-place finish in his weight class. Ricky Callis reached a major milestone, recording his 100th career win during the semifinal round Friday night before placing sixth overall. Connor Pickering also stood out after rallying from an 11-point deficit in a preliminary match, securing a third-period pin. He carried that momentum into Saturday, finishing sixth in his bracket.

Several other wrestlers gained valuable experience against elite opponents, setting the stage for continued growth as the season progresses.

Girls Basketball

The Sanford girls basketball team earned a decisive win against Gorham, powered by balanced scoring, strong rebounding and disciplined defense. The Spartans out-rebounded Gorham by 21, highlighting their physical presence on both ends of the floor.

Mollie Puffer led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Paige Sevigny added 16 points and five rebounds. Ella Tederous finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, and Annie Stimmell contributed 10 points and five boards. Ava Hudson controlled the glass with 10 rebounds and added two assists. Jasslinn Johnson chipped in four points, two rebounds, five deflections, two steals and drew an offensive foul. Lyla Fiandaca and Zoey McCann also made key defensive contributions.

Earlier this week, Sanford won against Westbrook, advancing their record 6-1. 

Track and Field

Sanford track athletes recorded several standout performances at invitational meets over the winter break, highlighted by podium finishes and state-qualifying marks.

At a recent invitational, Michael Mastraccio placed second in the boys’ two-mile run, while Mattea Peters earned third in the 400 meters. Dezmond Donegan qualified for states in the 200 meters with a time of 25.06 seconds. Freshman Avery Wedge qualified for both the state meet and the New Balance Nationals in the 55 meters with a time of 6.76 seconds, becoming the only freshman to reach the finals in the event. Lilly Peters recorded a personal-best long jump of 14 feet, 11 inches.

Additional strong performances came from Bella McCall in the 900 meters, Mason Wedge in the 55 and 200 meters, and shot putters Isabel McGown and Kylie Spaulding, who both surpassed 25 feet.

At the USM Invitational, a meet featuring top athletes from Maine and New Hampshire, Mastraccio placed second overall in the 5,000 meters with a time of 17:34.83. Peters finished third in the 400 meters and 15th in the 200, while Wedge followed up a previous record-tying performance in the 55 meters with another strong showing.

Boys Basketball

The Sanford boys basketball team remained undefeated over winter break, improving to 7-0 with two convincing victories — one of the program’s strongest starts in recent years.

Sanford defeated Gorham 80-50, led by Carter Giroux with 18 points and Ryan Alexander with 14. The Spartans followed with an 82-45 win over Noble, continuing a trend of controlling games through strong starts and sustained pressure. Sanford’s average margin of victory now sits around 20 points per game.

Dylan and Luke Gendron are currently ranked among the top scorers in Class A statewide, helping fuel Sanford’s early-season success. Brady Adams is a high-scoring and dynamic player on both sides of the ball, also encouraging the team’s success this far.