Ian McConnell and Bob Deetjen know how it feels to lose to Penquis in a state championship game when everything’s on the line. 

It was in the year 2000, and the two veteran Seahawks entered the state championship game with a perfect 22-0 record. Defeat was unlikely for the elite squad, but by the end of the night, the Seahawks returned to Boothbay with a 22-1 record, and no gold ball to show for it. 

“It was devastating,” McConnell said, reflecting on the loss. 

During that time no boys basketball team had ever won a state title from Boothbay.

The next year, McConnell and Deetjen returned as seniors to the state championships along with fellow starter Michael Leighton, who were known as the “Big 3 of Boothbay.” They had all played the game together since third grade, but that state championship at the Bangor Auditorium would be the most intense and exciting matchup of their cumulative careers. 

Eleven years later the former Seahawk champions said they have kept a watchful eye on this year’s boys varsity team.  

“They just work hard, and they work well as a team, and I’m impressed with that,” Deetjen said. 

Similar to the devastating upset in 2000, the current Seahawks team suffered a tremendous blow last year when they entered the tournament in third place and were knocked out in the first round by sixth-seeded Old Orchard Beach. 

“I think as long as they keep their composure and play basketball the same way that they played in Augusta, they will be okay,” Deetjen said. 

The major difference between the 2001 champions and this year’s team are two distinct styles of play. The 2001 team employed a more disciplined half court offense, while the current team is known for their quickness in getting points in transition. 

McConnell watched the Western Maine Finals last Saturday, and attended Boothbay’s semifinal game against Madison.

“I think their style is a little more fun to watch. Their games are really entertaining, but I do think playing an open style, can actually be a little easier in high intensity,” McConnell said. 

Deetjen said in order to win a state championship certain things need to happen at the Bangor Auditorium, a place where the intense noise level can ruffle a Seahawk’s feathers. 

“You need patience,” Deetjen said. You can’t let the whole concept of being in a state championship really take away from the game itself or change the way they play.”  

Deetjen said when his team lost to Penquis in 2000, there was so much focus on just making it to the state game, his team forgot that they still had a game to play. 

The following year the Seahawks faced the undefeated Pirates from Piscataquis at the storied Bangor Auditorium, and despite the intimidation factor, the Seahawks maintained composure and executed down the stretch. 

The pivotal part came in the last 20.2 seconds in the game. Boothbay led 67-66 over Piscataquis, and the Pirates had a chance to take the lead. Stacked with an army of three point sharpshooters and a 6-foot 5-inch forward named Buddy Leavitt, Piscataquis was widely feared in the eastern conference for their dominant post play, and deep shooting range. 

Boothbay and Piscataquis were in the bonus when they came out of a huddle as both teams knew they had to play extremely aggressive, despite that one foul would mean an automatic trip to the foul line. Piscataquis inbounded the ball and Seahawk guard Mike Tomacelli was immediately called for the offensive foul.

The state game could have easily ended when the ball left the Piscataquis player’s hand, but within a half second, the ball rimmed out, and Deetjen grabbed the rebound as two Pirates pummeled him. 

The tables turned as Deetjen made both free throws, and led the Seahawks on to a 71-66 point victory that would give coach I. J. Pinkham his first state title in his revered 36-year career in Boothbay. 

“In all the experiences in my life, it was one of the most direct achievements of a long-term goal, McConnell said. “It was just so satisfying.”

McConnell graduated from Harvard University, and is currently involved in business analytics at the CVS corporate office in Rhode Island. He plans to start medical school in August. 

Deetjen went on to play college basketball at the University of Farmington, and now works as an administrator at Midcoast School of Technology in Rockland. 

Both teammates think the Seahawks have a lot of talent this year, and brings a lot of energy to the game. 

“I enjoy watching Andrew Hallinan play,” McConnell said.  “He really seems to take what the defense gives him, and you know, shoot the three if he’s open, or take a nice slashing to the hoop.” 

Deetjen, who was the 2001 recipient of the C. Harry Edwards award for outstanding play during the tournaments, shares the same honor with sophomore forward John Hepburn.  

“I like how Hepburn plays. He’s fundamentally sound, and no one really outworks him as far as on the boards,” Deetjen said. 

McConnell and Deetjen both agreed DiMauro is invaluable part of the team. 

“They have a pretty balanced offense that is huge because the defense can’t key in totally on one player, though obviously a lot of the offense will depend on running through Anthony because he’s so skilled at breaking down the defense,” McConnell said. 

“I think they have a lot of the things in place to pull off the victory, which would be great for the town and an awesome memory for them,” McConnell said.