By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Cody Apthorpe

1st year

0-0 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Terry Peterson, junior varsity and varsity assistant; Dave Apthorpe, freshman and varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 9-9 overall record; 6-6 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (3): Chase Eye, sr.; Zack Turk, sr.; Lucas Churchill, sr.

Lettermen Lost (3): Bert Jones, Miki Jones, Cam Hoskin.

SEASON OUTLOOK

For the first time in nearly half a century, the Windham Bombers will be coached by someone other than Marty Hill.

Hill’s 47-year career ended in April when he announced his retirement to close out a Hall of Fame career that included 694 wins, 13 league championships and three regional titles.

Replacing him is one of his former players: Cody Apthorpe, who was an underclassmen on the Bombers’ last state Final Four team during the 2005-06 season.

Apthorpe had been Hill’s junior-varsity coach the last couple of seasons.

This year’s Bombers will be led by three veteran returning starters (Chase Eye, Lukas Churchill and Zack Turk), which sets the table for the team to get out and run.

“Our team is filled with player that like to attack and get to the rim,” Apthorpe said. “We want to play with a high pace and get looks from our defensive efforts.”

GUARDS

Senior Chase Eye highlights the Bombers’ backcourt. He averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds per game last season and that was after he returned from a hip injury suffered during the football season.

Eye, a senior, spent the off-season in the weight room, working diligently and it led to a big season on the gridiron and should also impact his hardwood season as well.

“He is a force driving to the rim or pulling up from mid-range. He has consistently shot well from beyond the arc,” Apthorpe said. “He will be one of our primary ball-handlers and overall leaders on the team. He is a great example of our younger guys to look up to and represents a true Bomber.”

Churchill, a senior, also averaged double figures last year at 10 points per game. He can shoot well and uses his length on defense to be a pest to the opposition

“He has continued to work on his offensive game, and he has gotten better and getting to the rim and has a variety of creative finishes. He is a tough assignment, with his long build,” Apthorpe said.

Sophomore Carlos Bruton had limited varsity time last season, but has played a lot of basketball since last year and has worked on his game a lot.

“He has developed a knack for getting to the rim and scoring the ball,” Apthorpe said. “His heightened effort and competitiveness has elevated his game to be ready for varsity.”

FORWARDS

Senior Zack Turk averaged 8 ponts and 8 rebounds last season.

“He’s grown into one of our team’s best leaders,” Apthorpe said. “Whether it’s at practice, weight lifting, at school or in a game, you can always count on him to give his before effort and support his teammates. He is one of the most disciplined defensive players we have,” Apthorpe said.

Sophomore Jack Eye returns to the sport after not playing since junior high.

“His hard work in the weight room and on the football field has prepared him to jump right into our varsity rotation with his athleticism and physique,” Apthorpe said. “He is as aggressive and hard working as anyone I have seen since beginning my coaching career, and we see him stepping into a significant role on our team this season.”

WHAT MAKES THIS TEAM SPECIAL

“This year is inherently unique, with the program seeing its firs tnew head coach in order four decades,” Apthorpe said. “Our team is excited to have the added attention and feel we have something to prove to honor the program honed and cherished by legendary Coach Hill.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Carlos Bruton, soph.; Jack Eye, soph.; Dylan McCune, soph.; Dom Bortz, soph.; Matt Kolaczek, fresh.; Gavin Kiser, fresh.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“We feel that we are right at the top of the conversation when it comes to claiming the league title,” Apthorpe said. “Bristol has established itself as a perennial force in our league. Mathews is coming off of a great season and Badger has a large amount of returning players.”