In Canton on Thursday evening, Canton 28, Malone 33
The Canton girls JV Basketball team played their final game of the season finishing with a record of 14-5 on Thursday night in Jerry Hourihan Gymnasium against the Franklin Academy Huskies. Although the Bears lost a hard fought game 28 to 33, the evening was a victory for long-time Coach Mike Wentworth and a legacy which many could only hope to achieve.
It was truly a special night for the Bears despite the outcome of the game. Prior to the game Coach Jeff Meyers and friends of Canton Basketball put together a short tribute for Wentworth who coached his final game for Canton Central. A career which spans nearly three decades starting at Hermon-DeKalb and finishing back home at his alma mater. The excerpt below, written by Meyers, was read prior to the start of the game.
“Good Evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Jerry Hourihan gymnasium. Before tonight’s contest between Malone and Canton we would like to take a moment to celebrate long-time Coach, Mike Wentworth. This evening’s contest will be the last for Coach Wentworth, who, in his time at Canton, has dedicated 25 years coaching the sport of basketball. During his time on the bench with the Bears, he has amassed numerous wins, built lifelong friendships as a peer and mentor and created lasting memories for anyone who was lucky enough to have him as a Coach. His coaching style created an atmosphere of caring, understanding, accountability and fun. Coach Wayne Willette always stated: the “C” in Canton stands for class. Coach Wentworth demonstrates that quality everyday. On behalf of all Canton Central athletes, both current and former, we would like to say thanks!”
The tribute was kept short because that’s how Coach would want it.
“If the Canton Golden Bears could be summed up as being one person, it would be Coach Mike Wentworth, Canton Athletics Director Bill Porter commented. “The man bleeds gold and brown and works tirelessly to ensure that all C.C.S. student-athletes are well taken care of. He is appropriately tough on his athletes, extremely knowledgeable, exhibits a work ethic which is second to none and is one of those people who is both loved and respected. No task is too small for Mike. The man literally gets on his hands and knees to pull weeds on the softball field so it is immaculate for his athletes on gameday. He is the voice of Canton Basketball and Canton Football, has been one of the most accomplished soccer coaches in school history and his softball program is the envy of the North Country. As a teacher in the elementary building the man has given a nickname to literally EVERY kid in the building and has them eating out of his hands with his humorous morning announcements. It is clear that he loves them all as they affectionately refer to him as simply “Coach”. As a basketball coach Mike is used to winning games but it is how he wins which is important. He is always respectful of his opponents, has a positive rapport with officials and injects his personality and use of humor into all facets of the game. There are not many people in Section X who do not know who he is. We will miss having him walk the sidelines of the basketball court but know that he will always be there supporting us in some capacity. Thank you Coach Mike Wentworth…..well…… for being you!”
The Bears were led by graders Elle White and Ashley Aldous who put up 13 and 10 points. Freshman Zayda Gaurin also scored five points in the game.
“It was a very special but emotional night for me as a coach,” stated coach Wentworth. “With so many of my former players, friends and family in the stands it was tough for me to hold my emotions in check to start the game. I had not spoken to the girls about this being my last game because I did not want it to be about me. The first half was tough for us offensively. The girls tried so hard and wanted to do so well. We just played tight to start the game. The second half was different though. Being down fourteen at the half we came out of the locker room and made it a game at the end. Those girls left everything on the floor tonight, they gave it 100% and that is all a coach can ask for. The improvement in this group was unbelievable from day one to tonight. They had a great year and it will be a team I won’t forget.”
