By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

In the history books, it won’t be remembered as a perfect season. But you’d have trouble convincing Michelle Pellerin and the girls of Candia’s Moore School basketball team of that.

Pellerin, an assistant coach in past years for the girls soccer and hoops programs, became a firsttime head coach for the 2004-05 basketball season.

“I knew these girls very well because I had coached them before,” said Pellerin of the nine eighth-graders on the 11- player squad. “I knew we had a lot of talent on the team. There was so much determination in these girls, they worked so well together. The chance for a great season was there, but it was in their hands.”

Under Pellerin, the powerful Lancers compiled a remarkable resume.

After dropping its season opener by one point to archrival Wilton, Candia’s crew won its final 11 regular-season games, locking up the the No. 1 seed in the Tri-County League’s S1 division.

The team’s work wasn’t finished, however. Facing fourthseeded St. Joe’s in their playoff opener, the Lancers proved worthy of their top-seeded status, advancing to the title round with a 32-20 semifinals victory.

“They’re so talented,” Pellerin said. “The chemistry, the motivation, the eagerness – it was all there.”

Of course, CMS also had a secret weapon, which made the girls’ success even sweeter. Assistant coach Tom Finch, who Pellerin praised for helping make the season so special, was also the go-to guy for team goodies. “He would always bring these mints to eat before and after our games,” the head coach said. “He’d have everything – water, snacks. He just took care of all the girls. (Having mints to eat) became a ritual.”

Like many team superstitions that lead to winning ways, the girls began to believe those mints helped them move on to the championship game.

Pellerin and Finch found the girls’ fascination with mints funny. But both knew the players’ on-court effort was the real reason for the squad’s dream season.

In the championship game, CMS earned its rematch with Wilton. Although the locals lost, 28-26, the outcome of the game did nothing to diminish the pride Pellerin said she felt for her team.

“Even though we didn’t win the (championship) banner, having the season we did was worth more,” Pellerin said. “The (team) personality was outstanding. The girls were always happy. They all worked together. That’s the reason their record was what it was.”

The ’04-’05 edition included eighth-grade tri-captains Cassy Muse, Jordan Muse and Cassandra Stacy, along with fellow eighth-graders Shalea Benoit, Kelsey Conrad, Katy Finch, Meredith Ridley, Moriah Sargent and Jessica Zaremba.

The seventh-grade class was represented by Hannah Izbicki and Carol Messler.

Pellerin said the girls consistently worked hard in practice and played with intensity during games. They dedicated their season to playing fundamentally sound basketball, she added, with a particular focus on converting layups and knocking down free throws.

That high level of commitment from the players, according to Pellerin, made her transition to head coach very smooth.

“I’m just glad I had this opportunity,” she said. “I don’t know what next season will be like. It’s like a whole different ball game (with just two players returning). It’s going to be something new. It’s going to be another chance to learn from each other.”