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The Bangor Auditorium always held a unique place in Maine basketball culture. It was a basketball court like no other; a big V with seats rising into the heavens with an elevated court, dead spots and all. I played on the court several times in high school in the late ‘60s, but it was as a coach that my most memorable experiences are formed.
My Penquis Valley boys’ team played the very last game ever played in the Bangor Auditorium against Boothbay Harbor. It was the last Gold Ball ever presented on that court; and we were lucky enough to have won it.
After the game, we were the last to leave the auditorium as custodians had started cleaning the court and sweeping the bleachers out. Just before our team exited the back door to awaiting buses, we all took a few minutes to step inside the arena for one last look. The smells, sights, and echoes of crowds from decade upon decade of basketball fanatics from small towns and hamlets throughout Maine seemed to hang in the rafters. My players knew they were experiencing history; it was tangible and our senses enveloped it.
With one more long look around, we committed to our minds that image. That image represented our shared youth and our shared experience. I have also learned that high school basketball serves the same purpose, as it binds us together in a common experience and cause.
That is the beauty of our annual love affair with the Maine high school basketball tournament.
Tony Hamlin
Milo
