T​​he SMCC Men’s Basketball season officially came to an end following a loss to Vermont State University Randolph in the Yankee Small College Conference Tournament Quarterfinals on February 2nd. Despite a winless first semester,  9-17 record, and first round exit in the tournament, the Seawolves were able to find a silver lining beyond the win column. 

On November 4th, 2024 the SMCC Seawolves faced off against the Thomas College Terriers in their first game of the season. This game held immense importance, as they faced two former SMCC players- Luke Gabloff (Senior) and Luke Briggs (Junior). Motivated by a strong desire for bragging rights, the Seawolves were able to hang in tight with the Terriers for a majority of the game. However, late game execution and timely shots resulted in a Thomas victory of 72-66. Although a tough loss, the close contest against an NCAA Division 3 team highlighted the Seawolves’ potential and gave insight into what they could achieve moving forward.

While the Seawolves saw potential, they ended up struggling to find momentum in the first half of the semester, dropping 9 straight including an important game against Albany Pharmacy of Sciences.many games were closely contested, but, between key player Cole Pulkinen coming back from an ankle sprain, a young-developing roster and returners stepping into unfamiliar roles, the team faced an identity crisis. With a lack of ball movement, careless turnovers and unacceptable defensive woes, the Seawolves had nothing to hang their hat on. 

The highly anticipated home game against the CMCC Mustangs was typical of this losing stretch. The intensity in the gym was palpable as each team traded baskets. Late in the  game the Mustangs found themselves in foul trouble, providing key opportunities for the Seawolves to pull ahead. Missing four straight free throws, SMCC gave CMCC an opportunity with the last shot. In a heart wrenching finish, CMCC standout Will Duke came down the lane and dropped in a floater to beat the Seawolves at the buzzer. 

With a deflated spirit, the Seawolves traveled to Vermont to face the Knights of Vermont State Randolph University for the last game of the semester. Early on, Vermont State jumped to an early lead and never looked back winning 81-47. This loss would place the Seawolves record at 0-12 heading into the semester break.

Upon their return, the Seawolves had a two week bootcamp to revamp themselves for the latter half of the season. They had meetings to hold each other accountable, revisited their cultural standards and retrained basic details on the court which had been pivotal to past team success. The two week process wasn’t easy but through hard work and struggle, the Seawolves found themselves building a family that embodied the word toughness. The Seawolves started the second semester off with a bang, defeating Avery Point 86-41. This win propelled them into a revenge tour, finishing 7-0 in conference play during the month of January. A significant game in this streak came against the New Hampshire Technical Institute Community College Lynx. In the past three seasons, the Seawolves had not won a game at the Lynx’s gym. This win not only broke the dry spell but prevented NHTI from making the playoffs, securing the Seawolves a guaranteed playoff bid. The win was a nice feather in the cap for the Seawolves to have heading into February, the final month of the season. 

To start February, the team defeated Washington County Community College 75-57, and team captain Tommy Martnotti scored his 1000th career point at the collegiate level.The Seawolves continued conference play, next facing Great Bay Community College. Unfortunately, the Seawolves could not contain Theo Wolfe, a standout senior center who ended up pouring in 39 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Wolfe’s great effort ended in a 91-75 win for Great Bay. 

Although a frustrating loss, the Seawolves had to put it in the rearview mirror, as they geared up for a rematch against their arch nemesis Central Maine. Once again, the game was close all the way through, and came down to the final possessions, but this time the Mustangs had the pressure at the free throw line. Down 60-59, with 6 seconds left, the Mustangs had a chance to take the lead with two free throws, but the CM player ended up missing both. Charlie Houghton grabbed the rebound and sealed the victory with two free throws. 

The last game of the regular season SMCC had themselves a rematch against Vermont State Randolph. The Seawolves played a much more competitive game but couldn’t close it out, losing 63-57 in the end. 

With a regular season record of 9-17, the The Seawolves faced an uphill climb in the tournament, facing Vermont State in an away game in the first round. SMCC’s valiant squad lost 61-40 to an excellent Vermont State team led by Jaylon Calvin. 

The Seawolves season was definitely not an ideal one. Between a winless first semester and a first round exit, some may view it as a failure. In spite of that, their ability to persevere and stay the course during the season was admirable. Many teams would have packed it in and coasted the rest of season after starting out 0-12, but the Seawolves decided to withstand the turmoil and give themselves a fighting chance. In doing so, they learned valuable lessons and gained a strong family that will ultimately rise from the ashes when it’s all said and done. 

James Liebowitz Photo