So the "Titletown" label will have to wait.
In the fall Pelham repeated as Division 5 football state champions and the winter climaxed with the ride to yesterday's Class I boys basketball finale, a tough 61-48 loss to Portsmouth.
Had Pelham pulled it out — the Pythons led by 1 after three quarters — David Wesson would have been one of the heroes.
Wesson delivered a huge lift off the pine with four points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Sent in to dog Portsmouth standout John Mulvey on the defensive end, Wesson basked in the moment.
"He's played in those championship games in football, so he was comfortable here," said guard Justin Hojlo.
Wesson nearly didn't even play basketball this winter. An Eagle-Tribune honorable mention all-star defensive lineman, Wesson passed up hoops last year to prepare for baseball.
"I just missed it last year," said Wesson. "This has been a great ride. I'd do it again if I could."
When Wesson decided to return to the hardwood, coach Todd Kress welcomed him back with open arms.
The decision nearly netted a state title yesterday.
Wesson isn't the only Python footballer to chalk up all those wins (32 in all) between the two sports this year.
Junior guard Sean Sweeney started on both teams.
Two-way football starter and top hoop reserve Michael Lombard has played huge roles in the success. Juniors Conor McColgan and Joey DeAngelo have also been stalwarts.
"You just couldn't ask for a better year in sports than we've had," said Lombard after Wednesday night's semifinal win. "It's been incredible for both sports and the entire school."
By the way, Wesson starts on the baseball team. We'll see if coach Matt Stone's club is up to the task on the diamond this spring.
Stan the Man
Yep, we caught you, Mr. Public Address Announcer. At one point, the voice of the NHIAA screamed, "Stan Spirou at the line for two." That would be Stephen Spirou of Pelham, nephew of the Southern New Hampshire University coaching great with the 484 career wins.
Speaking of Spirou, it was a battle for Grecian supremacy most of the night with him facing off against Portsmouth center George Tsougranis.
In one third-quarter exchange Tsougranis, on a drive, nailed Spirou with an elbow and finished off the hoop for two.
The hard-nosed Pelham sophomore came right back and drove the baseline for a deuce, right over his nemesis.
Attached at the hip
Speaking of toughness, expect Sean Sweeney to be sore today after being barraged by waves of screens set for Portsmouth sharpshooter John Mulvey. Undeterred, Sweeney rarely left Mulvey's hip pocket. ... At one point after being whistled for an erroneous travel call, Justin Hojlo looked in disbelief at the official right near the play who didn't blow the whistle. The official simply shrugged as if to say, "Don't talk to me, I thought it was clean, too."
Respect, no sympathy
To a man, Portsmouth gave kudos to Pelham standout Justin Hojlo. But no one was feeling sorry for him playing in the championship game with a badly-injured shooting hand.
"Injuries happen," said Portsmouth guard Michael Fransoso. "Maybe it (taped-up and bruised right hand and wrist) had something to do with his shooting, but I think our defense had more to do with it."
Added John Mulvey: "I don't feel bad for him. He's a great player and he still made a lot of plays for them."
Only senior forward George Tsougranis said that he "felt a little sorry for him." But, he, said, he's still one of the best players in the state."
Head coach Jim Mulvey went even farther: "He is the best player in the state and this game hasn't changed my mind. He makes all of his players better. They should be very happy to play with him. Plymouth State is very lucky to have him."
Dropoff next year? Maybe not
Obviously, you don't replace a Justin Hojlo, but Pelham coach Todd Kress believes there will be continuity in the win column.
"I think we've got a good thing going," said Kress. "I think (sophomores) Stephen (Spirou) and Michael Lombard are going to be special players, (junior guard) Sean Sweeney should have a big year and I think we have a couple of JV players who should help us."
So long, superstar
Classy move of the day: with 12 seconds left and the game out of reach, Kress asked Hojlo to foul, his fifth, just so the clock would stop and he could go to the bench, accepting a well-deserved, heartfelt standing ovation from the Python faithful.
Praise for Class I
This won't be the case every year, but Portsmouth coach Jim Mulvey believes that his squad and Pelham could play with anyone in Class L.
"Both teams showed we can play with Class L during the summer, and nothing has changed," said Mulvey. "Next year it will probably be different."
In Christmas Tourney action, Pelham did beat Class L Londonderry, 62-53. The Lancers were playing in the L quarterfinals last night.
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