In a possible playoff preview, Boston Krainis sparks the Eagles, who beat the Red Riots for the second time this season.

Posted January 23

Steve CraigStaff Writer

SOUTH PORTLAND — Two seasons ago, Tyrie James was Windham’s 5-foot-10 sophomore scoring sensation off the bench, playing a vital role in the first of the Eagles’ consecutive Class AA boys basketball championships.

Fast forward to Friday night at South Portland High’s Beal Gymnasium for a Class A South game between two of the league’s elite teams — a rematch of last season’s Class AA championship game. And now Windham has another 5-10 sophomore guard who can be a difference maker.

In a playoff atmosphere against a top opponent, Boston Krainis scored a career-high 17 points, making 6 of 9 shots from the floor, including three of his four 3-point attempts, to help Windham beat South Portland, 70-64.

“As the year’s gone on, I’ve started to feel a lot more comfortable with the ball in my hands,” said Krainis.

James is still the Eagles’ vital cog — “the best player in the league,” said South Portland coach Kevin Millington. He and AJ Moody are the unquestioned senior leaders. But for the third straight season, Windham coach Chad Pulkkinen and his staff have developed role players who complement and support the established veterans.

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Friday, it was Krainis’ turn to shine.

“You’ve got a guy like Tyrie, who’s up for Mr. Maine Basketball, who came off the bench (as a sophomore). Boston comes in as the sixth man and the blueprint’s there for him to play his role, but also to have an opportunity to be really, really special,” Pulkkinen said.

Windham, ranked second in the Varsity Maine statewide poll, improved to 13-1 with its 12th straight win since an early loss to Sanford and now is in first place ahead of Sanford in the Heal point standings. South Portland is 11-3, with two losses to Windham, and is ranked fourth in the Varsity Maine poll and third in the A South standings.

“We just want to be able to compete and get better every game, and coming in, we knew it would feel like a playoff atmosphere,” James said. “Just get open shots for everyone. That’s all we want. Every game.”

James and Colin Janvrin, a consistent offensive threat, also scored 17 points for Windham. Moody added nine points, including a clinching basket and a defensive rebound in the final minute.

South Portland’s Gabe Jackson scored 17 points to lead four Red Riots in double figures. Freshmen Leonel Despacho (four 3-pointers), a smooth-handling point guard, and 6-foot-5 Isreal Muzela each had 16 points. Senior Darius Jackson scored 13 before fouling out.

“You have these opportunities to play a team like Windham, who’s really good, and if you can play well, you’re going to feel pretty good going into the tournament. I thought we played OK,” Millington said. “We did some pretty good things. I think we’re trending in the right direction.”

Windham made nine well-timed 3-pointers on 20 attempts. Krainis had two in the first quarter to turn a two-point deficit into a 20-16 lead. Moody and Luke Drottar, another reserve, found the range in a lower-scoring second quarter. Janvrin hit a pair in the third quarter, the first immediately following a Despacho trey that had trimmed Windham’s lead to two points.

Krainis’ third 3-pointer came midway through the fourth quarter. James drew the defense on a drive to the paint and kicked out a chest-high pass to Krainis, who caught and shot in smooth rhythm for a 62-52 lead.

“I feel like Boston’s been working so much since last year in practice, so I mean it’s showing now,” James said. “But everyone works hard in practice and everyone here is able to have that type of performance.”

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Windham at South Portland

Friday, January 23, 2026

Windham 70, South Portland 64

STORY

Windham boys basketball shoots past South Portland