Who knew that back in 1970, that a New Hampshire man would move to Martha’s Vineyard, become the new high school music teacher, and just by chance lead the girls’ basketball program, win 383 games, two state championships, and in 2009 get inducted into the Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame?
Meet Bob Nute.
Recently, I asked Coach Nute if he had any idea that he would get involved in basketball when he accepted the Vineyard music teacher position.
“No, not all. In those days, girls’ basketball was totally different. It was a 6-on-6 game. Guards had to stay in the backcourt, and only forwards could shoot. Players could only dribble twice before being required to pass the ball. I assisted Coach Jackie Renear, and the following year took over the program. We went 8-4 and never looked back.”
When asked about his coaching philosophy, Coach Nute didn’t hesitate: “Same as in the music room. Discipline was the key. I always had high expectations. I ran a tough practice every day. We took pride in winning games the girls thought they wouldn’t win. There was no scouting. Video didn’t exist. Remember, I was a music teacher. I had nothing in common with the other coaches who were mostly physical education teachers.”
The program quickly flourished. Within two years of Coach Nute arriving, the team won the Cape & Island League title. By the 1978 season, they were a powerhouse, going 16-1, and becoming Cape & Island’s League co-champions. They cruised through the playoffs until they met archival Harwich for the Division 3 South championship. Unfortunately, the difference was Harwich’s 6’2’ center Charlene Peterson. She scored 25 of her team’s 54 points and blocked a bunch of Vineyard shots. Harwich prevailed 52-47.
Coach Nute put the result succinctly: “We had it all, except someone six feet tall.”
The next year turned out to be the strangest year ever at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Asbestos was found in the building and the school was shut down. All the students were herded into the Tisbury School for afternoon and evening classes. All home basketball games were played in the elementary school gyms.
Coach Nute was not concerned. “I had two great players and leaders in seniors Ann Mallory and Lynne Pachico (Sylvia), a solid starting team and a good bench,” he said.
Tricia McCarthy (Bennane) was the only underclassmen to start. “I was the only sophomore,” she recalled. “The four other starters were seniors, and my job was to play defense and pass the ball. I didn’t score a lot.”
Playing for Coach Nute?
“Intense,” she said.
Another key starter, Bonnie Ward (Pierce), happily explained her basketball experience to me.
“The coach was both strict and wonderful,” she said. “We learned what it meant to be a team. It was great playing with Lynne and Ann.”
Despite no high school gym, the girls got off to a rousing start by trouncing Division 1 Barnstable 49-35. They jumped out to 6-0 including a revenge victory over Harwich 37-24.
Missy Manter played a key role.
“It was great to play on this team,” she told me. “We had a great coach. Other teams were mean, so the coach sent me in to straighten them out.”
Her sister Jenny was key too.
“I was lucky to play with Ann and Lynne,” Jenny said, now living in Colorado. “We were a nice group of good and intelligent girls. Poor Mr. Nute, I learned a lot from him but I’m sure I took off years of his life between having to deal with me at basketball and in band.”
After a 16-game winning streak and an 18-2 regular season record, the playoffs awaited. The team opened against St. Columbkille High School from Brighton. The final score, Martha’s Vineyard 70, St Columbkille 29. The starters played only one quarter. Enough said.
Up next, 19-3 Old Rochester High School for the Division 3 South Championship. Ann Mallory, playing one of her greatest games, scored 18 first half points and the Vineyard led 27-18 at intermission. Old Rochester hung on, but with seven minutes left and the Vineyard leading 34-26, Missy Manter came off the bench and with sister Jenny scored 8 of the teams last 10, sealing the team’s 44-34 victory.
After a semifinal win against St. Josephs, the team moved on. The next game was for the Division 3 Massachusetts State Championship.
The game was played in Worcester at the College of Holy Cross. The opponents were the Division 3 west champions: Quaboag High School from Warren Massachusetts.
The title game was a showcase for Ann Mallory and Lynne Pachico. Cape & Islands league all-stars in both their junior and senior years, these two extraordinarily talented players concluded their high school basketball careers, combining for 34 points and 31 rebounds as Martha’s Vineyard captured the Division 3 state championship, 44-34.
At the half, the Vineyard only led 25-22. Then the Pachico and Mallory show began. They were relentless. The Vineyard lead soared to 42-26. Then coach Nute emptied the bench, giving everyone a chance to play in a championship final. As the clock ticked off the final seconds, the Vineyard fans’ chant of “We’re number one” shook the rafters. It was the first Martha’s Vineyard team to win a state championship. The crowd roared its approval as the officials presented the players with victory plaques.
Arriving in Vineyard Haven on the 8:15 p.m. boat, I witnessed the most incredible sight. People, lots of people. The huge crowd cheered on the girls who were standing on the deck triumphantly holding the state trophy in the air.
Blaring sirens from 10 fire trucks and 5 police cruisers combined for an ear-piercing welcome. The girls were showered with confetti as they got off the boat. Then came the fireworks, creating a dazzling light show over the Vineyard Haven waterfront.
Recently, I was able to reach Ann Mallory and Lynne Pachico, who are still great friends. Ann lives in Florida, Lynne resides in Vineyard Haven.
“We were teammates starting in the 5th grade,” Lynne told me. “We shoveled snow off the courts in the winter at the Tisbury School. We lived for basketball. We played with the boys and played in the summer at Mass Maritime.”
Ann chimed in: “Basketball was part of the identity of the Island. Parents were allowed to leave work early to see their kids play.”
Both players were effusive in their admiration for Coach Nute.
“He promoted respect,” Ann said. “Every player was treated the same.”
Ann continued, “Lynne and I played great together. I’ll always remember our last game. We each scored 17 points. Bringing the state title trophy home to the Island that day was one the proudest moments of my life.”
Ann went on to have an outstanding basketball career at Stonehill College, becoming the first woman there to score over 1,000 points (1,510). Stonehill honored Ann by retiring her number 24 and inducted her into the Stonehill Hall of Fame in 1991.
Despite no school building, no gym, and afternoon and evening classes in the elementary school, the 1979 team persevered. Guided by coach Bob Nute, the Martha’s Vineyard Girls basketball team became Massachusetts State Division 3 champions.
And by the way, the girls won the state championship again in 1981. But that’s another story.
Ken Goldberg lives in Edgartown and can be found at his table at the Chilmark Flea Market.
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