The final score was almost irrelevant Thursday night (01/24) when the Lyme-Old Lyme girls played Hyde.

What was important to the Wildcat fans who packed their school gym was the moment when senior Calli Coffee made a layup just before the end of the second quarter.  That basket took her total of points scored to 1416, thus breaking the school's all-time record previously held by Nicole Faniola.

The crowd rose to applaud Coffee's success wildly waving cards bearing the magic number, while Calli quietly smiled as she was presented with flowers and the game ball by her coach Don Bugbee.  With the sense of focus for which she is renowned, she seemed anxious to continue with the game.

The celebrations continued after the final buzzer with balloons, cake and coffee beans - the latter thrown like confetti over the gym floor.  An unassuming Coffee, who is set to continue her career at Bowdoin, smiled patiently through it all ... but still seemed just a little uncomfortable with the attention.

Just for the record, the score was another convincing win for the Wildcats at 83-17.

As her team-mates celebrate enthusuastically, Calli (with flowers) simply smiles.

 
The gym was packed for the historic night.

Coach Don Bugbee stands with his star player under the magic number.

In a father-daughter moment, John Coffee gives his personal congratulations to Calli.

First and Third:  Calli stands with her cousin Liz Coffee, a member of the 1998 Wildcat state championship team and the third highest all-time points scorer in the school's history.

Dressed for the occasion, sisters Brenna (left) and Jordan Lewis of Old Lyme are all smiles.

Team Moms (and a Dad!) celebrate Calli's success.