Penquis Valley High School boys basketball team

Observer photos/Stuart Hedstrom
    STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS — Members of the 2012-13 Penquis Valley High School boys basketball team received their Class C state championship rings, along with commemorative sweatshirts, during a meal at Hobnobbers Pub in Milo on May 7. The rings are inscribed with the score of the Patriots’ 61-54 victory over Boothbay in the 2013 Class C title game — a contest that was the final tournament game ever held at the Bangor Auditorium — as well as the team’s overall record of 20-1. Penquis Head Coach Tony Hamlin, who after the season ended announced he would be retiring from the position, told his players the rings collectively had a cost of about $4,500, with contributions being made by Bill Sawtell, the Masons, Bailey Lumber, the school and the grandmother of coach Jason Mills — who will be taking over as head coach next season. Hamlin gave each player a personalized letter and he encouraged them to tell the important people in their lives how much they mean to them.