McKenna, Holmes look back at past 20-plus years of Exeter, Winnacunnet basketball rivalry

HAMPTON - Hundreds of student/athletes have worn the Winnacunnet and Exeter high school boys basketball jerseys over the past 19-plus years.

But one thing that has stayed constant over that time -and that is the head coach of both programs.

Jeff Holmes is in his 27th year as head coach of the Blue Hawks, and Jay McKenna is currently in his 19th season as head coach at his alma mater, helping the Warriors as a reserve guard in their 1992 state championship season.

The latest chapter in the storied history between the two rivals was written on Friday as the visiting Blue Hawks held off Winnacunnet, 61-57.

What's for sure, both Holmes and McKenna are appreciative to coach in, arguably, one of the state's best rivalries.

"It's always a big crowd, the kids are always excited about the game," Exeter head coach Jeff Holmes said before Friday's win. "Traditionally, over the years, they've always had pretty good programs at Winnacunnet. We've always had a lot of classic battles with overtimes and one-point games. Over the years, there has been a lot of those.

"It's a good rivalry, it's a true rivalry," Holmes added. "The programs are similar, location is close, it's a good rivalry."

McKenna is in his 19th year as head coach, but he also served as the freshman coach, and then junior varsity team after his high school graduation. In total, he's been part of the rivalry for more than 30 years.

"I feel very fortunate to be a part of (this rivalry)," McKenna said. "I think it's the best rivalry in the state, and to be able to have spent most of my life involved in it is great. (This game) is something we look forward to every year, and we're very fortunate to be in a position where we can be a part of it."

Friday's game greatly shows the rivalry

Exeter entered Friday's game with a 4-3 record, and Winnacunnet was 2-6. But both coaches know records can be thrown out the window when they square off.

The Blue Hawks walked off the floor with a four-point win, but it wasn't easy. The game featured nine ties and six lead changes.

Exeter led after the first quarter (17-9), the Warriors led at halftime (27-25), and the game was tied at 39-39 going into the final 8 minutes.

"People were asking me (before the game) 'how are you going to do?', and I said, 'I bet you it's going to be a two-point game with 2 minutes to go'," Holmes said. "It's usually this way. It was a really good win for us."

You win some, you lose some

There have been some great wins, and devastating losses, on both sides, over the years.

For example, back in 2021, Exeter defeated Winnacunnet three times in the regular season, but the Warriors got revenge when it mattered most - in the tournament.

"(Exeter) had been undefeated for like two or three years and hadn't lost in a long time," McKenna said. "And for us, we went to their place and beat them (56-53 in overtime, that's probably my favorite (win)."

As far as which loss to Exeter hurts the most?

"In terms of heartbreaking ones, they all hurt," McKenna said. "This one right now, this one (does too). They're all tough."

"There's been a lot of wins and a lot of losses," Holmes said during his lengthy tenure.

For Holmes and his most devastating loss, he went all the way back to 2009 where the Warriors defeated the Blue Hawks in overtime 56-55 in the first round of the-then Class L playoffs.

"That was the most heartbreaking loss, they beat us at the buzzer," Holmes said.

"That was a great one," McKenna said of that tournament win in 2009.

Holmes also mentioned 2013 where Exeter overcame a 22-point deficit and beat Winnacunnet in overtime, 67-58.

McKenna, Holmes talks about the other's best

There's been many great players to come through each program, and each coach gave thoughts on some of the best players to play for the opposing team.

"The Morissette boys," McKenna said, referencing Josh and Cody. "(Ryan) Grijalva was great, Bryant Holmes was great, Matt Barr was a really good guard they had there. (Ryan) Luper from last year, he gave it to us."

"(Winnacunnet) had a guy, Harry Knowles, he was an Exeter killer," Holmes said. "Harry was around 2010, 2011, that range. But, Harry Knowles could hoop, he killed us for a couple of years with making big plays. He got us a couple of times."

Holmes added that the Warriors had a good run with the Schaake brothers - Freddy, Jack, Lucas and Josh, and also mentioned Ben Allen and Richie Ruffin.

Coaches have mutual respect

"I've got a lot of respect for (Winnacunnet), because they're good every year," Holmes said. "They don't have a huge enrollment like some of the other school. We're a little bigger than they are. Winnacunnet has always been a really good basketball community and basketball town."

McKenna calls Holmes 'great."

"He runs great stuff and does a great job with the kids," McKenna said. "His kids always play hard, and they execute really well. We always know they're going to be really well prepared."

McKenna said the relationship with Holmes stretches off the basketball court.

"I don't know if many people realize this, but he and I are good friends," McKenna said. "He runs one of the best programs in the state. I always enjoy competing against him, but I always enjoy spending time with him, talking to him and stuff like that."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: McKenna, Holmes reflect on Winnacunnet Exeter boys basketball rivalry