Andy Bedard’s legacy in Maine basketball is an important part of our collective history. His surreal athletic ability and consistent displays of excellence inspired young boys throughout Maine and drew people by the thousands to gyms to watch him play. He rarely disappointed.
This generational player burst on the scene as a freshman at Mountain Valley High School which was in the middle of a tremendous run of success under coach Mark Karter in the early 1990s. Andy turned heads at summer basketball camps like PineTree in Waterville and AAU; the basketball community started to whisper about this prodigy playing in the Western hills of Maine.
Standing only 6’1”, Andy’s physical presence was nevertheless intimidating. His skill set included tight ball handling skills, a perfect jump shot, a unique combination of strength and quickness, and over a forty- inch vertical jump. There was nothing Andy Bedard could not do on the basketball court; he was a complete basketball player.
Andy was a First -Team All-State player in 1994 as he led his Falcons to the State Championship over Camden-Rockport High School. Unaffiliated fans flocked to the Bangor Auditorium just to watch this once in a life-time player do his thing; in the process, he was selected the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Andy decided to attend M.C. I. in Pittsfield his senior season to play for Max Good and face stiffer competition in preparation for college.
After M.C.I., Mark had any number of scholarships to consider, but he wanted to play at the highest level, and for him that meant the Big East and the Boston College Eagles. He played at Chestnut Hill for two years, starting some games and coming off the bench for others. Beyond the athletic and academic growth Andy showed, his desire to return to Maine turned his attention to Orono and the Maine Black Bears.
He became a two -year letter winner and served as captain his senior season as he led his team to a school record 24 victories. Andy was a Second Team All-New England selection both years, 1989-’99, and 1999-2000. He was a First Team America East pick his senior season.
Statistics don’t adequately describe Andy Bedard’s career. He was that rare combination of intelligence, athletic ability, and competitive attitude rarely seen. The Maine Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes Andy in his first year of eligibility. He holds a unique place in Maine’s most popular game; the one we all love.