Edward Little's Maiwen and Makelele Shine in Playoff Win

The Red Eddies' dynamic duo combined for 44 points in a Class A North quarterfinal victory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Akol Maiwen and Cedric Makelele, two seniors at Edward Little High School, have been playing basketball together since they were in fourth grade. Their chemistry and connection on the court was on full display in the Red Eddies' 60-48 win over Hampden Academy in the Class A North quarterfinals. Maiwen scored 26 points, including 15 from 3-point range, while Makelele added 18 points to help send their team to the semifinals.

Why it matters

Maiwen and Makelele's long history of playing together has developed an unparalleled chemistry that has been crucial to Edward Little's success. As the Red Eddies look to advance further in the playoffs than last year, the duo's ability to read each other and make plays will be key.

The details

Maiwen and Makelele combined for Edward Little's first 16 points of the game and came up clutch down the stretch against a tough Hampden team. Their connection and understanding of each other's game allowed them to make the right plays and get open looks throughout the contest.

  • Maiwen and Makelele have been playing together since they were in fourth grade, starting at the YMCA and continuing through travel ball.
  • On Saturday, February 14, 2026, Maiwen and Makelele led Edward Little to a 60-48 victory over Hampden Academy in the Class A North quarterfinals.

The players

Akol Maiwen

A senior at Edward Little High School and one half of the Red Eddies' dynamic duo, Maiwen scored 26 points in the quarterfinal win, including 15 from 3-point range.

Cedric Makelele

Maiwen's teammate and fellow senior at Edward Little High School, Makelele scored 18 points to help the Red Eddies advance to the semifinals.

James Philbrook

The second-year head coach of the Edward Little basketball team, Philbrook has developed a strong relationship with Maiwen and Makelele and trusts them to make in-game adjustments.

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What they’re saying

“Fourth grade, YMCA … we got put on the same team, and ever since then it's just 100% chemistry every single time …”

— Cedric Makelele, Edward Little Senior (centralmaine.com)

“We did put up a lot of numbers, but we got those opportunities because our other teammates were hitting shots, opening up the offense, making (Hampden) close out hard on them, which allowed us to get dribble penetration.”

— Akol Maiwen, Edward Little Senior (centralmaine.com)

“It's a credit to them and all the hard work that they've put in. But coming up together and playing together, obviously that formed that chemistry.”

— James Philbrook, Edward Little Head Coach (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

Edward Little will face Brunswick in the Class A North semifinals on Wednesday, February 19, 2026. Maiwen and Makelele will look to continue their strong play and lead the Red Eddies to a spot in the regional final.

The takeaway

The long-standing chemistry and connection between Akol Maiwen and Cedric Makelele has been a driving force behind Edward Little's success this season. As the Red Eddies make a playoff push, the duo's ability to read each other and make plays will be crucial in their quest to advance further than last year.