Boston Celtics, Arbella install backyard court

Published August 30, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — It’s not every day that kids get to meet Boston Celtic legends, much less let them see their bedroom.

But that was the case in Melrose on Aug. 21 when Boston Celtic star Brad Wanamaker and legend Cedric Maxwell helped unveil a sparkling new Celtics backyard basketball court at the home of Luke and Amanda Spence.

BRAD WANAMAKER shows future Melrose All-Stars how it’s done. (Courtesy Photo)

Lucky Philip, 7, and Lena, 4, now have their own court to shoot hoops on for the rest of their childhood thanks to Arbella Insurance and the Boston Celtics organization. The Spence family won the Arbella Home Court Makeover Contest this summer and on Wednesday hosted over a dozen young friends to enjoy the kick off and clinic, led in part by the current Celtic guard, Wanamaker.

“This is special,” Wanamaker said. “To see what the Celtics do each year for kids is amazing. Having a court in your yard open to the community is good. Especially when the kids nowadays are so connected to devices. It gives them a chance to play. If I had this as a kid I would have been out here at 3 a.m.”

Mom Amanda Spence was indebted to both the Celtics and Arbella and blown away by their efforts.

“We really appreciate this. It’s a wonderful addition to this neighborhood and to Melrose, so thank you Celtics and Arbella.”

THE SPENCE FAMILY celebrates their new home court. Pictured from left to right is Celtics legend Cedric Maxwell, Arbella Director of Communications Maryanne Hailer, Celtics guard Brad Wanamaker, Philip, Amanda, Luke and Lena Spence and Ken Cail. (Courtesy Photo)

She also indicated that the Celtics have long held a special place in her family’s heart.

“We dedicated this court in memory of my grandmother Mary Cail. She lived in this house for 50 years and was a great member of the Melrose community and was an enormous sports fan. She was at the Garden many times so it’s an honor to be able to be here with you all and honor her memory and have such fun celebrating her.”

Ken Cail, Amanda’s father, is a Melrose-born sport broadcaster who was thrilled to see the backyard of his childhood home transformed into a Celtics court. “It’s a great addition to the neighborhood.” Cail once ran a “Celtics Corner” newsletter, so his attendance was mandatory.

Arbella Director of Communications Maryanne Hailer was on hand to help unveil the beautiful new court, which includes an installed fence to prevent runaway balls. “It means so much to Arbella and the Celtics to bring something special to this special family. I love to see the community support. It’s a spectacular occasion and you can really feel the love here.”

As for Maxwell, the charismatic MVP toured Philip’s new Celtics-themed bedroom and was on hand for photos and autographs. He’s not unfamiliar with Melrose, either.

“My brother lives in Melrose, so I’m excited to be here and be a part of this,” Maxwell said. “The Celtics and Arbella always give back to the community. One of the young men here a minute ago when I walked in said, ‘Hey when’s the real basketball player coming?’”

Wanamaker recently signed a one-year contract with the Celtics and is expected to see increased playing time in 2020.