In 1903 Monson Academy began a basketball team, called the Monson "Slaters". In 1909 the team, with just five players, won the State Championship game.

The team played against the nearby towns of Dexter, Dover & Foxcroft, Guilford, Newport, Corinna, Milo, Ricker Classical Institute, and Greenville. In the regular season they won 16 of the 18 games played. Edward Johnson acted as referee during the regular season. Before going to the State tournament game Johnson agreed to become the boys coach.

Pictured left to right are: Elmer Bigger, Howard Sanborn, George Pullen, Merton Grover and Merton Sears. Pictured kneeling in front of the team is Referee and Coach Edward Johnson.