• CLASS A 

BIDDEFORD

COACH: Mike Fecteau, 10th year

LAST YEAR: 10-8

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Chance Baldino, sr., G-F; D.J. Shannon, sr., G; Michael Lachance, sr., G: Robert Cote, jr., G; Mike Vadnais, sr., C; Chris Jones, sr., G

OUTLOOK: Biddeford will go into most games as the smaller team, so boxing out and tight defense will be essential. The Tigers also will look to push the ball. Baldino averaged 11.5 points and shot 86 percent from the line last season, and was a third-team all-SMAA pick. The Tigers will need another strong season from their go-to guy and help from his teammates to make the tournament. 

BONNY EAGLE

COACH: Phil Bourassa, second year

LAST YEAR: 7-11

RETURNING STARTERS: 4

IMPACT PLAYERS: Steve Simonds, sr., G; Levi Meggisson, sr., F; Jeff Amell, sr., F; Cole Libby, jr., G; Cam McKague, sr., G; Dustin Cole, fr., G

OUTLOOK: The Scots have four starters returning led by Simonds, who averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists as a junior. He was named honorable mention all-SMAA. Libby was named to the all-rookie team with 6 points and 5 assists per game. Cole, a point guard, may be one of the top freshmen in the state. The Scots don’t have much size so will look to play pressure defense. 

BRUNSWICK

COACH: Todd Hanson, 15th year

LAST YEAR: 16-3 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Mitchell Black, jr., G; Garrett Erb, jr., G; Alex Ouellette, sr., F

OUTLOOK: The Dragons were ranked eighth in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference in a coaches’ poll despite heavy graduation losses. Black is one of the top point guards in the league. He averaged 7 points and 8 assists in making second-team all-KVAC. The team is young but hopeful of steady improvement and making the Eastern Class A tournament. 

CHEVERUS

COACH: Bob Brown, 10th year

LAST YEAR: 21-1 (state champion)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Louis DiStasio, jr., G; Griffin Brady, jr., C; Peter Gwilym, sr., F; Connor O’Neil, sr., G; Matt Cimino, so., C; Cam Olson, jr., F; Nick Burns, sr., G; Malcolm Smith, so., G; Joe Savino, sr., G; Shawn Grover, jr., F; James Kapothanasis, sr., G

OUTLOOK: The defending state champions look to be in position for a run at another title. With a tall, deep, talented squad, the Stags have the potential to be as formidable as last season. DiStasio and Brady are returning starters. Gwilym, the sixth man last season, will start. Cimino, who has grown to 6-9, is one of the top sophomores in the state. There are plenty of scorers, size and interchangeable parts on the team. The Stags could have start four players 6-4 or taller. 

DEERING

COACH: Dan LeGage, ninth year

LAST YEAR: 11-7 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jamie Ross, sr., F; Jackson Frey, sr., G; Riko Augustino, sr., G; Nick Colucci, sr., G; John Amabile, jr., G; John Hughes, sr., G; Labson Abwoch, so., C; Pat Green, jr., G; Thiwat Thiwat, so., F

OUTLOOK: The Rams have a strong mix of veterans and a few newcomers that they hope will carry them past the quarterfinals, where they have lost the last three years. Amabile was a first-team all-SMAA pick after averaging 15 points and being among the league leaders in steals and assists. Colucci averaged 10 points and led the team in 3-pointers last season. Ross begins his third year as a starter and provides rebounding, scoring and leadership. 

GORHAM

COACH: Ryan Chicoine, first year

LAST YEAR: 4-14

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Zack Spears, sr., C; Jeremy Earl, sr., G; Andy Turner, sr., G; Blake Speed, sr., F; Carter Bowers jr., F; Kyle Nealy, jr., C

OUTLOOK: The Rams have a new coach in Chicoine, a former player for the Rams. Spears missed most of last season because of injury but is expected to have a strong season. Turner can hit the 3-pointer. Speed brings a lot of versatility. The Rams aren’t big but have the ability to get the ball off the boards. Gorham is confident of contending for a tournament spot. 

KENNEBUNK

COACH: John Dube, second year

LAST YEAR: 1-17

RETURNING STARTERS: 4

IMPACT PLAYERS: Vann Brazz, sr., G; Matt Dube, sr., G; Ethan Drigotas, sr., F; Christian Elkington, sr., G; Rob Stockbridge, sr., F; Rob Eckland, jr., G; Hank Lapham, so., F; David Kerschensteiner, jr., C

OUTLOOK: The Rams will be looking to turn around those close losses of a year ago. Brazz averaged 13 points per game. Look for the Rams to play a more uptempo game. Maturity and experience could be assets. The team has good height with Brann and Kerschensteiner each at 6-4. 

MARSHWOOD

COACH: Mike Zamarchi, 16th year

LAST YEAR: 3-15

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jack Verrill, jr,. F; Matthew Crosby, jr., G; Tyler Hickey, sr., G; Addison Casey, sr., C; Adam Augelicz, sr., G; Brian Dockham, sr., G; Troy Pappas, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Hawks, looking to return to the tournament, feel they have a good chance with a strong blend of experience, athleticism and returning scoring. Crosby averaged 13 points and was selected as an SMAA honorable mention. Verrill averaged 8 points and 9 rebounds. Hickey averaged 9 points when healthy. The team has good height with Casey, Crosby and Verrill all in the 6-4 range. 

MASSABESIC

COACH: Matt Ouellette, second year

LAST YEAR: 5-13

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Chris Gahm, sr. G; Ryan Dodge, jr., G; Chad Shoemaker, sr., C; Shawn McCarthy, jr., G; Jake Desrochers, so., G; Casey Nava, so., G

OUTLOOK: Massabesic will look to play uptempo, create turnovers and make a run at one of the final tournament spots. Gahm, the sixth man last season, will be the go-to player in the frontcourt. Dodge, a shooting guard, Shoemaker, the tallest at 6-5, and Gahm provide experience. McCarthy is a good rebounder as a guard. The veterans and some capable juniors from the junior varsity could help to turn things around. 

MORSE

COACH: Todd Flaherty, fourth year

LAST YEAR: 3-15

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Frank Faulkner, sr., C; Everette Moye, sr., G; Ted Cole, jr., G; Max Rawson, jr., G; Alex Crosby, jr., C; Matt Munster, so., F; Kevin McKellar, so., G

OUTLOOK: The Shipbuilders were picked to finish near the bottom of the league in a preseason poll of Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference coaches. The team will need five players contributing on the floor to change that ranking. Faulkner is the lone returning starter and gives the team a presence in the post. The team will look to capitalize on quickness. 

MT. ARARAT

COACH: Aaron Watson, eighth year

LAST YEAR: 8-10

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Josh Walker, sr., G; Rolando Amador, sr., F; Ryan Greene, sr., F; Colin Swan, sr., F; Luke Liedman, sr., C; Wes Hollingshead, sr. G; Eric Napoleon, sr., G

OUTLOOK: The Eagles have one of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference’s top point guards in Walker, who averaged 13 points and 5 assists. The team is confident of developing a cohesive unit that will vie for an Eastern Maine spot. Liedman is the tallest player at 6-3. 

NOBLE

COACH: A.J. Dufort, fifth year

LAST YEAR: 3-15

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Nick Grant, sr., G; Mitch Edmunds, sr., F; Matt Bridges, jr., G; Brady Dodge, fr., G; Adam Della-Piana, so., G

OUTLOOK: The Knights are looking to add to their win total of last season, which tied for the most wins in a season over the last nine years. Grant, in his third season as point guard, averaged 6 points and 3 assists. Edmunds is the leading returning scorer at 8 points per game. Noble will look to play an uptempo game. The team has good height. 

PORTLAND

COACH: Joe Russo, 21st year

LAST YEAR: 11-9 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Matt McInnis, sr., F; Peter Donato, jr., C; Nate Smart, so., F; Nick Volger, so., G; Mike Herrick, jr., G; Dylan Goodman, sr., G; Brian Kane, sr., F; Zach Lane, jr., G; Jake Hatch, jr., F; Barry Quinn, jr., F

OUTLOOK: This is Russo’s most inexperienced team. Still, don’t count the Bulldogs out because pride and tradition in one of the SMAA’s strongest programs could carry them a distance. McInnis, Donato, Smart and Volger have experience and are eager to make their own mark. The team will look for a point guard after Will DeFanti, who would have been a junior, moved to Connecticut with his family. 

SANFORD

COACH: Kyle Hodsdon, second year

LAST YEAR: 5-13

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Connor Chapais, sr., G; Justin Carlson, sr., G; Jeremiah Colby, sr., C; Jimmie Chaisson, jr., G; Jon Schroder, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Redskins feel they’ve improved in all areas. They have some scoring potential with Chapais, the second-leading scorer at 8.6 points last season and Carlson, who averaged 5.8 points. Despite several players being new to the varsity, they gained a lot of experience in junior varsity and summer leagues. 

SCARBOROUGH

COACH: Joe Johnson, third year

LAST YEAR: 11-8 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Kevin Philbrick, sr., G; Zach Bean, sr., F; Kyle Kelley, sr., F; Peter Moore, sr., F; Mike Wofford, sr., C; Ben Wessel, jr., G; Dylan Russo, so., G

OUTLOOK: The Red Storm hope to at least equal last season’s strong campaign. Bean averaged 13 points in being named as an SMAA honorable-mention selection. Philbrick is a fast and athletic point guard, and a three-year varsity player. Wessel is a good shooting guard. 

SOUTH PORTLAND

COACH: Phil Conley, fourth year

LAST YEAR: 15-5 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Bukasin Vignjevic, sr., F; Tanner Hyland, so., G; Steve Hodge, sr., G; Matt Russell, sr., C; Logan Gaddar, Jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Red Riots are rebuilding after graduating their entire starting five. Vignjevic, who missed last season with a knee injury, would have been the team’s sixth man a year ago. He should help this season. Hyland saw some action as a freshman and looks to be a key contributor at point guard and as a shooter. Hodge and Gaddar have waited for their chances to contribute. Russell is 6-6. 

THORNTON ACADEMY

COACH: Bob Davies, eighth year

LAST YEAR: 13-6 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Andrew Shaw, sr, F; James Ek, sr., G

OUTLOOK: The Golden Trojans have an All-State player in Shaw and a very good one in Ek. With some good young material, they should keep Thornton near the top of Western Class A. Shaw, who averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds, returns for his senior season as a more polished player. Ek, who can play shooting guard or point guard, averaged 11 points. 

WESTBROOK

COACH: Mark Karter, 19th year

LAST YEAR: 19-2 (lost in regional final)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Sean Murphy, sr., F; Trevor Bates, sr., C; Edwin Grant, sr., F; Zach Gardiner, sr., G; Nguot Nguot, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Blue Blazes graduated four players from a team that lost to Cheverus in the regional championship game, but have the league’s best 3-point shooter back in Murphy, a 6-5 inside and outside player. Bates has shown good moves in the post and will be counted on to score. Grant is a similar style player. With the exception of Murphy, all of the players have waited their turn to receive significant playing time. 

WINDHAM

COACH: Kevin Millington, 14th year

LAST YEAR: 14-6 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Nolan Allen, jr., F; Drew Gagnon, sr., F; Ben Noble, sr., G; Soren Madsen, jr., F; Joe Francoeur, so., G; Shawn Francoeur, so., F

OUTLOOK: The Eagles are led by the 6-3 Allen, who got better as last season progressed. He finished with a 13-point-per-game scoring average with high games against some of the better teams in the league. Windham needs to find a point guard and if it does, should be headed for another trip to the tournament.

• CLASS B 

CAMDEN HILLS

COACH: Jeff Hart, 29th year

LAST YEAR: 19-3 (Class B state runner-up)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Tyler McFarland, sr., C; Keegan Pieri, sr., G; Joel Gabriele, sr., G; Adam Landwehr, sr., F; Nathan Catell, sr., G; Adam Carlsen, jr., G; Taylor Hall, jr., F-C.

OUTLOOK: Not many teams, if any, can match the 1-2 combination of the Windjammers’ McFarland and Pieri. Both are 6-6 and talented in all phases of the game. McFarland averaged 19.4 points and 9.4 rebounds as an All-State selection. Pieri has added 15 pounds of muscle, which should help him inside or outside; he played point guard a year ago. He averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds. The Windjammers are the Class B favorite. Gabriele and Carlsen could play the point. 

CAPE ELIZABETH

COACH: Jim Ray, 17th year

LAST YEAR: 19-2 (Western Maine finalist)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Cam Brown, sr., G; Theo Bowe, sr., G; Joey Doane, sr., G

OUTLOOK: The graduation of 14 players over two years has given a normally veteran team a different look. Brown and Bowe, two of the top players in the Western Maine Conference, should go a long way to stabilize a young team. Bowe averaged 12.3 points. Brown is a smooth point guard who averaged 6.5 points and 3 assists. Doane, who saw plenty of action last season, is the team’s quickest player and a scoring threat. 

FALMOUTH

COACH: Dave Halligan, 24th year

LAST YEAR: 21-1 (Class B champ)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jack Cooleen, jr., C; Brendan McDonnell, sr., G; Michael Lafond, sr., F; Connor Burfiend, sr., G; Matt Packard, jr., G; Matt Kingry, jr., G

OUTLOOK: The Yachtsmen graduated their starting lineup, including All-State guard Stefano Mancini. Halligan likes the talent in the junior class and the leadership of the seniors. It could take a while to gel, but this should be a tournament team. Cooleen, a 6-5 scorer and rebounder, has the most experience. 

FREEPORT

COACH: Nick Jewett, second year

LAST YEAR: 4-14

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Josh Weirich, jr., F; Kyle Strozewski, sr., F; Mitch Loeman, jr., G; Zach Grant, sr., C

OUTLOOK: The Falcons have more depth than last season, which could bring more aggressive play. Weirich looks to increase his scoring from 10 points per game. Grant, a 6-6 transfer, will help inside. The Falcons are confident of reaching .500, which could put them in the tourney. 

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

COACH: Sedge Saunders, 13th year

LAST YEAR: 3-15

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Colby Locke, sr., C; Mike Costa, jr., G; Florian Forsting, jr., C; Bright Amoako, so., G

OUTLOOK: The Raiders have two returning players in Locke and Costa. Locke is 6-4 and a three-year starter. Costa can shoot the 3-pointer. Two dorm students should help in Forsting, a 6-7 player from Germany and Amoako, who is from New York. As always, how the returnees mesh with the newcomers will determine success. 

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

COACH: Tony DiBiase, first year

LAST YEAR: 8-10 (lost in preliminary round)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Adam Jensen, sr., G; Josh Farynaz, sr., G; Nick Bennett, sr., F; Ryan Cavallaro, sr., F

OUTLOOK: The Patriots have a new coach but one familiar to the area in DiBiase, who was South Portland’s coach for 17 years. He greets an athletic group that will look to play fast-paced offense and pressure defense. Jensen is 6-3 with plenty of potential. Farynaz is a good rebounder and scorer. After the learning curve between the new coach and players, the Patriots could make a run at the tournament. 

GREELY

COACH: Ken Marks, 24th year

LAST YEAR: 14-6 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Sam Johnston, sr., G; Tanner Storey, sr, C; Caleb King, sr., F; Nick Clark, jr., G: Liam Maker, jr., G; Jake Levite, sr., F

OUTLOOK: The Rangers have two of the top players in the Western Maine Conference in Johnston, a 6-4 point guard who averaged 14 points last season, and Storey, a 6-6 center who has added to his game and looks to be a consistent double-figure scorer and major presence inside. King is 6-5 and greatly improved from last season when he was on the junior varsity. The Rangers will need to develop an outside game. If they do, they will be the team to beat in their conference. 

LAKE REGION

COACH: J.P. Yorkey, first year

LAST YEAR: 12-7 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Kevin Gilson, sr., G; Danny Place, sr., G; Alex Hartford, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Lakers have a new coach in Yorkey, who has a team laced with inexperience. Because of graduations and four players who transferred, the team has only five players with any significant playing time. The leading player is Gilson, a strong, 3-point shooter who has started since his sophomore year. Place and Hartford are good all-around athletes and keys to the team having a chance for the tournament. 

LINCOLN ACADEMY

COACH: John Gosselin, fourth year

LAST YEAR: 11-8 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Brandon Reilly, sr., F; Everett Martin, sr., F; Kyle Scherer, sr., G; Jalen Lincoln, jr., G; Stephen Quinlan, jr., G; Ryley Leavitt, jr. F; Dylan Leavitt, jr., F; Nick Phinney, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Eagles have two starters and a sixth man returning, and players from last year’s undefeated junior varsity. This should be one of the better teams in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B. 

MEDOMAK VALLEY

COACH: Nick DePatsy, fourth year

LAST YEAR: 15-5 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Isaac Durkee, sr., F; Isaac Greenrose, jr., G; John Murray, so., C; Alex Greenrose, jr., G; Kyle Durkee, sr., G

OUTLOOK: The Panthers look to be a factor in the Eastern Maine tournament despite returning one starter. Isaac Durkee is a strong inside and outside offensive player who averaged 13 points last year. At 6-6, Murray, who played on the junior varsity, provides size. The Panthers shouldn’t have a problem scoring. Defense and rebounding will need improvement as the season progresses. 

ROCKLAND

COACH: Matt Breen, seventh year

LAST YEAR: 10-10 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Ryan Ecker, sr., F; Isiah Patterson, fr., G; David Harrison, jr., F; Sam Meklin, so., C; Derek Miller, sr., G

OUTLOOK: Because of injuries and a transfer, only Ecker, with three years behind him, has varsity experience. The team will try to use its quickness. 

WELLS

COACH: Troy Brown, third year

LAST YEAR: 2-16

RETURNING STARTERS: 4

IMPACT PLAYERS: Alex Furness, sr., G; Paul McDonough, jr., G; Doug McLean, jr,. G: Billy Wang, sr., F; Zach Deshaies, jr., F; Josh Ingalls, jr., C; Dylan Stevens, so., G; Jason Chase, so., G

OUTLOOK: Wells could be one of the top teams in the league with four returning starters along with Furness, who returned after playing at Cheverus for his junior season. Furness, a 6-6 guard, averaged in double figures to help the Stags capture the Class A state championship. McDonough averaged 11.5 points as a sophomore for Wells. Along with Furness, Wells boasts good size in the 6-4 Ingalls and 6-3 Stevens. 

YARMOUTH

COACH: Adam Smith, seventh year

LAST YEAR: 12-7 (lost in preliminary round)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Luke Pierce, sr., G; Mike McCormack, sr., F; Matt Murphy, sr., F; Josh Britten, jr., G; Connor Ertz, sr., F; Chris Knaub, jr., G; Sam Torres, jr., F

OUTLOOK: The Clippers have the makings of a team capable of a tourney run. Pierce is a strong defender and rebounder who likes to drive to the basket. He led the team in rebounding with 7 per game. Britten is the leading returning scorer at 10 points per game. McCormack is a strong presence inside. 

YORK

COACH: Randy Small, third year

LAST YEAR: 13-7 (lost in the quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Liam Langaas, jr., G; Michael King, jr., F; Kyle Robinson, jr., G

OUTLOOK: The Wildcats should be as good as last year, perhaps better. Langaas, the point guard, had a strong sophomore year and looks to continue his stellar play. King is a threat from outside and a strong rebounder. A couple of 6-5 sophomores give the team size. The Wildcats will look to fast break whenever possible. 

• CLASS C 

BOOTHBAY REGION

COACH: I.J. Pinkham, 34th year

LAST YEAR: 11-8 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 4

IMPACT PLAYERS: Dan Dickinson, sr., G; Anthony DiMauro, so., G; Jake Simmons, sr., F

OUTLOOK: Boothbay Region looks to be improved from last season. The team has two players in Dickinson and DiMauro who averaged in double figures in scoring and another in Simmons who was close to double digits. The Sea Hawks don’t have much height but can get up and down the floor. It could be an exciting year for the fans who will be watching this fast-breaking team. 

GEORGES VALLEY

COACH: Scott Johnson, second year

LAST YEAR: 10-10 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Ben Wallace, jr., G; Dylan Maloney, jr., F; Tyler Gilson, so., C; Alex Wallace, Jr., G;

OUTLOOK: The Buccaneers have a strong underclass influence that should lead them back to the tournament. Wallace averaged 14 points. The team doesn’t have a lot of height with Gilson, at 6-2, the tallest. 

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

COACH: Mike Dutton, third year

LAST YEAR: 4-13

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Andrew Esancy, sr,. F; Mike Ianno, sr., G; Mohamed Dahia, sr. F; Assad Dahia, jr., G

OUTLOOK: At 6-6, Esancy gives the team a strong presence in the middle. He averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game in being named to the all-Western Maine Conference Class C first team. Ianno and Assad Dahia provide a solid all-around guard combination. 

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

COACH: John Regan, 11th year

LAST YEAR: 17-3 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Terrell Patterson, jr. F; Nate Dow, sr., C; Jason Dutton, sr., F; Ryan Gallant, sr., G; Andrew Fleury, jr., G; Mikey Rague, Jr., G

OUTLOOK: The Seagulls could be a team that goes deep into the playoffs. The key will be developing their own identity. The team has excellent height with Dow at 6-7 and Dutton at 6-4. Patterson saw a lot of action last season. At a rugged 6-1, he is another player who can rebound and score inside. He averaged 7 points and Dow added 6 per game. Fleury will start at point guard. 

SACOPEE VALLEY

COACH: Brian Hink, second year

LAST YEAR: 1-17

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jeff Taylor, jr., C; Ryan Morse, sr., G; Tyler Lyle, jr., G

OUTLOOK: The Hawks are looking to grow as a team, with consistency being a goal. Morse, who goes to the basket well, averaged 12 points. At 6-6, Taylor gives the team excellent size underneath. Lyle is strong on defense. The Hawks’ goal is to qualify for the tournament. 

TRAIP ACADEMY

COACH: Jeremy Paul, eighth year

LAST YEAR: 12-6 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Nathan Westman, sr., G; Alex Gamester, sr., F; Taylor Baran, sr., F; Brian Goda, sr., C

OUTLOOK: The Rangers have been a consistent tournament team over the years and this season should be no exception. Westman averaged 14 points as a Western Maine Conference Class C first-team selection. Traip will be looking to get some strong post play and if it does, could go deep into the playoffs.

WAYNFLETE

COACH: Rich Henry, seventh year

LAST YEAR: 7-9

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Joe Veroneau, sr., F; Alex Hadiaris, sr., G-F; Abshir Horor, jr., G; Mitch Newlin, jr., G-F; Chris Burke, jr., G-F; Abdul Yousaf, jr., G; Jack Cutler, so., G; Paul Runyambo, so.; G; Max Belleau, so., G

OUTLOOK: The Flyers graduated six players and will be looking to build around their co-captains, Veroneau and Hadiaris. The team has depth with eight to nine players, so the Flyers may use some different combinations. The development of the underclassmen will be a key to the season. 

WISCASSET

COACH: Wayne Benjamin, second year

LAST YEAR: 12-6 (lost in quarterfinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Ashton Benn, sr., G-F; Tyler Sonia, sr,. G; Mason Brewer, jr., F; Danny Murphy, sr., F; Jordan Jones, jr., G; Devin Grover, jr., G

OUTLOOK: The Redskins should be a solid team again, but will have to use speed and athleticism to win games because there isn’t much height. All five players will be counted on to rebound and play defense. 

• CLASS D 

GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN

COACH: Len MacPhee, first year

LAST YEAR: Played in Christian League

RETURNING STARTERS: 3

IMPACT PLAYERS: Anthony Simpson, sr., G; Jacob Rudolph, sr., C; Than Peterson, jr., C; Ben Hammond, sr., F

OUTLOOK: The Lions have a new coach in MacPhee, the longtime men’s coach at the University of Maine at Farmington. He also coached the Rangeley High boys for a few seasons. MacPhee said the team is working on basic offensive sets and how to get good shots off them. The veteran coach’s goal is to rebuild the program and make it to the Western Class D tournament. 

HYDE SCHOOL

COACH: Tyler Plourde, first year

LAST YEAR: 12-4 (lost in semifinals)

RETURNING STARTERS: 0

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jack Xu, fr., G; Connor Catchum, jr., C

OUTLOOK: The Phoenix are a very young team that will be searching for its identity in the early season. Xu, a first-year player from China, will be the point guard and the 6-3 Catchum will be the inside player. 

PINE TREE ACADEMY

COACH: Trevor Schlisner, first year

LAST YEAR: 1-14

RETURNING STARTERS: 2

IMPACT PLAYERS: Tim McGuire, sr., G; Aaron Olson, sr., F; Zach Wilday, so., F; Jonathan Goorhuis, sr., G

OUTLOOK: Pine Tree is a young team that hopes to improve as the season progresses. McGuire and Olson, who averaged in double figures in scoring last season, will carry the offense. The team will look to fast break whenever possible. 

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

COACH: Chris Royce, first year

LAST YEAR: 6-12

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

IMPACT PLAYERS: Jay Archer, sr., G; Caleb Gould, so., C; Chaz Kerrigan, so,. G; Josh Gustafson, so., F; Logan Archer, fr., F

OUTLOOK: The team has a new coach in Royce, who has worked with many of the players in the summer. Seacoast Christian is led by Archer, who averaged 23 points last season. The rest of the team is young, with three sophomores and a freshman as starters.