CLASS A

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Liz Bell, first year

Last season: 3-15

Returning starters: NA

Impact players: Charlotte White, jr., G; Abby Hale, sr., G; Kendra Cote, so., C; Brook Davis, fr., PG

Outlook: This is Bell’s first varsity position and she hopes to establish a program that will carry the Tigers into the future. She will place a strong emphasis on defense, which should keep the Tigers in most games. White is an inside-outside threat, and Cote and Davis show a lot of promise. Look for steady improvement throughout the season.

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Scott Regan, first year

Last season: 6-13, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Megan Morash, sr., F; Samantha Maxfield, sr., G/F; Cassidy Emery, jr., G

Outlook: Regan returns to coach the Scots after taking time off for his family. He previously coached Bonny Eagle for seven years. He comes back to a veteran team, with 12 varsity players returning, including seven seniors. The Scots are athletic and will look to use their depth to play an aggressive, up-tempo defensive style. Definitely a playoff contender.

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Sam Farrell, sixth year

Last season: 10-9, lost in Eastern quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Julia Champagne, sr., PG; Madeline Suhr, so., F; Emily Black, jr., G

Outlook: Nine players return from last year’s playoff team, so expectations are high for the Dragons to get back to the Augusta Civic Center and the quarterfinals. Champagne was a first-team all-KVAC selection last year and will be counted on to carry another heavy load. But Brunswick is deep and versatile, able to play a lot of people and different tempos. It should be a fun season for the Dragons.

CHEVERUS

Coach: Steve Huntington, first year

Last season: 14-7, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jillian Libby, sr., G; Laura Holman, sr., F; Casey Simpson, sr., G

Outlook: The Stags will have three sophomores and six freshmen, meaning they’ll be young and inexperienced. But Libby (who is heading to Division I New Jersey Institute of Technology on scholarship), Holman and Simpson provide a strong foundation. Their success will depend on how many of the younger players step up and adjust quickly to the varsity tempo. The Stags are talented offensively but need to concentrate on playing full-court defense.

DEERING

Coach: Mike Murphy, seventh year

Last season: 9-11, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Amanda Brett, so., F; Katasia Titherington, so., G; Courtney Brett, sr., F; Cierra Burnham, jr., G/F; Abby Ramirez, so., G; Lodia Ismail, jr., PG; Mary Tadsse, sr., G

Outlook: The Rams were looking strong even before three players transferred in – Burnham and Ramirez from Portland, Ismail from Cheverus. Now they have the talent and depth to go deep into the tournament if they can learn to play with each other. There is still a lot of young talent so it might take a little time before it all comes together.

FALMOUTH

Coach: Mari Warner, fifth year

Last season: 6-13, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Dayna Vasconcelos, sr., G/F; Ally Hickey, sr., G/F; Jess Burton, sr., C; Adelaide Cooke, so., F; Alaina Birkel, so., PG; Abby Ryan, so., F; Jess Collins, jr., C

Outlook: The Yachtsmen have a nice returning crew, led by the trio of Vasconcelos, Hickey and Burton, who provide scoring and leadership. They will stress defensive intensity, looking to get points off transition. It is a fairly versatile group with most of the players capable of playing any position. Look for Falmouth to make a nice tournament run.

GORHAM

Coach: Laughn Berthiaume, eighth year

Last season: 14-6, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Emily Esposito, so., G; Abby Hamilton, sr., G; Kaylea Lundin, so., G; Kristen Curley, so., G; Aliza Jordan, sr., G; Caitlyn Hawxwell, sr., G; Ashley Woodbury, sr., G

Outlook: The Rams aren’t tall but have a lot of athletic, versatile players capable of breaking down opposing defenses and creating havoc with their own defense. Esposito, one of the top players in the SMAA, averaged 17.6 points and 9.1 rebounds as a freshman. Hamilton is a deadly 3-point shooter. It’s a team of guards but they’re not afraid to attack inside. Look for Gorham to be among the top teams in Western Class A.

KENNEBUNK

Coach: Rob Sullivan, 19th year

Last season: 0-18

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Sarah Bradley, sr., F; Hannah Pepin, sr., G; Abigail Doyle, sr., C

Outlook: Ten players return from last year’s team but the Rams will still be young, with seven sophomores. They will stress strong defensive play and look to improve as the season progresses.

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Lee Petrie, 10th year

Last season: 8-10

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Megan McLean, sr., PG; Lydia St. Pierre, sr., G; Hanna Philbrick, sr., F; Gianna Riccardi, sr., G; Joelle Casey, sr., F; Kat Locke, sr., F; Emily Rabida, jr., F/G

Outlook: Petrie returns after a one-year absence and welcomes an experienced group. The Hawks have 10 players returning, several of whom have been on the varsity for three years, led by Locke, the leading scorer. Petrie wants the Hawks to run on offense and play pressure defense.

MASSABESIC

Coach: Holly McHale, fourth year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Karlie Pike, sr., F; Emma Desrochers, so., PG; Devon Baert, fr., C

Outlook: The Mustangs will feature five freshmen in their regular rotation, prompting McHale to take things slow, especially after losing her starting point guard to a knee injury suffered in soccer season. McHale is hoping for steady improvement throughout the season.

MCAULEY

Coach: Bill Goodman, fourth year

Last season: 21-1, won Class A state championship

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Olivia Dalphonse, sr., G; Sarah Clement, jr., G; Jess Willerson, jr., C; Eva Mazur, fr., G; Ayla Tartre, sr., G; Mary Furlong, sr., F; Allison Tillotson, so., G; Margaret Hatch, jr., G; Mikayla Moran, sr., G

Outlook: The four-time defending champs will have a tougher time this year after big graduation losses. Dalphonse brings solid leadership skills and Clement is returning from an ACL injury. Willerson (17.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg), who transfered from Cheverus, provides an inside threat. But the Lions’ success will depend on a lot of the supporting players from the past stepping into big-time roles. This team should be a lot better at the end of the season.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Andy Morris, first year

Last season: 3-15

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Lindsey Cornelison, sr. F/C; Alison Melcher, sr., F; Sara Lamb, jr., G

Outlook: This is Morris’ first year with the Mt. Ararat girls but he’s been involved in the system for many years on the boys’ side. With four starters returning, the Eagles are optimistic that they can improve on last year’s mark. Senior Katie Labbay returns after missing much of the last two years because of injuries. Look for the Eagles to press and push the ball in an effort to create easy baskets.

NOBLE

Coach: Paul Marquis, first year

Last season: 0-18

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Katie Taylor, sr., F; Emma Burns, sr., G; Melodie Bailey, sr., G

Outlook: Marquis takes over a program that has a 6-66 record over the last four years. He doesn’t expect things to change overnight, saying he’s trying to develop a program. But he sees this group, led by its three seniors, as very competitive. He’s going to play a number of players to keep defensive pressure and an up-tempo offense.

PORTLAND

Coach: Jay Lowery, first year

Last season: 14-6, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Elizabeth Donato, sr., G; Gabby Wagabaza, sr., F; Sydney Frederick, sr., F; Kate Johnson, so., G; Taylor Sargent, so., G; Merritt Ryan, jr., F; Gianna Gaudet, jr., F

Outlook: Lowery was a volunteer assistant last year so he knows what this team can do. While the Bulldogs lost some key players to transfer and graduation, they should still be competitive. Donato is a top player and Johnson can provide some perimeter offense. Portland will run on offense and mix its defenses, looking to create mismatches.

SANFORD

Coach: Kristy Parent, 15th year

Last season: 9-10, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: NA

Impact players: Liz Bougie, sr., F; Lynzie Nadeau, sr., F; Hannah Howes, sr., G; Summer Camire, so., G; Kristen O’Connell, so., G; Nichole LeBlanc, so., G

Outlook: The Spartans are going to be young, with very little varsity experience. Look for sophomores Camire, O’Connell and LeBlanc to be in the middle of much of what Sanford does. Parent hopes to see steady improvement and for the team to be competitive.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Mike Giordano, second year

Last season: 7-12, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Ashley Briggs, sr., G; Bailey Adams, sr., G; Sam Sparda, sr., C; Sophie Glidden, fr., F; Natalie Taylor, fr., G; Brooke Malone, so., G

Outlook: The Red Storm look to improve on last year’s record and tournament result. Briggs, who has signed to play next at Division II St. Anselm, is the leader. She averaged 13.4 points and 3.9 assists last season. But Scarborough has some talent around her and gets a boost from the return of Sparda, who missed last year because of injuries. They’re not tall, so look for the Red Storm to push the tempo as much as they can to create matchup problems and transition points.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Lynne Hasson, second year

Last season: 15-4, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Holly Black, sr., C; Paige Carter, sr., G; Maddie Hasson, jr., G; Meaghan Doyle, jr. F; Lydia Henderson, so., G; Erica Magnuson, so., C; Haylee Owen, jr., C

Outlook: The Red Riots are expected to be one of the best teams in Western Class A. Hasson (14.1 ppg) is the leader, but the Riots have quality experience back and are infused with four freshmen guards who will play immediately. They have the talent to play any style and the experience to know which style to play.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Eric Marston, fifth year

Last season: 16-3, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Victoria Lux, sr., F/C; Katie McCrum, sr., G; Ashley Howe, jr., F; Isabella Robinson, so., G; Abby Strickland, sr., F/C; Alex Hart, fr., PG

Outlook: The Trojans were going to be strong based on their returning players, but the arrival of Lux – who transferred from McAuley – makes them one of the favorites in Western Class A. Lux averaged 13.2 points and 9.2 rebounds, and combines with Strickland to give Thornton a strong inside presence. McCrum (league-high 4.4 assists last year) is one of the best guards in the SMAA. The Trojans have five new players, and how well they mesh with the returning players could determine how successful the season is. But expect Thornton to be a force deep into the playoffs.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Chris Aube, fourth year

Last season: 4-14

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Alisha Aube, so., PG; Danasia Fennie, so., F; Lexi Redmond, sr., C; Madeline Mullett, jr., F; Marissa Martel, sr., G; Bri Barlow, sr., G

Outlook: The Blue Blazes could be one of the most improved teams in Western Class A. Aube led them in scoring (14.5 ppg) as a freshman and, at 5-11, could be a problem matchup for a lot of other point guards. Martel is back after missing a year because of a knee injury. The Blazes have some depth, so look for them to push the tempo both offensively and defensively. If they continue to mature, they could be dangerous at the end of the year.

WINDHAM

Coach: Brody Artes, third year

Last season: 14-8, lost in Western final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Sadie Nelson, jr., F; Katie Herzig, jr., G; Ciera Berthiaume, jr., G/F; Luisa Sbardella, sr., G; Mya Mannette, so., PG

Outlook: The Eagles were the surprise of the Western Class A tournament a year ago, moving from the No. 7 seed to the championship game. They have a good core returning and should be back in the hunt. The Eagles are athletic and quick, and also versatile enough to play any style. The key to their success will be rebounding and defense, as well as getting someone to take some of the offensive pressure off Nelson, who averaged 15.3 points and 7.9 rebounds.

CLASS B

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Meg Cressler, first year

Last season: 11-8, lost in Eastern preliminary round

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Maddie Bowman, jr., PG; Charlotte Messer, so., G; Rachel Pease, sr., F; Eliza Boetsch, sr., F; Annie Young, sr., G

Outlook: Cressler returns to coach at the school she led to the Class B state championship in 2000. She has a nice foundation with Bowman, Nesser and Pease – a 6-2 rebounder and shot blocker. Bowman and Nesser form a solid backcourt. If the younger players develop as well as Cressler hopes, this will be a dangerous team toward the end of the season.

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Christine Casterella, eighth year

Last season: 9-9

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Montana Braxton, jr., PG; Hannah Sawyer, sr., G/F; Maddie Bowe, jr., G

Outlook: The Capers will be an interesting group this year and could be a factor in the Western Class B tournament. They have decent size but most of it is on the perimeter, which could cause matchup problems for other teams. In Braxton, they have a solid all-around player who averaged 8.0 rebounds and 4.2 steals last season. They’ll play tough defense, as always. How far they go will depend on how the offense develops.

FREEPORT

Coach: Mike Hart, first year

Last season: 8-10

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jess Wall, jr., C/F; Lauren Cormier, sr., G; Kayla Belanger, jr., PG; Regan Lynch, so., F/G

Outlook: Hart returns to coaching after taking a couple years off. He inherits a team that has some experience but needs to replace the graduated Nina Davenport, who carried the Falcons offensively. Hart believes the Falcons have good balance and depth, which will allow them to play an up-tempo game and use as many as 10 players.

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sean Watson, third year

Last season: 12-8, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Alexis L’Heureux-Carland, jr., F; Julia Quinn, jr., G; Mackenzie Buzzell, so., G; Nicole Bennett, so., F; McKenna Gerchman, jr., G

Outlook: Even though they have no seniors, the Raiders have plenty of experience. Seven of the 12 players got quality minutes a year ago. Look for Fryeburg to push the tempo a little more than in the past to take advantage of its athleticism and depth. If they can improve their defense, the Raiders will be in the thick of the playoff race.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Mike Andreasen, fourth year

Last season: 11-8, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Maria Valente, sr., G/F; Alicia Dumont, so., PG; Skye Conley, so., C; Zoe Adams, sr., F; Isabelle DeTroy, so., F; Grace Kariotis, so., G; Sara Carder, sr., G

Outlook: The Patriots should be one of the top contenders in Western Class B. Valente, a three-year WMC all-star, averaged 15.1 points last season and is a game-changer at both ends. Gray-New Gloucester should get a boost from its four sophomores, all of whom played a lot last year. A tough early schedule will give the Patriots a glimpse of where they stand.

GREELY

Coach: Joel Rogers, third year

Last season: 15-5, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ashley Storey, sr., C; Sarah Felkel, jr., PG; Haley Felkel, sr., G/F; Molly Chapin, so., G; Moira Train, so., G/F; Isabel Porter, so., G; Madison Cyr, jr., F

Outlook: The Rangers loom as one of the top contenders in Western Class B, led by Storey. Headed to the University of New Hampshire on scholarship, she is one of the state’s top players, and averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a year ago. She’s surrounded by a strong cast. Train is an up-and-coming player, while the Felkels and Chapin can provide shutdown defense. The Rangers need to improve their rebounding and late-game defense. If they can, they could make a long tournament run.

LAKE REGION

Coach: Paul True, 11th year

Last season: 21-1, won Class B state championship

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: CeCe Hancock, jr., G; Sarah Hancock, sr., G; Kristen Huntress, so., G; Meghan Van Loan, sr., C; Spencer True, jr., G

Outlook: Although the Lakers graduated some key players, especially center Tiana-Jo Carter, they shouldn’t be overlooked. They will still play stifling defense, using quickness and anticipation, and can still score from the perimeter. If they can find a way to balance their offense and defense with some inside play, they will be dangerous again.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Kevin Feltis, third year

Last season: 15-4, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Leslie Sandefur, sr., F; Danielle Pinkham, sr., G; Taylor Oliver, sr., G; Avae Traina, jr., C; Alyx York, jr., F; Brie Wajer, so., G

Outlook: The Eagles are looking to duplicate last year’s playoff run, and they have great potential to do it. Sandefur returns from an ACL injury, providing an inside-outside threat. Pinkham and Oliver are strong on the perimeter, and Traina and York are strong defenders. Wajer could be a difference maker for the Eagles with her all-around play.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Randy Hooper, 10th year

Last season: 10-9, lost in Eastern preliminary round

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Hannah Marks, sr., PG; Justice Barrows, jr., C; Sophie Cohen, jr., F; Hannah Heald, sr., F; Maggie Cox, jr., G; Krista Hooper, jr., F; Jill van der Schaaf, jr., F; Paige Mason, jr., G

Outlook: The Panthers have a nice returning crew headed by Marks, a first-team all-KVAC Class B selection who averaged about 14 points per game, and Heald, who tore her ACL in the preseason last year. Barrows is also a threat to score. Four starters are 5-foot-10 or bigger, so look for the Panthers to go hard to the boards for rebounds. This is a team that should contend for the playoffs.

MORSE

Coach: Becky Roak, third year

Last season: 6-12

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Signe Ostergaard, jr., PG; Emma Harrington, jr., C; Isabelle Paulus, jr., G; Noa Sreden, so., G; Leia Graves, sr., F

Outlook: The Shipbuilders finished strong last year, going 5-2 down the stretch and upsetting several tournament teams. With all five starters returning, they’ll look to make a move much earlier in the season. Ostergaard led the team in scoring (11 ppg), while Harrington was second in scoring (10 ppg) and first in rebounding (8.0). They provide a strong core to build around. To improve, they have to play strong defense and look to score some transition points.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Samantha Wiley, first year

Last season: 10-9, lost in Eastern preliminary round

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Emily Gould, sr., G/F; Payton Billingsley, sr., PG; Ashley Gardner, sr., F; McKenna Brooks, jr., G/F

Outlook: Wiley was the junior varsity coach a year ago so she knows the Mariners well. Billingsley will lead the team on the court with her all-around play and ball skills. The Mariners aren’t tall so they have to focus on good fundamental defense. They’ll look to play an up-tempo style and use a deep bench.

POLAND

Coach: Michael Susi, first year

Last season: 9-10, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Michaella Arsenault, sr., G; Caroline Littlefield, sr., F; Nathalie Theriault, fr., PG; Hope Kohtala, sr., G;

Outlook: Susi, who coached the Katahdin boys’ basketball team last season, takes over a program that has made strides in recent years and has one of the top players in the WMC in Arsenault. She is capable of scoring inside or out and is a strong defender. The roster has a strong foundation with five seniors and great promise with five freshmen. The Knights lack height, so they’re going to have to work hard on the defensive end to remain competitive and earn a tournament berth.

WELLS

Coach: Don Abbott, ninth year

Last season: 18-3, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Allyson O’Brien, so., PG; Natalie Thurber, so., G; Taryn Lambert, so., F

Outlook: The Warriors graduated nine players from last year’s squad and may start five sophomores, but they shouldn’t be underestimated. They have had success at the lower levels, and the three returning varsity players all had steady playing time a year ago. O’Brien and Thurber, in particular, form a strong backcourt. Wells will likely play it slower this year as the younger players get adjusted to the varsity level.

YARMOUTH

Coach: Christina Strong, second year

Last season: 4-14

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Cory Langenbach, so., G; Alison Clark, so., F; Johanna Hattan, so., F

Outlook: The Clippers have no seniors and only three players back from last year. But Strong believes this team can improve on last year’s record. Yarmouth will rotate its 10 players, taking advantage of their athleticism. Look for them to push the tempo, hoping to create transition offense.

YORK

Coach: Rick Clark, 33rd year

Last season: 12-8, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Shannon Todd, jr., G; Mia Briggs, jr., F; Paige McElwain, sr., PG; Erin McCafferty, jr., F; Lily Posternak, so., G; Madigan Cogger, so., G; Chloe Smedley, jr., F; Emma Thomson, jr., G

Outlook: The Wildcats loom as one of the top teams in Western Class B. Todd is one of the WMC’s most versatile players, capable of scoring 20 points in any game. York has plenty of game experience and is loaded at the guard position. The Wildcats always play good defense under Clark and should be better offensively as they gain experience.

CLASS C

BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: Tanner Grover, third year

Last season: 7-12, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Morgan Crocker, sr., G; Sara Durgan, sr., G; Hannah Morley, jr., G; Cagney O’Brien, so., F; Kate Friant, so., PG

Outlook: Boothbay is in position to improve. Crocker led the Mountain Valley Conference in scoring at 20 ppg, Durgan is a good 3-point shooter, and Friant has a full season of experience running the point. Page Brown, a 5-11 freshman forward, is expected to contribute immediately. Grover believes his team will have increased depth and better offensive balance.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: Dean Plante, fifth year

Last season: 14-6, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Abby Dubois, sr., F; Mackenzie Rague, sr., PG; Haley Plante, sr., G; Lauralee Small, sr., F

Outlook: The Seagulls should be a title contender after consecutive 14-6 seasons. Dubois averaged 15.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.8 steals, Rague scored more than 8 points per game, and Plante made 28 3-pointers and averaged 5.5 assists. All three have started since their freshman season. Add in Small, a banger who was the team’s second-leading scorer last season, as well as improved 5-9 junior Peyton Feitz, and potential 3-point shooters Brianna Plante and Vanessa Hebert, and Old Orchard will continue its run-and-gun style.

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Chris Hughes, seventh year

Last season: 9-10, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Emma Glatzer, sr., F; Abby Hughes, jr., G; Helen Ruhlin, so., G; Nette Humphrey, so., G

Outlook: The 5-7 Glatzer is a three-year starter but the rest of team is short on size and experience. Hughes and Ruhlin likely will share point-guard duties. The transfer of Morgan Carpenter to Cape Elizabeth opens an opportunity for 6-foot senior Cassidy Sanborn and sophomore forward Tiana Garland. The Hawks will have to focus on pressure defense and spreading the scoring around.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Scott Blake, second year

Last season: 6-12, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Marina Casey, so., F; Cassidy Delano, fr., F; Codi Smith, sr., G; Jessica MacNeill, jr., G; Jessica Segura, jr., G/F

Outlook: The Rangers graduated five senior starters but Blake is encouraged by his young team’s progress over a busy summer and anticipates a return to the playoffs. Casey and MacNeill provided scoring off the bench a year ago. Delano is expected to contribute quickly, and Smith and Segura showed significant improvement in the offseason. Traip will look to be patient and efficient on offense.

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Brandon Salway, ninth year

Last season: 13-7, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Helen Gray-Bauer, sr., G; Julianna Harwood, sr., G/F; Arianna Giguere, jr., F; Lydia Giguere, fr., PG

Outlook: Gray-Bauer (12.4 points, 3.9 steals) and Harwood (8.5 points, 8.4 rebounds) are holdovers from the 2013 state championship team who need to score in “double digits every night,” Salway said. Arianna Giguere and likely starter Ali Pope, a sophomore, can shoot from outside, and Dana Peirce adds inside defense and rebounding. With steady improvement the Flyers could contend with the expected top teams in the region – Madison, defending champ Carrabec and Old Orchard Beach.

WISCASSET

Coach: Patrick Quinn, fifth year

Last season: 6-13, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Alecia Faulkingham, sr., G; Kayla Gordon, sr., F; Miranda McIntire, sr., F; Tylan Onorato, sr., PG

Outlook: Coming off its best season in a decade, Wiscasset is ready to take another step. Faulkingham and Gordon provide proven outside-inside scoring, and six players return with meaningful experience. McIntire and Onorato are both good defenders. While lacking a true center, the team has good overall size and emphasizes ball movement. “Their commitment to competing is up,” Coach Quinn said.

CLASS D

GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN

Coach: Keith Dawson, fifth year

Last season: 6-12

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Clarissa Jones, jr., F; Ashlee Dawson, jr., G/F; Angie Jones, jr., PG; Jessica Smith, sr., G/F

Outlook: The full-time return of post scorer Clarissa Jones should key a tourney return. She averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman and was off to a stronger start before a season-ending injury. The 5-10 Dawson can play all five positions and score from outside. Angie Jones is in her second year at the point. The Lions lack depth but “if we’re able to shoot well we can be competitive with any team in Class D,” Dawson said.

HYDE

Coach: Richard Polgar, third year

Last season: 3-15

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Diamond Brown, jr., F; Lutes Bartlett, jr., F; Kristine Bailey, jr., F; Lilli Allen, jr., PG; Timesha Walker, so., G.

Outlook: Polgar thinks this year’s unit will be closer to his 2013 regional semifinal team that lost only once in the regular season. The Phoenix have added ballhandling guards Allen and Walker to go with a good inside rotation, led by three-year starter Brown and returning starter Bartlett, a pair of 5-10 players. The starters hail from five states so building chemistry is important. “We might not be quite a 16-1 team but we’ll be pretty darn competitive,” Polgar said.

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Liz Smith, sixth year

Last season: 6-13, lost in Western preliminary round

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Hannah Carr, sr., F; Sara Thompson, sr., F; Rachel Bolling, fr., G; Suzanna Butterfield, so., F

Outlook: The Panthers will play a mostly Class C schedule and graduated “all of our ballhandlers and shooters,” Smith said. Carr is effective in the post but has been plagued by injuries. Thompson, the other returning starter, and Butterfield are also inside threats. Bolling has the skills needed to run the point. Basketball newcomers Emily Baker and Elizabeth Coughlin are good athletes who could provide depth, defense and rebounding.

PINE TREE ACADEMY

Coach: Josh Dayen, second year

Last season: 14-4, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Alex Goodman, fr., PG; Kim Emerson, sr., C; Allison Verrill, sr., G.

Outlook: As an eighth grader, Goodman averaged more than 17 points, nine rebounds and seven steals for a team that recorded the school’s first-ever playoff victory. Emerson is a 6-2 presence down low. Angel Hood, a sophomore, and Grace Johnson, a junior, are newcomers who will add hustle and rebounding. A return to the regional semifinals is likely, especially since Dayen said “everyone who is playing is committed to the game.”

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

Coach: Charlie Johnson, 12th year

Last season: 8-10

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Kylene DeSmith, sr., PG; Laken Kerrigan, sr., G; Kristin Wittner, sr., C/F; Julia Lord, sr., G; Ali Moran, sr., F

Outlook: Six seniors return to a team that missed the Western Maine tournament by a fraction of a point. “If the team is more forceful offensively it can improve,” Johnson said. “I believe they will do better. They should.” DeSmith is the leading returning scorer. Kerrigan, a cross country standout, and Wittner, the leading rebounder, have the ability to score more. Moran improved considerably as a junior.

– Mike Lowe and Steve Craig, staff writers