1. Kennebunk: The Rams were a goal shy of winning their first state championship, falling to Yarmouth 11-10 in overtime. Now Coach Annie Barker brings back all of her top scorers, including Jenny Bush (the state’s lone 2015 All-American), Kyra Schwartzman, younger sister Hallie Schwartzman, powerful Olivia Sandford and Carly Sandler. Bush, Kyra Schwartzman, Sandford, Sandler and top-flight goalie Bella Kudas are all four-year varsity players.

2. Falmouth: Coming off a program-best 12-win season, Falmouth is another strong team looking for its first title. Junior All-State midfielder Sydney Bell scored 48 goals as a sophomore and has offensive help in London Bernier, Devon Sarazin and Olivia Stucker. Senior captain Nicole Budri heads the defense. Falmouth was the top seed a year ago and lost at home to Kennebunk 9-7 in the regional final.

3. Marshwood: The defending Class A champs graduated player of the year Lindsay Poirier, four-year starter Korinne Bohunsky and goalie Emily Kahler. The Hawks could still fly high. Junior Hannah Costin is a strong two-way player who is ready to assume leadership of the offense. Midfielders Reagan Nichols and Marin Smith are very athletic on the wings and Jenna Kashmer and Gabrielle Bazemore head one of the league’s better defensive groups.

4. Massabesic: The Mustangs finished first in Western A last year and return one of the SMAA’s more dynamic scorers in Maquila Dimastrantonio. She and sophomore Madison Drain form a top midfield combo. Veteran Coach Brooks Bowen said he expects the league to be tightly bunched and thinks his defensive quartet of Madi Russell, Keilly Lynch, Emma Desrochers and Morgan Pike will be a strong unit.

5. Yarmouth: Yes, the Clippers lost their first game of the season 8-7 to a strong York squad. But it would be foolish not to pay attention to Coach Dorothy Holt’s team. Yarmouth has won the past two Class B titles and will again be favored to come out of Northern B on top. Goalie Mary Kate Gunville is a strong leader and backbone. Lilly Watson is a scorer and distributor and defender Lauren Bartlett is a top player.

– Steve Craig