CHEVERUS

Coach: Ryan Soucie, second year

Last season: 9-10, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jack Casale, senior, G; Jesse Matthews, junior, G/F; Dominic Casale, sr., F; Tobias Ephron, jr., G

Outlook: In Jack Casale and Matthews, the Stags have two top-end players with good size. The question is whether they have enough complementary pieces. Point guard Austin Boudreau, the team’s third-leading scorer last season, transferred to Thornton. Dominic Casale is an above-average rebounder and Ephron is a good on-ball defender. Junior guard Will Shibles and sophomore guard Matt Duchaine could step into bigger roles. The Stags expect to be back in the playoffs.

DEERING

Coach: Todd Wing, fourth year

Last season: 17-3, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Raffaele Salamone, sr., C; Manny Chikuta, sr., G/F; JeanClaude Butera, sr., G; Machar Nguany, sr., F; Ben Onek, so., F

Outlook: Salamone (10 ppg, 8.5 rpg) is the lone returing starter, but the Rams still have lots of talent. Butera, the point guard, and Chikuta are moving into the starting lineup after being key reserves. Onek is a 6-5 lefty who can soar and also shoot 3-pointers. The Rams will run and press, expecting their depth to wear teams down. Only state champ Portland (3-0 vs Deering) stood up to that pressure last season.

PORTLAND

Coach: Joe Russo, 27th year

Last season: 20-1, won state championship

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Terion Moss, jr., G; Charlie Lyall, sr., C; Griffin Foley, jr., F

Outlook: The Bulldogs are led by player of the year candidate Moss (14.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.0 apg) at the point, with Lyall and the crafy Foley also back in the starting lineup. Russo cautions that the rest of his team is relatively inexperienced at the varsity level, so there will be some “young mistakes” to start the season. Junior guard Manny Yugo, sophomore guard Pedro Fonseca and sophomore forward Trey Ballew are ready to take on bigger roles. Clay Hardy, a senior guard who played as a sophomore, is back in the fold after living in Missouri a year ago.

WINDHAM

Coach: Chad Pulkkinen, second year

Last season: 7-11

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Nicholas Curtis, jr., G; Michael Gilman, jr., G; Hunter Coffin, jr., G; Chris Brown, sr., F; Dierhow Bol, so., F

Outlook: Few teams return as many experienced players (10), but the Eagles are still relatively young. Curtis (16.8 ppg, SMAA-best 6.6 apg) is one of the top point guards in Class AA and Gilman (18.6 ppg, 70 3-pointers) is a knock-down shooter who has worked on expanding his repertoire. The next step will be winning close games. The 6-5 Bol, the younger brother of South Portland senior Ruay Bol, and Zack Petcher provide a good inside presence. Windham narrowly missed the playoffs last season but expects to finish in the top five.

Class AA South

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Mike Francoeur, second year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jack Hogan, sr., F; Isiah Peters, sr., G; Connor Sirois, jr., G

Outlook: The Scots are a very young bunch with a focus on daily improvement. Francoeur believes his team learned last year the importance of doing little things correctly in order to have success. A difficult schedule includes games against Portland, Deering, Cheverus, improved Windham and Oxford Hills. Making the playoffs would be a significant achievement.

GORHAM

Coach: Mark Karter, fourth year

Last season: 14-5, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jackson Fotter, sr., G; Kyle King, jr., F; Cam Holmes, sr., F; Logan Drouin, sr., F

Outlook: The Rams were hit hard by graduation, so scoring could be a challenge early in the season. Fotter (4.8 ppg, 2.8 apg) and Drouin (4.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) were both solid contributors. Gorham will look to stay competitive by using a balanced attack and tough man-to-man defense. The veterans will need to expand their roles and become major contributors.

MASSABESIC

Coach: Chris Binette, second season

Last season: 16-5, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Isaac Desvergnes, jr., G/F; Nick Amabile, jr., G; Zion Mercado, sr., F/C; Tyler Stinson, sr., G

Outlook: The Mustangs graduated 11 seniors, including All-State pick Tyus Sprague-Ripley. Binette believes his younger players learned from last season’s team that hard work can pay off. Returning players Desvergnes, Amabile and Mercado will carry the load for a team that will again try to use speed and defensive pressure to gain an edge.

NOBLE

Coach: Kevin Jackson, second year

Last season: 0-18

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Brandon Davis, sr., F; Britton Study, sr., G; James Hashem, sr., G; Zachary Desroches, sr., G; Luke Carlock, jr., G/F

Outlook: The Knights look to rebound from a difficult season. With four returning starters, Noble has most of its offense back. The 6-foot-5 Davis led the team in points (14.0 ppg) and rebounds (9.0 rpg) and has the size and ability to attack the basket. Study will look to distribute the ball to shooters Hashem and Desroches. Carlock adds energy on both ends for a team determined to be in the mix for a playoff berth.

 

SANFORD

Coach: Paul Nolette, fifth year

Last season: 6-13, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Frank Veino, sr., F; Brad Bouchard, sr., G; Ethan Belanger, sr., G; Matt Romano, so., F

Outlook: Sanford has the experience to move up in the standings, led by third-team SMAA pick Belanger (16.1 ppg) and Bouchard (12.9 ppg). Veino (9 ppg, 6 rpg) and Romano (5.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg), who had a solid freshman season, will have to match up against bigger players down low. Defending and rebounding will be keys for the Spartans.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Phil Conley, first season

Last season: 6-13, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Emmett Peoples, sr., G; Morgan Pratt, jr., G; Nick Fiorillo, so., G/F; Reece Lagerquist, jr., C/F

Outlook: Conley, the former coach at South Portland, takes over a team that area coaches are predicting will be improved. Peoples is regarded as one of the best guards in AA South and led the team in scoring a year ago at 13.0 ppg. Pratt (7.0 ppg) and Fiorillo (6.3 ppg) also showed they can contribute at the offensive end, and Lagerquist is an athletic inside presence.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Kevin Millington, second year

Last season: 12-10, lost in state final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ruay Bol, sr., F; Ansel Stilley, sr., F; Riley Hasson, jr., F; Deandre White, sr., G

Outlook: The Red Riots aren’t as big as a year ago but will be quicker, with good balance and a desire to get up and down the court. Bol is a strong defender and is capable of big offensive nights. Stilley, junior guard Noah Malone, and senior forward Cam Deiley are offensive threats. White takes over the point and can also shoot 3-pointers, and Hasson is a high-energy player who impacts a game in multiple ways. South Portland should challenge Thornton for AA South supremacy.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Bob Davies, 14th year

Last season: 16-3, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: David Keohan, jr., F; Evan Christensen, sr., G/F; Austin Boudreau, sr., G

Outlook: Opposing coaches peg the Golden Trojans as the favorite in AA South. Transfers Christensen (formerly of Old Orchard Beach) and Boudreau (9.3 ppg, 4.4 apg at Cheverus) join the versatile Keohan (10.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) to form a potentially strong trio. Thornton will try to play with high energy at both ends. Jon Fogg (5.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Austin Robinson, Avery McKenzie and Julian Baez add veteran depth.

Class A North

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Jeff Hart, 35th year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Devin Vangel, sr., G; Noah Heidorn, jr., G/F; Morgan Ford, sr., F; Gavin Boyd, sr., G

Outlook: After consecutive seasons missing the playoffs, Camden Hills has a veteran group. Vangel, Heidron, Ford and Boyd are returning starters, while John Curtin and Daniel Peabody (both 6-5) and Stephen Crawford are junior forwards who have improved and will deepen the rotation. Hart notes the program has “a nice group of sophomores” trying to make their mark.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Nick DePatsy, 10th year

Last season: 17-4, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Cameron Allaire, sr., C; Kyle Donlin, sr., F

Outlook: The Panthers graduated five seniors, including all-state player Nicholas DePatsy. The 6-foot-7 Allaire (12 ppg, 8 rpg), Donlin (8 ppg, 5 rpg) and senior Cale Gee will be called upon for leadership and overall play to keep Medomak among the KVAC’s top teams. Cameron Martin should be a rebounding force and inside scorer, and senior guard Zidane McMurrin will be a defensive stopper and transition threat. DePatsy likes his team’s effort and chemistry and is looking for improved defensive play and shot selection.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Matt Breen, 13th year

Last season: 16-6, lost in state final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Sam Atwood, sr., G; Nate Raye, sr., G; Michael Norton, jr., F; Cooper Wirkala, so., F

Outlook: The Mariners shot their way to the state final in 2016, making 30 3-pointers in the North regional. Several top scorers graduated, but perimeter threats Atwood and Raye return and should form a solid backcourt for a young team that will again rely on perimeter play and shooting. Wirkala is a versatile 6-4 player who saw time as a freshman.

Class A South

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Justin Tardif, fourth year

Last season: 1-17

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Patrick Pearl, sr., G; Austin Dutremble, sr., F; Kyle Norton, jr., G/F; Caleb Ball, sr., F

Outlook: Led by four-year varsity players Pearl and Norton, who both averaged more than 10 points last season, the Tigers will look to force the tempo with full-court pressure defense and transition offense. The team has improved size and strength, which should translate to better rebounding. Rome Pura, a senior who averaged 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds for Thornton Academy, joins the Tigers’ roster and should help Ball, last season’s leading rebounder. With some consistent shooting from outside, Biddeford could contend for a playoff spot in what figures to be a deep league.

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Todd Hanson, 21st year

Last season: 15-6, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Josh Dorr, sr., G; Corban Teel, sr., F; Colby Bucknam, jr., F; Jesse Devereaux, sr., G

Outlook: The Dragons used intense defense to reach the regional final, and that’s not going to change. Adjusting to life without point guard Thomas Hanson, who was the leading scorer and rebounder, and Caleb Cost (transfer to a private school in Massachusetts) might take more time at the offensive end. Dorr and Devereaux will handle the point and Teel is a 6-5 force down low. Bucknam, also 6-5, brings additional size and skill to the post. Area coaches expect Brunswick to again be a threat come playoff time.

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Jim Ray, 23rd year

Last season: 15-5, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Quinn Hewitt, sr., G/F; Finn Bowe, jr., G/F; Marshall Peterson, sr., F; David Hare, jr., G; Jacob Allen, sr., G

Outlook: Hewitt and Bowe are proven varsity players with size (6-4), and Ray has consistently directed tough, competitive teams. That’s why the Capers will likely be in the top tier again, even though they graduated 10 players from last year’s team. Ray is confident his team will work hard and have a positive attitude which, hopefully, translates into improved depth and some balance in the scoring.

 

FALMOUTH

Coach: Dave Halligan, 30th year

Last season: 18-4, won state championship

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Colin Coyne, sr., G; Sean Walsh, sr., F; Ben Simonds, sr., G; Jack Bryant, jr., G

Outlook: Falmouth graduated its entire frontcourt and, most significantly, Mr. Basketball finalist Thomas Coyne (now playing at Bates). But Coyne’s younger brother, Colin, is a superior floor general who can score and figures to be one of the WMC’s top players. Walsh, at 6-7, has a strong inside and outside game, Simonds and Bryant are tough defenders, and 6-5 junior Niko DePatsy (nephew of Medomak Valley Coach Nick DePatsy) is an inside scoring threat. Halligan believes his team can improve to the point where it will once again be in the mix of title contenders.

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 19th year

Last season: 5-13

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Cody Gullickson, jr., G/F; Oscar Saunders, so., G; Tucker Buzzell, so., F; Scott Parker, jr., G; Joey Lebrun, jr., F

Outlook: The Raiders are an athletic bunch and tough competitors, but it may take some time for this team to jell. Gullickson is an all-around athlete and Parker, a good defender, will look to produce more offensively. Saunders started as a freshman and will take on more of a lead role.

GREELY

Coach: Travis Seaver, fifth year

Last season: 16-4, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jordan Bagshaw, sr., G; Matt McDevitt, sr., F; Ryan Twitchell, sr., F; Shane DeWolfe, jr., G; Zach Brown, soph., G

Outlook: The Rangers’ combination of experience and size and the proven scoring ability of Bagshaw (almost 18 ppg) and the 6-6 McDevitt, who is a threat from behind the arc and inside, make them the favorites to win Class A South. Twitchell is better known as a baseball player, but at 6-4 he can be a double-double producer. DeWolfe and Brown will likely share the point-guard duties, and a solid bench includes 6-6 junior forward Jack Kane. If the Rangers develop a shut-down defense, they will be very tough to beat.

KENNEBUNK

Coach: Barrett Belanger, third year

Last season: 9-10, lost in preliminary round

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Dakota Ewy, sr., G; Jack Kiley, sr., F; Cole Hoffman, jr., C; Cameron Lovejoy, so., G; Tripp Bush, so., G; Zack Sullivan, so., G

Outlook: The Rams graduated eight seniors, including three of their top four scorers. But Bush, Sullivan and Lovejoy, the third leading scorer and point guard, all saw action as freshmen, and Ewy, who started as a sophomore, returns after missing last season because of an injury. The Rams will be very young, but have enough ability and experience to still vie for a playoff spot.

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Lewis Atkins, first year

Last season: 10-10, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Dawson Casey, sr., F; Ben Beers, sr., G/F; Cole McDaniel, sr., G; Colby Wyatt, jr., G

Outlook: Atkins takes over for Mike Zamarchi, who retired after 21 seasons. Atkins had a successful six-year run in New Hampshire’s Division IV ranks. The Hawks will look to create offense from their defense. The 6-6 Casey (11.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg) is an inside presence who has perimeter skills. Beers, who averaged 11 points, can get to the rim and has 3-point range. Wyatt has the potential to be a strong third option on offense.

MORSE

Coach: Brian Bennett, second year

Last season: 6-12

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Parker Onorato, jr., PG; Dakota Freeman, sr., F; Damon Osmond, sr., F; Tom Warren, so., G; Taig Nygaard, sr., F/C

Outlook: Tough-minded Onorato and long-range shooter Freeman return as starters for a team intent on using balanced scoring to offset the graduation of Keegan McDonough (21 ppg). The Shipbuilders have a solid core and will try to keep the game in the half court. They expect to be a top-eight team and get back into the playoffs after a year’s absence.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Steve Cox, third year

Last season: 11-8, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Cole Guerin, sr., G; Ryan Mello, jr., G/F; Nick Merrill, jr., G/F

Outlook: It’s definitely a transition season. All-state point guard and leading scorer Shyheim Ulrickson has graduated and three key players are injured. That leaves no returning starters, no proven scorers and plenty of opportunities for players to step up. Guerin, Mello and Merrill did play for the varsity last season.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Dan LeGage, second year

Last season: 10-9, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Miece Loureiro, sr., F; Zac Manoogian, jr., G; Kyle Champagne, so., G; Landon Sjoberg, jr., F

Outlook: The Blue Blazes have shown signs of improvement despite a couple key graduation losses and a relative lack of height. Manoogian is a proven scorer (12.8 ppg) and strong all-around player, while Loureiro is a tough matchup because of his combination of strength and quickness. Champagne takes over as the point guard, while Sjoberg will look to expand his role. LeGage, who won two state titles in 12 seasons at Deering, feels his team can play tough perimeter defense and will look to use its quickness to create offense. Westbrook has a tough schedule, with five crossover games with AA opponents.

YORK

Coach: Randy Small, ninth year

Last season: 9-10, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Trevor LaBonte, sr., F; Cam Smith, sr., F; Reid Hogan, sr., G; Jackson McCarty, jr., C; Payton Small, jr., G

Outlook: The Wildcats can go nine or 10 players deep. Three-year starter LaBonte is a versatile, 6-foot-6 inside-outside threat. Small is in his second season at the point. With a good mix of experience and depth from players like junior guard Alex Nickerson, 6-5 center Alex Zinkedicz and senior forward Ryan Webb, look for the Wildcats to move up in the standings.

Class B South

FREEPORT

Coach: Bill Ridge, second year

Last season: 3-15

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Ethan Sclar, jr., G; Matt Nielsen, sr., C; Connor Dostie, sr., F

Outlook: The Falcons are inexperienced, with only two full-time varsity returnees. They will depend on speed and quickness, as they are relatively undersized. Sclar will be the point guard and the leader on and off the floor.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Ryan Deschenes, fifth year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: John Henry Villanueva, sr., G; John Martin, so., G; Hunter Colby, so., C; Tanner Mann, sr., F; Zack Brady, jr., C

Outlook: The Patriots have a young roster, with only two seniors and seven sophomores. With a mixture of shooting, speed and size on his roster, Deschenes likes the team’s balance and expects to surprise teams in the region. Martin, the point guard, is a tough matchup at 6-2. Villanueva gives the Patriots strong play at both ends of the floor.

LAKE REGION

Coach: John Mayo, second year

Last season: 20-2, won state championship

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Tyler Walker, sr., G; Douglas Mayo, sr., F; Tristen Chaine, jr., G; True Meyers, jr., F; Mark Mayo, so., F

Outlook: The Lakers return four players from last year’s state championship squad while bringing in eight new players.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Ryan Ball, fourth year

Last season: 9-11, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Cody Tozier, sr., C; Riley Cushing, sr., F; Nathan Masters, jr., G/F

Outlook: The Eagles have potential, led by Tozier, a good scorer and a tough matchup. Cushing and Masters are aggresive defenders. Keyden Leeman provides some offense as a shooter and a driver.

POLAND

Coach: Tyler Tracy, seventh year

Last season: 9-11, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Nate Chouinard, sr, G; Caleb Hodgkin, sr, F; Kurtis Leighton, sr., G; Quinn Callahan, sr., F; Peter Bolduc, jr., G; Josh Cote, so., G; Tyler Tucci, so., G

Outlook: Chouinard, Hodgkin, Leighton and Callahan all got lots of playing time last winter, but Poland suffered a blow in the first week of preseason when another returnee, Greg Leighton, tore an ACL. The Knights are athletic, according to Tracy, and have the potential to be a great defensive team.

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Ben Murphy, fourth year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Cameron Cyr, sr., G; Brandon Sloan, sr., G; Alex Mudgett, sr., G

Outlook: Cyr returns for his second year as the starting point guard, and Sloan and Mudgett should provide additional scoring punch. The Hawks hope to find success with a small, quick, trapping lineup on defense and a guard-focused transition offense.

WELLS

Coach: Troy Brown, 9th year

Last season: 9-10, lost in regional quaterfinal

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Riley Dempsey, sr., G; Owen Berry, sr., G; Keegan Reidy, sr., G; Deandre Woods, sr., F; Tyler Dewey, sr., G; Cam Cousins, jr., F; Matt Sherburne, so., G; Tyler Bridge, so., F

Outlook: Experience will not be an issue, as all five starters are back. The Warriors have a deep roster, which will play into their strategy of running an up-tempo offense. Brown says getting consistent offensive production will be a key for the Warriors. “We will need to get some easy baskets, as we have struggled to score in the past.”

YARMOUTH

Coach: Adam Smith, 13th year

Last season: 15-6, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Alek Medenica, sr., F; Gibson Harnett, sr., G; Igor Nikolic, sr., G; Nolan Hagerty, jr., F; Jonathan Torres, so., G; Noah Eckersley-Ray, so., G

Outlook: The Clippers return just two starters in 6-7 Medenica and 6-6 Hagerty, but they’re both regarded as two of the state’s top players. Much of the team’s success will be based on players stepping into new roles and developing chemistry. “Our guards are good defenders and will look to control tempo,” said Smith.

Class C

BOOTHBAY

Coach: I.J. Pinkham, 40th year

Last season: 13-8, lost in regional semifinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Carter Babcock, sr., F; Kyle Ames, jr., G; Jacob Leonard, sr., G

Outlook: The Seahawks could get off to slow start without Leonard, a top scoring threat who is recovering from ACL surgery but is expected to be ready to return sometime around Christmas. Pinkham says he has some good returning players and some new players who will help when they figure out what is being asked of them. Look for Boothbay to get better as the season progresses and be a playoff contender as usual.

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Jason Knight, fifth year

Last season: 4-14

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Haven Cutko, sr., G; Jake Malcom, sr., F; Chandler Waldron, sr., G; Te’Andre King, fr., F

Outlook: With 10 returning players, including seven seniors, depth and experience should be strengths. Cutko (18.1 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.2 spg) and Malcom (13.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg) will again be looked to as leaders on both ends of the floor. Waldron and fellow seniors Nathaniel Sinibaldi and Davis Newell will help anchor the backcourt, and 6-2 senior Joey Hogan, 6-3 junior Connor Dillon and 6-3 freshman King add size and depth.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: Michael Burke, second year

Last season: 14-6, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Ian Regan, jr., G; Brian Davis, sr., G; Thomas Fregeau, sr., F

Outlook: With only one returning starter, OOB will rely on a group of players who received limited varsity playing time last year. Regan was an all-WMC player as a sophomore and Davis is a capable shooter, but a combination of undersized front-court players will have to rebound and score around the hoop.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Jeremy Paul, 14th year

Last season: 6-12

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Angelo Succi, sr., G/F; Joey Cavanagh, sr., G; Shane MacNeill, jr., G/F; Charlie Driscoll, jr., G

Outlook: Although only one starter returns, the Rangers have some experienced players, but it may take time to mesh. Paul says they’ll need to improve defensively and work on better shot selection.

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Rich Henry, 13th year

Last season: 19-3, lost in state final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Yai Deng, sr., F; Jack Meahl, sr., G; Abdul Mohamed, sr., G; Christian Brooks, jr., F; Alex Saade, so., G; Burr Rhoads, so., F; Askar Houssein, fr., G; Diraige Dahia, fr., G

Outlook: The Flyers lost four players from their regional championship team, so much of their success will be based on how their second-year players respond to bigger roles. Expect the freshman class to contribute immediately. “We’ve got three (new) players, Askar, Diraige and Solomon Levy, who will be impact players over their time here,” said Henry.

WISCASSET

Coach: Dana Lawrence, seventh year

Last season: 14-6, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ethan James, sr., F; Cody Roberts, sr., G

Outlook: The Wolverines have experience throughout the lineup, with 10 seniors on the roster, and opposing coaches expect them to be one of the top teams in the region.

Class D

A.R. GOULD

Coach: Chad Sturgis, ninth year

Last season: 10-9, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Unavailable.

Outlook: The Bears will try to control the paint with their inside height and strength while playing tenacious defense. Because most of the players have never taken the court together, their success will depend on learning to play cohesively.

GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN

Coach: Chris Spaulding, third year

Last season: 6-12

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jeremiah Hammond, sr., G; Ethan Spaulding, sr., G; Mason Jones, jr., C; Eddie Daigneault, sr., F/C; Jeremy Daigneault, so., G; Killian Patterson, G.

Outlook: The Lions will depend primarily on perimeter shooting for their success.

PINE TREE ACADEMY

Coach: Trevor Schlisner, fourth year

Last season: 12-7, lost in regional quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Najee Jean-Louis, sr., G; Jared Tamalea’a, so., F; Alex Schlisner, jr., G; Evan Owen, so., G

Outlook: The Breakers, who lost seven players from last year’s team, will depend on balanced team play at both ends of the court. They hope team chemistry will help offset a lack of experience during the early part of the season.

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

Coach: Jaylan Archer and Chris La Croix, first season

Last season: 14-7, lost in regional final

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Impact players: Sky Archer, sr., F; Caleb La Croix, sr., G; Jet Archer, jr., G

Outlook: The Guardians return three key players from a team that gave unbeaten Valley its toughest test of the season in the regional final. Jaylan Archer, older brother of Sky and Jet, takes over as co-coach with Chris La Croix, older brother of Caleb. Seacoast prefers an uptempo style, and the returning starters are double-digit scorers.