Biddeford

Coach: Justin Tardif, first year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: None

Impact players: Corey Creeger, sr., G; Will Durkin, sr., F; T.J. McCann, sr., G; Mike Kilby, so., F; Patrick Pearl, fr., G; Jason Vadnais, so., F; Austin Dutremble, fr., G

Outlook: The Tigers could be the youngest team in the SMAA with 10 seniors graduated from last season. They have a new coach in Tardif, the jayvee coach for the last four years. Creeger is the only player who scored varsity points a year ago.

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Bonny Eagle

Coach: Phil Bourassa, fifth year

Last year: 17-4 (lost in regional finals)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Dustin Cole, sr., G; Ben Malloy, jr., G; Zach Dubiel, jr., F; Nick Dubay, jr., G; Nate Alexander, sr., G-F; Jon Woods, sr., G; Matt Smith, jr., G; Nate Schopen, sr., G

Outlook: The Scots are looking to reach the state final after losing in the last three regional finals. Cole is arguably the top player in the state. He averaged 28.5 points a game to lead the SMAA. With 1,285 career points he is 45 points from becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. Malloy averaged 12.6 points and four rebounds a game. Dubiel is another returning starter. New to the program are Alexander and Woods. At 6-4, Alexander gives the team much-needed size.

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Brunswick

Coach: Todd Hanson, 18th year

Last year: 10-9 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ryan Black, sr., F; Blake Gordon, sr., G; Derek Devereaux, sr., G; Alex Bandouveres, jr., F; Elliot Boyd, sr., C; Brady Larson, sr., F; Pearson Cost, jr., F

Outlook: Brunswick was fifth in the preseason KVAC Class A coaches’ poll and will go as far as its guard play takes it. That would be Black (15 points a game, first-team all-KVAC) Gordon and Devereaux. Boyd and Bandouveres will be counted on for rebounding at both ends of the floor.

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Cheverus

Coach: Dan Costigan, second year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Zordan Holman, jr,. C; Noah Stebbins, sr., G; Brad Carney, sr., G; Manny Ismail, sr., G; Derek Hammond, jr., G; Mike Sinclair, sr., C; Austin Boudreau, fr., G; Sam Cross, sr., F

Outlook: The Stags are looking to return to the postseason after missing out last season. The 6-6 Holman was the leading rebounder in the SMAA (11.5 per game). The team should be strong at guard with Stebbins, Carney, Ismail and newcomer Boudreau.

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Deering

Coach: Todd Wing, first year

Last year: 15-4 (lost in regional quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Ahmed Ismail Ahmed, sr., G-F; Chhorda Chhorn, sr., G; Liam Densmore, jr., G; Garang Majok, jr., F; Amhed Ahmed Ali, sr., F; Patrick Lobor, sr., C; Kyle Richards, sr., C

Outlook: The Rams have a new coach in Wing, who had been an assistant. He takes over a team with plenty of talent and size. Ahmed is the top returning starter. Chhorn, the starting point guard on the state title team of two years ago, returns after missing his junior year with a knee injury. The team has two 6-7 players in Ali and Richards.

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Falmouth

Coach: Dave Halligan, 27th year

Last year: 21-1 (Class B state champions)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jack Simonds, jr., C-F; Justin Rogers, sr., G; Thomas Coyne, so., G; Nick Burton, sr., F; Matt Tseng, sr., G; Colin Coyne, fr., G; I.V. Stucker, sr., G; Addison Foltmer, sr., G

Outlook: The Yachstmen move up to Class A for the tournament and look to be one of the top three teams in that division. Falmouth will still play a Western Maine Conference schedule. The 6-6 Simonds is one of the top players in the state. He averaged 14 points during the season and upped it to 19 a game in the tournament. Coyne, the sixth man last season, is an outstanding 3-point shooter who averaged double figures in the tournament.

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Gorham

Coach: Mark Karter, first year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: None

Impact players: Sam Kilborn, so., C; Nick Thibeault, jr., F; Cory Nadeau, sr., G; Nick Greatorex, sr., F; Cody Elliot, so., G

Outlook: The Rams have a new coach in Karter, who spent the past 21 seasons as the highly successful coach at Westbrook. He greets a young team with potential. Kilborn, Thibeault and Nadeau will get the ball inside. Greatorex received the most playing time last season. There’s talent in the lower grades so the program could be well-stocked over the next few seasons. 

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Kennebunk

Coach: John Dube, fifth year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Austin Sandler, sr., G; Nate Gilbert, sr., G; Jack Lapham, jr., G; Caleb Burpee, sr., G; Ben Wilson, sr., C; Zach MacKinnon, so., G

Outlook: The Rams are still in Class A for the tournament, but will play a Class B Western Maine Conference schedule. The team will count on strong senior leadership to look to move up in the standings and contend for a playoff berth. Sandler averaged 11 points a game last season.

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Marshwood

Coach: Mike Zamarchi, 19th year

Last year: 9-10 (lost to Sanford in prelims)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jack Letellier, sr., G; Brady Innes, sr., G; Drew Bartlett, jr., G; Ryan O’Neil, so., G; Baili Lontine-Kearson, so., F

Outlook: The Hawks are led by Letellier and Innes, both three-year varsity starters. Innes averaged 11 points and nine rebounds a game. Letellier averaged seven points a game. The team has good size with four players 6-5 and over. The Hawks will look to go inside, but can also hit the 3-pointer.

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Massabesic

Coach: Ramone Jones, second year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Cale Thornton, sr.. C; Noah Gerry, sr., G; Dan Amabile, so., G; Bryson Murry, so., C

Outlook: The Mustangs feel confident of battling for a playoff spot with the prospect of nearly its entire team returning. Thornton and Murry are 6-6 and 6-5 respectively. Massabesic looks to have a good balance between inside and outside scoring.

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Mt. Ararat

Coach: Aaron Watson, 11th year

Last year: 8-12 (lost in regional quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Shyheim Ulrickson, so., G; Mason Griffin, jr., F; Kevin Carter, jr., F; Jake Demosthenes, sr., G

Outlook: The Eagles are led by Ulrickson, who averaged 17.5 points a game as a freshman. The 5-11 point guard can slash to the basket and hit the 3-pointer. Griffin averaged 11 points a game and has developed a jumper. The Eagles will be looking to develop a third scorer to take some of the attention away from Ulrickson.

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Noble

Coach: Mike Waterman. first year

Last year: 4-14

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Sean Jackson, sr., G; Austin Swart, sr., F; Gray Waterman, sr., G; Brady Dodge, sr., G; Nolan Smeeton, jr. C

Outlook: The Knights could be much improved with a strong returning senior class that has been bolstered by the return of Dodge, who transferred to Marshwood his sophomore year. Waterman averaged 18 points a game last season while Jackson averaged 16 points a game. At 6-6, Smeeton gives the Knights good size as does Swart at 6-5.

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Portland

Coach: Joe Russo, 24th year

Last year: 16-4 (lost in regional semifinals)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Justin Zukowski, sr., G; Jayvon Pitts-Young, sr., F; Matt Talbot, sr., C; Steve Alex, jr., G; Travis Godbout, sr., G; Dan Kane, sr., F; Amir Moss, so., G; Tanner Foley, jr., F; Joe Esposito, so., G

Outlook: The Bulldogs have three of the top players in the SMAA in Zukowski, Talbot and Pitts-Young. Zukowski, the point guard, averaged 10 points a game and ranked in the top 10 in steals. The 6-5 Talbot was the second-leading rebounder in the league last season with 10.2 boards a game. He averaged 10.5 points a game which increased in the tournament. Pitts-Young averaged 9.8 points a game. If the Bulldogs can find a supporting cast for their big three, they could be in the running for a championship. 

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Sanford

Coach: Paul Nolette, second year

Last year: 11-9 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Evyn Nolette, sr., G; John Morgan, sr., F; Josh Schroder, sr., F-C; Nick Love, so., C; Chase Smith-Roberts, sr., G-F; Jordan Tranchemontagne, sr., G-F; Tye Laviolette, so., G

Outlook: Nolette, the coach’s son, starts his third season as the point guard. He averaged 11 points and three assists a game last season. He ranked seventh in 3-pointers. The Spartans will look to push. The key will be rebounding. If Sanford can get its share, it could have a good season. Morgan, Schroder and Love will be counted on to rebound and play strong defense in the middle. Smith-Roberts is a valuable player up front and in the backcourt.

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Scarborough

Coach: Tony DiBiase, second year

Last year: 13-7 (lost in regional quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Dan LeClair, sr., F; Matt Hartl, G, sr.; Milani Hicks, jr., G., Nate Wessel, jr., F

Outlook: The Red Storm will look to push the ball whenever possible to create openings. The team graduated nearly all of its scoring from last season. LeClair is the lone returning starter. A lack of size could give the Storm problems against the bigger teams.

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South Portland

Coach: Phil Conley, seventh year

Last year: 18-4 (Western Maine Class A champions)

Returning starters: None

Impact players: Jaren Muller, jr., C; Patrick Conley, sr., G; Robert Graff, sr., G; Kam Harper, jr., G; Matt Beecher, jr., F

Outlook: The Red Riots graduated their entire starting five that won the regional title before losing to Hampden Academy in the state championship. The team will build around the 6-5 Muller, last season’s sixth man who saw as much action as the starters. Muller averaged 10 points a game with his smooth inside game. His points and rebound averages should climb with a year’s experience under his belt. Conley, the coach’s son, is the point guard.

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Thornton Academy

Coach: Bob Davies, 11th year

Last year: 12-8 (lost in semifinals)

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Quinn Richardson-Newton, sr., F; Ruben Moses, sr., G; Kevin Barrett, jr., F; Evan Wright, sr., G

Outlook: The Golden Trojans should be one of the top teams in the SMAA with four returning starters. The team is looking to get past the semifinal round, which has been a stumbling block of late. The 6-3 Richardson-Newton averaged 13 points a game last season. Moses, Barrett and Wright also bring a lot of experience. If the Golden Trojans can develop some of the new players, it could take some of the attention away from the experienced players while adding balance. The Golden Trojans are a top-five team, and possibly even higher.

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Westbrook

Coach: Mike Burke, first year

Last year: 13-6 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: None

Impact players: Aquoi Alexander, sr., G; Moses Abwoch, so., G; Derek Breunig, jr., F; Noah Collins, sr., F; Sean Jany, jr., F; Isaiah Manoogian, jr., G

Outlook: The Blue Blazes have a new coach in Mike Burke, the former Gorham High star who had been an assistant coach at South Portland for the last three seasons. Westbrook graduated its entire starting five. The Blue Blazes have a good mix of size and quickness, which they hope meshes. Alexander and Abwoch can hit the 3-pointer. Jany at 6-6 and Breunig at 6-4 give the team some height.

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Windham

Coach: Kevin Millington, 17th year

Last year: 7-12 (lost in prelims)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Spencer Hodge, sr., G; Kevin Weisser, jr., F; C.J. Berthiaume, sr., F; Markus D’Andrea, jr., G; Troy Davis, jr., G

Outlook: The Eagles look to build around returning starters Hodge and Weisser. Hodge averaged 10 points a game. Weisser is 6-3 with good range from outside. The Eagles have some quick guards and athletic big men and should be able to run and press more than in the past.

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Class B

Camden Hills

Coach: Jeff Hart, 32nd year

Last year: 13-7 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Chandler Crans, sr., F; Colin Morse, sr., G; Jayson Kuhn, sr., G; Connor Graffram, sr., F; John Hall, sr., C; Andrew Hall, jr., G; Terron Bailey, sr., F; Merrill Hall, sr., G

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Outlook: The Windjammers return four starters from a team that went 13-7 overall. They should be back in their familiar role as a Class B championship contender. Morse, the 6-foot-3 point guard, averaged 12 points a game. Crans also averaged 12 points a game. Once again, the Windjammers will have good overall size.

Cape Elizabeth

Coach: Jim Ray, 20th year

Last year: 14-6 (lost in regional semifinals)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ethan Murphy, jr., G; Eddie Galvin, jr, G-F

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Outlook: The Capers are young and inexperienced with the exception of Murphy and Galvin. who will look to set the tone for the rest of the team. Both played well as sophomores. Galvin is 6-foot-1 and one of the tallest on the team. The team has only two seniors. Cape will look to run and press, hoping to generate some offense. This is one of Ray’s most inexperienced teams, but he has a way of getting such teams into the tournament.

Freeport

Coach: Matt Cook, third year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Chandler Birmingham, sr., G; Matt Schulteis, sr., F; Jack Davenport, so., F; Brendan Qualls, jr., F

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Outlook: The Falcons are hoping experience gained from last season will serve them well. One player with plenty of experience is Birmingham. who has started since his freshman year. A point guard, Birmingham averaged 14 points a game. Davenport started more than half the games last season and the 6-4 Qualls had a strong summer of play.

Fryeburg Academy

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 16th year

Last year: 10-9 (lost in prelim round)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Walker Mallory, sr., G; Jaquan Causer, sr., F

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Outlook: Mallory was one of the top shooters from beyond the arc in the WMC last season and the team’s leading scorer at 13 points a game. Causer is a strong rebounder. How well the holdovers mesh with the newcomers will go a long way in determining wins and loses. Over the past two seasons, the Raiders have started slowly, but gotten hot in the second half of the season.

Gray- New Gloucester

Coach: Ryan Deschenes, second year

Last year: 4-14

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Sam Johnson, sr., G; Brandon Thibeault, sr., G; Justin McKenna, sr., G; Spencer Harriman, sr., F; David Chanlette, jr., G; Andreas Kariotis, jr., G

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Outlook: The Patriots are well stocked at guard and will start four guards and a forward. Johnson will run the offense at point guard. Kariotis is the top returning scorer at 10 points a game. The team should be more competitive than last year and looking to gain a playoff berth.

Greely

Coach: Travis Seaver, second year

Last year: 10-10 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Mike McDevitt, sr., C; Bailey Train, sr., F; Connor Hanley, sr., F; Kyle Wood, jr., F/C; Gabe Axelsen, jr., G; Pat O’Shea, sr. G

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Outlook: The Rangers have the makings of a championship team if things come together. They’re tall and talented. McDevitt is one of the top big men in the state. The 6-7 center averaged 15.4 points and 9.8 rebounds a game. Train is 6-4 and a threat from 3-point range. He averaged 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds. Hanley and Wood add to Greely’s height at 6-4 and 6-5. O’Shea will be the point guard, joined by Axelsen in the backcourt.

Lake Region

Coach: J.P. Yorkey, fourth year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Mark Williams, sr., G; Sam Smith, sr., G; Quinn Piland, jr., F; Jack Lesure, so., G; Ben Chaine, sr., G; Nate Smith, so., G; Nick Hall , jr., C; Nick Wandishin, so., F

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Outlook: The Lakers have good depth, especially in the backcourt. They all can shoot the 3-pointer. The 6-2 Piland is the top returning scorer and rebounder at 9.6 points and eight rebounds. Lake Region will look to run and press. Williams is a talented guard. The Lakers are confident of having a shot to make the tournament.

Lincoln Academy

Coach: Chris McKinney, third year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: A.J. Oliver, sr., G-F; Seward Matel, sr., F-C; Sawyer Pinkham, jr., G; Devon Scherer, jr., G/F

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Outlook: The Eagles will look to capitalize on their quickness, athleticism and defensive intensity. Oliver and Pinkham are returning starters. At 5-11 and rugged, Oliver can contend with taller opponents inside. The Eagles should be improved in a tough league.

Medomak Valley

Coach: Nick DePatsy, seventh year

Last year: 19-3 (Class B state runners-up)

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Micah Williamson, jr., G; Nicholas DePatsy, so.,G-F; Colton Spear, jr., F

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Outlook: The Panthers graduated four starters. Williamson is a returning starter. DePatsy, the point guard, saw action. He’s grown to 6-3 and will contribute outside with his ability to shoot the 3-pointer and also to get to the rim. Other players are skilled at shooting the 3. That will add to the uptempo and pressing style, where they must be successful at in order to have another strong season.

Morse

Coach: Sam Hayes, second year

Last year: 7-11 (lost in prelims)

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ethan Winglass, jr., F; Casey Watson, jr., F; Chris Paulus, sr., C; Jacob Freeman, sr., G; William McDonough, sr., G; Keegan McDonough, so., G

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Outlook: The Shipbuilders are hoping the experience gained last season will be a positive. Winglass is a returning double-figure scorer. Paulus missed the second half of last season with an injury, but is ready to go. Morse is looking for the underclassmen to fill roles. If that happens and the Shipbuilders maintain a good tempo in games, they should reach the tournament.

Oceanside

Coach: Matt Breen, 10th year

Last year: 14-5 (lost in prelim round)

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Isaiah Stone-Patterson, sr. G; fourth year starter, 11 points per game, plays the point, sets other people up; David Gould, sr., G; Nick Mazurek, so., F; Keenan Hendricks, so., G; Nick Judge, sr. G; Hunter Grindle, sr. F;

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Outlook: Oceanside graduated four starters and most of its height, but there’s enough back to safely return to the tournament. Stone-Patterson is a four-year starter who will be the point guard once again. The team’s only returning starter averaged 11 points a game last season. Mazurek, Hendricks, Judge and Grindle all saw action last season and are primed to play leading roles. The team has excellent depth with a number of players capable of leading the team in scoring.

Poland

Coach: Tyler Tracy, fourth year

Last year: 4-14

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: C.J. Martin, sr., G; Tyler Michaud, sr., G; Josh Gary, sr., F; Shawn Murphy, sr., F; Billy Bickford, sr., F; Alan Young, jr., F; Derek Michaud, jr., G

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Outlook: With all five starters back, the Knights look to contend in Western Maine B. Martin averaged 14 points a game last season and was named second team all-WMC. Tyler Michaud averaged eight points a game. The team has good size with five players who are 6-3 or taller. The biggest difference from a year ago is that the players are a lot bigger and stronger.

Wells

Coach: Troy Brown, sixth year

Last year: 11-9 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jake Moody, sr., G; Chris Carney, jr., G; Nate Booth, jr., G; Matt Ingalls, sr., F; Kyle Goodale, sr., C; Alex Kuhman, sr., G; Zach Moore, sr., G

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Outlook: Moody led the Western Maine Conference in scoring at just over 20 points a game. The strength of the team is the backcourt with guards looking to push the ball up the floor. Wells will be looking for others to complement Moody’s scoring. Booth and Carney are logical candidates. At 6-4, Goodale will be counted on for rebounding.

Yarmouth

Coach: Adam Smith, 10th year

Last year: 10-8 (lost in prelims)

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: David Murphy, sr., G; Nate Shields-Auble, sr., C; Ethan Gage, sr., F; Adam LaBrie, jr., G; Jordan Brown, jr., G; Musseit M’Bareck, so., G

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Outlook: The Clippers return three starters from last season in Murphy, Shields-Auble and LaBrie. Murphy averaged 15 points a game and is dangerous from 3-point range. Shields-Auble was a starter on the Class B state championship team as a sophomore. He averaged 10 points and eight rebounds a game. Both Shields-Auble and Gage are 6-4. LaBrie is another scorer. This is a deep squad which is expecting to go deep into the playoffs. 

York

Coach: Randy Small, fifth year

Last year: 19-2 (Western Class B runnerup)

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Mike Gallagher, sr., G; Ross Hogan, sr., G-F; Nick Darby, sr., C; Adam Legg, sr., G; Mark McGlashing, jr., F; Matt Pratt, jr., F; Zach Gauthier, jr., G

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Outlook: The Wildcats are regrouping after graduating four starters from a team that finished second in Western B. The program is good at staying near the top and this season should be no exception. Gallager is one of the top point guards in the league. The team will look for more balanced scoring. Gallagher, Hogan, Darby and Legg should help supply that balance.

CLASS C

Boothbay Region

Coach: I. J. Pinkham, 37th year

Last year: 20-2 (Class C state runnersup)

Returning starters: 3

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Impact players: John Hepburn, jr., F; Andrew Hallinan, sr., G; Evan Hepburn, jr., G/F

Outlook: The Seahawks have another strong team, led by John Hepburn, last year’s Western Class C tournament MVP. He averaged 14 points a game. Hallinan is being moved to point guard after playing the two spot last season. He’s another scorer. Evan Hepburn can play guard or forward. Boothbay has a lot of depth and should battle for the regional title once again.

Old Orchard Beach

Coach: John Regan, 14th year

Last year: 14-5 (lost in the quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 2

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Impact players: Joey Gildard, sr., G; Tyler Scott, sr., G; Zach Seamans, sr.. F; Bryan Roberts, jr., F; Joe Anderson, so., C; Erik Hogan, so., G

Outlook: The Seagulls don’t have the size of recent teams so relying on quickness and athleticism will be keys. They will look to use pressure defense to extend the floor and create turnovers. Anderson at 6-3 will be key inside, Gildard and Scott bring experience to the team.

Sacopee Valley

Coach: Ben Murphy, first year

Last Year: 0-16

Returning starters: 2

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Impact Players: Alex Fenderson, sr., F; Anthony Haskell, sr., F; Dominic Locke, jr., G; Blake Trueworthy, jr., G; Mike Pingree, jr., F

Outlook: The Hawks have a new coach in Murphy. He will have his team play an uptempo style. The Hawks will sometimes go 10 to 12 players deep in games. Fenderson and Haskell are returning starters. Trueworthy is a strong 3-point shooter and Locke is the point guard. Sacopee will be looking for improvement in steady increments.

Traip Academy

Coach: Jeremy Paul, 10th year

Last year: 7-11

Returning starters: 1

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Impact players: Chris Czachor, sr., G; Peter Roy, sr., G; Josh Scheneir, jr., G; Chris Bailey, jr., F;

Outlook: Traip graduated nine seniors. Czachor is the only player with extensive playing time from last season. The Rangers have a little more size than last year, but are not quite as athletic. The team will have to focus on defense while being more patient on offense. Traip has a challenging schedule with eight games against Class B teams.

Waynflete

Coach: Rich Henry, 10th year

Last year: 17-2 (lost in the regional finals)

Returning starters: 2

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Impact players: Serge Nyirikambia, sr., F; Henry Cleaves, sr., F; Joe Schnier, sr., F; Harry Baker-Connick, jr., G; Milo Belleawu, so., G; Abel Alemayo, so., G; Pace Hutchinson, jr., F; Willy Burdick, so., G; Will Nelligan, so., G

Outlook: The Flyers have their leading scorer back in Nyirikambia and their point guard in Baker-Connick. They also have some key reserves returning. Waynflete will need to have some players step in to new roles and lessen the impact of the players who graduated. If the Flyers can achieve that while playing their customary uptempo style, it should be another successful season.

Wiscasset

Coach: Dana Lawrence. third year

Last year: 10-8 (lost in quarterfinals)

Returning starters: 4

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Impact players: Dale Peaslee, sr., C; Chandler Longfellow, sr., G; Matt Craig, jr., G/F; Travis Padilla, jr., G/F; Dylan McMahon, jr., F; Jennings Souza, so, G

Outlook: Wiscasset should be one of the top teams in Class C and has several scorers. Padilla led the team in scoring and assists last season. Peaslee and McMahon are returning top rebounders. All the players can score so points shouldn’t be a problem. Defensively, the team needs to rebound and limit turnovers. 

CLASS D

Greater Portland Christian

Coach: Travis Bush, second year

Last year: 0-17

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Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Jeremiah Hammond, fr., G; David Davol, so., F; Mason Jones, eighth grade, C; Sam Purington, sr., C

Outlook: This is a program that jumped into varsity action last season after not having a team the previous season. Thus, the results were expected. With a year under their belts, the team is hopeful of improvement. The first win will be special.

Hyde School

Coach: Peter Rowe, third year

Last year: 15-4 (lost in semifinals)

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Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Warsame Mohamed, sr., G/F; Wilson MacMillian, sr., G; Talin Rowe, sr., F; Evander Lenardson, sr., G/F; Keifer Cundy, jr. G; Wes Miller, sr., G

Outlook: The Phoenix have the talent to contend. The 6-4 Mohamed is one of the top players in Class D. He averaged 15 points a game. But the team has others who can score, notably MacMillian and Lenardson. Rowe is the defensive specialist and Cundy is point guard.

North Yarmouth Academy

Coach: Jason Knight, second year

Last year: 7-11

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Returning starters: 3

Impact players: El Tayeb Dahia, sr., G; Chase Gendron, jr, F/C: Jackson Cohan-Smith, sr. G; Ryan Hemenway, sr., G/F; Forrest Chicoine, sr. F; Eoin Anderson, jr, G; D.J. Nicholas, jr. G.

Outlook: The Panthers have their top two scorers back and are optimistic of making the tournament. That would be in Class D as NYA has moved from ‘C’. Gendron averaged 11 points and seven rebounds a game while Dahia had 10 points and five rebounds a game. A key will be how newcomers develop.

Pine Tree Academy

Coach: Roger Wilday, first year

Last year: 2-14

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Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Chris Wilday, jr, G; J.P. Tshamala, so., F

Outlook: The team will be led by Wilday, the coach’s son. He has been the starting point guard since the eighth grade. He averaged 10 points a game. Tshamala averaged 8 points a game. The team is very young with only one senior.

Seacoast Christian

Coach: Matt Cardinal, second year

Last year: 10-8 (lost in quarterfinals)

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Logan Archer, sr., F; Isaac LaCroix, jr., G

Outlook: The team has its top two scorers back in Archer and LaCroix. Five new players will bolster the team’s chances. The team will focus its playoff hopes on defense.

– By Tom Chard, Staff Writer


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