CLASS A

Biddeford

Coach: Brian Heal, fourth year

Last season: 4-14

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Carissa Gelinas, jr., PG; Bailey Cote, sr., F; Charlotte White, soph., G; Kendra Cote, fresh, F.

Outlook: Gelinas (14 ppg) heads a group of four juniors entering their third year on varsity as the Tigers try to take another step toward playoff contention. Lone senior Bailey Cote has taken more of a leadership role while Kendra Cote (a distant cousin) is expected to start right away.

Bonny Eagle

Coach: Suzanne Rondeau, eighth year

Last season: 7-12; lost in Western A prelim

Impact players: Samantha Maxfield, jr., G/F; Bethany Ashley, soph., G; Delaney McCoullough, jr., PG; Cassidy Emery, soph., G; Elizabeth Bushey, jr., F.

Outlook: Rondeau believes this year’s team is the most athletic and best shooting squad she has had at Bonny Eagle. The Scots will look to make up for a lack of size with defensive intensity and an up-tempo game. Seven players return to the regular rotation. Maxfield, a dynamic player, will shift from power forward to guard and figures to lead a deep rotation.

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Sam Farrell, fifth year

Last year: 2-16 in Eastern A

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Anna Dimick, sr., F; Lyse Henshaw, sr., G; Julia Champagne, jr., G; Gillian Doehring, soph., G; Emily Black, soph., G.

Outlook: Six freshmen join three sophomores on the varsity roster. Farrell is looking for improvement and wants to do it with a run-and-gun style led by Champagne, whom Farrell calls “one of the best players in the conference.” Blending the youth with the key older players will be critical for overall success.

CHEVERUS

Coach: Richie Ashley, seventh year

Last season: 18-3, lost in Western A final

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Georgia Ford, sr., PG; Sadie Lyons, sr., F; Cassidy Grover, sr., C; Alisha Starbird, sr., SG; Jillian Libby, jr., G/F; Jess Willerson, soph., F/C.

Outlook: Despite Ford being the only returning starter – and she is shifting to the point – the Stags are cited by many opposing coaches to be a top-four caliber team. “We’ll see about that,” Ashley said. “We’re young. We have five seniors but they haven’t played a lot.” Cheverus will be among the taller teams, with a starting lineup likely to be 5-9, 5-11 and three 6-footers, including the multi-talented 6-2 Willerson.

DEERING

Coach: Mike Murphy sixth year

Last season: 17-3; lost in Western A semifinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Lee Ann Downs, sr., G; Tasia Titherington, F, G; Courtney Brett, jr., G.

Outlook: Deering graduated four seniors, including point guard Chelsea Saucier, 6-4 post Marissa MacMillan and its best outside shooters. A top-tier program for the past decade that has emphasized defensive principles, lone returning starter Downs will be surrounded by young Rams who will have to develop quickly.

FALMOUTH

Coach: Mari Warner, fourth year

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

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ally Hickey, jr., G; Dana Vasconcelos, junior, G/F; Emma Powers, sr., PG; Jessica Burton, jr., F

Outlook: Hickey, a 6-foot guard, and Vasconcelos are returning starters as Falmouth looks to continue its late-season improvement from a year ago. This year the schedule remains in Western Maine Conference Class B while any tournament appearance will be in Western A. The 5-11 Burton adds size and talent, as does 6-1 junior Kayla Walsh. Senior guard Erica Pugsley is another player who was limited a year ago (hand injury) who could make a breakthrough.

GORHAM

Coach: Laughn Berthiaume, seventh year

Last season: 12-8, lost in Western A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jessica Rexrode, sr., G; Abby Hamilton, jr., G; Emily Deluca, sr., G; Ashley Woodbury, jr., G; Emily Esposito, fresh, G.

Outlook: If the undersized Rams can hold their own on the boards they will battle for a preliminary-round bye with seven returning players, led by 3-point threats Rexrode, Deluca and Woodbury. The lineup gets a boost from Esposito, a 5-9 ballhandler who Berthiaume (and other coaches) believes will quickly establish herself as a top talent.

KENNEBUNK

Coach: Rob Sullivan, 18th year

Last season: 3-13

Returning Starters: 0

Key Players: Hayley Richardson, sr., G; Sarah Bradley, jr., F; Abigail Doyle, jr., C; Hannah Pepin, jr., G.

Outlook: The Rams will be returning to a Western Maine Conference Class B schedule but would compete in Class A in the tournament. That will be tough with no returning starters, and only four seniors and juniors combined. The emphasis will be on playing with lots of energy, development and improvement, particularly for the three sophomores and four freshmen expected to see significant playing time.

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Angie Littlefield, first year

Last season: 9-10, lost in first round

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Megan McLean, jr., G; Lydia St. Pierre, jr., G; Emily Robida, soph., G/F; Johnna Kashmer, sr., F; Kat Locke, soph., F.

Outlook: One-year junior varsity coach Littlefield takes over on an interim basis. Lee Petrie made the decision a week before tryouts to not coach this season due to the recent adoption of a son. McLean is the lone returning starter but Littlefield expects St. Pierre, the versatile 5-10 Robida and heady Kashmer to adapt quickly to expanded roles. Locke is a promising 5-10 post player.

MASSABESIC

Coach: Holly McHale, third year

Last season: 5-13

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jolena Lampron, sr., F; Monica St. Amand, sr. G; Emma Cost, soph., G.

Outlook: Tri-captains Lampron and St. Amand are in their third year on the varsity, as is McHale, and Cost saw time as a freshman a year ago and will start at the point. With no player taller than 5-9, the Mustangs will try to utilize quickness to create offense off their defense. McHale feels she has the ballhandlers across the lineup to deflect opponents’ pressure but the Mustangs graduated most of their offense and are still a young team with limited depth.

MCAULEY

Coach: Bill Goodman, third year

Last season: 22-0, won Class A title

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Allie Clement, sr., G; Victoria Lux, jr., C; Olivia Smith, sr., F; Jackie Welch, sr., G; Olivia Delphonse, jr., G.

Outlook: Still clearly the team to beat with Clement, Lux and Smith all returning after All-State seasons. But injuries have weakened the strong foundation. The 6-3 Smith, who has committed to Dartmouth, is out until at least mid-January with an ACL injury, Clement (committed to Marist) has been troubled by a stress fracture in her foot since last season and sophomore guard Sarah Clement (Allie’s sister) will miss the entire year due to an ACL injury. On the plus side, the 6-foot Lux, who shot 57 percent from the floor as a sophomore, is much improved, and Welch and Delphonse are ready for larger roles. Sophomore Margaret Hatch could also be in the mix.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Kelly LaFountain, 14th year

Last season: 16-4, lost in Eastern A semifinals

Returning Starters: 2

Impact players: Caitlin LaFountain, sr., F/G; Lindsey Cornelison, jr., F; Katie Labbay, jr., G.

Outlook: The Eagles are young with limited varsity experience this year due to graduating four senior contributors, including Mallory Nelson (18.8 ppg). The team has the potential to surprise some opponents this year. The returning players will need to step up and play major roles, and the newcomers will need to adjust to the varsity level quickly.

NOBLE

Coach: John Coffin, fifth year

Last season: 1-17

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Amber Kelly, sr, G; Danielle Logan, sr., F; Melody Bailey, jr., G.

Outlook: The Knights have five returning players with varsity experience, including senior forward Brooke Gebhardt and athletic junior forward Katie Taylor. Kelly will be relied on for much of the scoring and Coffin believes his team has better overall quickness.

PORTLAND

Coach: Jan Veinot, seventh year

Last season: 7-11 in Western A

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Brianna Holdren, sr., G; Mariana Angelo, sr., PG; Elizabeth Donato, jr., G/F; Gabby Wagabaza, jr., C; Cierra Burnham, soph., F/G; Haley Nelson, sr., F.

Outlook: The Bulldogs have the talent to score in bunches, get over .500, and make it back in the tourney with returning starters Holdren, Donato and Angelo on the perimeter and the addition of the 5-11 Wagabaza, who transferred from Cheverus. The tenacious Burnham came off the bench as an undersized post player a year ago but has added an outside game and been impressive in the preseason.

SANFORD

Coach: Kristy Parent, 14th year

Last season: 13-7, lost in Western A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Morgan Fogg, sr., G; Shelby Paiement, sr., F; Grace Riley, sr., G; Laura Kirkpatrick, jr., G; Liz Bougie, jr. G/F

Outlook: The Spartans are in a definite rebuilding season with only Fogg and Paiement who saw any significant time a year ago. Six freshmen are on the varsity roster. Parent does like that her team has a good balance between post and guard play, though most of the older players are guards.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Mike Giordano, first year

Last season: 16-4, lost in Western A semifinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Ashley Briggs, jr., G; Bailey Adams, jr., PG; Emma Hall, soph., F; Regan Mars, soph., F.

Outlook: All-SMAA performer Briggs will be asked to carry a big load but Giordano, the former South Portland coach, expects his team to be tough on the defensive end. The only senior on the varsity is reserve guard McKenzie O’Brien, who is on her fourth head coach in four years. “The kids are hard-working, want to be coached and have been very respectful,” Giordano said.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Lynne Hasson, first year

Last season: 12-7, lost in West quarterfinals

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Brianne Maloney, sr., F; MacKenzie Bowring, sr., G/F; Holly Black, jr. C; Maddie Hasson, so., G; Lydia Henderson, fresh., G

Outlook: New coach Hasson, a 12-year assistant, expects to have a top contender with all five starters back. Maloney, a strong leader, can score inside and out while Bowring is expected to be a top outside shooter. Hasson played the point a year ago but will move to the off guard with Henderson taking over the point. If Black can add a scoring touch to her tenacious inside game and the promising bench develops, the Riots could reach their goals.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Eric Marston, fourth year

Last season: 12-8, lost in Western A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact Players: Olivia Shaw, sr., F; Katie McCrum, jr., G; Hannah Murphy, sr., G; Lauren Leskowsky, sr., C; Ashley Howe, soph., G/F.

Outlook: The Trojans could step up to challenge the best in Western A if McCrum and Murphy are fully recovered from injuries. Both had strong freshman seasons and have been slowed by knee injuries. The 6-foot Shaw (12 ppg) is a dangerous 3-point shooter with the strength to bang inside and is a sneaky off-ball defender.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Chris Aube, third year

Last season: 2-16

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Alicia Aube, fresh., PG; Danasia Fennie, fresh., C; Chelsea Rairdon, soph., G/F; Madi Mullett, soph., F.

Outlook: The Blue Blazes could be the youngest starting five in the SMAA with Aube (coach’s niece) running the point and shot-blocking Fennie in the post, joining returning sophomores Rairdon and Mullett. All four are 5-10 or 5-11, giving Westbrook good size. Aube is looking to junior Bri Barlow and senior center Paige Baldwin for veteran leadership. Look for Westbrook to make a push for a playoff spot, especially if the freshmen contribute as Coach Aube expects.

WINDHAM

Coach: Brody Artes, second year

Last season: 9-10, lost in prelim

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Sam Frost, sr., G; Sadie Nelson, soph., F; Lonnie Staten, sr., F/C; Haley Batchelder, sr., F; Katie Herzig, soph., PG

Outlook: Competitive a year ago. the Eagles have all five starters back with improved junior guard Luisa Sbardella adding athleticism and shooting off the bench. The 5-10 Nelson led the team in scoring as a freshman and can play inside or out. Staten and Batchelder bring experienced strength down low and, along with Frost, provide strong leadership. Herzig returns to the starting point guard role.

CLASS B

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Marty Messer, fourth year

Last season: 14-6, lost in Eastern B semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact Players: Rachel Pease, jr., C; Bekah Hilt, sr., F; Maddie Bowman, soph., G; Charlotte Messer, fresh., G.

Outlook: The Windjammers lost three starters to graduation, including the school’s all-time leading scorer Jordan Knowlton (1,532 career points) but return many players with varsity experience. Pease is a 6-1 presence down low and should be one of the top rebounders and defensive players in Class B. This team will be able to put a tall lineup on the floor but also has very skilled guards.

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Christine Casterella, seventh year

Last season: 11-9, lost in Western B quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Kate Miklavic, sr., PG; Emma O’Rourke, sr., G; Mary Perkins, sr., G; Elizabeth Cloutier, sr., C

Outlook: Coming off its first above-.500 season since 1996, the Capers are – with the exception of Wells – the most experienced team in the conference. Captains Miklavic, O’Rourke and Perkins are four-year varsity players. Cape will try to press, make the game a full-court affair and believes it has superior depth than most in what is expected to be a nightly battle in the WMC.

FREEPORT

Coach: Jim Seavey, second year

Last season: 13-7, lost in Western B quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Nina Davenport, sr., F; Ashley Richardson, sr., G; Vanessa Lee, sr., F; Livvy Dimick, sr., G; Lauren Cormier, jr., G; MacKenzie Ackley, jr. F.

Outlook: The Falcons reached new heights last year by appearing at the Expo for the Western B quarterfinals and can build on that experience. All-Telegram player Davenport (19.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) is one of the WMC’s toughest matchups. Richardson provides plenty of spark at both ends and will take over at point guard while Lee and Dimick look to provide other scoring options for the Falcons. Cormier and Ackley could be instrumental for another tourney run.

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sean Watson, second year

Last season: 4-14 in Western B

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Skye Dole, sr., C; Sarah Welch, sr., F; Sydney Charles, sr., G; Julia Quinn, soph., G; Alexis L’Heureux-Carland, soph., F

Outlook: With another year of experience behind the starters, Fryeburg should make a playoff run. Dole was the WMC’s second-leading rebounder a year ago, and sophomores Quinn and L’Heureux-Carland both started as freshmen. Sophomore guard McKenna Gerchman and freshman guard McKenzie Buzzell should see quality minutes in the rotation.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Mike Andreasen, third year

Last season: 13-6, lost prelim in Western B

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Maria Valente, jr., F; Stephanie Greaton, sr., C; Grace Ferguson, sr., F; Julia Martell, sr., PG; Zoe Adams, jr., F.

Outlook: Gray-New Gloucester improved by four wins a year ago. Greaton is out until January after shoulder surgery, but this team is ready to compete with the WMC’s best. Valente is a two-time all-WMC performer who knows how to get to the line. Martell takes over at the point, and she and Adams, along with freshman Alicia Dumont, will look to add some outside scoring. Considering the strength of the league, a similar regular-season record will be fine.

GREELY

Coach: Joel Rogers, second year

Last season: 15-6, lost in Western B semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ashley Storey, jr., F; Blaise Tardiff, sr., F; Jordynne Copp, sr., C; Haley Felkel, jr., G/F;

Outlook: The Rangers are expected to challenge for a top-four spot in Western B but will need to get Storey, a 6-2 inside-outside threat, recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. “She’s going to be one heck of a force when she’s back,” Rogers said. Tardiff and Copp bring toughness down low. Young guards Molly Chapin, a freshman, and sophomore point Sara Felkel will be asked to mature quickly.

LAKE REGION

Coach: Paul True, 10th year

Last season: 19-3, lost in Class B state final

Returning starters: 3

Impact: Tiana-Jo Carter, sr., C; Sarah Hancock, jr., G; CeCe Hancock, soph., G; Jordan Turner, sr. G.

Outlook: With All-Telegram defensive stopper Carter (19.1 rebounds, 4.2 blocks) back, the Lakers are favored to win a third straight Western B title. The Lakers did graduate six, including standouts Kelsey Winslow and Sydney Hancock. The other Hancocks and Turner will need to add more offense.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Kevin Feltis, second year

Last season: 8-10

Returning starters: 3

Impact Players: Jen Genthner, sr., C; Leslie Sandefur, jr., F; Barrett Campbell, soph., G; Danielle Pinkham, Jr., G; Brie Wajer, fresh., G.

Outlook: In the 6-foot Genthner, they return their leading scorer and rebounder from last season. Sandefur has been a consistent inside threat. Campbell and Pinkham have 3-point capabilities, and Wajer has speed and ball-handling skills. The bench is deep with lots of experience.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Randy Hooper, ninth year

Last season: 5-13 in Eastern B

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Hannah Marks, jr., G; Sammie Griffin, sr., G; Hannah Heald, jr., F; Justice Barrows, soph., C; Brooke Benedict, sr., G.

Outlook: After four straight trips to the tournament, Medomak did not qualify for postseason play last year. To return, it will take continued balanced scoring inside from Heald and Barrows, and outside from Marks and Griffin. With only two seniors, Medomak will need young players like sophomore forwards Maggie Cox and Sophie Cohen to gain valuable experience quickly.

MORSE

Coach: Becky Roak, second year

Last season: 5-11 in Eastern B

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Emma Harrington, so., C; Signe Ostergaard, soph., G; Isabelle Paulus, soph., G; Noa Sreden, fresh., G

Outlook: The Shipbuilders have a developing team with talent but may still be a year away from reaching the playoffs. On the other hand, Roak likes her squad’s court sense and chemistry, and both Harrington and Ostergaard started as freshmen. Morse will look to use an uptempo style to its advantage.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Shawn Dulac, first year

Last season: 16-3, lost in Eastern B quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Emily Gould, jr., G/F; Brooke Dugan, sr., G; Makenna Brooks, soph., G/F; Ashley Gardner, jr., F/C; Caitlin Rave, jr., G/F; Lily Vachon, jr., G.

Outlook: Dulac, a French teacher at Oceanside and the boys’ varsity tennis coach, takes over for Teel Foster and inherits a team that showed improvement last season but graduated five key contributors, including top scorer and rebounder Kennadi Grover (15 ppg, 10 rpg). Dulac will focus on being the top rebounding team in the KVAC.

POLAND

Coach: Darren Littlefield, third year

Last season: 6-12 in Western B

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Emily Bolduc, sr., G; Lindsay Theriault, sr., G/F; Michaella Arsenault, jr., G/F.

Outlook: The Knights are among a group in the WMC that has improved and will be competitive on a regular basis. Littlefield expects promising underclassmen to complement his returning players. Bolduc has been an All-conference player each of the last three years and makes everyone play at a higher level.

WELLS

Coach: Donnie Abbott

Last season: 9-12, lost in Western B semifinals

Returning starters: 5

Impact Players: Alison Furness, sr., F; Nicki Moody, sr., PG; Sophie Lamb, sr., F; Jordan Agger, sr., F; Stephanie Woods, sr., G; Kate Tufts, sr., G.

Outlook: As the most experienced team, the Warriors are a consensus pick to be among the top teams in Western B, and Furness is a proven impact player and two-time All-WMC pick. As an undersized team that lives on turnovers, Wells must bring intensity every game, attack the basket and get to the free- throw line.

YARMOUTH

Coach: Chris Strong, first year

Last season: 1-17

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Abby Nielsen, sr., F; Sean Cahill, sr, C; Grace O’Donnell, sr., G; Shannon Fallon, jr., G; Cory Langenbach, fresh., G.

Outlook: New coach Strong (the 1990 Telegram female Athlete of the Year) and assistant coach Ashley Marble (USM basketball star, now a personal trainer and nutritionist) expect the Clippers to be able to play a full 32 minutes. Nielsen and the 6-foot Cahill should provide an inside presence to go with a lot of guards. O’Donnell will be a scoring threat and Langenbach will bring athletic ability off the bench.

YORK

Coach: Rick Clark, 32nd year

Last season: 18-3, lost in Western B final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Shannon Todd, soph., G/F; Anne Graziano, sr., G; Paige McElwain, jr., G; Chloe Smedley, soph., C/F; Madeline Leroux, sr., F.

Outlook: Young a year ago, the Wildcats are now Clark’s youngest team ever with seven sophomores (five are varsity returners) and three freshmen. Todd is a 5-10 point guard and the team’s catalyst but is out at least two more weeks as she recovers from mononucleosis. Tri-captains Graziano (the other returning starter), McElwain and Leroux, along with Smedley bring experience while the young newcomers, including freshman Lily Posternak, will contribute.

CLASS C

Boothbay Region

Coach: Tanner Grover, second year

Last season: 17-3, lost in Western C semifinals

Returning starters: 2

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

Outlook: The Seahawks lost five players from last year’s team, but should still be among the Western Class C playoff contenders. Crocker and Morley will be counted on to produce much of the offense. Crocker (9.3 ppg last year) is a slashing guard capable of breaking down defenses. Durgan adds depth in the backcourt, which should be a strength of the team. The freshmen will be counted on to produce and provide depth.

Old Orchard Beach

Coach: Dean Plante, fourth year

Last season: 14-6, lost in Western C semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Abby Dubois, jr., F; Haley Plante, jr., G; Mackenzie Rague, jr., PG; Kelsey Custeau, sr., F; Lauralee Small, jr., C; Peyton Feitz, soph., C/F

Outlook: The Seagulls lost a lot of experience and scoring from last year’s team, but return an athletic group led by the junior class. Rague returns after missing most of last year with an ACL tear and provides a lot of energy at both ends of the court. As always, the Seagulls will pressure with a frenetic defense and keep the pressure on offensively. They will put up a lot of shots, many from outside the 3-point line.

Sacopee Valley

Coach: Chris Hughes, sixth year

Last season: 8-11, lost in Western C prelim

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Morgan Sanborn, sr., G; Dakota Miner, sr., F; Emma Glatzer, jr., F; Bailey Marden, sr., G/F; Abby Hughes, soph., G; Morgan Carpenter, soph. F

Outlook: The Hawks return six players who saw extensive playing time in the tournament last year and look to have a little more postseason success. The key will be their offense, particularly from the outside. Sanborn is the leading scorer back, with about 10 points per game, and attacks the basket whenever she can. Defensively, this could be a difficult team to beat.

Traip Academy

Coach: Scott Blake, first year

Last season: 6-11, lost in Western C prelimin

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Alli Barrett, sr., G/F; Kendra Kagiliery, sr., G; Kaylie Andrews, sr., PG; Katie Cuttle, sr., F; Emily Hartley, sr., F; Marina Casey, fr., F

Outlook: Blake comes over to Kittery after nine years as the freshman boys’ coach at nearby Marshwood in South Berwick. Barrett should be one of the better players in the WMC, an aggressive rebounder and defender who can also score. Cuttle, Hartley and Casey will be pivotal on the boards. Defensively, the Rangers will play an aggressive, attacking style and try to score points off transition.

Waynflete

Coach: Brandon Salway, eighth year

Last season: 19-3, won Class C state championship

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Leigh Fernandez, sr., PG; Juliana Harwood, jr., G/F; Helen Gray-Bauer, jr., G; Arianna Gigure, soph., F

Outlook: You don’t lose the Miss Maine Basketball winner (Martha Veroneau) to graduation and not suffer a bit. Her twin Catherine also graduated and younger sister Anne transferred to Cheverus, but Waynflete should again be in the middle of the race. The Flyers may not score as many points but defensively they are again going to be relentless. Fernandez has shown flashes of brilliance, now she has a chance to really step up. Harwood is still working her way back from an ACL tear but will contribute. Gray-Bauer could be a surprise offensively.

Wiscasset

Coach: Patrick Quinn, fourth year

Last season: 4-14

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Briana Goud, sr., F; Kasey Cromwell, sr., PG; Kayla Gordon, jr., F; Miranda McIntire, jr., F; Alecia Faulkingham, jr., G; Tylan Onorato, jr., G; Hanna Foye, jr., F

Outlook: The Wolverines return seven players who have been together for three years. Goud and Cromwell, in fact, have been on the varsity for four years. That experience has allowed him to concentrate on a lot of things in practice. Goud led the Wolverines in scoring and rebounding last year, and Cromwell was tops in assists and steals.

CLASS D

Greater Portland Christian

Coach: Keith Dawson, fourth year

Last season: 12-6, lost in Western D quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Clarissa Jones, soph., C; Ashlee Dawson, soph., G; Kyrie Austin, jr., F; Hannah Hazel, sr., PG

Outlook: The Lions have reached the quarterfinals for six consecutive seasons, but this team may still be a year or two away. Jones is a very strong inside player, bringing back 14 points and 10 rebounds a game from last year. Dawson is a good outside shooter, Austin another strong post player and Hazel a heady point guard.

Hyde School

Coach: Richard Polgar, second year

Last season: 17-2, lost in Western D semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Diamond Brown, soph., C; Carolyn Moore, sr., F; Emma Leonard, sr., G; Lutes Bartlett, soph., C/F; Emma Dubrovsky, fresh., G

Outlook: Hyde was one of the big surprises last year, coming off a winless season, but won’t sneak up on anyone this year. The Phoenix have three girls 6 feet and a couple of others close, so expect them to play a slower tempo. They do have some good leadership from Brown, Moore and Leonard, who should carry a big load.

North Yarmouth Academy

Coach: Liz Smith, fifth year

Last season: 4-13 in Class C

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Charlotte Esancy, sr., F; Chloe Lieshman, sr., G; Hannah Carr, jr., F

Outlook: The Panthers move back to Class D, where they have a decent shot at making the playoffs. Of course they have to stay healthy and they’ve already been hit with one big injury with Lieshman recovering from a broken ankle. Esancy, who missed all of last year with a concussion, is very versatile and will probably handle the ball in Lieshman’s absence. Carr leads a strong group of rebounders.

Pine Tree Academy

Coach: Josh Dayen, first year

Last season: 3-13

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Kim Emerson, jr., C; Becky McGuire, sr., G/F; Allison Verrill, jr., G; Alex Goodman, eighth grader, G

Outlook: Dayen, an assistant for two years, inherits a team with some nice experience. Emerson, at 6-2, will be one of the top defensive stoppers in the conference. McGuire is capable of playing several positions.

Seacoast Christian

Coach: Charlie Johnson, 11th year

Last season: 3-15

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Kylene DeSmith, jr., PG; Kristin Wittner, jr., F/G; Laken Kerrigan, jr., G

Outlook: The Guardians had a rare down year but Johnson expects this to be better. For starters, the players gained experience and, he noted, are much more confident and aggressive. A key will be how well the guards handle pressure.

– Staff Writers Mike Lowe and Steve Craig