• CLASS A

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Mike Fecteau, 12th year

Last year: 10-10, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Cameron Nadeau, sr., G; Nick Leblond, sr., F; Patrick Wilson, sr., G; Matt Cote, sr., F-C; Sam Methot, sr., F; Connor Morrison, sr., C; Kyle Lagasse, sr., G

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Outlook: The Tigers have four starters back — everyone except Bobby Cote — the SMAA MVP. Replacing Cote’s 22.5 points per game will be a challenge. Nadeau and Leblond are the top returning starters at 8.3 and 6.5 points. Cote and Morrison, both 6-foot-3 and receivers on the football team, will be counted on for rebounding. With a veteran team, the Tigers are confident of returning to the tournament.

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Phil Bourassa, fourth year

Last year: 17-4, lost in Western Maine final

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Dustin Cole, jr., G; C.J. Autry, sr., G-F; Ben Malloy, so., G; John Thomas, sr., F; Zach Dubiel, so., G-F

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Outlook: The Scots are led by all-state guard Cole, who averaged 17 points last season to rank fourth in the SMAA. Cole, who led the league in 3-point shooting and assists, has gotten stronger since last season, which should help his overall game. He should surpass 1,000 career points late in the season. Malloy was the SMAA rookie of the year. Autry is a returning starter, and Thomas started in the regional tournament. The Scots have a lot of talent, but not a lot of height.

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Todd Hanson, 17th year

Last year: 11-7, lost in Eastern Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Brad Smith, sr., C; Konnor Scarponi, sr., G; Ryan Black, jr., F; Blake Gordon, jr., G; Derek Devereaux, jr., G; Alex Bandouveres, so., F

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Outlook: The Dragons will have the 6-7 Smith in the middle and four guards around him. The team has strong chemistry that should lead to a tournament berth again. Smith has the potential to average double figures in points and rebounds. Scarponi is in his third year as a starter and will be counted on for scoring and defense. The Dragons were ranked fifth in a preseason poll of KVAC coaches. “If we play together, we should be in the mix,” said Hanson.

CHEVERUS

Coach: Dan Costigan, first year

Last year: 14-6, lost in Western Maine semifinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Drew Ferrick, sr., F; Michael Flaherty, sr., G; Noah Stebbins, jr., G; Zordan Holman, so., C

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Outlook: The Stags have a new coach in Costigan, a longtime assistant for Bob Brown, who retired. Costigan has been a head coach at USM and Scarborough High. The word rebuild is not something the Stags are accustomed to, but that’s what they face this season. Cheverus has its most inexperienced team in recent years. Ferrick is the only returning starter. The 6-5 Ferrick and the 6-6 Holman are keys to the inside game. Holman was named to the league’s all-rookie team. Flaherty will play point guard.

DEERING

Coach: Dan LeGage, 11th year

Last year: 19-3, state champions

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Labson Abwoch, sr., F; Thiwat Thiwat, sr., F; Dominic Lauture, sr., G; Kevin Masse, sr., G; Liam Densmore, so., G; Ahmed Ismail-Ahmed, jr., G; Kyle Richards, jr., F

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Outlook: The Rams have their two big men back in Abwoch (6-6) and Thiwat (6-4), who were instrumental in the team’s drive to the state title. Abwoch (13.3 points, nine rebounds per game) was a second-team all-SMAA selection, while Thiwat (7.8 rebounds) was an honorable mention. Lauture saw a lot of playing time last season and adds quickness. A big loss is guard Chhorda Chhorn, who tore his ACL during football season. Deering should be right there again.

GORHAM

Coach: Ryan Chicoine, third year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Alex Owens, sr., G; Ryan Sullivan, sr., F-C; Dan Holmes, sr., F-C; Elliott Speirs, sr., F; John Woods, jr., G; Brian Darling, sr., C; Nick Greatorex, jr., G

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Outlook: The Rams have shown improvement under Chicoine his first two seasons and are confident of continuing the trend. He said the team is deeper this season. A key will be having the 6-5 Sullivan stay healthy. He’s battled injuries, but his baseline and medium-range jumpers, along with his length, add a lot to the offense. Gorham will be looking to avoid the turnovers that plagued it a year ago.

KENNEBUNK

Coach: John Dube, fourth year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Hank Lapham, sr., C; Austin Sandler, jr., G; Chris Hynes, sr., G; Tyler Elkington, jr., G; Nate Gilbert, jr., G; Dylan Barwise, jr., 6-3; F; Ben Wilson, jr., F., Josh Pepin, sr,. G

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Outlook: The Rams have improved depth from a year ago. Kennebunk hopes to build on the experience gained from last season and a strong offseason. The Rams are confident of contending for a tournament berth. “We can go nine or 10 deep,” said Dube. The team has good height. Sandler averaged 8.4 points per game and Lapham averaged seven points.

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Mike Zamarchi, 18th year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Dan Veino, sr., G; Brady Innes, jr., C; Brady Dodge, jr., G; Jack Letellier, jr., G; Alex McLean, sr., G; Robert Jones, sr., G; Drew Bartlett, so., G; Ryan O’Neil, fr., G; Bali Lontine-Kearson, fr., F

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Outlook: The Hawks have the experience that should give them a good chance of making the tournament. Marshwood graduated its top two scorers, but there’s enough scoring potential back to cushion the loss. Innes is the tallest player back at 6-6. He averaged 8.8 points and eight rebounds per game. Innes and a bunch of quick guards will lead the team. Veino averaged 7.7 points per game. Dodge will play point guard. The Hawks feel they’re an upper-echelon team in the SMAA. Now they just have to go out and prove it.

MASSABESIC

Coach: Ramone Jones, first year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jake Desrochers, sr., G; Casey Nava, sr., G; Cale Thornton, jr., C; Bryson Murray, fr., C; Dan Amabile, fr., G

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Outlook: The Mustangs have a new coach in Jones, who was the junior varsity coach for the three years and played at UMaine in the mid-1990s. Desrochers and Nava are veterans guards who look to provide scoring and leadership. A strong freshman class could mean good things down the road for the program. They gained good experience playing in the AAU nationals. Murray is a 6-5 player who should help right away. The team will look to push the ball.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Aaron Watson, 10th year

Last year: 2-16

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Zach Greene, sr., F; Mason Griffin, so., F; Jason Tome, sr., F; Tyler Roberts, sr., F; Alex LaPierre, sr., F; Shyheim Ulrickson, fr., G

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Outlook: The Eagles have some good, young talent. There may be a few stumbles along the way as they gain experience. Mt. Ararat will look to capitalize on its athleticism. Expect the Eagles to press, run and change defenses in hopes of keeping teams off balance. Griffin has potential as a power forward, and Ulrickson is a talented point guard.

NOBLE

Coach: Kenny Kimber, first year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Adam Della-Piana, sr., G; Sean Jackson, jr., G; Grayson Waterman, jr., G; Kyle Silion, jr. F

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Outlook: The Knights have a new coach. Kimber has been an assistant at two New Hampshire high schools — Portsmouth and Epping. Della-Piana, the leading scorer, is sidelined for three weeks because of a broken foot suffered in practice. Waterman will look to complement the scoring. Silion is a strong rebounder. The Knights are confident on starting the road to recovery.

PORTLAND

Coach: Joe Russo, 23rd year

Last year: 14-5, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Nate Smart, sr., F; Nick Volger, sr., G; Steve Angelo, sr., G; Cosmo Donato, sr., C; Justin Zukowski, jr., G; Jayvon Pitts-Young, jr., F; Matt Talbot, jr.; C, Dan Kane, jr., G

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Outlook: The Bulldogs have a lot of talent and figure to be a title contender. Zukowski was named to the All-SMAA third team last season. He averaged 10.5 points and was sixth in the league in steals and tied for seventh in 3-pointers. Volger and Pitts-Young are veteran players. Pitts-Young is capable of scoring 20 points in any game. Talbot, Smart and Donato are the team’s big men and will have to rebound and score inside.

SANFORD

Coach: Paul Nolette, first year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Western Maine prelim

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ryan Camire, sr., G; Alex Shain, sr., C; Evyn Nolette, jr., G; Brandon Stanton, sr., C; Chase Smith-Roberts, jr., G; Jon Morgan, jr., F; Matt Dupuis, sr., C

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Outlook: The Spartans have a new coach in Nolette. He likes the team’s talent and depth. There are nine players who can all contribute. Camire averaged 18.2 points per game for second in the SMAA. He was a third-team all-SMAA pick. At 6-2, he can hit the 3-pointer or slash to the basket. Shain, a rugged 6-2, comes off an outstanding football season and will be counted on for rebounding along with Stanton (6-4). Nolette, the coach’s son, will be the point guard. Sanford has a chance to move up in the rankings.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Tony DiBiase, first year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Western Maine prelim

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Dylan Russo, sr., G; Brendan Hall, sr., G; Sam Terry, sr., F; John Wheeler, sr., G

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Outlook: The Red Storm have a familiar face as head coach in DiBiase, who coached at Gray-New Gloucester for two seasons, and before that at South Portland, Portland, Gorham, Noble and Machias. He likes the team’s athleticism and will have his team play a pressing, running style. Russo averaged 7.6 points per game and is the top returning scorer. Hall is a strong outside shooter. At 6-3, Terry can shoot the 3-pointer and rebound. Wheeler will be the point guard. The team should be in contention for a tournament berth.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Phil Conley, sixth year

Last year: 12-9, lost in Western Maine semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Tanner Hyland, sr., G; Ben Burkey, sr., F; Jack Tolan, sr., C; Connor MacVane, sr., F; Jaren Muller, so., F-C

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Outlook: The Red Riots have the talent, size and experience to be a top team. They’ll look to build on last year’s strong tournament performance. Hyland begins his third season as the starting point guard. He was named to the All-SMAA second team last season, when he averaged 11.8 points and ranked fourth in the league in assists. With the 6-5 Burkey and the 6-6 Tolan, South Portland should have the edge inside in most games. Tolan averaged six rebounds. MacVane has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Bob Davies, 10th year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jeff Gelinas, sr., F; Quinn Richardson-Newton, sr., G-F; Adam Ek, sr., G; Ruben Moses, jr., G; Evan Wright, jr., G

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Outlook: The Golden Trojans have been regular tournament qualifiers under Coach Davies, winning the state title in 2009. The team is led by Gelinas, Richardson-Newton and Ek. Newton is a strong defensive player who often guards the other team’s top offensive guard or forward. He was named to the league’s all-rookie team. Ek is a strong shooter. Gelinas has a solid all-around game.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Mark Karter, 21st year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Maine prelim

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Keenan Lowe, sr., F; DJ Breunig, sr., C; Zack Bean, sr., G; Aaron Duncanson, sr., G; Keigan Sears, fr., F; Sean Jany, so., F; Blake Fillmore, so., G; Noah Collins, jr., F; Alex Hazlewood, sr., C

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Outlook: The Blue Blazes have good height and hopefully a more balanced offense than past teams. Lowe and the 6-5 Breunig are returning starters. Those two and point guard Bean are being counted on to provide senior leadership. Duncanson, Bean and Lowe can shoot the 3. “We’re not going to have to depend on one or two players for points,” said Karter. “The scoring will be more spread out.” The Blazes have some talented underclassmen they’re looking to develop. The team will look to run.

WINDHAM

Coach: Kevin Millington, 16th year

Last year: 4-14

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Tom McGowan, sr., G; Connor Flynn, sr., F; Dylan Weisser, sr., C; Joe Francoeur, sr., F; Shawn Francoeur, sr., F; Kevin Weisser, so., G; Spencer Hodge, jr., G; Tucker Olsen, sr., F; Jacopo Secchi, sr., F; Brad Charpentier, sr., F

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Outlook: The Eagles have all five starters back. That experience, plus the confidence gained from strong play during the summer league, should help the team turn things around and vie for a tournament spot. The 6-5 Weisser averaged 8.2 points, and his younger brother made the all-rookie team. McGowan and the Francoeur twins are three-year starters. The Eagles have good height and some wide bodies to help inside.

 

• CLASS B

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Jeff Hart, 31st year

Last year: 12-8, lost in Eastern Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Colin Morse, jr., F; Connor Hart, sr., G; Chandler Crans, jr., G-F; Jayson Kuhn, jr., G; Kyle Olehnik, sr., G-F; Andrew Flanagan, sr., G; Alex Crans, sr.; John Hall, jr., C; Connor Graffam, jr., F; Terron Bailey, jr., F; Joe Chamberlain, jr., G; Weston Bryant, sr., G

Outlook: The Windjammers should be improved in a very competitive KVAC Class B. Morse will be a go-to player on offense, as he hopefully will get a full season to show his talents. He missed most of last season because of a broken foot. Chandler Crans and Kuhn are good shooters. The Windjammers should improve as the season progresses and be ready for the tournament.

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Jim Ray, 19th year

Last year: 7-12, lost in Western Maine prelim

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Henry Babcock, sr., G-F; Chris Robicheaw, sr., F; Harrison Clarke, sr., C; Chad Peterson, sr., F; Daniel Epstein, sr., G-F; Peter Pfister, sr., G; Xander Schonewolf, sr., G

Outlook: The Capers should be much improved with strong senior leadership. The team has good height with Babcock, Robicheaw, Clarke and Peterson, who are all in the 6-3 to 6-5 range. Babcock started in the state championship game as a sophomore. He was a second-team all-WMC pick. He and Robicheaw both averaged in double figures. Cape should be improved in a competitive league.

FALMOUTH

Coach: Dave Halligan, 26th year

Last year: 20-1, lost in Western Maine final

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Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Charlie Fay, sr., F; Jake Horning, sr., C; Grant Burfeind, sr., G; Jack Simonds, so., F; Tom Wilberg, sr., G; Justin Rogers, jr., G; Nick Burton, jr., G; Thomas Coyne, fr., G

Outlook: For the first time in a long time, the Yachtsmen don’t have any returning starters. The team, though, has plenty of height, as well as several talented players ready to assume leading roles. Fay and Burfeind got the most minutes last season. Simonds had a strong tournament. Horning is 6-6, Fay and Simonds are both 6-5. Come tournament time, Falmouth could make another run at the regional title.

FREEPORT

Coach: Matt Cook, second year

Last year: 4-14

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Chandler Birmingham, jr., G; Landon Easler, sr., G; Matt Schultheis, jr., F; Connor Dietrich, sr., F; Mark Donahue, jr., G

Outlook: The Falcons will look to get better as the season progresses. There are several players new to the varsity. Cook is looking for the team’s identity to develop. Birmingham averaged nine points per game and Easler, the point guard, had four assists per game. Dietrich, at 6-3, could be a key inside. Taking care of the basketball will be important.

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 15th year

Last year: 8-10

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jonathan Burk, so., F; Bright Amoako, sr., G; Walker Mallory, jr., G; F; Tyler Saunders, sr., G; Kevin Knowles, sr., C

Outlook: The Raiders hope to carry some of the momentum from winning eight of their last 10 games a year ago. The team should be hungry for making the tournament after just missing last year. Mallory can hit the 3 and is a good open-court player. Saunders is another capable shooter. The Raiders could be improved, but still not make much upward movement because of a tough schedule.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Ryan Deschenes, first year

Last year: 3-15

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Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Sam Johnston, jr., G; Will Shafer, jr., G; Brandon Thibeault, jr., G; Spencer Harriman, jr., F; Kevin Cavallaro, sr., G

Outlook: The Patriots have a new coach in Deschenes, who was at St. Dominic last year. The Patriots suffered heavy graduation losses, but there’s some promising newcomers who could come through and give the team a shot at making the tournament. The team will have to overcome its lack of size, as no one is over 6-1. Johnson is a quick point guard. Shafer can shoot off the dribble.

GREELY

Coach: Travis Seaver, first year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western Maine prelims

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Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Michael McDevitt, jr., C; Bailey Train, jr., F; Jonah Normandeau, sr., G; Connor Hanley, jr., F; Kyle Wood, jr., F-C

Outlook: Former assistant coach and player Seaver takes over as head coach for longtime coach Ken Marks, who retired. With a front line of the 6-7 McDevitt and the 6-4 Train, the Rangers are expected to be near the top of the rankings. McDevitt is a three-year starter and one of the region’s top players. He’s improved his face-up game. Normandeau will play point guard. The Rangers will look to push the ball more than in the past.

LAKE REGION

Coach: J.P. Yorkey, third year

Last year: 4-14

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Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Mike Triglione, sr., F; Mike Mageles, sr., G; Sam Smith, jr., G; Ben Chaine, jr., G; Cody Gibbons, jr., F; Mark Williams, jr., G

Outlook: The Lakers have nine players back with experience. Five of them started at one time or another and each scored in double figures at one time or another. The Lakers could struggle against taller teams, but feel they have a good chance to contend for one of the last playoff spots.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Chris McKinney, second year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Caleb Farrin, sr., C; AJ Oliver, jr., G; Tom Masters, sr., F; Travis Creamer, so., G

Outlook: The Eagles are rebuilding after their top seven players from a year ago graduated. Farrin, a 6-5 post player, brings strong fundamentals to the floor. He has the potential to score in double figures and grab double digits in rebounds. A good sophomore class could speed up the rebuilding process. Creamer can hit the 3-pointer. The Eagles will press to create offense.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Nick DePatsy, sixth year

Last year: 17-3, lost in Eastern Maine semifinals

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: John Murray, sr., C; Kazu Tibbetts, sr., G; Ryan Ripley, sr., F; Jonathan Hendrickson-Belliqueit, sr., G; Brandon Sober, sr., G; Boone Olson, sr., G; Michael Williamson, so., G

Outlook: Despite key graduation losses, Medomak Valley is still one of the top teams in Eastern Class B. They have two of the best big men in the region in the 6-8 Murray and the 6-5 Ripley. Murray missed half of last season with a knee injury. Ripley is a 6-5 standout, who averaged 12 points and eight rebounds a game. The underclassmen will need to step up if the team hopes to get deep into the playoffs.

MORSE

Coach: Sam Hayes first year

Last year: 4-14

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Matt Munster, sr., F; Kevin McKellar, sr., F; D’Vaughn Myers, sr., G

Outlook: The Shipbuilders have a new coach in Hayes, who previously coached the Brunswick boys in the 1990s and later the Hall-Dale girls. Munster, McKellar and Myers form the nucleus of the club. Their leadership will be key if the team hopes to have a shot at the postseason. Scoring balance will be the key, as the Shipbuilders don’t have one or two go to players.

POLAND

Coach: Tyler Tracy, third year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 1

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

Outlook: The Knights graduated a couple key players and have a young team. Martin is the only returning starter and should increase his scoring average from seven points per game. The team should have good scoring balance.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Matt Breen, ninth year

Last year: 12-8, lost in Eastern Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Isaiah Stone-Patterson, jr., G; Shea Davenport, sr., G; Tyler Gilson, sr., C; Sam Meklin, sr., F; Nick Judge, jr., G; Hunter Grindle, jr., F; Matt Zable, sr., F; David Gould, jr., G; Keenan Hendricks, fr., G; Nick Mazurek, fr., F

Outlook: Oceanside is a favorite in KVAC Class B. Stone-Patterson and Davenport are the top returning starters. The team can start a front line of 6-7, 6-6 and 6-5. Gilson and Meklin can score and rebound. Anything short of winning Eastern Class B would be a disappointment. “We feel we have the key pieces for a strong season,” said Breen.

WELLS

Coach: Troy Brown, fifth year

Last year: 12-8, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Dylan Stevens, sr., F; Jake Moody, jr., G; Joe Spinelli, sr., G; Chris Carney, so., G; Matt Ingalls, jr., F; Kyler Parker, sr., G; Kyle Goodale, so., F; Zach Moore, jr., G

Outlook: Wells will battle the league’s taller teams with an aggressive, up-tempo style. The team may start three guards. “We’re looking for our defense to set the offensive tone,” said Brown. Moody averaged in double figures in points last season, as did Stevens while adding seven rebounds a game. Moody could play the point or off guard, depending on the need.

YARMOUTH

Coach: Adam Smith, ninth year

Last year: 18-4, Class B state champion

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Christian Henry, sr., F; Adam Wriggins, sr., F; David Murphy, jr., G; Nelson Shields-Auble, jr., C

Outlook: The Clippers got hot at the right time and rode it all the way to the state title. They graduated player of the year Josh Britten but have returning to make it back to the tournament. Henry got better as the season progressed and looks to take on a bigger role. He’s a strong rebounder and defender. Shields-Auble is a physical player who gave the team a spark inside last year. Wriggins could have helped last year but was sidelined for most of the season with an injury. Murphy will be the point guard and can hit the 3-pointer.

YORK

Coach: Randy Small, fourth year

Last year: 15-5, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

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Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Aaron Todd, sr., C; Zach Leal, sr., G-F; Mike Gallagher, jr., G; Adam Bailey, sr., F; James McCafferty, sr., F; Hayden Webster, sr., F-C; JJ Gallante, sr., F; Luke Claflin, sr., C; Thomas Kinton, sr., G; Ross Hogan, jr., F-G

Outlook: The Wildcats are the team to beat in the Western Maine Conference. York has enough size and talent to challenge for the Class B state title. The 6-7 Todd averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last season. He has been selected to the all-league team two straight years. Leal is another top player. Bailey and Webster are both 6-6. Gallagher will start at point guard.

• CLASS C

BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: I.J. Pinkham, 36th year

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Last year: 14-5, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Anthony DiMauro, sr., G; Linc Simmons, sr., F; Andrew Hallinan, jr,, G; John Hepburn, so., F

Outlook: DiMauro is one of the top guards in Class C. He averaged 14.5 points a year ago, and with a strong season could pass 1,000 career points. Simmons provides rebounding and a defensive presence inside. Hallinan is the defensive stopper. Boothbay feels it has a good chance to go deep in the playoffs.

LISBON

Coach: Jacob Gentle, first year

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Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Mason Haley, sr., G; Brad Groh, sr., F; Jacob Bremmer, jr., C-F; Johnny Yim, so., G; Tucker Brannon, jr., G; Kendall Roy, jr., G; Nick Collins, sr., F

Outlook: The Greyhounds have a new coach in Gentle, who coached the Lisbon girls for nine seasons. The team will count on the 6-foot-6 Bremmer and the 6-3 Groh for points and rebounds. Yim and Brannon also can score. The players gained varsity experience a year ago and played during the spring and summer. The team hopes that experience translates into a few wins.

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Jason Knight, first year

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Last year: 3-14

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Burke Paxton, sr., F; Jackson Cohan-Smith, jr., G; Ryan Hemenway, jr., G; Mike McIntosh, jr., F; Chase Gendron, so., F; Colby Bate, fr., G

Outlook: The Panthers have seven returning players on a team with good height and depth. NYA will look to spread its offense around and stress team defense. McIntosh and Gendron are both 6-foot-3 and will be counted on for rebounding, defense and inside scoring.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: John Regan, 13th year

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Last year: 13-8, lost in Western Maine final

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Quincy Grace, sr., C; Joey Gildart, jr., G; Nick Carlin, sr, F; Anthony Langella-Laws, sr., F; Jimmy Strohm, sr., F; Jake Douglas, sr, F-C; Casey Williams, jr., F; Tyler Scott, jr., G

Outlook: The Seagulls have four starters back from a club that made it to the regional final. The expectations are there for an even better season. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Grace can be a force inside. Gildart emerged as a scorer in the second half of the season. Carlin and Langella are experienced 6-2 forwards. “The ingredients are there to be successful,” said Regan.

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Brian Hink, third year

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Last year: 7-13, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Eric Martineau, sr., G; Anthony Haskell, jr., F; Alex Fenderson, jr., F; Dominic Locke, so., G

Outlook: The Hawks made the tournament last year, but with the graduation of five seniors, chances of making it back to the postseason are diminished. The team has no player over 6 feet. Locke shows promise at point guard as a good ballhandler and defender.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Jeremy Paul, 10th year

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Last year: 5-12, lost in Western Maine prelim

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Atencio Martin, sr., G-F; Cam Cavanagh, sr., F; Christian Montembeau, sr., G; Dan Eddy, sr, C; Chris Czachor, jr., G; Nick Foye, sr., G

Outlook: The Rangers are banking on nine returning seniors to carry them to the tournament in Augusta. Martin averaged 13.5 points and stepped up his play late in the season. Czachor and Foye can knock down shots.

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Rich Henry, ninth season

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Last year: 15-4, lost in Western Maine semifinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jack Cutler, sr., F; Max Belleau, sr., G; Harry Baker-Connick, so., G; Serge Nyirikamba, jr., F; Paul Runyambo, sr., F; Henry Cleaves, jr., F; Mohammed Suja, sr., G

Outlook: “We have a good blend of size, athleticism and experience from last year’s team,” said Henry. “We’ll continue to emphasize defense and look to play an up-tempo game.” Nyirikamba averaged 12 points last season. Cutler, Runyambo and Suja all are capable of scoring in double figures.

WISCASSET

Coach: Dana Lawrence, second year

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Last year: 9-10, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Travis Padilla, so., G-F; Austin Haskell, jr., G; Dale Peaslee, jr., C; Chandler Longfellow, jr., G-F; Dylan McMahon, so., F; John Rines, sr., F; Zach Ellison, sr., G

Outlook: Haskell and Padilla saw the most action of the returning players. Haskell will look to lead the team at point guard. Padilla will be a starter after serving as the sixth man last season. The team will be giving up size in most outings, and will look to crash the boards and have a balanced offense to compensate.

• CLASS D

GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN

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Coach: Travis Bush, first year

Last year: Didn’t have a team

Returning starters: None

Impact players: Sam Purinton, jr., F; Jeremiah Hammond, eighth grade, G; Ethan Spaulding, eighth grade, G

Outlook: Greater Portland Christian didn’t have a team last year because it couldn’t field enough players. Bush, who played at Division I Liberty University, was an assistant coach with the USM men last season. He is the minister at SouthCoast Community Church in Scarborough. Purington played two years ago. Hammond has talent as a point guard, and Spaulding is a good shooter.

HYDE

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Coach: Peter Rowe, second year

Last year: 18-2, lost in Western Maine final

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Wilson MacMillan, jr., G; Talin Rowe, jr., G; Ben Burlock, sr., C; Ryan Cassidy, sr., G-F; Warsame Mohamed, jr., G-F; Keifer Cundy, so., G; Evander Lenardson, jr., G-F

Outlook: The ingredients are there for another successful season for the Phoenix. The team has its scorers back in Rowe and Cundy, and its inside players back in Cassidy and Burlock.

PINE TREE ACADEMY

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Coach: Trevor Schlisner, third year

Last year: 2-15

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Zach Wilday, sr., F; Chris Wilday, so., G

Outlook: The team again be led by the Wilday brothers. Zach Wilday averaged 12 points, Chris Wilday averaged five. Zach Wilday is the team’s tallest player at 6-foot-1. With nine players, including several newcomers, the team doesn’t have a lot of depth or experience. Staying out of foul trouble and limiting turnovers will be keys.

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

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Coach: Matt Cardinal, first year

Last year: 9-9, lost in Western Maine prelim

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Silas Thompson, jr., G; Caleb Gould, sr., C; Chaz Kerrigan, sr., G; Josh Gustafson, sr., G; Logan Archer, jr., F: Isaac LaCroix, so., G

Outlook: The team has a new coach in Cardinal, who has been an assistant with the team. All five starters return from last season, so improvement is a strong possibility. Gould and Kerrigan are capable scorers.

– Tom Chard, Staff Writer


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