• CLASS A  

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Mike Fecteau, 11th year

Last year: 7-11

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Bobby Cote, sr., G; Nathan McKeown, sr., F-C; Felipe Barbosa-Silva, sr., G; Patrick Wilson, jr., G-F

Outlook: Cote is the Tigers’ leader and top scorer. He’ll be looking to build upon a strong junior season, where he averaged 14 points and made 45 3-pointers. Cote can play the point guard or No. 2 guard position. The team has its share of shooters but lacks size. The Tigers will look to shoot the 3 and push the ball but will need to rebound. McKeown, a rugged 6-foot-2, will be counted on for rebounding and inside scoring. Biddeford has a tough opening schedule, with five of its first seven games on the road. 

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Phil Bourassa, third year

Last year: 17-4, lost in Western final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Cole Libby, sr., G; Dustin Cole, so., G; C.J. Autry, jr., G-F; Ben Malloy, fr., G; Evan Amell, sr., F; John Thomas, jr., F

Outlook: The Scots graduated key players from last season’s Western A finalist, but with a solid nucleus returning — led by Libby and Cole — they could contend again. Cole was a first team all-SMAA selection as a freshman, averaging 15 points with a high of 31. Libby is known for his defense and rebounding. Both players return stronger physically. Advancing to the state final is the next step for the program. 

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Todd Hanson, 16th year

Last year: 9-9, lost in Eastern quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Mitchell Black, sr., G; Garrett Erb, sr., G; Brad Smith, jr., C; Trent Anderson, 6-3, sr., F; Konnor Scarponi, jr., G

Outlook: The Dragons have four starters back and should be one of the top teams in the KVAC South. But a tough schedule will make the season more challenging. Black begins his fourth season as the point guard. He averaged 14 points a game last season. Erb, Smith and Anderson are also returning starters. Erb averaged 10 points. Smith, at 6-5, has come a long way since last season. 

CHEVERUS

Coach: Bob Brown, 11th year

Last year: 21-1, lost in state final

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Louie DiStasio, sr., G; Cam Olson, sr., F; Shawn Grover, sr., C; James Kapothanasis, sr., G; Drew Ferrick, jr., F; Michael Flaherty, jr., G; Don Goodrich, jr., G; Noah Stebbins, so, G; Zordan Holman, fr., C

Outlook: A good nucleus returns for the Stags. Despite graduations and transfers, there’s still a lot of talent and depth. DiStasio is one of the top players in the state. He averaged 14.3 points per game last season. Olson had a strong game in the state final. At 6-6, Grover gives the team good size in the middle. Kapothanasis is a skilled point guard. Ferrick played well in preseason. The Stags are a top team again. 

DEERING

Coach: Dan LeGage, 10th year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jon Amabile, sr., G; Pat Green, sr., G; Labson Abwoch, jr., F; Thiwat Thiwat, jr., F; Cal London, sr., F; Dominic Lauture, jr., G; Garang Ater, sr., G; Chhorda Chhorn, so., G

Outlook: The Rams have height and scorers. Amabile is a two-time all-SMAA first-team selection who averaged 17 points per game last season. At 6-6, Abwoch gives the team a strong inside presence. Thiwat is 6-4 and the team’s best defender. He blossomed toward the end of last season. Green is another veteran in the backcourt. Chhorn will play point guard. His quickness should be an asset. The Rams should have good scoring balance and look to be one of the top teams in the SMAA. 

GORHAM

Coach: Ryan Chicoine, second year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Carter Bowers sr., F; Kyle Nealy, sr., C; Alex Owens, jr., G; Ryan Sullivan, jr., F; Dan Holmes, jr., F; Nate Moody, sr., F

Outlook: Gorham looks to improve from last season. The Rams will count on Bowers to get to the rim for points. Nealy will be needed to rebound and play defense in the paint. At 6-5, Sullivan adds size and has a good shot. Moody is strong on defense. Gorham needs to eliminate the turnovers from a year ago. The goal is to build the program from the bottom up and return to the tournament. 

KENNEBUNK

Coach: John Dube, third year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Rob Eckland, sr., G; Hank Lapham, jr., F; David Kerschensteiner, sr., C; Austin Sandler, so., G; Chris Hynes, jr., G; Tyler Elkington, so., G

Outlook: The Rams have a young team with six sophomores, a freshman and only two seniors, but there are several shooters. Eckland played in every game last season at the point. Sandler could emerge as the top scorer. At 6-5, Kerschensteiner could be a factor inside. 

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Mike Zamarchi, 17th year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jack Verrill, sr., F-C; Matthew Crosby, sr., G; Troy Pappas, sr., F; Dan Veino, jr., G; Brady Dodge, so., G; Jack Letellier, so.. G; Luke Fernandes, sr., F; Robert Jones, jr., G

Outlook: With eight players back from a tournament team, the Hawks are looking to contend for regional honors. This is one of the most veteran and athletic teams the Hawks have had. Crosby averaged 13 points per game last season, and Verrill led the team with eight rebounds per game. Dodge, the point guard, transferred from Noble. His ball-handling ability is a huge addition. Veino is good from 3-point range. All in all, this is a well-balanced team. 

MASSABESIC

Coach: Matt Ouellette, third year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ryan Dodge, sr., G; Shawn McCarthy, sr., G; Jake Desrochers, jr., G; Casey Nava, jr., G; Sam Chaves, sr., G; Jackson Boisse, sr., F; Dylan Hayes, sr., F

Outlook: The Mustangs are stocked with guards who have a good understanding of the game. The team will play an up-tempo style and look to change defenses frequently. Dodge led the Mustangs in scoring with 13 points per game last season. He also led in drawing charges. Boisse and Hayes will be key inside. 

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Aaron Watson, ninth year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Eastern quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Josh Wright, sr., G; Brandon Johansen, sr., F; Brett Martin, sr., F

Outlook: The Eagles lost seven seniors to graduation, so returning to the tournament could be a challenge. In Wright, they have a point guard who can shoot the 3-pointer. The team will need to rebound to stay in games. Still, the Eagles feel they can surprise a few opponents. 

NOBLE

Coach: A.J. Dufort, sixth year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Adam Della-Piana, jr., G; Sean Jackson, so., G; Kyle Sillon, so., F; Dorian Baker, so. F

Outlook: The Knights have a strong sophomore contingent that will look to get experience. Della-Piana is a 6-3 wing player who shoots well. Jackson will play point guard. The team has good height and players who are aggressive. The goal is to improve and build something for this season and the next few. 

PORTLAND

Coach: Joe Russo, 22nd year

Last year: 13-7, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Peter Donato, sr., C; Nate Smart, jr., F; Nick Volger, jr., G; Mike Herrick, sr., G; Justin Zukowski, so., G; Jayvon Pitts-Young, so., F; Matt Talbot, so., C

Outlook: The Bulldogs are considered a top-three team in Western A. Donato has improved from last season, when he averaged 10 points per game. Herrick averaged 15 points and made second team All-SMAA. He’s been sidelined with a chipped bone in his foot but will be ready for the first game. Talbot, Pitts-Young and Zukowski are talented sophomores who will play key roles. Smart and Volger are keys with their rebounding and ball handling. If the Bulldogs stay healthy, they could be playing for a regional title. 

SANFORD

Coach: Kyle Hodsdon, third year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jimmie Chaisson, sr., G; Jon Schroder, sr., F; Ryan Camire, jr., G; Alex Shain, jr., G; Evyn Nolette, so., G

Outlook: The Redskins have potentially their best team in several seasons. Nine players will see the bulk of the action and they all can contribute. Camire averaged 13 points per game as a sophomore in being named to the SMAA all-rookie team. Chaisson is a 6-3 point guard who may move to off guard, in which case Nolette would play the point. The Redskins are looking to turn last year’s close losses into wins. 

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Joe Johnson, fourth year

Last year: 8-10

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ben Wessel, sr., G; Dylan Russo, jr., G; Kolbey Adams, sr., C; David Conceison, sr., F; Connor McCann, sr., F; Johnny Passarelli, sr., G; Brendan Hall, jr., G

Outlook: The Red Storm have Wessel and Russo as returning starters. Wessel is a key with his athleticism. The same goes for Russo, who hit 14 3-pointers last season. The starting five can all shot the 3-pointer. Even so, the team will need to find points it lost through graduation. There’s not a lot of size, so the Red Storm will have to hit the boards and play strong defense. They could battle for one of the last tourney spots in Western Maine. 

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Phil Conley, fifth year

Last year: 12-7, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Tanner Hyland, jr., G; Logan Gaddar, sr., F; Jordan Muller, sr., G; Ben Burkey, jr., F-G; Jack Tolan, jr., C; Matt DiBiase, sr. F

Outlook: The Red Riots have the potential for a strong season with a good group of talented players. Hyland gained experience at point guard last season and should be even better He averaged 4.5 assists. Gaddar and Burkey will be counted on for rebounding and scoring. Muller can shoot the 3-pointer and defend. If things come together for the Riots, they have the potential to be a top team. 

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Bob Davies, ninth year

Last year: 15-4, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Justin Pollard, sr., G; Dakota Tarbox, jr., F; Adam Ek, jr., G

Outlook: The Golden Trojans have three solid players to build around in Pollard, Tarbox and Ek. Pollard started last season and brings a solid all-around game. His leadership will be key in settling a young team. Tarbox is 6-4 and a key inside. Ek will be the point guard. The Trojans have a lot of players new to the varsity, so it may take a while for the team to click. 

WESTBROOK

Coach: Mark Karter, 20th year

Last year: 12-7, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Nguot Nguot, jr., F; Ian King, sr., G; Joe Quinlan, sr., G; Will Batherson, sr., G; Keenan Lowe, jr., F; D.J. Breunig, jr., C

Outlook: The Blue Blazes graduated four starters. Unlike recent seasons, the team won’t depend on one or two players for the bulk of its points. The scoring will be more spread out. The Blazes will look to play an up-tempo style instead of pounding it inside or looking for the 3-pointer, which was the case the past three seasons. 

WINDHAM

Coach: Kevin Millington, 15th year

Last year: 8-10

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Tom McGowan, jr., G; Matt McLean, sr., F; Mitchell Hodge, sr., G; Connor Flynn, jr., F; Dylan Weisser, jr., F; Joe Francoeur, jr., G; Shawn Francoeur, jr., G-F

Outlook: The Eagles lost last year’s SMAA player of the year, Nolan Allen, to a torn ACL in football. Losing 25 points per game and his leadership are big blows but the Eagles have enough talent, particularly in the junior class, to squeak into the tournament. The Francoeur twins are smart players who both started a year ago. Developing a point guard will be paramount.

• CLASS B

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Jeff Hart, 30th year

Last year: 22-0, won state title

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Adam Carlsen, sr., G; Taylor Hall, sr., F-C; Colin Morse, so., F; Connor Hart, jr., G; Chandler Crans, so., G-F; Jayson Kuhn, so., G; Kyle Olehnik, sr., G-F; Andrew Flanagan, sr., G; Alex Crans, jr., G.

Outlook: The Windjammers aren’t the powerhouse of last year. The graduation of four starters saw to that, but this is still a pretty good team that could have a chance of repeating. Carlsen, the point guard, is the lone starter back. He averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 assists. Hall and Olehnik came of the bench last season. Crans can shoot 3-pointers. 

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Jim Ray, 18th year

Last year: 17-5, lost in state final

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Henry Babcock, jr., G-F; Matt Pierce, sr., G; Sam Donnelly, sr., G; Chris Robicheaw, jr., F; Rob West, sr., F; Kyle Snowden, jr., F

Outlook: This is a young team with a lot of unknowns, but the Capers, with a strong tradition and work ethic, aren’t going to run and hide. Most likely they’ll be a factor in the playoffs. Babcock is the lone returning starter. Pierce will play point guard. Snowden and 6-5 Harrison Clark will be key in rebounding. 

FALMOUTH

Coach: Dave Halligan, 25th year

Last year: 8-10

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jack Cooleen, sr., C; Matt Packard, sr., G; Matt Kingry, sr., G; Alex Cattell, sr., F; Jeremy Lydick, sr. F-G; Charlie Fay, jr., F; Aaron Rogers, sr., F; Jake Horning, jr., F; Grant Burfeind, jr., G

Outlook: After failing to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 30 years, the Yachtsmen should bounce back and contend. Cooleen, a 6-5 center, averaged 12 points and eight rebounds. Packard, the point guard, averaged 10 points. Along with Cooleen, other top players include Horning at 6-6 and Fay at 6-5. Falmouth dropped several close games it looks to win this season. 

FREEPORT

Coach: Matt Cook, first year

Last year: 0-18

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Josh Weirich, sr., F; Chandler Birmingham, so., G; F; Mitch Loeman, sr., G

Outlook: The Falcons have a new coach in Cook, who was the Wiscasset coach for seven seasons before stepping down after the 2008-09 season. He greets a program looking to rebuild. In preseason, the coach was impressed with the players’ coachability and work ethic. The Falcons will look to establish their identity early and improve. 

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 14th year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Mike Costa, sr., G; Bright Amoako, jr., F: Walker Mallory, so., G; Djorje Obradobich, sr., C; Bobby Ramsay, sr., F; Tyler Saunders, jr., G; Kevin Knowles, sr., C

Outlook: The Raiders hope to turn things around by competing on every possession. Amoako averaged 12 points and five assists last season, and Coasta led the team in 3-point shooting. At 6-5, Obradobich could be a big factor in scoring and rebounding. The team will look to improve its mental and physical toughness. 

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Tony DiBiase, second year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Sam Johnston, so., G; Aaron Boulos, sr., G; John Sedjro, sr., C

Outlook: The Patriots graduated all five starters but could reach the tournament if promising newcomers adapt quickly. Johnston has the potential to be very strong at point guard. At 6-3, Sedjro has good leaping ability. The team has some talent; it’s just a question of how to tap into it to reach their potential. 

GREELY

Coach: Ken Marks, 25th year

Last year: 16-3, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Nick Clark, sr., G: Liam Maker, sr., G; Michael McDevitt, so., C; Bailey Train, so., F; Jimmy Whitaker, sr., F; Brad McKenney, sr., G; Cooper Allen, sr., G

Outlook: The Rangers should be right with the other contenders in Western Class B. McDevitt is a 6-7 standout who looks to build on a strong freshman season, when he averaged eight points and five rebounds. Point guard Clark and off guard Maker are improved. Train provides another physical presence inside and can score. This is definitely a team that could make some noise in the tournament. 

LAKE REGION

Coach: J.P. Yorkey, second year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Alex Hartford, sr., F; Mike Triglione, jr., G; Alex Hall, sr., F

Outlook: The Lakers are young with only two seniors, six juniors and four sophomores. Hartford was the second-leading scorer last season with 11.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Hartford is 6-4 and Triglione is 6-3. The team also has several good shooters and will look for more balance. 

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Chris McKinney, first year

Last year: 9-9

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jalen Lincoln, sr., G; Riley Leavitt, sr., F; Dylan Leavitt, sr., F; Nic Phinney, sr., F; Merritt Wotton, sr., G-F; Caleb Farrin, jr., C

Outlook: Former Eagles standout Chris McKinney, the new coach, will have his team play full-court pressure defense. Jalen Lincoln, a 6-2 point guard, and Dylan Leavitt are returning starters. Lincoln is a skilled player who will be asked to do a lot. The Leavitt twins are 6-4. Also helping inside is Farrin at 6-6. The Eagles should be a playoff team. 

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Nick DePatsy, fifth year

Last year: 14-5, lost in Eastern quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Isaac Greenrose, sr., G; John Murray, jr., C; Alex Greenrose, sr., G; Ryan Ripley, jr., C; Deering Genthner, sr., G; Shane Osier, sr., F

Outlook: The Panthers look to go deeper in the playoffs than a year ago. The team has size, skill and experience. Anything less than a regional title would be a disappointment. Murray averaged 15.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. The 6-7 standout is one of the top players in Eastern Maine. The Greenroses averaged in double figures. The 6-4 Ripley will help inside. 

MORSE

Coach: Todd Flaherty, fifth year

Last year: 0-18

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ted Cole, sr., F; Alex Crosby, sr., C; Matt Munster, jr., F; Kevin McKellar, jr., F

Outlook: The Shipbuilders move from Eastern A to Western B but will still play an Eastern B schedule. Cole and Munster averaged 10 points. McKellar was the leading rebounder with seven per game. The 6-5 Crosby should help inside. Morse is a long shot to make the tourney but hopes to start a rebuilding process. 

POLAND

Coach: Tyler Tracy, second year

Last year: 7-11

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jake Littlefield, sr., F; Logan Nichols, sr., G; Drew Peterson, sr., F; Ricky Bryant, sr., F; Jed Quint, sr., G; Nate Rybeck, sr., F; C.J. Martin, so., G

Outlook: Poland looks to be much improved and a possible contender in Western Class B. The 6-4 Littlefield averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds, and was named second-team all-Western Maine Conference. Nichols, the point guard, averaged five assists. Peterson will be a key on defense and will help out with his ability to get to the rim. 

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Matt Breen, eighth year

Last year: Played as Georges Valley (7-11) and Rockland (4-14)

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Alex Wallace, sr., G; Ben Wallace, sr., G; Isaiah Stone-Patterson, so., G; Shea Davenport, jr., F; Tyler Gilson, jr., F; David Harrison, sr., F; Sam Meklin, jr., C; Dylan Maloney, sr., F

Outlook: The merger of Rockland and Georges Valley to form Oceanside makes for a deeper team and one that could reach the tournament. The team could suffer from inexperience, with only four seniors. Gilson and Meklin are both 6-5. Breen was Rockland’s coach. 

WELLS

Coach: Troy Brown, fourth year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Doug McLean, sr., G; Zach Deshaies, sr., F; Josh Ingalls sr., C; Dylan Stevens, jr., G; Jake Moody, so., G; Cole Boston, sr., F; Joe Spinelli, jr., G

Outlook: Wells was hit hard by injuries to players from the state champion football team who will miss the basketball season. Most notable is Paul McDonough, who is scheduled to have foot surgery. Still, there’s potential to get into the tournament. Stevens, Deshaies and Moody, the point guard, are all talented. The team hopes the 6-4 Ingalls, another football player, is ready to go. 

YARMOUTH

Coach: Adam Smith, eighth year

Last year: 16-5, lost in Western final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Josh Britten, sr., G; Chris Knaub, sr., F; Sam Torres, sr., G; Christian Henry, jr., F; Adam Wriggins, jr., F; David Murphy, so., G; Nathan Shield-Auble, so., F

Outlook: The Clippers are led by Britten, who averaged just under 25 points. Torres and Knaub team well with Britten. The three have been playing together since grade school. Shield-Auble is a 6-4 prep school transfer who should help inside. Opponents will key on Britten, so it will be important for the other players to step up. The Clippers will look to play an up-tempo game. 

YORK

Coach: Randy Small, fourth year

Last year: 15-5, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Liam Langaas, sr., G; Michael King, sr., F; Kyle Robinson, sr., G; Aaron Todd, jr., C; Zach Leal, jr., F; James McCafferty, sr., F; Hayden Webster, jr., F; J.J. Gallante, sr., F; Luke Claflin, jr., C; Adam Bailey, jr., F; Thomas Kinton, jr., G.

Outlook: The Wildcats are most people’s pick as the team to beat in Western Class B. The Wildcats have their top 10 players back from a year ago. Todd, a 6-7 standout, averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds in being named first-team all-WMC. Langaas is the point guard. He was named second-team all-WMC. York stresses defense and a balanced offense. The team has outstanding depth. 

• CLASS C

BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: I.J. Pinkham, 35th year

Last year: 17-4, lost in Eastern final

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Anthony DiMauro, jr., G; Ben Dickinson, jr., F; Ben Woodin, sr., F

Outlook: Pinkham has one of his most inexperienced teams; the Seahawks graduated eight seniors. The team is solid at point guard with DiMauro, who averaged in double figures scoring. The team has good depth and players who work well together. Boothbay expects to be where it always is in February, playing in the tournament at Augusta. 

LISBON

Coach: Eric Hall, third year

Last year: 0-18

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Mason Haley, jr., G; Mason Smith, sr., G; Brad Groh, jr., F; Jacob Bremmer, so., F

Outlook: Lisbon averaged only 35 points per game last season. First and foremost, the Greyhounds will need to increase their offensive production. The team has good height with Bremmer at 6-5 and Groh at 6-4. The program has dropped from Class B to Class C. 

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Jackson Nadeau, first year

Last year: 8-10

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Assad Dahia, sr., G: Mike McIntosh, so., F

Outlook: The Panthers are led by Dahia, who scored 23 and 28 points in preseason tournament games at Hyde. McIntosh is 6-3 and a solid defender who also has looked strong in preseason. The rest of the team is inexperienced. Nadeau, a former St. Dominic coach, is in his first year with the Panthers. 

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: John Regan, 12th year

Last year: 14-5, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Andrew Fleury, sr., G; Mike Rague, sr., G; Cole Hamilton, sr., F; Quincy Grace, jr., C; Nick Carlin, jr., F; Anthony Langella-Laws, jr., F; Jimmy Strohm, jr., F

Outlook: The Seagulls will be a perimeter team instead of a post-up team because they don’t have the size of last year. They also graduated four starters. Fleury will play off guard and Rague will play point. Both can shoot the 3-pointer, as can Carlin. Underclassmen will see a lot of time. 

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Brian Lyle, first year

Last year: 3-14

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jeff Taylor, sr., C; Tyler Lyle, sr., G; Kyle Martineau, sr., F; Mike Anderson, sr., G-F; Tom Ray, sr., G

Outlook: The Hawks have a senior-oriented team, so they’re hopeful of turning things around. The 6-5 Taylor averaged 18 points last season. Anderson is an athletic guard-forward. Lyle is a good yourebounder. 

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Jeremy Paul, ninth year

Last year: 10-9, lost in West quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Matt Clifford, sr., G; Atencio Martin, jr., G-F; Cam Cavanagh, jr., F; Christian Montembeau, jr., G; Dan Eddy, jr., C;

Outlook: This is one of Paul’s most inexperienced teams; the Rangers lost nine seniors to graduation and will try to replace a lot of points. Clifford, the point guard, averaged eight points last season. Cavanagh and Eddy are both 6-4 and should help inside. Martin got playing time as a sophomore. 

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Rich Henry, eighth year

Last year: 12-6, lost in Western semifinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jack Cutler, jr., G; Max Belleau, jr., G; Paul Runyambo, jr., F; Mitch Newlin, sr., G-F; Chris Burke, sr., F; Abshir Horor, sr., G; Mohammed Suja, jr., G; Serge Nyirikamba, so., F; Henry Cleaves, so., F; Abdul Yousaf, sr., G; Harry Baker-Connick, fr. G

Outlook: The Flyers have a nice mix of players who played significant roles last year. A key to the season will be how the younger players respond to their new roles. A typically challenging schedule will test Waynflete. Defense will be the key for the Flyers. 

WISCASSET

Coach: Dana Lawrence, first year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Caleb Bryant, sr., C; Jason Weatherbee, sr. F; Jordan Jones, sr., G; Devin Grover, sr., G

Outlook: Lawrence, who coached at Gardiner, liked the players’ intensity in preseason and looks for it to carry over into the season. Weatherbee could be a tough matchup inside. Grover can shoot the 3-pointer and Jones handles the ball well. The goal is to get back to Augusta for the tournament. 

• CLASS D

HYDE

Coach: Peter Rowe, first year

Last year: 0-9

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Chris Moulton, sr., C; Jonah Alexander, sr., F; Tyquan Ekejiuba, jr., G; Wilson MacMillan, so., G; Talin Rowe, so., G; Ryan Cassidy, jr., G-F; Warsame Mohamed, so., G-F

Outlook: The Phoenix have a new coach in Rowe, who coached at the Elan School. Moulton at 6-5 and Mohamed at 6-4 give the team good height. It’s a young team with only two returning seniors. The sophomore class is strong and should make an immediate impact. 

PINE TREE ACADEMY

Coach: Trevor Schlisner, second year

Last year: 1-17

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Zach Wilday, jr., F; Chris Wilday, fr., G;

Outlook: Pine Tree is confident it will get a few more wins. It will focus on defense and run a more balanced offense. Zach Wilday has the most experience and will be counted on for leadership. A tough schedule with several Class C teams could make improving the record challenging. 

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

Coach: Chris Royce, second year

Last year: 8-8

Returning starters: 4

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

Outlook: With four returning starters, Seacoast is confident of having a good season and making the tournament. Kerrigan is the top returning starter at nine points per game. Archer and Gould both averaged around eight points. 

– Tom Chard