1. Yarmouth: The Clippers have won five straight Class B state titles and show no signs of slipping. A Nordic squad of 22 is led by senior Caitlin Crawford, and juniors Sarah Becker and Tara Humphries, each of whom is capable of a top-five finish at the states. A crop of promising freshmen is among those competing for the other starting slots. On the hill, Claudia Lockwood and Taylor Hornney lead a talented squad, although not as deep as usual. Sophomores Chapin Dorsett and Julia Primeau, and freshman Erin Chandler will contribute.

2. Falmouth: Coming off a runner-up finish in Class B, Falmouth moves to Class A this winter to take a shot at ending Mt. Blue’s seven-year reign. Sophomore Leika Scott, runner-up in slalom and giant slalom, leads a solid Alpine contingent that includes veterans McKenzie Meyers, Sara Jacobson, Sierra Baker and Katie Carew. Freshman Maggie Coster and junior Caitlin Bucksbaum, a transfer from Vermont and standout soccer player, will help. Seniors Catherine Hebson and Olivia Hoch, junior Dana Bloch and sophomore Jessica Abramson lead a deep Nordic team.

3. Greely: The Rangers won Alpine and placed third overall in Class A last season behind Mt. Blue and Edward Little. Alpine remains their strength, despite the loss to Gould Academy of two-time giant slalom champion Maddie Whittier. Reigning Class A skimeister Elyse Dinan joins veterans Jordan Ouellette and Jill Booth to lead a host of young racers. The Nordic squad is young and improving, with Dinan and junior Eloise Peabbles leading a team of 15 girls.

4. Freeport: The Falcons are defending Class C Alpine champions and runners-up overall to three-time defending state champion Fort Kent. Graduation took a toll, but sophomore Elly Bengtsson leads a competitive squad that includes senior Sarah Pier and junior Taylor Enrico. All three turned in a pair of Top 10 finishes at the state meet. For Nordic, senior Emily Martin leads a veteran group that includes junior Lia Wellen and sophomore Lily LaMarre.

5. Fryeburg Academy: The Raiders have been one of the few teams able to train on snow this month, at nearby Mt. Cranmore in New Hampshire. That may give an edge to a squad that placed fifth in Class A last winter – in part due to illness of two Nordic skiers. Senior Meghan Costello, juniors Hannah Plowden and Emily Powers, and sophomore Amber Dindorf lead the cross country team, with senior Ellie Jones and junior Kelsey Liljedahl crossing over as skimeisters. The Alpiners were fourth in the competitive WMC meet and should contend.

– Glenn Jordan

Copy the Story Link