CLASS A

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Justin Tardif, second year

Last year: 0-18

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Patrick Pearl, so., G; Austin Dutremble, so., F; Jeremy Lugiano, jr., G; Alex Millett, jr., G; Jason Vadnais, jr., F; Codie Ramos, jr., C

Outlook: A year ago the Tigers had no one returning with varsity experience. This season they have six returning players, including Pearl and Dutremble, who started as freshmen. Tardif hopes a year of experience and physical maturity translates into some wins. Lack of height is a concern. The Tigers are still young but improving.

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Phil Bourassa, sixth year

Last year: 19-2, lost in Western Maine final

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Ben Malloy, sr., G; Nick Dubay, sr., G; Zach Dubiel, sr., F; Matt Smith, sr., G/F

Outlook: The Scots are going to find out what life is like without Dustin Cole, who led the program to four straight regional finals. “You don’t replace a player like Dustin,” said Bourassa. “He did a lot for the program but it’s time to move on.” The Scots have four starters back and could be in contention again. Malloy is the top returnee; he averaged 14 points as the team’s second-leading scorer. He can shoot 3-pointers and defend. Dubay, Dubiel and Smith are veterans who add to the team’s overall strength. The Scots have a lot of depth.

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Todd Hanson, 19th year

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

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Alex Bandouveres, sr., F; Pearson Cost, sr., F; Thomas Hanson, jr., G; Taran Payne, sr., G; Caleb Cost, so., G; Owen Rudalevige, jr., C

Outlook: Even though the Dragons graduated five of their top six scorers, Hanson believes they’ll be a tournament contender again. Brunswick will play seven countable games before Christmas, so getting off to a good start is key. Bandouveres, at 6-foot-3, is a solid player underneath and the lone returning starter. Hanson, Payne and Cost are solid players.

CHEVERUS

Coach: Dan Costigan, third year

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

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Zordan Holman, sr., C; Austin Boudreau, so., G; Derek Hammond, sr., G

Outlook: The Stags have three players back with experience, then a bunch of young players who will have to contribute if the team wants to improve on last year’s record. The 6-foot-5 Holman has been one of the SMAA’s best rebounders the last two years and starts his fourth varsity season. He looks to continue his strong inside work while adding scoring. Boudreau, a 6-3 point guard, had a strong freshman season and will be counted on to assume a key offensive role. Hammond is a good shooter.

DEERING

Coach: Todd Wing, second year

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

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Benedict Williams, jr., G; Stephen Ochan, sr., G; Jason Thach, sr., G; Malik White, jr., G; Max Chabot, jr., G; Jacob Coon, sr., F

Outlook: The guard-oriented Rams will look to take advantage of their quickness. Williams was Deering’s best player at the end of last season. Thach is the point guard. The Rams have a strong sophomore class that Wing expects to contribute immediately. Ochan and White add to the quickness. At 6-foot-4, Coon could help inside. White, who grew up in Portland, is back after a couple years in New Jersey. “We don’t have much height but I feel we can play with anyone,” said Wing.

FALMOUTH

Coach: Dave Halligan, 28th year

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

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Jack Simonds, sr., F/C; Colin Coyne, so., G; Sam Skop, jr., C; Luke Velas, sr., G; Sean Walsh, so., C; John Shaw, sr., G; Cal Inlow, sr., G; Matt Wulbrecht, jr., F; Ben Simonds, so., G

Outlook: The Yachtsmen should be in contention when the tournament rolls around, but for the first two-thirds of the season they’ll be without guard Tom Coyne, who broke his foot in an AAU game before the preseason. He was Falmouth’s leading scorer last season at 18.2 points per game. Simonds, a 6-foot-6 returning All-State player, is a strong inside-outside player who averaged 15.8 points and 11.2 rebounds. Colin Coyne looks to take up the slack from his brother’s injury. He was the team’s sixth man last year and will be the top playmaker as well as a deadly 3-point shooter.

GORHAM

Coach: Mark Karter, second year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Nick Thibeault, sr., F; Sam Kilborn, jr., C; Billy Ruby, jr., F; Tyler Bernaiche, sr., G; Spencer Ruda, sr., F; Cody Elliott, jr., G; Trent Bassingthwaite, jr., F; Jackson Fotter, so., G

Outlook: Thibeault and Kilborn are two of the top players in Western Class A and make the Rams one of the teams to beat. Thibeault is 6-foot-6 with good shooting range. Kilborn is 6-4 and also an excellent shooter. Elliott and Fotter will split time at point guard. The Rams have excellent depth, which they hope will allow them to play an up-tempo style. Gorham made the tournament last winter and showed its improvement by going undefeated in the summer league. “We’re ready to take the next step,” said Karter.

KENNEBUNK

Coach: Barrett Belanger, first year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Jack Lapham, sr., F; Justin Wiggins, so., G; Zach MacKinnon, jr., G/F; Nick Bush, sr., G; Ryan Guevin, sr., G; Travon Bradford, jr., C; Pat Grady, jr., C

Outlook: The Rams have a new coach in Belanger. He joins a team with good size, led by the 6-foot-5 Lapham, who averaged 10 points and 9.5 rebounds. “He can step away from the basket and play one-on-one, and he’s a good finisher,” said Belanger. Wiggins is a 6-1 point guard. At 6-6, Bradford provides another big body inside. The Rams can bring a couple 6-4 players off the bench. “We have some size. We’ll use a lot of half-court sets to take advantage of our size,” said Belanger.

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Mike Zamarchi, 20th year

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

Impact players: Drew Bartlett, sr., G: Ryan O’Neil, jr., G; Baili Lontine-Kearson, jr., F; Zach Mitchell, jr., F; Noah McDaniel, sr., G; Kyle Parmley, sr., G; Luke Stankovich, sr., F; Nick Dalecki, sr., F; Griffin Simmons, sr., C

MASSABESIC

Coach: Ramone Jones, third year

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Dan Amabile, jr., G; Dawson Renaud, jr., G; Weston Bergeron, jr., C

Outlook: The Mustangs hope to turn some close losses from a year ago into wins. They finish the regular season with five of six game at home, which could help if they’re in contention for a playoff berth. Amabile is a good scorer who will look to get to the rim and draw fouls. There’s not a lot of height so Massabesic hopes to use its quickness to generate offense. Defensive intensity will be a key.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Steve Cox, first year

Last year: 7-12, lost in Eastern Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Shyheim Ulrickson, jr., G; Mason Griffin, sr., F; Kevin Carter, sr., F; Mike Crawford, sr., G

Outlook: The Eagles have a new coach in Cox, who was an assistant last year. The team will be led again by Ulrickson, one of the top scorers in the KVAC. “Shy is an electric player. He creates a lot of offense,” said Cox. Griffin is a workhorse under the basket, and should provide rebounding and scoring. The Eagles aren’t tall; they’ll look to play up-tempo.

NOBLE

Coach: Mike Waterman, second year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Nolan Smeeton, sr., C; Shane Cleveland, sr., G; Brandon Davis, so., F

Outlook: The Knights made the tournament last winter for the first time in Class A. Smeeton and Cleveland are returning starters. The 6-foot-7 Smeeton averaged five points and seven rebounds, numbers that should increase this season. Cleveland can play point guard or off guard. He averaged six points and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. At 6-4, Davis adds a physical presence inside. “We’re not small. Even the guards are long,” said Waterman.

PORTLAND

Coach: Joe Russo, 25th year

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Steve Alex, sr., G; Amir Moss, jr., G; Joe Esposito, jr., G/F; Tanner Foley, sr., C; Ben Griffin, jr., C/F; Liam Densmore, sr., G: Charlie Lyall, so., C; John Williams, jr., F; Cedric Smith, sr., C

Outlook: Even though the Bulldogs graduated four starters, they should be one of the SMAA’s top teams again. Alex is the lone returning starter. The 6-foot-2 guard is outstanding in transition, and averaged 11 points and five rebounds. Moss was strong coming off the bench and excels on defense. Densmore is a transfer from Deering who started for the Rams the previous two seasons. He will be a threat from 3-point range. Esposito got plenty of playing time last season. At 5-10 he plays bigger than his size and is another strong defender. At 6-3, Foley will give the Bulldogs some height inside.

SANFORD

Coach: Paul Nolette, third year

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

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Tye Laviolette, jr., G; Nick Love, sr., C; Connor Yuill, sr., G; Ryan Clark, sr., G; Harris Layn, jr., C; Dustin Worrell, sr., C; Frank Veino, so., F; Ethan Belanger, so., G

Outlook: The Spartans have several players who can play multiple roles, or what Nolette calls “interchangeable parts.” Sanford should be strong on defense and a better rebounding club. Nolette said Laviolette has the potential to be one of the top point guards in the SMAA.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Tony DiBiase, third year

Last year: 9-9, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Nate Wessel, sr., F; Milani Hicks, sr., G/F; Sam Freeman, sr., G: Jake Gardner, jr., C; Ian Corey, sr., G; Mitchell Wedge, jr., G; Emmett Peoples, so., G

Outlook: The Red Storm have a solid core with three returning starters in Wessel, Hicks and Freeman. The key to the season could be the 6-foot-6 Gardner, who has shown considerable improvement. He gives the Red Storm a much-needed inside presence. Wessel plays a lot bigger than his 5-11 height. He averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds. Hicks averaged 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Freeman is a solid point guard.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Phil Conley, eighth year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jaren Muller, sr., C; Cam Harper, sr., G; Jack Fiorini, jr., C; Sam DePaolo, jr., G; Ruay Bol, so., F; Jordin Jackson, jr., F

Outlook: The Red Riots have good size with the 6-foot-5 Muller, the 6-6 Fiorini and the 6-4 Jackson. Muller, who played in the state championship game as a sophomore, averaged double figures last season while grabbing nine rebounds per game. Fiorini is a strong post player. DePaolo is up from the junior varsity, where he had a good season a year ago. Harper gained valuable experience last season. The Riots are confident of turning things around.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Bob Davies, 12th year

Last year: 12-6, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Kevin Barrett, sr., F; Corey Hart, jr, G

Outlook: The Golden Trojans will build around returning starters Barrett and Hart. The 6-foot-5 Barrett is one of the SMAA’s top all-around players. Hart is a combo guard who can play the point or off guard. He’s also strong on defense. “We have a lot of new faces and a great group of kids. There will be a learning curve,” said Davies.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Mike Burke, second year

Last year: 5-13

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Derek Breunig, sr., F; Sean Jany, sr., C; Isaiah Manoogian, sr., G; Moses Abwoch, jr., G; Curtis Knapton, jr., G

Outlook: The Blue Blazes have a good chance of turning around last year’s losing record. Breunig and Jany give the team height and athleticism in the middle. Jany is a developing 6-foot-7 pivot. Manoogian is a good shooter, Knapton is a returning starter at point guard, and Abwoch can score and play defense. “We have some holes to fill. The kids are starting to pull it together,” said Burke.

WINDHAM

Coach: Kevin Millington, 18th year

Last year: 6-13, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Markus D’Andrea, sr., G; Kevin Weisser, sr., G; Troy Davis, sr., G; Ryan Gorman, sr., G; Greg Gledhill, sr., F; Jack Giampino, sr., F; Sam Coons, sr., G; Kyle Kilfoil, jr., F

Outlook: With all five starters returning, the Eagles have the potential to be one of the top teams in the SMAA. D’Andrea emerged as a top player last season, averaging 15 points and seven assists. Weisser begins his fourth season as a varsity player. The 6-foot-4 wing player is an outstanding 3-point shooter who averaged 12 points. Davis is the team’s top defender. Gorman is another strong 3-point shooter. “We have eight to nine players who are very even in ability. We’re going to have a healthy rotation of big men. We’re excited about the season,” said Millington.

CLASS B

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Jeff Hart, 33rd year

Last year: 15-4, lost in Eastern Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Andrew Hall, sr., G; Nate Pascal, sr., F; Bill Bracher, sr., F; Gage Corson, jr., G

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Jim Ray, 21st year

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

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Eddie Galvin, sr., G/F; Ethan Murphy, sr., G; Jack O’Rourke, jr., G; Justin Guerette, jr., F; Quinn Hewitt, so., G/F; Finn Bowe, fr., G; Grady McCormick, sr., G; Jay Bottomley, jr., F; Marcus Donnelly, jr., G

Outlook: The Capers have five starters back from a tournament team. They can go 11 deep, and they all can score. Galvin and Murphy are improved offensively, and O’Rourke also should be a key contributor. Guerette is a physical presence inside. Bowe is the third brother to have played for Cape. He had 16 second-half points in a preseason game. “Any night, anyone could be the top scorer,” said Ray. “How we handle the mental side of the game and how patient we are will be keys. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

FREEPORT

Coach: Matt Reid, first year

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Brendan Qualls, sr., F; Jack Davenport, jr., F

Outlook: The Falcons have a new coach in Reid, a former standout at Cape Elizabeth who served as an assistant at his alma mater for five years. Reid will have the Falcons play up-tempo and extend the defense in hopes of creating turnovers. The team has good size in the 6-foot-4 Qualls and the 6-3 Davenport. The rest of the team is young.

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 17th year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jonathan Burk, sr., F; Ryan Gullikson, jr., G; Nicholis L’Heureux-Carland, jr., F; Henry Santana, sr., F

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Ryan Deschenes, third year

Last year: 3-15

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Andreas Kariotis, sr., G; Tyler St. Pierre, sr., G; J.T. Magno, sr., F; David Chalante, sr., G; Zach Haskell, jr., F; Kyle Keenan, jr., F

Outlook: The Patriots were in many games last year and hope to turn those near misses into wins. Kariotis averaged 16 points. St. Pierre and Chalante may be the quickest backcourt duo in the Western Maine Conference. At 6-foot-3, Magno gives the team some size. Gray-New Gloucester is looking to be in tourney contention.

GREELY

Coach: Travis Seaver, third year

Last year: 17-1, lost in Western Maine final

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Gabe Axelson, sr., G; Caleb Normandeau, jr., G; Matt McDevitt, so., F; Calvin Soule, jr., F

Outlook: This will be a whole new team for the Rangers, as they graduated all five starters from a strong team. Axelson got a lot of playing time last season. Soule saw limited action in all 18 games. McDevitt is a 6-foot-5 guard/forward who can score from the perimeter. He saw action toward the end of the season. “We’re young but we have some talented young guys,” said Seaver.

LAKE REGION

Coach: J.P. Yorkey, fifth year

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

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Nate Smith, jr, G/F; Jack Lesure, jr., G; Quinn Piland, sr., F; Nick Hall, sr., F/C; Nick Wandishin, Jr., F; Marcus DeVoe, jr., G

Outlook: A year ago the Lakers reached the regional quarterfinals with a team composed largely of sophomores. Now they have higher expectations. “We feel we can be as good as anyone in the league,” said Yorkey. The team has three starters back, led by Lesure, who averaged 11 points. The Lakers have some holes to fill but they have good size and athleticism.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Ryan Ball, first year

Last year: 9-9, lost in Western Maine preliminary round

Returning starters: 3

Outlook: The Eagles have a new coach but a familiar face in Ball, who was the freshman coach for five seasons. He’s also the varsity baseball coach. Lincoln should have good quickness, and will be led by Scherer, Pinkham and Leeman, who can all score. A tough opening slate of games will challenge the Eagles.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Nick DePatsy, eighth year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Eastern Maine preliminary round

Impact players: Nicholas DePatsy, jr., G/F; Micah Williamson, sr., G; Colton Spear, sr., F; Cameron Allaire, so., C; Zach Starr, jr., G; Noah Beck, sr., G

MORSE

Coach: Sam Hayes, third year

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

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ethan Winglass, sr., F; Casey Watson, sr., G; Keegan McDonough, jr., G; Juwan Moore, jr., C; Ayden Brillard, jr., G

Outlook: The Shipbuilders had a breakout season last year and are hoping for a repeat, if not better. Winglass was an all-KVAC selection. The 6-foot-2 standout can score inside or outside. He averaged in double figures in points. Watson is the other returning starter. McDonough will play the point and Moore will help inside. The Shipbuilders will play eight games before January. “If we come together as a team, we’ll be good,” said Hayes.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Matt Breen, 11th year

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Jarrod Leonardi, sr., C; Keenan Hendricks, jr., G; Nick Mazurek, jr., F

Outlook: Mazurek is the lone returning starter; he averaged eight points, a total that should increase. Leonardi and Hendricks gained experience as the sixth and seventh men last year. “We’ll have a few growing pains at the start but once the new guys get their feet wet, I feel we’ll be all right,” said Breen.

POLAND

Coach: Tyler Tracy, fifth year

Last year: 13-9, lost in state final

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Alan Young, sr., F; Derek Michaud, sr., G; Zach Lowe, sr., F; Adam Mocciola, sr., G; John Fossett, jr., F

Outlook: The Knights had the best season in school history, making it to the state final before losing to Old Town. Young and Michaud are in their third season as starters. Both were instrumental in last year’s run. Young averaged 11 points and seven rebounds. Michaud, the point guard, controlled the tempo in most games and hit some big shots in the tournament. Fossett and Lowe are both 6-foot-3. “I’m hoping last year’s success enables us to take a big step in being more consistent this season,” said Tracy.

WELLS

Coach: Troy Brown, eighth year

Last year: 6-12

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Nate Booth, sr., G; Reid Chase, jr., F; Deandre Woods, so., F; Charlie Bell, jr., G; Owen Berry, so., G; Riley Dempsey, so., G

Outlook: The Warriors are young, with two seniors, five juniors and seven sophomores. The sophomores were on an undefeated freshman team. Booth, the lone returning starter, will be at shooting guard. Chase, Bell and Woods have a lot of potential. Wells will be able to go 10 deep.

YARMOUTH

Coach: Adam Smith, 11th year

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

Impact players: Adam LaBrie, sr., G; Jordan Brown, sr., G; Cote Sawyer, sr., F; Musseit M’Bareck, jr., G; Cody Cook, jr., G

Outlook: The Clippers return two starters in LaBrie and Brown. LaBrie is one of the top players in the Western Maine Conference, with a strong overall game. The 6-foot-1 standout averaged 15 points last season. M’Bareck is skilled at controlling the pace of the game and will look to score more. Yarmouth doesn’t have as much height as recent teams but is quicker. The Clippers will look to play up-tempo. Yarmouth feels it is as good as any team in the league.

YORK

Coach: Randy Small, sixth year

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

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Mark MacGlashing, sr., F; Justin Frecker, sr., C; Zach Gauthier, sr., G; Kevin McKenna, sr., G; Matt Pratt, F; sr., Zane Insko, sr., G; Keelan Hynes, sr., G

Outlook: Balance is the theme. “We don’t have a go-to player but several players who can score,” said Small. He calls it a blue-collar team, which can be said of a lot of Small’s teams. The lone returning starter is MacGlashing, a strong rebounder at 6-foot-2. The other starters played significant minutes off the bench last year.

CLASS C

BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: I.J. Pinkham, 39th year

Last year: 16-3, lost in Western Maine quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: John Hepburn, sr., C; Evan Hepburn, sr., F; Abel Bryer, jr., F

Outlook: The Seahawks should again be one of the top teams in Class C. They’re led by the Hepburn twins. John Hepburn averaged 20.4 points last season and will surpass 1,000 career points early in the season. Evan Hepburn averaged 11.4 points. The biggest need is finding a point guard. Bryer will help with the rebounding. Boothbay can go 10 deep. The Seahawks should battle Dirigo, Winthrop and Hall-Dale for supremacy in the region.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: John Regan, 21st year

Impact players: Eric Hogan, jr., G; Evan Christenson, so., G/F; Joe Anderson, jr., C; Sam Custeau, jr., C; Zach Hirst, jr., G; Andrew Graves, sr., G

Sacopee Valley

Coach: Ben Murphy, second year

Last year: 5-12

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Dominic Locke, sr., G; Blake Trueworthy, sr., G; Michael Pingree, sr., F

Outlook: The Hawks are looking to make a push for the playoffs and have a winning record for the first time in years. Sacopee will play an up-tempo style and use as many players as possible to stay fresh.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Jeremy Paul, 12th year

Last year: 5-12

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Dan Tokarz, sr., C; Josh Schneier, sr., G; Angelo Succi, so., G; Joe Cavanagh, so., G; Colin Macomber, sr., F

Outlook: Without much height, the Rangers will look to push the ball for points in transition. “We want to get more looks at the basket,” said Paul. At 6-foot-5, Tokarz is a key to the season. The team was regrouping in the preseason because a couple players decided not to come out.

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Rich Henry, 11th year

Last year: 20-3, state champion

Impact players: Harry Baker-Connick, sr., G; Pace Hutchinson, sr., F; Abel Alemayo, jr., G; Milo Belleau, jr., F; Willy Burdick, jr., G; Will Nelligan, jr., G; Tom Silk, jr., F

Outlook: The Flyers return three starters, including their backcourt, but must replace All-State performer Serge Nyirikamba. Baker-Connick is a veteran guard and should help Waynflete remain in contention.

WISCASSET

Coach: Dana Lawrence, fourth year

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Brandon Sprague, jr., F; Ethan James, so., F/C; Thomas Anderson, sr., G/F

Outlook: Sprague uses good footwork and strong moves to be effective inside despite being only 6 feet. He averaged in double figures last season. James is a 6-5 sophomore who should help inside. Injuries and players who didn’t come out could slow the team at first, but the Wolverines should improve as the season goes along.

CLASS D

GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN

Coach: Chris Spaulding, first year

Last year: 4-14

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Matt Hammond, sr., F; David Davol, jr., G; Jeremiah Hammond, so., G; Ethan Spaulding, so., G; Mason Jones, fr., C

Outlook: The Lions have a young team but are hopeful of a winning record and a berth in the tournament. They’ve shown promising offense in the preseason. Spaulding averaged nine points last season. He’s starting his third varsity season, as are Davol and Jeremiah Hammond.

HYDE

Coach: Corey Bagley, first year

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Antoine Montgomery, sr., G; Kiefer Cundy, sr., G; Noah Horning, sr., G; Greg Kidger, so., F; Andrew Palermo, jr., F; Bryan Wang, sr., F

Outlook: The Phoenix have a new coach in Bagley, who was an assistant last year. The team will be guard-oriented with Montgomery, Cundy and Horning leading the way. Hyde is usually a contender and this year should be no exception. “We’re excited about the season,” said Bagley.

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Jason Knight, third year

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

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Chase Gendron, sr., F/C; Eoin Anderson, sr., G; D.J. Nicholas, sr., G; Haven Cutko, so., G; Jake Malcom, so., F; Jacob Sturgess, so., G; Sean McMullan, jr., F

Outlook: The team revolves around Gendron, who averaged 19 points and seven rebounds last season. The 6-foot-4 standout, a first-team all-Western Maine Conference selection, has a chance to reach 1,000 points for his career. Anderson’s return from injury should help. Nicholas ranked in the top 10 in the WMC in steals. Cutko played in all 19 games last year, averaging five points.

PINE TREE ACADEMY

Coach: Roger Wilday, second year

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Chris Wilday, sr., G; J.P. Tshamala, jr., F; Zach Owen, jr., G

Outlook: Pine Tree’s goal is to reach the quarterfinals at the Augusta Civic Center. Tshamala averaged 14 points and Wilday averaged 12 last season. With another year of experience and a stronger supporting cast, the Breakers should be improved.

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

Coach: Matt Cardinal, third year

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Isaac LaCroix, sr., F; Tim Yeaton, jr., C; Caleb LaCroix, so., G; Sky Archer, so., G; Ethan Towne, sr., F

Outlook: Isaac LaCroix will be the go-to player again. He averaged 12 points last season. Yeaton and Archer are also scorers. The team’s goal is to return to the Augusta Civic Center and advance past the quarterfinals, which have been a stumbling block.