CLASS AA SOUTH

BONNY EAGLE

Coach: Mike Francoeur, first year

Last year: 11-8, lost in Western Class A prelim

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Troy Bogdhan, sr., F; Ben Autry, sr., F

Outlook: The Scots have a new coach in Francoeur, who enjoyed successful stints at Edward Little, Deering and Lake Region. Bogdhan and Autry are the only players with varsity experience. The Scots will look to pressure teams to create turnovers.   

GORHAM

Coach: Mark Karter, third year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western Class A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Sam Kilborn, sr., C; Cody Elliott, sr., G; Jackson Fotter, jr., G; Billy Ruby, sr., F; Cam Smith, sr., F

Outlook: The Rams are a veteran team looking to take the next step or two in the tournament. The 6-foot-5 Kilborn is an all-WMC player who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds. The 6-3 Ruby collects most of his points with strong moves to the basket. Elliott will be the point guard and plays strong defense. Fotter has shown a lot of improvement overall, and in particular with his outside shot. Smith adds to the rebounding and is a tough inside presence. This is a team that could go deep into the playoffs.

MASSABESIC

Coach: Chris Binette, first year

Last year: 1-17 in Western Class A

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Dawson Renaud, sr., G; Ryan Gullikson, sr., F; Dan Amabile, sr., G; Tyus Sprague Ripley, sr., F; Joe Daigle, sr., G/F; Ben Weston Bergeron, sr., F

Outlook: The Mustangs have a new coach in Binette, a former Massabesic player. They also have five returning starters, which should help the recovery. Amabile is the top returning scorer. A couple transfers should help. Sprague Ripley is from Oxford Hills and Gullikson is from Fryeburg Academy. With 11 seniors, the Mustangs have experience.

NOBLE

Coach: Kevin Jackson, first year

Last year: 4-14, Western Class A

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Brandon Davis, jr., F; Britton Study, jr., G; Christopher Evans, sr., G/F

Outlook: A strong junior class, led by Davis and Study, will be expected to carry a majority of the load. The Knights will look to make up for their lack of size by using their athleticism, along with discipline and hustle. Davis was selected to the all-SMAA rookie team last season. The Knights have a new coach in Jackson.

SANFORD

Coach: Paul Nolette, fourth year

Last year: 7-11, Western Class A

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Brad Bouchard, jr., G; Harris Layn, sr., C; Tye Laviolette, sr., G; Frank Veino, jr., F; Ethan Belanger, jr., G; Mike Lunny, so., F; Ethan Emard, so., G

Outlook: After missing the playoffs last season, the Spartans are determined to return. Sanford returns four starters and several players who can score. Bouchard averaged 9.4 points last season, while Layn and Laviolette each averaged seven points. The team has the potential to be strong offensively but will need to rebound and block out effectively, as the Spartans don’t have a lot of size.

SCARBOROUGH

Coach: Tony DiBiase, fourth year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Class A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Emmett Peoples, jr., G; Jake Gardner sr., C; Andrew Porada, sr., F

Outlook: The Red Storm have only two seniors. Peoples will be counted on for scoring and floor leadership. At 6-foot-6, Gardner has the potential to be one of the top big men in Class AA South. He averaged seven points and 11 rebounds last season. Porada is a strong rebounder. The Red Storm should be in the running for a tournament slot if the underclassmen come along.

SOUTH PORTLAND

Coach: Kevin Millington, first year

Last year: 16-4, lost in Western Class A semifinal

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Jack Fiorini, sr., F; Matt Pelletier, sr., G; Sam DePaolo, sr., G; Mike Kilmartin, sr., F; Jordin Jackson, sr., F; Ansel Stilley, jr., G; Ruay Bol, jr., F; Deandre White, jr., G; Moses Oreste, jr., G

Outlook: The Red Riots have a new coach in Millington, who spent 18 seasons as Windham’s head coach. He inherits a team with the potential to reach the state championship game. The Riots have plenty of height with the 6-foot-6 Fiorini, 6-5 Jackson and a pair of 6-4 players in Bol and Pelletier. Fiorini could be a force inside. Pelletier is a strong 3-point shooter. Bol is one of the most talented players in Class AA and Jackson is a strong rebounder. DePaolo is a good shooter who will play point guard.

THORNTON ACADEMY

Coach: Bob Davies, 13th year

Last year: 9-10, lost in Western Class A prelim

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ben Lambert, sr., G; Corey Hart, sr., G; Rome Pura, jr., F; Jack Tilley, sr., G

Outlook: The Golden Trojans have some talented players and the potential to be a contender. Lambert, Hart and Pura were members of Thornton’s state championship football team. Tilley is a talented point guard who transferred from New Brunswick. At 6-foot-5, John Fogg will help inside.

CLASS AA NORTH

CHEVERUS

Coach: Ryan Soucie, first year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western Class A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Austin Boudreau, jr., G; Jack Casale, jr., G; Luca Napolitano, sr., G; Andrew Roberts, sr., C; Jesse Matthews, so., F; Tobias Ephron, so., G; Kenny Drelich, sr., F; David Thete, sr., G; Tre Fletcher, fr., G

Outlook: The Stags have a new coach in Soucie, who had been an assistant the last few years. He takes over a team with a lot of potential, led by sharp-shooters Boudreau 6-foot-4 and Casale 6-3. The 6-4 Roberts and 6-5 Matthews give Cheverus a strong inside presence. Napolitano is also a battler inside and plays bigger than his 6-1. Fletcher could be a key player as the season develops. The Stags are optimistic about contending.    

DEERING

Coach: Todd Wing, third year

Last year: 14-7, lost in Western Class A semifinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ben Williams, sr., F; Malik White, sr., G; Anthony Lobor, sr., F; Max Chabot, sr., G; Jean Claude Nzenza, jr., G; Raffaele Salamone, Jr., C

Outlook: The Rams should be one of the top teams in this new class. Williams is a proven scorer, having averaged 16.9 points last season. White, a shooting guard, also averaged in double figures. The 6-foot-4 Salamone was selected to the SMAA all-rookie team and averaged close to double figures in points and rebounds in the second half of the season. Chabot and Nzenza are proven point guards who each bring something different to the floor.

PORTLAND

Coach: Joe Russo, 26th year

Last year: 19-3, Western Class A champion

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Joe Esposito, sr., G; Amir Moss, sr., G; Charlie Lyall, jr., C; Ben Griffin, sr., F; Griffin Foley, so., F; Terion Moss, so., G; Emmanuel Yugu, so., G; John Williams, sr., F; Ben Fisher, so., C; Quinn Clark, so., G; Pedro Fonsoca, fr., G; Trey Ballew, fr., C

Outlook: The Bulldogs have a lot of talent and could reach their third straight state final. Esposito and Amir Moss are seasoned players who started a year ago and saw a lot of action as sophomores. Terion Moss showed his talent at the point guard spot as a freshman. Lyall and Griffin give the Bulldogs size inside at 6-foot-4 each. Foley will be a starter and gives the Bulldogs a strong threat from 3-point territory. Williams will help out in the frontcourt. Yugu showed flashes of his potential last season. Fonsoca, a freshman, will help immediately. With a tough opening slate of games, the Bulldogs will know where they stand early in the season.

WINDHAM

Coach: Chad Pulkkinen, first year

Last year: 11-9, lost in Western Class A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 0

Impact players: Mike Gilman, so., G; Kyle Kilfoil, sr., F/C; Nick Curtis, so.; G; Chris Brown, jr., F

Outlook: The Eagles have a new coach in Pulkkinen, a former player who graduated from Windham in 2002. He was also a 1,000-point scorer at St. Joseph’s and played professionally in Europe. He inherits a young team. Gilman, Kilfoil and Curtis saw action last season and will be counted on for their experience. Windham will look to play an up-tempo style. Gilman has the potential to be one of the top guards in Class AA North. The 6-foot-4 Kilfoil will be a key inside.

CLASS A SOUTH

BIDDEFORD

Coach: Justin Tardif, third year

Last year: 1-17 in Western Class A

Returning starters: 5

Impact players: Patrick Pearl, jr., G; Jeremy Lugiano, sr., G; Breece Sleeper, so., G; Austin Dutremble, jr., F; Jason Vadnais, sr., F; Alex Millett, sr., F; Caleb Ball, jr, F

Outlook: The Tigers have all five starters back and are confident of being in contention for a tournament spot. Dutremble will be sidelined until January because of a torn ankle ligament. Tardif is looking forward to finally coaching a team of seniors and juniors with experience. Vadnais and Dutremble are the team’s top shooters. The Tigers will have to shoot well to have a chance of knocking off some of the league’s favorites.       

BRUNSWICK

Coach: Todd Hanson, 20th year

Last year: 9-10, lost in Eastern Class A quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Thomas Hanson, sr. G; Corbin Teel, jr., C; Caleb Cost, jr., F; Josh Dorr, jr., G; JD Souza, sr., G; Owen Rudalevige, sr., C

Outlook: With a new class structure comes new opponents and some uncertainty for the Dragons. They have enough experience back to fit in nicely though. Hanson averaged nine points last season, led the team in assists and was second in rebounding. Rudalevige and Teel provide good size at 6-foot-6 and 6-5. Souza is the point guard. Dorr and Cost can both finish at the basket. The Dragons will have a new regional tournament site. “We’ve gone from Portland to Bangor to Augusta and now back to Portland,” said Hanson.

CAPE ELIZABETH

Coach: Jim Ray, 22nd year

Last year: 19-3, Class B state champions

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Finn Bowe, so., G/F; Jack O’Rourke, sr., G; James Bottomley, sr., G; Quinn Hewitt, jr., G/F; Justin Guerette, sr., F; Marcus Donnelly, sr. G; Andrew Hartel, fr., C

Outlook: The Capers have a good mix of experience and newcomers. They have the smallest enrollment among the schools in Class A South, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be a contender. O’Rourke, Hewitt and Guerette are returning starters, while Bowe and Bottomley saw a lot of playing time. Balanced scoring should be a key. The team has good size. Hartel is 6-foot-6, Hewitt is 6-4 and Bowe is 6-3.

FALMOUTH

Coach: Dave Halligan, 29th year

Last year: 17-4, lost in Western Class A final

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Tom Coyne, sr., G; Colin Coyne, jr., G; Sam Skop, sr., C; Matt Wulbrecht, sr., F; Ben Simonds, jr. G/F; Sean Walsh, jr., F; Jack Bryant, so., G; Sean Bryant, sr., G

Outlook: The Yachtsmen have Tom Coyne healthy at the start of the year, unlike a year ago. As a sophomore, he led the team in scoring at 23 points per game. His brother, Colin, averaged 14 points and led in 3-pointers last season. Falmouth has a tall frontcourt. The team should have more scoring options and figures to be a contender in Class A South.   

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

Coach: Sedge Saunders, 18th year

Last year: 9-10, lost in Western Class B prelim

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Cody Gullikson, so., G; Ben Darling, sr., G; Nick L’Heureux-Carland, sr., F

Outlook: The Raiders have nine new players, so an adjustment period is to be expected. There’s a lot of young talent, however. Fryeburg is a guard-oriented, 3-point shooting team that will look to spread the floor and push the pace.   

GREELY

Coach: Travis Seaver, fourth year

Last year: 10-10, lost in Western Class B quarterfinal

Returning starters: 4

Impact players: Matt McDevitt, jr., F; Jordan Bagshaw, jr., G; Ryan Twitchell, jr., C; Caleb Normandeau, sr., G; Calvin Soule, sr., G

Outlook: The Rangers have four starters returning, led by the 6-foot-5 McDevitt and Bagshaw, who has improved his overall game. Twitchell is another big man inside at 6-4 and adds to the scoring depth. Soule is a strong defender and will share point-guard duties. Greely is looking to advance deeper into the postseason, but it will be a challenge in a deep league.     

KENNEBUNK

Coach: Barrett Belanger, second year

Last year: 6-12 in Western Class A

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Zach MacKinnon, sr., G-F; Travon Bradford, sr., C; Ryan Coughlan, sr., F; Justin Wiggins, jr., G; Dakota Ewy, jr., G; Cam Lovejoy, fr., G; Erik Aiken, sr., F; Patrick Grady, sr., C

Outlook: The Rams have three starters back and two other players who saw playing time last season. MacKinnon averaged 15.6 points. At 6-foot-7, Bradford could be a key inside. Kennebunk is hopeful of reaching the tournament.   

MARSHWOOD

Coach: Mike Zamarchi, 21st year

Last year: 10-9, lost in Western Class A prelim

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Ryan O’Neil, sr., G; Zack Mitchell, sr., F; Baili Lontine-Kearson, sr., F; Zach Doyon, sr. F; Dawson Casey, jr., F; Ben Beers, jr., G/F; Jack Spear, sr., F

Outlook: The Hawks have several football players who have won two straight Class B state championships. They’re hoping the success on the gridiron translates to the hardwood. O’Neill and Mitchell are returning starters. O’Neil is starting his third year at point guard. Lontine-Kearson is in his fourth season on the varsity. The Hawks are looking forward to playing some old rivals.

MORSE

Coach: Brian Bennett, first year

Last year: 13-6, lost in Western Class B quarterfinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Keegan McDonough, sr., G; Aidan Brillard, sr., F; Dakota Freeman, jr., G; Zaidan McMarrin, jr., F

Outlook: The Shipbuilders have a new coach in Bennett, who believes Morse can be competitive with the top teams in Class A South. McDonough is strong at point guard and capable of averaging in double figures in points and assists. Brillard is a strong defensive player who can shoot. Freeman is a threat from 3-point range. McMarrin is a transfer from Medomak Valley who should help inside.

MT. ARARAT

Coach: Steve Cox, second year

Last year: 7-12, lost in Eastern Class A prelim

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Shyheim Ulrickson, sr., G; Alex LaFountain, sr., F

Outlook: Ulrickson has been one of the KVAC’s top players for the last three seasons. A point guard, he scored his 1,000th career point halfway through last season. He averaged 22 points and can attack the hoop like few guards in the state. LaFountain, at 6-foot-4, will be counted on for strong inside play and perimeter defense.

WESTBROOK

Coach: Dan LeGage, first year

Last year: 9-11, lost in Western Class A quarterfinals

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Curtis Knapton, sr., G; Anderson Kavutse, sr., C; Bailey Ryan, sr., G; Miece Lourelio, jr., G; Zac Manoogian, so., G; Bailey Sawyer, jr., F

Outlook: The Blue Blazes have a new coach in LeGage, the former Deering coach who coached the Rams to two state titles. LeGage, who was away from the game for two years, said coaching is in his blood. Westbrook will have some new opponents in Class A South. Knapton is the lone returning starter and the likely point guard. The Blazes are small with the exception of the 6-foot-5 Kavutse. Manoogian is a first-year varsity player who can shoot.

YORK

Coach: Randy Small, seventh year

Last year: 9-9 in Western Class B

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Trevor Labonte, jr., F; Spencer Cribby, sr., G; Liam Bonner, sr., C

Outlook: The Wildcats start the season with just a few players with significant varsity experience. The Wildcats will be counting on the 6-foot-5 LaBonte and the 6-4 Bonner. York will be looking for new players to step up and give the team a boost to get into the playoffs.

CLASS A NORTH

CAMDEN HILLS

Coach: Jeff Hart, 34th year

Last year: 4-14 in Eastern Class B

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Gage Corson, sr., G; Morgan Ford, jr., C; Daniel Peabody, so., F; Devin Vangel, jr., G; Julian Starbird, sr., G; Dalton Oaks, sr., G

Outlook: The Windjammers look to return to the tournament after a rare miss last season. The team is still young but has talent. The Windjammers will play their customary up-tempo style with pressure defense.

OCEANSIDE

Coach: Matt Breen, 12th year

Last year: 12-7, lost in Eastern Class B quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Keenan Hendricks, sr., G; Nick Mazurek, sr., F; Riley Sprague, sr., F; Nate Raye, jr., G; Sam Atwood, jr., G

Outlook: Oceanside is led by Kendricks and Mazurek. Hendricks averaged 14 points last season, and the 6-3 Mazurek was also a consistent scoring threat. They’ll likely have to increase their point production to keep the Mariners in playoff contention. The rest of the players saw limited minutes last season.

MEDOMAK VALLEY

Coach: Nick DePatsy, ninth year

Last year: 19-3, Eastern Class B champion

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Nicholas DePatsy, sr., G/F; Zach Starr, sr., G; Robert Cole, sr., C; Jackson Vail, sr., G; Brandon Douglas, sr., G; Cameron Allaire, jr., C; Cameron Martin, jr., F; Cale Gee, jr., G/F; Kyle Donlin, jr., F; Richie Sproul, jr., F

Outlook: DePatsy is one of the top players in the state. He averaged 21 points last season and can play any position. At 6-foot-6, Allaire could dominate inside. Starr is an anchor in the backcourt. The Panthers move up to Class A North and will need to step up their physical play to compete at the higher level.

CLASS B SOUTH

FREEPORT

Coach: Billy Ridge, first year

Last year: 0-18 in Western Class B

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Brady LaFrance, sr., G; Jack Davenport, sr., F; Nate Pelletier, sr., C; Connor Dostie, jr., F; Eli Fox, sr., F; Ethan Sclar, so., G

Outlook: The Falcons have a new coach in Ridge, the school’s baseball coach. Ridge was an assistant coach at Cheverus for three seasons and the freshman coach at Falmouth before that. The team has nine seniors. LaFrance is a good shooter. Davenport will help inside after he returns from a broken collarbone.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER

Coach: Ryan Deschenes, fourth year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Class B quarterfinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Zack Haskell, sr., G; Kyle Keenan, sr., F; John Henry, jr., G

Outlook: The Patriots have a good mix of veterans and young talent. Keenan and Haskell give the team good size at 6-foot-5 and 6-3. The team will look to play pressure defense in the hopes of creating turnovers. Haskell is strong on defense. Depending on how the newcomers develop, the Patriots could contend for a tournament berth.   

LAKE REGION

Coach: John Mayo, first year

Last year: 15-6, lost in Western Class B final

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Jack Lesure, sr., G; Marcus Devoe, sr., G; Nate Smith, sr., G/F; Nick Wandishin, sr., F/C; Brandon Palmer, sr., F; Tyler Walker, jr., G

Outlook: With three returning starters from a team that got to the regional final last season, the Lakers enter the season as the favorites in Class B South. Lesure is one of the top players in the Western Maine Conference. Smith can score from outside, and Devoe set a tournament record for 3-pointers in a game. Wandishin will be counted on for rebounds. The Lakers have a new coach in Mayo, a former Lake Region player and assistant.

LINCOLN ACADEMY

Coach: Ryan Ball, second year

Last year: 13-7, lost in Western Class B semifinal

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: Colby Lincoln, sr., G/F; Cole Leeman, sr., G; Cody Tozier, jr., C; Nathan Masters, so., F; John Henry, jr., G

Outlook: The 6-foot-4 Tozier averaged 12 points and eight rebounds last season. Leeman is also capable of scoring in double figures, He’ll handle the point-guard duties with Henry. The Eagles have a lot of good ball handlers.

POLAND

Coach: Tyler Tracy, sixth year

Last year: 8-11, lost in Western Class B prelim

Returning starters: 1

Impact players: John Fossett, sr., F; Patrick Kuklinski, sr., G; Jared Martel, sr., G; Trevor Saunders, sr., G; Nate Chouinard, jr., G; Caleb Hodgkin, jr., F; Quinn Callahan, jr., F;  Greg Leighton, jr., G; Kurt Leighton, jr., G

Outlook: The Knights are led by the 6-foot-2 Fossett, who averaged 12 points and eight rebounds. He’s one of two holdovers, along with Kuklinski, from the regional champions of two years ago. Poland will look to press to take advantage of its quickness and aggressiveness. Chouinard is a good shooter.

SACOPEE VALLEY

Coach: Ben Murphy, third year

Last year: 5-13 in Western Class C

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jameson Dehmer, sr., C; Brady Denison, sr., F; Will Goforth, sr., G;

Outlook: As the smallest school in Class B South, Sacopee Valley faces a challenging schedule. The Hawks should have balanced scoring. At 6-foot-8, Dehmer is a defensive deterrent in the middle. He averaged four blocks as a sophomore. The team has good depth.

WELLS

Coach: Troy Brown, ninth year

Last year: 3-15 in Western Class B

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Riley Dempsey, jr., G; Owen Berry, jr., G; Deandre Woods, jr., G; Jordan Cluff, jr., F; Tyler Dewey, jr., G; Keegan Reidy, jr., G; Seamus McDounough, sr., C.; Tyler Wuerthner, sr., G; Charlie Bell, sr., G; Dylan McKay, so,, F

Outlook: Wells has three starters returning and a lot of talent in the junior class, which could mean a turnaround from last season. A .500 record would be a good target. Scoring could come from several players.   

YARMOUTH

Coach: Adam Smith, 11th year

Last year: 15-3, lost in Western Class B semifinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Musseit M’Bareck, sr., G; C.J. Cawley, sr., F; Bailey Darling, sr., G; Kevin Shields-Auble, sr., G; Nolan Hagerty, so., G; Conor O’Donnell, sr., F; Aleksandar Medenica, jr., F

Outlook: The Clippers lost one of their top players when Cody Cook tore his ACL in football. M’Bareck is a veteran point guard. The Clippers have some new opponents and a little more travel, but the tournament should be well within their grasp.

CLASS C SOUTH

BOOTHBAY REGION

Coach: I.J. Pinkham, 40th year

Last year: 16-3, lost in Western Class C quarterfinals

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Abel Bryer, sr., C; Jacob Leonard, jr., F

Outlook: The Seahawks graduated eight seniors. They could experience growing pains early in the season, as there are several players adjusting to new positions. Still, the team is stocked with good athletes who just need to improve their skills and adjust to the varsity level. The Seahawks are confident of making the tournament once again.

NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY

Coach: Jason Knight, fourth year

Last year: 8-12, lost in Western Class D quarterfinal

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Jake Malcom, jr., F/C; Haven Cutko, jr., G; Chandler Waldron, jr., G, Joey Hogan, jr., G;  Nathaniel Sinibaldi, jr., G; Davis Newell, jr., G

Outlook: Malcom is 6-foot-5 and can play inside or outside. He stepped in last year after an injury to a top player and played well. Cutko is a three-year varsity player who provides leadership at point guard. After those two, there’s a lot of inexperience.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Coach: Mike Burke, first year

Last year: 11-8, lost in Western Class C quarterfinal

Returning starters: 4

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

Outlook: The Seagulls have a new coach in Burke, who spent the last two seasons at Westbrook. He greets four returning starters who should keep the team near the top of Class C South. Hogan is an experienced point guard. The team has good size with a couple 6-5 and 6-4 players.

TRAIP ACADEMY

Coach: Jeremy Paul, 13th year

Last year: 8-10, lost in Western Class C prelim

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: Angelo Succi, jr., G; Joe Cavanagh, jr., G; Alex Foye, sr., F; Charlie Driscoll, so., G

Outlook: Succi and Cavanagh are fast guards who excel in the open court. The Rangers may have to be patient on offense, as they don’t have a lot of size. They will press and look to get points in transition. Traip has a tough schedule, with nine Class B opponents.

WAYNFLETE

Coach: Rich Henry, 12th year

Last year: 16-2, lost in Western Class C semifinal

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Milo Belleau, sr., G; Abel Alemayo, sr., G; Will Nelligan, sr., G; Willy Burdick, sr., G; Tom Silk, sr., F; Yai Deng, jr., F; Jack Meahl, jr., G; Christian Brooks, so., F

Outlook: The Flyers return a good nucleus, led by Belleau and Alemayo. Deng and Silk provide size and skill in the front court, and Nelligan is a swingman who will have a big role. A strong schedule should prepare Waynflete for the tournament.

WISCASSET

Coach: Dana Lawrence, fifth year

Last year: 4-14 in Western Class C

Returning starters: 3

Impact players: Ethan James, jr., C; Brandon Sprague, sr., F

Outlook: James looks to build on a strong sophomore season. The 6-foot-6 player averaged nine points and six rebounds. Sprague had a good season in AAU ball and is a solid rebounder. Wiscasset has a bunch of young guards who run the floor well. The team should be improved.

CLASS D SOUTH

Greater Portland Christian

Coach: Chris Spaulding, second year

Last year: 6-11 in Western Class D

Returning starters: 4

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

Outlook: The Lions have four returning starters who have been together for at least three years. They lack height, so they’ll look to play an up-tempo style. The program is bolstered by the addition of former University of Maine-Farmington Coach Len MacPhee as an assistant.

PINE TREE ACADEMY

Coach: Trevor Schlisner, first year

Last year: 6-12 in Western Class D

Returning starters: 2

Impact players: J.P. Tshamala, sr., F; Zach Owen, sr., F; Jalen Tamaleaa, sr., F; Alex Schlisner, so., G

Outlook: Schlisner is back as coach after a three-year absence. Pine Tree has two returning starters in Tshamala and Owen. Tamaleaa is a newcomer who should help. Schlisner, the coach’s son, is the point guard. The Breakers have enough talent to challenge for a tournament berth.

SEACOAST CHRISTIAN

Coach: Matt Cardinal, fourth year

Last year: 17-3, lost in Western Class D semifinal

Returning starters: 3

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

Outlook: Seacoast Christian has three players back from a team that made it to the regional semifinals. Yeaton averaged in double figures, and LaCroix is a quick point guard who can hit the 3-pointer. Archer also can shoot.

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