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Maine’s fall high school sports players of the year
This year's best athletes recognized in football, soccer, field hockey, cross-country and golf.
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Football: Joe Esposito, Portland
The talented linebacker and running back propelled the Bulldogs into the Class A state title game.Portland running back Joe Esposito started the season as a fullback, then moved to tailback, and ended with 1,606 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns for the Bulldogs, who finished with a 10-1 record.Early in the season, Portland was having problems with its long snaps. Joe Esposito, the team’s star player, volunteered to help out.
“Joe learned how to snap and was ready if we needed him. He is the type of player who will do anything you want unselfishly,” said Coach Jim Hartman.
At the start of the year, Esposito was asked to play fullback instead of tailback.
“That would have been a problem with a lot of players, but not Joe. He’s a very humble kid,” said Hartman.
Esposito returned to tailback midway through the fifth game of the year when George Chaison-Lapine, the regular tailback, was injured. Esposito stayed there the rest of the season and churned out big yardage as the Bulldogs advanced to the Class A state championship game.
Esposito was a force on offense and defense and as Hartman said, “the heart of our team.” He broke several runs for long touchdowns and would get extra yards by breaking tackles and never giving up. He was in the middle of the defense at linebacker and made sure his teammates were in the right spots.
“Everything revolved around Joe,” said Hartman.
Esposito is the Maine Sunday Telegram’s player of the year in football. Last week, Esposito was also named Maine’s Gatorade player of the year. At the end of the regular season, he was named the Class A North’s player of the year.
Esposito carried the ball 222 times for 1,606 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and scored 24 touchdowns rushing. He added four touchdowns on pass receptions.
He also finished with 126 tackles, two interceptions, three sacks and a fumble recovery.
“Our team stayed close all year and it was great that we got to play in a state championship game,” said Esposito. “It’s something we can be proud of. Only a certain amount of teams make it to the state championship (game). Portland hadn’t been to one in 13 years.”
Portland lost to Thornton Academy 24-14 on Nov. 21.
“We stayed close in that game and made a comeback. I think people saw us differently after that game,” he said.
Esposito rarely left the field. The football season started in the middle of August and didn’t end until the Thanksgiving Day game with Deering. It was a long year but Esposito stayed focused and injury free.
“Realizing that this could be my last season of football helped keep me focused. Winning makes everything more fun. I tried to do things so I wouldn’t get hurt and our trainers do a good job of keeping us healthy,” he said.
Esposito started playing football in the second grade when his uncle Todd Zukowsky was the coach and his cousin Justin Zukowsky, who is two years older, was on the team.
As a sophomore, Esposito played alongside his cousin, who has been a mentor.
“He showed me the importance of playing hard on every play and playing sideline to sideline,” said Esposito.
During his sophomore year, Esposito was almost put at guard because the team had an injury. He played center on the freshmen team briefly. The switch to running back worked out well for Esposito and the team.
Esposito carries a 96 GPA in school. His favorite subject is math.
“I try hard in class. I’m not a slacker,” he said.
Esposito said he has applied to Bates College, Springfield College, the University of Rhode Island, Maine and Rutgers.
His football days may not be over. If he goes to Bates or Springfield, he would like to play football. He also said he might try to walk on at Maine or Rhode Island.
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Offense
Austin McCrum, Thornton Academy, senior quarterback: McCrum, a repeat All-State selection, led the Golden Trojans to a second straight Class A state title, passing for 1,956 yards and 20 touchdowns, and rushing for 358 yards and four touchdowns. He was named the Class A South player of the year. McCrum will play football at Lafayette College.
Connor Aube, Falmouth, senior running back: Aube led the Yachtsmen to the Class B South final. He rushed for 1,059 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and had 409 yards receiving with three touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, he has rushed for 2,396 yards and has scored 53 touchdowns.
Will Bessey, Brunswick, senior running back: Bessey, an All-State pick for the second year in a row, was a versatile runner who gained 1,569 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He added 171 yards receiving with three touchdowns, and also passed for two touchdowns and returned an interception for a touchdown. He was named the Class B Pine Tree Conference player of the year.
Dane Johnson, Bangor, senior running back: Johnson led Class A North in rushing with 1,353 yards and rushed for 13 touchdowns. He led the league in total carries each of the last two years, and finished his career with more than 3,000 yards rushing.
Zach Doyon, Marshwood, senior running back: Doyon got his chance to run the ball this season after limited carries as a junior and delivered in a big way for the repeat Class B state champions. He rushed for 1,895 yards on 194 carries and scored 22 touchdowns, and caught 16 passes for 257 yards and seven touchdowns.
Andre Miller, Old Town, senior wide receiver: The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Miller caught 35 passes for 728 yards and 11 touchdowns. In two playoff games he had 13 receptions for 337 yards and five touchdowns. He also carried the ball 22 times for 385 yards and five touchdowns, and had 11 kickoff returns for 263 yards and one touchdown. Miller is being recruited by UMaine.
Frank Curran, Cheverus, senior tackle: Curran was a dominant blocker. When the Stags needed crucial yardage, they ran behind Curran. He was chosen as lineman of the year in Class A North, and was also a standout on defense.
Josh Goddard, Brunswick, senior tackle: Goddard was a two-year starter. The team consistently ran the ball behind Goddard in the Class B state championship game against Marshwood. He was skilled in all types of blocks.
Zach Mitchell, Marshwood, senior guard: The Hawks moved Mitchell from tackle to guard to take advantage of his speed in the wing-T offense. As a pulling guard, Mitchell was the leader of an offensive line that helped the Hawks average 300 yards rushing. He was also a standout linebacker and led the Hawks in tackles the last two seasons.
Andrew Cilea, Brunswick, senior guard: Cilea has the speed of a running back at the guard position. He used that speed, along with toughness and strength, to open holes for his running backs and to provide pass protection.
Dalton Therrien, Oak Hill, senior utility: Therrien passed for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns, and ran for 1,053 yards and another 18 touchdowns. He was named the Campbell Conference Class D player of the year after leading Oak Hill to a third straight state title.
Defense
Rome Pura, Thornton Academy, junior defensive end: Pura was a disruptive force for opposing offenses. He had 87 tackles and 51/2 sacks for the Class A state champs. He was also used as a linebacker in passing situations. As a punter, he averaged 35.1 yards.
Joe Fusco, Portland, senior defensive end: Fusco was positioned as the strong side defensive end, which often forced the offense to run the other way. He finished the season with 64 tackles, five sacks and three fumble recoveries.
Elijah Ayotte, Thornton Academy, senior defensive tackle: Ayotte has been a first team all-SMAA selection three years in a row. He won the Gerry Raymond Award as the top lineman in Class A South. He had 45 tackles and was able to keep offensive linemen off the Golden Trojans linebackers.
Joe Esposito, Portland, senior linebacker: Esposito is the Maine Sunday Telegram player of the year. He led Class A North in tackles with 95. He was adept at recognizing offenses and putting the Bulldogs in the right defense. He was also an outstanding running back, scoring 28 touchdowns while finishing second in rushing in Class A North.
Jack Bernatchez, Messalonskee, senior linebacker: Despite missing two games because of a foot injury, Bernatchez still had 84 tackles. He also played fullback and rushed for 1,100 yards. He was a two-time all-Pine Tree Conference Class B selection.
Alec Clark, Winslow, senior linebacker: Clark, a four-year starter and two-time all-conference selection, was the leader of the stingy Black Raiders’ defense. He had 54 tackles and five sacks. He never missed a game in four years.
Greg Ruff, Thornton Academy, senior defensive back: An outstanding running back, Ruff was just as impressive on defense. As a safety he made 71 tackles and had two interceptions. He was responsible for putting the Golden Trojans’ secondary in the right coverage. He rushed for 1,420 yards and scored 19 touchdowns.
Reid Shostak, Cony, senior defensive back: Shostak, a two-time All-State selection, was moved to defensive back from linebacker, and had 88 tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups despite missing two games.
Ben Lambert, Thornton Academy, senior defensive back: Lambert had an outstanding season on offense, defense and special teams. He was the Golden Trojans’ best coverage man and had six pass interceptions. He returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown in the Class A state final against Portland.
Jacob Trask, Winslow, senior defensive back: Trask was a three-year starter and had five interceptions this fall for the Class C state champions. He also played quarterback and ran for 11 touchdowns.
Seth Powers, Lawrence, senior utility: Powers, a two-time all-Pine Tree Conference selection, played cornerback and was the team’s punter. On offense, he started the year at wide receiver, then moved to running back, catching 30 passes for 456 yards and four touchdowns, and carrying the ball 17 times for 270 yards.
Coach of the Year
Stacen Doucette, Oak Hill: Doucette guided the Raiders to a third straight Class D state championship.
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Boys’ soccer: Abdi Shariff-Hassan, Lewiston
Talented player became a leader and a pace-setter for the Class A champs.Abdi Shariff-Hassan, left, of Lewiston scored the only goal in the Class A state championship game – a win over Scarborough that capped an 18-0 season for the Blue Devils.Abdi Shariff-Hassan saw the overflow Fitzpatrick Stadium crowd for the Class A boys’ soccer championship game between Lewiston and Scarborough.
Then, as he had done all season long when attention threatened to be a distraction for the nationally ranked Blue Devils, the slick-dribbling, two-year captain gathered his teammates.
“I talked to the team and told them not to focus on the crowd,” said Shariff-Hassan. “It was the same thing when we were ranked in the nation. The crowds, the attention, it’s all nice, but it’s not going to help us play better. Focus on what we have to get done and after the season we can enjoy it.”
With Shariff-Hassan controlling much of the play in the midfield, Lewiston edged Scarborough 1-0 to complete an 18-0 season and earn the school’s first state championship in boys’ soccer. Lewiston climbed as high as 17th in the USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association of America soccer poll.
Shariff-Hassan’s leadership for a championship team, highly skilled play and improved scoring capabilities make him the 2015 Maine Sunday Telegram boys’ soccer player of the year.
Lewiston Coach Mike McGraw said Shariff-Hassan had already proven himself as a team leader and spokesperson as a junior when Lewiston was also undefeated before losing in the Class A final to Cheverus. After that game, Shariff-Hassan set an example by working on his weaknesses.
“He worked on his shot because he was notorious for banging the ball over the bar or thinking he had to dribble around three guys and tuck it into the corner,” McGraw said. “He worked on his fundamentals, and you can develop some serious power with good fundamentals.”
Shariff-Hassan finished with 25 goals and 15 assists, playing mostly as a forward before moving to midfield during the title run.
Other top contenders for Telegram Player of the Year were versatile two-way midfielder Matt Caron of Class A South champion Scarborough and dynamic Thornton Academy senior forward Simon Trcka.
Shariff-Hassan is being recruited by top academic schools from all three divisions, McGraw said, including Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Bates, Colby, Vermont, New Haven and Southern New Hampshire.
Like several of his Lewiston teammates, Shariff-Hassan is of Somali heritage. He was born in Kenya, in a refugee camp where his parents had migrated to escape civil war. The family moved to the United States in 2005, living in Louisville, Kentucky and Portland before moving to Lewiston when Shariff-Hassan was in the fourth grade. He is proud of his adopted hometown and the way the community rallied behind its soccer team.
“Our goal as a team was to win the states and to see what happens,” Shariff-Hassan said. “After we saw the whole community supporting and celebrating us and coming together, it was definitely a great feeling.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Milo Belleau, Waynflete senior goalkeeper: Belleau allowed only six goals and had 12 shutouts, with three in the playoffs, to lead the Flyers to Class C South title. He was the only keeper to beat Class B champion Yarmouth.
Matt Caron, Scarborough senior midfielder: A very versatile player, Caron had 12 goals and 11 assists. His long-range throws helped the Red Storm win the Class A South title. Once Scarborough grabbed a lead, Caron excelled as a defensive midfielder.
Patrick Grant, Yarmouth senior midfielder/forward: Grant played five different positions to help offset injuries in the Clippers’ run to back-to-back Class B titles. He had nine goals and led the team with 10 assists.
Mackenzie Hoglund, Cheverus senior midfielder: The tenacious, hard-charging Hoglund is a repeat All-State pick. He shared SMAA offensive player of the year honors with Thornton’s Simon Trcka.
Josiah Krul, Camden Hills junior forward: Described as a “beast of a player,” by one coach, Krul is strong, quick and skilled, allowing him to play at top speed. His 17 goals and six assists helped the Windjammers to an 11-3-2 record in their first season in Class A.
Kent Mohlar, Maranacook senior midfield: Big, strong, fast and skillful, Mohlar had 23 goals and 17 assists. In his four years, the Black Bears lost just two games and won two Class C titles. He has signed to play at Siena.
Jacob Nason, Greely senior forward: After an injury-plagued junior season, the heavily marked speedster had 25 goals and four assists to finish with 59 career goals.
Abdi Shariff-Hassan, Lewiston senior forward/midfielder: The Telegram player of the year and repeat All-State choice had 25 goals and 15 assists, and was the unquestioned leader of the unbeaten, untied Class A champions.
Ahmed Suja, South Portland senior midfield: Gritty and skilled, Suja posted 13 goals and added seven assists, and continued to show he was among the tougher players to contain in Class A South.
Simon Trcka, Thornton Academy senior forward: A native of the Czech Republic, Trcka was considered by many coaches to be the most dangerous striker in the state. Despite nagging injuries, the repeat All-State pick had 17 goals and seven assists.
Andrei Vile, Cheverus senior defender: An athletic, vocal leader of the Stags’ back line, Vile was named SMAA defensive player of the year. He has an exceptional ability to win balls in the air and also was a threat on set pieces.
Coach of the Year
Mike McGraw, Lewiston: A consensus choice by his peers for leading Lewiston to an undefeated season and the school’s first Class A title in his 33rd season. Lewiston outscored its opponents 114-7 and was ranked as high as 17th in the USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.
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Girls’ soccer: Izzy Hutnak, Greely
The senior forward found the mark when it mattered most for the Class B champions.Greely’s Izzy Hutnak scored three goals against York in the regional final and two more in the state championship game versus Hermon to lead the Rangers to the Class B title. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)Izzy Hutnak did not enter the season as the favorite to be named the Maine Sunday Telegram girls’ soccer player of the year.
Personal honors certainly were not her goal.
But the way Hutnak, a senior forward at Greely, finished the season earned her both the team championship she sought and the individual accolades she deserved.
“After we had a heartbreaking loss in last year’s regional final (against Cape Elizabeth in penalty kicks), we knew what our goal was and we weren’t going to stop until we made it to the state final,” Hutnak said.
Hutnak’s three-goal, one-assist effort keyed Greely’s 5-1 win over York in the Class B South final.
The 6-0 victory over Hermon in the Class B state championship game was an 80-minute celebration of success.
Hutnak and long-time running mate Jocelyn Mitiguy – herself a candidate for player of the year – each scored twice. That brought Hutnak’s playoff goal total to seven, her season total to 18, and her career total to 51.
She said her individual success is a reflection of the team’s strength.
“I really do feel that way,” Hutnak said. “It’s exciting for me, but I just love to talk about my team. We had so many players who could score throughout the season.”
Hutnak’s two-way effort and willingness to make run after tireless run have been staples for Greely’s offense. Down the stretch, she finished with a higher degree of accuracy.
“I was just so determined when I got to the playoffs but I don’t know how I scored so much,” she said.
“Izzy is a true-born forward,” said Greely Coach Josh Muscadin. “She has that knack for anticipation and timing and she has the speed.”
“She’s a phenomenal forward/midfielder,” said York Coach Wally Caldwell. “She’s highly skilled, quick as well as fast, and best of all, she’s humble. No one can do the things she does on such a consistent basis.”
Other players who received strong consideration for the Telegram player of the year award included SMAA offensive player of the year Ciera Berthiaume of Windham and Camden Hills’ twin scoring threats – senior Emma Gutheinz and junior Charlotte Messer.
Hutnak intends to play college soccer and is hopeful her next stop will be Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where she intends to study nursing.
“I really didn’t have personal goals entering the season,” Hutnak said. “It was just about doing well as a team. I just wanted to play for my team.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Ciera Berthiaume, Windham senior forward: Able to create space and score from distance, Berthiaume was the SMAA offensive player of the year and finished her career with 65 goals.
Montana Braxton, Cape Elizabeth senior midfielder: Regarded by many as the best two-way midfielder in the state, Braxton is a repeat All-State pick and is also on the short list of Maine candidates for All-New England honors.
Opal Curless, Mt. Desert Island senior midfielder: A repeat All-State pick, the Penobscot Valley Conference player of the year scored 28 goals and was the only player from Maine selected to play in a high school All-American game. She will play next season at Syracuse.
Eryn Doiron, Mt. Blue senior forward: The KVAC player of the year scored a career-high 19 goals and set a school record with 50 career goals.
Emma Gutheinz, Camden Hills senior forward: Set the school’s career scoring record on her way to a 24-goal, 10-assist season, helping the Windjammers to the No. 1 ranking in their first season in Class A North.
Vanessa Hodge, Sanford junior forward: Led the SMAA with 22 goals, including a hat trick in a win against defending Class A champion Windham. Fast, quick and feisty, Hodge led a team that improved by six wins and finished 10-3-2.
Cady Houghton, Gorham senior defender: A strong, vocal leader on the back line, Houghton was exceptional in the air and led the Rams to the Class A South title while being named SMAA defensive player of the year. The repeat All-State pick also scored eight goals.
Izzy Hutnak, Greely senior forward: Hutnak was very good in the regular season as the Rangers went 12-2 and even better in the playoffs, scoring seven times as Greely won the Class B title in dominating fashion. She scored 18 goals in all, giving her 51 for her career.
Charlotte Messer, Camden Hills junior midfielder: Combined with Gutheinz to lead a potent offense that compiled 94 goals. Messer scored 19 goals and had a team-high 17 assists while earning all-KVAC honors.
Jocelyn Mitiguy, Greely senior midfielder: A repeat All-State pick, Mitiguy usually set the Rangers’ dynamic offense in motion from the center of the field but could also finish herself, scoring 15 goals.
Lexi Nason, Thornton Academy senior goalkeeper: Had eight shutout wins and posted a 0.94 goals-against average while saving 84 percent of the shots she faced. Was the first-team all-SMAA goalie.
Coach of the Year
Jeanne Zarrilli, Gorham: Blended a team of experienced players with an infusion of young talent and had the Rams playing their best at the end of the season to reach the Class A championship game, where they lost to Bangor.
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Field hockey: Lily Posternak, York
The repeat Player of the Year choice led the Wildcats to a second consecutive Class B state championship.Lily Posternak, right, of York has made a verbal commitment to play field hockey at Duke University. The junior midfielder had 27 goals and 14 assists this fall.Before her Winslow High team played York in the Class B state championship game, Coach Mary Beth Bourgoin told her players not to get caught up watching Wildcats’ standout Lily Posternak.
“I had seen her play quite often,” said Bourgoin. “I told the kids that they were going to be going against this incredibly talented girl and that with her stick skills, they had to be patient.
“She was impressive.”
She was. Posternak scored a highlight-reel goal, stick handling past two players, as she helped the Wildcats make it back-to-back state championships with a 3-2 victory. She also had an assist as York extended its winning streak to 36 games.
For the second year in a row, Posternak is the Maine Sunday Telegram field hockey player of the year.
Posternak, a junior midfielder, has committed to play at Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over Princeton and Harvard. She had 27 goals and 14 assists this year, giving her career totals of 55 goals and 42 assists.
Barb Marois, the Wildcats’ coach and a former U.S. Olympic player, said she saw a more mature Posternak on the field this year.
“I think being an upperclassman this year, she felt she needed to be more of a leader,” said Marois. “And not just in how she played, but in how she was organized, how she communicated with her teammates, how she handled herself.”
Posternak said she simply enjoyed playing with her teammates. “I think it was super to be part of such a great group of girls,” she said. “Our season couldn’t have finished on a better note. And we all definitely worked our hardest to do it.”
Posternak has always had exceptional ball control with her stick skills and has always possessed a hard shot. Marois said she asked Posternak to work on her passing this year to make her a more complete player.
“It opened up her game that much more,” said Marois.
Posternak, who plays on a travel team out of Boston, said Marois has had a huge impact on her development.
“All our accomplishments are because of her,” said Posternak, who is playing basketball this winter. “She has helped our team in so many ways.
“I know she taught me so many elements to improve my game. I mean, she’s been there. She played in the Olympics. Her word means so much to me.”
Marois said Posternak faced a lot of pressure this year, but that she’s used to it.
“She tends to put a lot of pressure on herself, expect a lot of herself,” said Marois. “And that’s why she’s the player that she is.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Ally Corbett, Messalonskee junior left midfielder: A great one-on-one defender, she possesses one of the best block tackles in the state. She had 12 goals and three assists for the Eagles, whose only loss came to Skowhegan in the Class A North final. She is drawing interest from several Division I schools.
Devon Datsis, York senior forward: Datsis made a habit of scoring big goals, including the go-ahead goal in the state final as the Wildcats won their second straight Class B title. For the season, she had 19 goals and 13 assists.
Riley Field, Messalonskee senior midfielder: A finalist for Miss Maine Field Hockey, Field will play at UMaine. She is exceptionally fast and has great footwork. She had three goals and four assists this season.
Emily Hogan, Messalonskee senior forward: One of the state’s most gifted scorers, she had 25 goals and nine assists this fall, giving her career totals of 72 goals and 27 assists. A Miss Maine Field Hockey finalist, she will play at American University in Washington, D.C.
Leah Kruse, Skowhegan senior goalie: Kruse was one of the big reasons Skowhegan won the Class A state championship again. She posted nine shutouts and stopped 90 percent of the shots she faced, making 118 saves. She will attend Bentley in the fall.
Nickyia Lovely, Gardiner senior forward: Lovely had 17 goals and seven assists, and became Gardiner’s all-time leading goal scorer with 63 over her four-year career. Very smart in the circle, she always put herself in good position. She is undecided on college.
Kiley Nelson, Belfast junior right inner: Extremely fast, Nelson scored 29 goals, giving her 59 in her career. She also had eight assists this year and has 29 for her career. A member of the U-16 Junior Olympic team, she is drawing interest from several Division I schools.
Grace Pickering, Thornton Academy senior midfielder: A finalist for Miss Maine Field Hockey, Pickering was instrumental in helping the Trojans reach their first Class A final. She had only two goals and six assists, but controlled the tempo and pace.
Libby Pomerleau, Thornton Academy senior forward: The Trojans’ all-time leader in goals (61) and assists (23), Pomerleau was one of the top scorers in the SMAA for three years. She had 23 goals and 12 assists this year to help the Trojans reach the Class A state title game.
Lily Posternak, York junior midfielder: The Maine Sunday Telegram player of the year for the second consecutive season and a three-time All-State selection, Posternak led the Wildcats to another Class B state title. She had 27 goals and 14 assists, and controlled games with exceptional stick skills and game sense. She has committed to Duke.
Haley Thebarge, Skowhegan junior back: Thebarge possesses good stick skills and exceptional field sense. Very patient, she makes crisp and accurate passes as evidenced by her 12 assists this season. She also scored two goals and was called “the backbone” of the team by Coach Paula Doughty.
Delaney Wood, Winslow senior goalie: Very aggressive in the goal, Wood is a finalist for Miss Maine Field Hockey. She posted seven shutouts in helping the Black Raiders to the Class B state championship game, and communicated well to set up the defense in the circle. She had a .910 save percentage, stopping 154 of 170 shots.
Coach of the Year
Paula Doughty, Skowhegan: This was the year the Indians weren’t supposed to win the regional championship, let alone the state title. But Doughty pulled her team together, found the right roster combinations and used her players’ talents to again win the Class A state championship. It was Skowhegan’s 13th title in 15 years.
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Volleyball: Emily Hanson, Scarborough
The senior libero lifted her team to its first state title.Emily Hanson played a crucial role in helping Scarborough win its first Class A championship in volleyball. The senior libero had 235 digs, 20 kills and 55 aces to lead the fifth-seeded Red Storm to the state title.Senior captain Emily Hanson said preparation was the key in Scarborough High’s run to its first Class A volleyball state championship. The Red Storm played in a tournament in Rhode Island before the playoffs started and endured exhaustive drills from Coach Jon Roberts in the weeks leading into the title match.
And Hanson, a libero, had a lot to do with Scarborough’s success. She played an instrumental role in a semifinal victory over top-ranked Cape Elizabeth – the defending state champion – and in a win over No. 2 Greely in the state final.
“On those two very important days, she was able to put mistakes behind her, focus on the next play and give her best performances of the year, ultimately allowing our team to succeed,” Roberts said.
Hanson, who had 235 digs, 20 kills and 55 aces, is the Maine Sunday Telegram’s volleyball player of the year.
“Emily played very well at the semifinal against Cape (Elizabeth) and was a big part of our team’s success that day,” Roberts said. “She served tough and she stayed steady. She didn’t pass perfect passes every time, but she kept the ball in play. That was part of our game plan. We really stressed to our passers that we needed the ball in play to allow our setters and hitters to make things happen.”
Hanson said being part of her school’s first volleyball state championship will be one of her greatest high school memories.
“I feel now like Scarborough volleyball is finally getting the respect it deserves,” Hanson said. “Last year we had the skills, but this year we had the mindset. We knew coming in we had to change people’s minds about us.”
To be sure, other Scarborough players helped in winning the state title. Senior middle hitter Taylor Marinko had key kills in the state championship match, as well as 149 kills, 34 aces and 39 blocks for the season. And junior outside hitter Kacey Foerster helped to trip up Greely in the championship match. She amassed 60 digs, 122 kills, 28 aces this season.
But during a season when none of the Class A teams had more than 13 wins, Hanson brought a different composure to the playoffs. She was determined that this year would not be a repeat of 2013, when Scarborough lost in the state finale.
The fifth-seeded Red Storm won the title match against Greely after losing the first game. They narrowly won the second game, 25-23, then turned the match around, leading through most of the third game and the entire fourth game to win 25-20 and 25-22 and take the match.
Roberts said Hanson helped her team grab the momentum in the last two games.
“She started digging Greely’s best hitters,” Roberts said. “Her ability to keep them from scoring allowed us to win long rallies and ultimately win the match. She also served tough, keeping them out of system on most of her serves.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Brecken Barker, Washington Academy, freshman defensive specialist: Barker’s serving and defensive play was the difference in the Class B state championship match. She served 14 of the final 15 points in the fifth game to give Washington Academy its first state title in four years.
Lydia Brennaman, Cape Elizabeth, senior libero: Brennaman had 259 digs and 124 kills, and was instrumental in helping the top-ranked team advance to the Class A semifinals.
Hannah Butland, Greely, senior setter: Butland racked up 341 assists, including 41 in the Class A state final. She also had 71 aces.
Heather Clark, Yarmouth, senior middle hitter: Clark had 124 kills as she helped lead the 2014 Class B state champions to the quarterfinals in their first year in Class A.
Kacey Foerster, Scarborough, junior outside hitter: Foerster tallied 60 digs, 122 kills and 28 aces to help lift the Red Storm to their first Class A state title.
Tess Haller, Cape Elizabeth, senior middle hitter: Haller had 135 kills and 25 aces to lead the Capers to the Class A semifinals.
Emily Hanson, Scarborough, senior libero: Hanson, the Maine Sunday Telegram player of the year, finished with 235 digs, 20 kills and 55 aces for the Class A state champions.
Ashley Howe, Thornton Academy, senior middle hitter: Howe helped lead the Golden Trojans to a 12-3 record in just their third year as a varsity team. She had 113 digs, 95 kills and 36 aces.
Taylor Marinko, Scarborough, senior middle hitter: Marinko played a leading role in Scarborough’s first Class A state championship, recording 149 kills, 34 aces and 39 blocks. She came up big in the state final with several key blocks and kills.
Alex Tebbs, Greely, senior outside hitter: Tebbs amassed 163 kills, 77 digs and 37 aces as she helped power the Rangers to their third state final in the last five years.
Coach of the Year
Jon Roberts, Scarborough: In his sixth year at Scarborough, Roberts brought the Red Storm to their third appearance in the state final and guided them to three playoff wins over higher-ranked teams, capped by a victory over No. 2 Greely.
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Boys’ cross county: Osman Doorow, Lewiston
The senior went undefeated through the Maine high school season.Osman Doorow had no one in Maine who could keep up with him this fall. The Lewiston senior did not lose a race in Maine and posted the best time in any class – 16 minutes, 17 seconds – at the state meet.Inside Maine this fall, Osman Doorow was perfect.
A senior at Lewiston, Doorow swept through the cross country season without a loss until an injury forced him to drop out of the New England meet in Vermont.
Until then, Doorow dominated every race and posted the fastest time of any runner in any class when he won the Class A state championship at Twin Brook in Cumberland.
This, despite slipping and falling in the final corner, a tumble that cost him any chance at his goal of breaking 16 minutes.
Instead, his 16:17 was still 14 seconds faster than anyone else in A, B or C.
Doorow is our choice as the Maine Sunday Telegram boys’ cross country runner of the year.
Born outside of Nairobi, Kenya, to Somali parents, Doorow arrived in Lewiston a little more than two years ago.
“I started running here my sophomore year,” he said.
In Kenya, he had played a little soccer but nothing else. He did not run competitively until coming to Maine.
That first fall, he finished as high as fifth in a dual meet and wound up 14th at the Class A state meet, Lewiston’s third runner on a deep team that won the state title.
As a junior, Doorow won a few early meets and finished eighth at the state meet. It turns out he wasn’t entirely healthy, the result of an iron deficiency.
“It took the winter to get him going,” said Lewiston Coach Kim Wettlaufer. “By spring he was really coming on.”
Doorow finished second in the mile at the Class A indoor track championships, then took second in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters outdoors.
“This fall,” Wettlaufer said, “he’s been on a whole new level.”
He won three September meets by 1:18, 1:20 and 1:46. He took on a field of nearly 300 at the Festival of Champions in Belfast and won by nearly 15 seconds in 15:50.
At the KVAC championships, he shattered the course record at Cony High by 18 seconds. He returned to Belfast for the Northern Maine regional meet and ran a season-best 15:40. A week later, he won at Twin Brook to become an individual state champ for the first time.
“Last year I was not 100 percent,” he said. “This year, I was really ready to go.”
At New Englands, he fell just after the starting line and tweaked something in his leg. The injury worsened as the race progressed.
“When I got to two miles, my legs starting hurting and I couldn’t even move,” he said. “I just dropped out.”
The injury forced Doorow to scrap plans to run the Foot Locker Northeast Regional and instead concentrate on the upcoming indoor track season.
“We’ve got indoor and outdoor,” Wett-laufer said, “and he’s excited about that.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Paul Casavant, Hampden Academy junior: The Class A runner-up and the top Mainer at the New England meet (20th overall), Casavant had the second-fastest time at the state championships, regardless of class. He led Hampden to the Class A North title.
Connor Doherty, Scarborough senior: Doherty was the Class A South runner-up and placed sixth in the state, helping the unbeaten Red Storm defend their team title. He was fifth at the Festival of Champions.
Osman Doorow, Lewiston senior: Doorow was the Class A state champion by 14 seconds and the only runner in any class to break 16:30 at Twin Brook (16:17). He won the Northern Maine regional at Belfast in 15:40, 10 seconds faster than his winning time at the Festival of Champions.
John Hassett, George Stevens Academy junior: Hassett was the Class C state champion by 27 seconds, leading the Eagles to the team title, and the third Mainer at New Englands (55th overall).
Henry Jaques, Freeport junior: Jaques improved from fourth in the regional meet to Class B runner-up as he helped the Falcons win their second straight state title. He was the fourth Mainer at New Englands, 61st overall.
Luke Laverdiere, Yarmouth sophomore: The Class B South champion in a time (16:32) that was fastest in his regional meet, regardless of class, Laverdiere also won the WMC title and placed second at the Manchester (N.H.) Invitational in the small school race.
Cameron Meier, Mt. Ararat junior: Meier improved 56 places from his sophomore year to finish fifth in Class A. He was the 10th Mainer at the New England meet and 114th overall.
Jesse Southard, Gorham senior: Southard improved to third in Class A after placing fifth in the Southern Maine regional. He was the sixth Maine finisher at the New England meet (88th overall).
Colin Tardiff, Scarborough senior: The regional champion who placed fourth in Class A, Tardiff led the unbeaten Red Storm to a successful title defense. He was the seventh Mainer at the New England meet (99th overall).
Chandler Vincent, Freeport senior: Vincent was the Class B champion by seven seconds (in 16:34), leading the Falcons to a successful title defense. He was third in the WMC championships.
Coach of the Year
Jim Harmon, Scarborough: Harmon led the Red Storm to not only a second straight Class A state title and eighth in 12 years, but an undefeated season to boot. Scarborough won every SMAA meet, the Southern Maine regional, the Festival of Champions (over 63 other schools) and even the SMAA Second Seven meet for junior varsity runners. “I think it’s only the second time we’ve ever gone undefeated the whole way through,” Harmon said. “I think we did it in 2005, too.”
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Girls’ cross country: Katherine Leggat-Barr, Greely
The former soccer player picks up her second Runner of the Year honor.Katherine Leggat-Barr battled through injuries early in the season and came back strong for the big meets, posting the fastest girls’ time in any class at the state championships. John Ewing/Staff PhotographerLast year she was the surprise, the girl who turned to cross country only after playing soccer as a high school freshman.
Katherine Leggat-Barr, now a junior at Greely, went on to win the Class B state championship and lead the Rangers to the 2014 team title.
This year was different. Leggat-Barr had a target on her back as the one to beat.
Even so, despite a foot injury and the loss of a valued training partner, nobody ever did – at least, not in Maine.
For the second year in a row, Leggat-Barr is the Maine Sunday Telegram girls’ cross country runner of the year.
“Her year was good,” said Greely Coach David Dowling. “She had a foot injury for a couple of weeks, which I think (hindered) the leg-speed development … but by the end of the season she was bettering her times from the year before.”
A case of plantar fasciitis caused Leggat-Barr to miss two weeks early in the season to let the foot heal. She tested it in mid-September for one race (winning at Twin Brook in a pedestrian 20 minutes, 41 seconds) before returning to the competitive Manchester (N.H.) Invitational, at which she had placed second as a sophomore.
This time, she dropped to seventh, with a finish 12 seconds slower than the previous year.
“It was really rough for the first couple weeks,” she said. “But once I was back in shape it rekindled my love and passion for running.”
Leggat-Barr won her next meet, then took home the Western Maine Conference title at St. Joseph’s College in Standish. That set up victories in the regional and state meets (in 19:11, fastest time from all three classes) before she won all-New England honors in Thetford, Vermont. She was 17th overall at the New England meet, six seconds behind Orono junior Tia Tardy, the Class C state champ who placed 12th overall as the first Mainer.
Two weeks later, Leggat-Barr made her Foot Locker Northeast Regional debut with a respectable 30th-place finish in 19:05 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
Instead of playing basketball again this winter, she will try indoor track. She plans to return to lacrosse in spring and then do a summer internship at the University of Maine, studying storm-water quality.
“I’ve always been interested in the environment and keeping our planet cleaner,” she said.
Izzy Evans, who had pushed Leggat-Barr in practices last fall as a freshman and was runner-up at the 2014 Class B state meet, spent this fall in Spain. In her stead came another talented freshman, Carolyn Todd, who also wound up second in the state meet.
“It was amazing to see her step into that role,” Leggat-Barr said of Todd. “I was sort of sad when I heard that Izzy was gone, but she definitely filled Izzy’s shoes. That gives us confidence going into next year.”
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Lauren Brown, Waterville senior: Brown placed third in Class B and was the Northern Maine champion by more than half a minute, leading Waterville to the regional title. She was the second Mainer at the Festival of Champions, sixth overall.
Anna Lastra, Fryeburg Academy senior: Lastra dropped more than 20 seconds from the regional meet to finish fifth in Class B. She was the sixth Maine finisher at the New England meet and 56th overall.
Katherine Leckbee, Mt Ararat sophomore: The Class A runner-up after placing third in Northern Maine, she was 12th among Mainers at the New England meet, 104th overall. She was the KVAC runner-up in Class A.
Katherine Leggat-Barr, Greely junior: A two-time Class B champion who placed 17th in New England (the second Mainer to finish), Leggat-Barr had the fastest time (19:11) at the state meet, regardless of class, and was a regional and Western Maine Conference champion.
Kialeigh Marston, Bonny Eagle senior: Marston was a regional runner-up who placed third in Class A, leading the Scots to their third team title in four years. She was seventh at the Festival of Champions – the third runner from Maine. She will continue her career at Assumption College.
Serena McKenzie, South Portland junior: McKenzie was unbeaten in SMAA competition and placed fourth in Class A after taking third in the Southern Maine regional. She finished 74th at the New England meet.
Anneka Murrin, Yarmouth sophomore: Murrin placed fourth in the Class B state meet to lead the Clippers to their first championship. She was fourth in the WMC championships, and 63rd at the New England meet.
Anna Slager, Gorham sophomore: The Class A champion by 10 seconds in 19:42, Slager had the third fastest time of the day, regardless of class. She won the regional title and placed 38th in New England as the fourth Mainer. She was unbeaten in SMAA races.
Tia Tardy, Orono junior: The Class C champion, Tardy led a 1-2-3 finish for Orono, which won its third straight team title. She was the top Maine finisher at the New England meet, placing 12th overall, and the first Maine runner at the Festival of Champions, fourth overall.
Carolyn Todd, Greely freshman: The Class B runner-up, Todd’s time of 19:18 was faster than that of the Class A and C champions. She was the third Mainer at the New England meet and 20th overall.
Coach of the Year
Bob Morse, Yarmouth: Morse led the Clippers to the Class B state title, the first in school history for the girls, after having guided Yarmouth’s boys to Class C titles in 1986 and 1995. Yarmouth’s girls won the regional title for a second straight year, but this time held off rival Greely by 13 points at the state meet. “I think what made this team unique is that nobody counted on anybody else,” Morse said. “They knew they had to do their job, and they all came through.”
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Boys’ golf: Cole Anderson, Camden Hills
He finished his freshman seasion with an 8-1-1 match record.Cole Anderson from Camden watches his tee shot on the first hole in the final round of the New England Junior Golf Championships played at Purpoodock Golf Course. He was top player from Maine and took 11th place out of a field of 42. Gordon Chibroski/Staff PhotographerCole Anderson of Camden Hills gave an indication of his talent when he was Maine’s top player at the New England Junior Championships in August. Anderson continued his strong play in his first year of high school competition, winning the Class A individual title with a 72 in October.
Anderson, a freshman, is our boys’ golfer of the year. He finished the season with an 8-1-1 match record and a scoring average around par. Anderson, 15, started his round at Natanis with birdies on the first three holes and four of the first five holes.
In the team championship the week before, Anderson shot a 75. He was 14 years old during the golf season.
“I was definitely satisfied with my first season,” said Anderson. “I played consistently well and had a lot of good days. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my high school career than winning the individual title. I wished we could have won the team championship, too, but that’s something to shoot for in the next three years.”
Anderson putted well in both championships after a stretch during the regular season where he struggled.
“I went through a stretch where I putted poorly,” he said.
Anderson solved the problem with extra work on the putting greens and remembering the way he putted during the summer.
“I hit it pretty well most of the season,” he said.
Anderson said his most competitive matches were against Messalonskee’s Billy Rollins.
“We tied once, he beat me once, and I beat him once,” said Anderson.
Anderson works on his game pretty much year round, but still finds time to play baseball in the spring. That affords him a little break from golf. When he puts the glove and bat away in favor of the golf clubs, he’s rejuvenated and ready to go.
During the holiday season, Anderson is able to get away to Florida – where his grandparents live – and play some tournament golf.
“I’m looking to play in four or five tournaments down there,” he said. “There are some on the Canadian Junior Golf Association and a few American Junior Golf Association events. I go down for Christmas every year.”
Camden Hills Coach Paul McDonald said Anderson has strong character and the right perspective on the game.
“Cole puts the game in proper perspective,” said McDonald. “I can’t say enough about his character. For a 14-year old freshman to come from junior high and have the year he had was pretty amazing.
“Cole has a very seasoned game. He has excellent course management. He’s the type of player who comes along once in a coach’s career. It’s going to be fun to watch him for the next three years.”
Anderson said he started playing when he was 10.
“I went out with my dad and a couple of friends. I started playing for the middle school team and was hooked,” he said.
Now, Anderson is a member of the Samoset Resort. His instructor is Jeff Seavey of Samoset, one of the top players on the New England PGA circuit.
“I usually go to the course early and stay all day,” said Anderson.
By next summer or the summer after that, Anderson said his goal is to become one of the top players in New England.
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Cole Anderson, Camden Hills freshman: Anderson, the Maine Sunday Telegram boys’ golfer of the year, captured the Class A individual title by shooting a 72 at Natanis Golf Course. He shot a 75 in the team championship a week before.
Ryan Collins, Cape Elizabeth sophomore: Collins shot a 74 to tie for the Class B individual title. He shot an 81 a week earlier as the Capers won the Class B state title.
Ryan Dee, Houlton senior: Dee finished second in Class C with a 78, a week after shooting a 77 to help the Shiretowners finish fourth in the team tournament.
Eric Dugas, Maine Central Institute junior: Dugas shot a 76 in the Class B team meet to help the Huskies finish third, then tied for third in the individual championship with a 77.
Drew Kane, Scarborough senior: Kane shot a 76 to place fifth in the Class A individual tournament. A week earlier he had a 78 to help the Red Storm place fifth in the team championship. He’s a repeat All-State selection.
Nick Mazurek, Oceanside senior: Mazurek, a two-time All-State selection, tied for first in the Class B individual tournament with a 74. A year ago he tied for first in the Class A tournament. Mazurek is also an outstanding basketball and baseball player.
Bailey Plourde, Lincoln Academy junior: Plourde is the Maine Sunday Telegram girls’ golfer of the year. She played No. 1 for the Eagles and captured the girls’ state title with a 70.
Hashilla Rivai, Thornton Academy senior: Rivai, a repeat All-State pick, won the schoolgirl title as a junior and was third this year. She was the team’s No. 1 player the last two years. She will play golf at Purdue.
Billy Rollins, Messalonskee senior: Rollins shot a 75 to finish third in the Class A individual tournament. He had a 39.5 stroke average during the season and was the No. 1 player for the Eagles the last three years.
Logan Thompson, Mattanawcook sophomore: Thompson captured the Class C individual title for the second straight year, shooting a 77. A week earlier he shot a 78 to help the Lynx win the Class C team title. He is a repeat All-State selection.
Coach of the Year
Jeff Camire, Thornton Academy: Camire guided the Golden Trojans to their first Class A state title since 2009.
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Girls’ golf: Bailey Plourde, Lincoln Academy
She shot 2-uner-par to win the state title as a junior.Lincoln Academy’s Bailey Plourde uses some body english as she putts on hole 3 in the 2015 High School Individual championships at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on Saturday.Bailey Plourde of Lincoln Academy spent Thanksgiving weekend playing in an International Junior Golf Tour event at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
She hadn’t played since winning the state schoolgirl championship more than a month earlier so she was a little rusty. She was also playing with a pulled right quadricep. Playing a difficult course, she shot 95, 87, 93.
Back in October, Plourde was in top form. She captured the girls’ state championship with an impressive 2-under 70 in windy conditions at Natanis Golf Course. Her score bested 41 other girls, including defending champion Hashilla Rivai of Thornton Academy and runner-up Erin Holmes of Greely. Holmes shot a 74 while Rivai had a 77.
For her performance and strong regular-season play, Plourde is our girls’ golfer of the year.
“I definitely feel good about my game,” said Plourde while traveling to Florida. “I feel I’m improving. Winning the schoolgirl championship was a good confidence builder. That was my best career round.”
Plourde looks to play in outside tournaments against top competition whenever possible because she knows that’s the way to improve. In the last two years, Plourde said she has added 15 yards to her tee shots.
“My short game has been off and on but I’m constantly working on it,” she said.
Plourde, a junior, played the No. 1 slot on her team and was unbeaten. She had a 37 stroke average in nine-hole matches.
As a freshman, she tied for first in the girls’ championship. Last year she shot 75 to finish second to Rivai.
In this year’s championship, she made four birdies. She was good at focusing on her game.
Improving the mental part of her game is something she has worked on. Of her winning performance at Natanis, Plourde said: “My putting felt really good. Even if I didn’t hit it close, I felt I had a chance of making the putt.”
Plourde has played in three straight Women’s Maine State Amateurs, finishing fourth this summer. Such tournaments have helped shape her game. That, along with taking lessons and spending plenty of time on the range, has hastened her improvement.
“I feel what sets Bailey’s game apart from others her age are her attitude and determination to play better golf,” said Lincoln Academy Coach Todd Brackett.
“When you couple that, and her natural ability and feel for the game with her playing an aggressive schedule of competitive golf all year, you can begin to understand the level of improvement Bailey displayed this season. Equally important is her positive attitude, humility and focus, all of which have contributed to her growth and success.”
Plourde’s grandparents bought her first set of clubs when she was 5.
“My grandparents and my father got me started in golf,” said Plourde.
A Maine Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Helen Plourd of Rockland, also helped Plourde with her game.
“She’s been my biggest mentor,” said Plourde. “I was at a Midcoast Junior tournament when I started to play and Helen took an interest in my game.”
Plourde wants to keep improving so that by this time next year she’ll have a chance to play in college. Rivai just signed a letter of intent to play golf at Purdue. Plourde would like a similar opportunity.
Sunday Telegram All-State Team
Bailey Plourde, Lincoln Academy junior: Plourde is the Maine Sunday Telegram girls’ golfer of the year. She played No. 1 for the Eagles and captured the girls’ state title with a 70.
Hashilla Rivai, Thornton Academy senior: Rivai, a repeat All-State pick, won the schoolgirl title as a junior and was third this year. She was the team’s No. 1 player the last two years. She will play golf at Purdue.
Billy Rollins, Messalonskee senior: Rollins shot a 75 to finish third in the Class A individual tournament. He had a 39.5 stroke average during the season and was the No. 1 player for the Eagles the last three years.
Logan Thompson, Mattanawcook sophomore: Thompson captured the Class C individual title for the second straight year, shooting a 77. A week earlier he shot a 78 to help the Lynx win the Class C team title. He is a repeat All-State selection.
Coach of the Year
Jeff Camire, Thornton Academy: Camire guided the Golden Trojans to their first Class A state title since 2009.
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