1. Gorham: The SMAA might be a little tighter this year, but the defending Class AA champs still loom as the team to beat, with four starters returning. Senior guard Emily Esposito can beat opponents so many ways, and sophomore center Mackenzie Holmes is a dominating inside presence. Add pesky senior guard Kaylea Lundin and sharp-shooting senior guard Kristen Curley, and Gorham will be a tough team to beat.

2. South Portland: The Red Riots return four starters from last year’s Class AA South finalist and added a big component via a transfer. Junior guard Meghan Graff is one of the best in the SMAA and is joined by senior point guard Lydia Henderson, junior guard Sarah Boles and sophomore guard/forward Katie Whitmore. The addition of junior guard Eva Mazur, a defensive whiz who transferred from Maine Girls’ Academy, gives the Riots an extremely strong core.

3. Greely: The Rangers could be one of the best teams in the state regardless of class. They are talented and deep, led by dynamic sophomore guard Anna DeWolfe. Seniors Moira Train, Isabel Porter, Molly Chapin and Hannah Stewart provide talent and leadership, and freshmen guards Brooke Obar and Katie Fitzpatrick will make an immediate impact for a team considered the favorite in Class A South.

4. Deering: The Rams return four starters from a team that reached the AA North semifinals. They have three standout seniors in guards Tasia Titherington and Abi Ramirez and forward Amanda Brett. Sophomores Delaney Haines, Victoria Garand, Mandy Mastropasqua and Ashleigh Mathisen will also make an impact.

5. Cheverus: The Stags have five starters returning and look to be ready to run their way to a title. Still small but quick, Cheverus will again rely on the 3-point shot to break down opposing defenses. Abby Cavallaro, Kaylin Malmquist, Emme Poulin and Brooke Dawson are dead-eye shooters. Brooke McElman will be strong inside and Alayna Briggs brings a ton of energy.

6. Thornton Academy: The Trojans were already going to be pretty good, then Alisha Aube, a spot-on shooter, transferred in from Westbrook. Thornton’s forte has always been defense, but with Aube, Alex Hart and Bella Robinson, the Trojans could have a highly productive offense, too. A couple talented freshmen, Amanda Bogardus and Alexis Sanders, join the team.

7. Scarborough: The Red Storm have been on the fringe of being really good the last couple years and should break through this winter. Four starters return, and Coach Mike Giordano says he can go 10 deep. The Red Storm have some scorers, like Sophie Glidden and Brooke Malone, but the big key is how they play defense in tight games.

8. Gray-New Gloucester: The defending Class B South champs return four starters and appear set to make another title run. The Patriots aren’t flashy, but they have a crew of unselfish, talented players who believe in each other. Skye Conley is solid inside, and Alicia Dumont and Bri Jordan are dangerous outside. The Patriots may run more than usual, and the defense will be just as tight.

9. Bonny Eagle: The Scots reached the regional semifinals (Class AA South) for the first time in two decades last season. With four starters returning and a key transfer, they’ll look for even more success. Deirdre Sanborn is the transfer, from Cheverus, and she should help the offense. Mackenzie Emery and Lauryn Fagan are also worth watching.

10. Boothbay: The Seahawks should be one of the best Class C teams, led by junior forward Page Brown (17.3 points) and sophomore guard Faith Blethen (11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals). Four other starters return from last year’s regional champs.

 

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