A Wolverines team that won a preliminary game before bowing out to Winthrop in the State Class C boys quarterfinal game a year ago is starting afresh for the 2017/18 campaign.

With only one returning player with substantial varsity experience returning, first-year Wiscasset High School basketball head coach Seth Farrington knows exactly what his team will need to do out right of the gates this season.

“We’re practicing the basics, building the kids’ skill level. Our program has been thin and some of our players are new to the game, especially at the varsity level,” said Farrington.

Although Farrington is new in Wiscasset, he brings his experiences to the bench via his playing and assistant coaching days at Gray-New Gloucester, and most recently on the sidelines as the head coach for the girls varsity team at North Yarmouth Academy the past two seasons. He credits Wiscasset girls coach Ben Clark with helping him land the position.

“I’ve known Ben for a while and he suggested I apply here. The MVC (Mountain Valley Conference) is new territory for me. I am used to the likes of Greely, Falmouth and other larger southern schools,” said Farrington. “This should be fun.”

Although Farrington notes that the varsity game is a different level than what his players have been used to, he believes his kids are up for the challenge.

“It’s such a different game for some of these kids. In some cases, some of these younger players are playing against young men,” said Farrington. “Not only in the physicality of play, but the mental aspect of it as well.”

Zach Reed returns as the only player from last year’s 9-9 squad, the last at Wiscasset for former head coach Dana Lawrence. Although Reed injured his wrist in a preseason match and may miss some time early on, Farrington looks to the forward for leadership.

“Hopefully the injury won’t keep him out long. This is his sport and we need him out on the court,” said Farrington, as he was having a side conversation with the senior, making sure he takes care of the necessary therapy to ensure he’s on the court sooner rather than later.

Wiscasset has 24 players in the program this year, something Farrington hopes will continue as the program rebuilds. He has been working his way in, reaching out to the youth programs and the middle school team and coaches, building the interest back up.

“I knew coming into this position where the program stood,” Farrington said. “I was able to work with the boys during the summer and put out my message. We’re building excitement with the players and coming together as a unit.”

Farrington’s makeshift office is filled with resources like videos and books on basketball, and the coach believes his philosophies and playing experiences can translate over to his players.

“I can’t stress enough to them about the importance of playing skilled basketball. We are going to play a defense that will hopefully force turnovers,” added Farrington. “We aren’t going to outscore people with our offense, so we need to bare down on defense and use our skills to stop our opponents.”

Farrington will make his MVC debut on Dec. 8 when the Wolverines travel to North Anson to take on Carrabec. His home debut is scheduled for Dec. 11 against rival Hall-Dale at 7 p.m.

“The kids and I are excited to get this season going, we have Dec. 8th on our minds,” said Farrington.