Evan Anastas, York junior midfielder: A repeat All-State selection, Anastas was named an All-American by USA Lacrosse. He recorded 49 goals and 20 assists, helping the Wildcats reach the Class B championship game for a second straight season. Anastas has committed to Bryant University.
Indi Backman, Falmouth junior defense: The defensive stalwart on a team that allowed 10 or more goals just once in 17 games, Backman had 31 caused turnovers and 57 ground balls. He also provided a little offense, with six goals and five assists. One of Falmouth’s four All-Americans, Backman has already committed to Merrimack College.
Colin Blackburn, Cape Elizabeth senior defense: With 101 ground balls and 33 caused turnovers, Blackburn was adept at getting the ball back into the hands of his teammates. His defensive ability was a key reason why the Capers were able to advance to a fourth consecutive Class A state championship game. Blackburn also added six goals and three assists. He’ll play lacrosse at Wentworth College in Boston.
Hayden Davis, Falmouth sophomore attack: Davis emerged as a key player in Falmouth’s run to the Class A title. He scored six goals and added an assist in the Navigators’ 18-5 win over Cape Elizabeth in the championship game. His four first-quarter goals helped stake Falmouth to the lead. The All-American finished the season with 40 goals and 32 assists.
Gio Guerrette, Falmouth junior midfielder: A repeat All-State selection and a two-time USA Lacrosse All-American, Guerrette was an offensive force, with 57 goals and 15 assists. He also grabbed 61 ground balls. He plans to continue his lacrosse career at Quinnipiac after he graduates from Falmouth next year.
Joey Guerrette, Falmouth junior midfielder: Guerrette joined his brother as an All-American this season, producing 46 goals, 27 assists and 38 ground balls for the Class A champion Navigators. He tallied three goals in the state championship game, and four in an 14-1 win over Scarborough in the semifinals. Guerrette plans to attend the University of Massachusetts, where he’ll play lacrosse.
Ward Jenkins, Yarmouth junior defense: The best defender for the Class B champion Clippers, Jenkins was routinely responsible for locking down the opposition’s top offensive player. A junior captain, Jenkins earned USA Lacrosse All-America honors. He recorded 35 ground balls and 30 caused turnovers. Jenkins plans to continue his lacrosse career at Maryland-Baltimore County.
Ben Kerbel, Scarborough senior goalie: Kerbel’s play in net was essential to the Red Storm’s improvement from five wins in 2023 to 11 wins this season as Scarborough reached the Class A semifinals. Kerbel made 232 saves and had a 62.3% save percentage. He made 19 saves in a semifinal loss to eventual state champion Falmouth. He plans to attend the University of Massachusetts and study mechanical engineering.
Keegan Lathrop, Cape Elizabeth senior attack: The 2023 Varsity Maine Player of the Year, Lathrop had another strong season, scoring 55 goals to go with 30 assists, 61 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers. A two-time All-American, Lathrop was a key player on a team that reached the state championship game each of his four seasons and won three Class A titles. He’ll continue his lacrosse career at the University of Delaware.
Beckett Mehlhorn, South Portland junior attack: The Red Riots’ top scorer for three straight season, Mehlhorn scored 51 goals this season. With more attention from opposing defenses, Mehlhorn also became a strong distributor and picked up 31 assists. He was named one of the state’s 10 USA Lacrosse All-Americans. He should be one of the top offensive players in the state again as a senior in 2025.
Colter Olson, Yarmouth senior attack: The Varsity Maine Player of the Year, Olson enjoyed one of the best offensive seasons in state history, scoring 82 goals and 63 assists while leading the Clippers to the Class B championship. Olson was a leader on a young team. He assisted on the tying goal with two seconds left in the fourth quarter of the state championship game, then scored the winner in overtime. After producing more than 300 points in three seasons at Yarmouth, Olson will play at Rutgers University next season.
Chase Ranger, Mt. Blue senior midfielder: A two-year captain for the Cougars, Ranger scored 65 goals and added 19 assists to help Mt. Blue to a 10-win season. A strong two-way player, Ranger collected more than 100 ground balls and forced more than 30 turnovers. He was selected KVAC Player of the Year by the league’s coaches. Ranger will continue his lacrosse career at St. Joseph’s College.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Geoff Arris, Deering: Under Arris, the Rams made dramatic improvement, winning 10 games and earning the No. 4 seed in the Class A playoffs. It was a four-win improvement from 2023, and just two seasons removed from a one-win campaign in 2022. This was Deering’s first winning season since 2017.
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