BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Good luck keeping up with senior Manny Hidalgo, who will do a little of everything to keep South Portland’s boys’ basketball team near the top of Class AA South. File photos.

Coach: Kevin Millington (10th year, 132-46 overall record, two state championships)

2023-24 record: 9-10 (Lost, 59-43, to Thornton Academy in Class AA South quarterfinals)

Top returning players: Manny Hidalgo (Senior), Tom Maloji (Senior), Carmine Soucy (Senior), Gabe Jackson (Junior), Darius Johnson (Junior), Tristen Sanders (Junior)

Coach’s comment: “It’s a very good group. We have a lot of depth and athletic ability. We have senior leadership and talented underclassmen. We have talent. Hopefully, we’ll jell by the end of the year. The league is wide open. We need to put it together at the right time. We can compete in the South for sure.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: After winning back-to-back titles, South Portland’s quest for a three-peat was stymied in the quarterfinals by Thornton Academy. The Red Riots are back to contend again and this time, they’ll likely be back in their familiar role as one of the last teams standing.

Senior Tom Maloji is another key returner for the Red Riots.

Hidalgo was a second-team league all-star in 2023-24 after averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals per contest. He’s the point guard and top scoring threat this winter. Johnson, who hurt his collarbone this fall playing football, is expected back soon. Johnson was an honorable mention all-star last season after leading Class AA South in rebounding (9.9) and will be a force in the post. Jackson (5.4 ppg) and Maloji are veterans in the backcourt. Soucy can score on the wing and Sanders is a veteran in the frontcourt. Seniors forwards Addison Blais and Hira Kangethe and senior guards Ashton Mutagoma and Donovan Watt fill out a solid rotation.

South Portland opened with a 67-59 home loss to Noble (despite 14 points and 13 rebounds from Hidalgo and a dozen points from Maloji) and a 62-46 home win over Lewiston (behind 15 points apiece from Hidalgo and Soucy and 13 points from Maloji). The Red Riots have the pieces in place to go toe-to-toe with the many talented teams in the region. This is a group that will only get better and that means that South Portland could be primed to steal headlines again come tournament time.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Senior Emma Travis will lead the South Portland girls’ basketball team to big things this winter.

Coach: Brianne Maloney (first year)

2023-24 record: 15-5 (Lost, 36-31, to Scarborough in Class AA South semifinals)

Top returning players: Emma Travis (Senior), Caleigh Corcoran (Junior), Destiny Peter (Junior), Mya Lawrence (Sophomore), Annie Whitmore (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “So far, so good. I’m really excited. It’s nice to have everyone but one back. These girls have played a lot of minutes. They’re definitely hungry. We talk about getting better every day. We want to be successful as individuals and as a team. We’re just focusing on getting better every day. We want to be at our best in February.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: South Portland was formidable again last winter, but was ousted by nemesis Scarborough in the semifinals. Longtime coach Lynne Hasson didn’t return and is now at North Yarmouth Academy. The Red Riots welcome Maloney as their new coach and she’s as died-in-the-wool South Portland as it gets. Maloney was a Red Riot (Class of 2014), who, after playing at St. Joseph’s College, returned to the program as a junior varsity coach and varsity assistant. Maloney, who is joined by her father, John Maloney, on the bench, inherits as veteran-laden a squad as there is, one that could be the best in the region when all is said and done.

Annie Whitmore had a solid freshman campaign and will be a top player again as a sophomore.

Travis, South Portland’s Winter Athlete of the Year a year ago, is a top returner. Travis averaged 10.8 points per game in 2023-24 and will be a top scoring threat from her guard position. Whitmore, like Travis, a reigning second-team league all-star, is poised for a big sophomore campaign after averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists last season. Lawrence can bury shots from downtown as well. Junior Stella Henderson is also going to be part of the backcourt attack. Corcoran (7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game) was an honorable mention all-star last year. She and Peter (6.8 rebounds) make up a formidable frontcourt tandem. They’re joined by sophomore Nevaeh Lamour and freshman Mady Lovejoy. Senior Vic Wright can do a little of everything.

Junior Destiny Peter will make life miserable for the opposition at both ends of the floor.

South Portland gave Maloney her first victory, 51-19, at Noble in the opener, then improved to 2-0 Tuesday with a 63-29 win at Lewiston (Peter and Travis both scored 18 points in that one). The Red Riots have plenty of big tests to come and while they’ll stumble at times, they’re most concerned with how they’re playing in February. South Portland has been consistently knocking at the door in recent seasons. This year’s team might just take that final step.

BOYS’ HOCKEY (co-op with Deering, Portland and Waynflete)

Senior Michael Zaccaria is one of the top goalies in the state. He’ll keep the Beacons in every game this winter.

Coaches: Joe Robinson (17th year, 156-152-13 overall record) and Jeff Beaney (eighth year, 58-73-4 overall record)

2023-24 record: 10-9-1 (Lost, 6-3, to Bangor in Class A state semifinals)

Top returning players: Alex Bunnell-Parker (Senior), Daniel Fitzgibbon (Senior), Ian House (Senior), Lucas Milliken (Senior), Michael Zaccaria (Senior),

Coach Robinson’s comment: “We hope to compete in a competitive league and make the playoffs.”

Coach Beaney’s comment: “We graduated eight seniors who all contributed a lot. We’ll be strong in net. We’ll be challenged early. We’re pushing the team concept. As we get experience, we’ll get stronger.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: While the graduation of Travis Roy Award finalist Tobey Lappin and fellow All-State player Hewitt Sykes will be felt, the Beacons are back for another co-op season and they expect to make another deep playoff run.

Zaccaria, a second-team All-State selection last winter, is back in goal. He’ll be one of the best in the state and will keep the Beacons in games. House is a top defenseman. The offense will be paced this year by Fitzgibbon and Milliken. Freshman Nicholas Zaccaria will also be heard from.

Senior Ian House gives his all every shift and is poised for a big senior season.

The Beacons have their hands full with a challenging slate, but they’ll get better because of it and once again will be at their best when it matters most. In the postseason.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY (co-op with Cape Elizabeth, Deering, Portland and Waynflete)

Senior Marina Bassett is one of the area’s elite players. She’ll pace the Beacons’ attack this winter.

Coach: Bob Mills (13th year, 116-100-8 overall record)

2023-24 record: 11-9 (Lost, 5-2, to Gorham in South Region semifinals)

Top returning players: Marina Bassett (Senior), Jane Flynn (Senior), Libby Hooper (Senior), Hartson Mosunic (Senior), Alexis Turner (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “We have three of the best players in the state with Marina (Bassett), Libby (Hooper) and Jane (Flynn). They will keep us competitive in every game. We also have several returning players with lots of varsity experience that will help balance out the roster. Our new starting goalie Mya Clark has been a great addition to the team and will help keep us in every game. Our goal is to take this team deep in the playoffs and make a run for a state championship.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: The Beacons are back for their second season as a co-op team and they should be in contention in the South Region again this winter. The squad has wins over Falmouth/Scarborough, Greely and St. Dom’s (by a composite 22-8 margin) and also lost to two-time state champion Cheverus (9-1) in early action.

The Beacons again have the potential to score a lot of goals, thanks to Bassett, an All-State player who scored 37 goals and had 26 assists last season. Bassett, a captain, already had 13 goals (including the 100th of her career) this year at press time. Hooper (25 goals, 16 assists in 2023-24), a captain and another All-State selection a year ago, also is dangerous on the forward line. Mosunic, who has played defense throughout her high school career, is moving up to offense and has two goals and one assist in early action. Flynn, a captain, top defender and reigning All-State selection, gets involved on the offense as well. She scored 12 goals and assisted on 31 last winter. She’s also closing in on 100 career goals. Turner and freshman Annabelle Price are other defenders to watch. Sophomore Mya Clark will be in goal.

The Beacons look to continue to compete in the difficult South Region and if all goes well, they’ll make a deep playoff run. This squad will score a lot of goals and will be fun to watch this season.

INDOOR TRACK

He was sensational as a junior and Arnaud Sioho promises to soar to greatness again this winter as he and his South Portland boys’ indoor track teammates seek a repeat Class A crown.

Boys’ coach: Dave Kahill (17th year, one state championship)
Girls’ coach: Matt Toothaker (fourth year)

2023-24 results:
(Boys) Class A state champions
(Girls) 16th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) Matthew Berry (Senior), Tyler Bryant (Senior), Gedeao Buanza (Senior), Brady Edwards (Senior), Gavin Nicholson (Senior), Fischer Petrlik (Senior), Arnaud Sioho (Senior), Evan Small (Senior), Jackson Whitehouse (Senior), Michael Lawlor (Junior), Caleb Ramsell (Junior)
(Girls) Makayla Edwards-Burwell (Senior), Destinee Milandu (Senior), Jamilka Nieves (Senior), Ellie Bisson (Junior), Sunila Deloacth (Junior), Laurelei Kebokere (Junior), Audrey LeBleu (Junior), Julia Tompkins (Junior), Maggie Berry (Sophomore), Jillian Edgar (Sophomore), Annie Soucy (Sophomore)

Coach Kahill’s comment: “We’ve got incredible numbers again at 72 team members, including 16 seniors that bring energy, enthusiasm and leadership. We have the potential to do very well in the championship meets and we are focusing on fundamentals of respect, positive attitudes, detailed event work and competitiveness. There are many exceptional athletes and teams in the SMAA and the state, so building upon our experience and character through the season will be essential to the team’s success.”

Coach Toothaker’s comment: “Our team is entering the season after graduating 16 seniors last spring, so we have a lot of events to fill. We have a really great group of freshman athletes and newcomers to the team and we have been having some excellent practices so far. Currently, we have 57 athletes on our team, which is the largest number we have had in indoor track for many years. The high participation numbers alone this season have already made it a successful one. As a team, our primary goal is to qualify as many athletes as possible for postseason competition. Having the majority of our team advance to championship meets would be a huge success. A secondary goal is to place as high as we can at the Southwesterns. Earning a spot back in the top five is our current target. From there, we aim to send many athletes to states, place well and hopefully get some individuals to qualify for New Englands. There is a ton of energy at practices each day and everyone is having fun getting faster and stronger. We are really looking forward to the first meet and hope to put together a great overall season.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: South Portland is coming off a triumphant season and will be very much in the hunt for greatness again this winter.

The boys captured a state title for the first time in over two decades and are poised to do it again. Sioho scored nearly half of his team’s points at states a year ago, setting a new record in winning the triple jump (46 feet, 10.75 inches), while also placing runner-up in the long jump and third in the 55 hurdles. He dominated during a championship outdoor track campaign as well and is primed to have another terrific season in the jumps, hurdles and sprints. Other state meet scorers returning include Small (third in the two-mile), Petrlik (fifth in the mile), Bryant (fifth in both the triple jump and high jump), Lawlor (seventh in the 800) and Nicholson (eighth in the triple jump). Berry (jumps and sprints), Buanza (sprints), Edwards (hurdles), Ramsell (hurdles, jumps, sprints) and Whitehouse (high jump) also return. The junior division will also be solid, as sophomores Isaac Arey (hurdles, jumps, sprints), Devin Berry (hurdles, jumps, sprints), Jared LaRose (pole vault, jumps, hurdles), Geo Mayorquin (distance), Max Ross (distance), Chris Salamone (jumps, sprints, hurdles) and Umar Weise (shot put) all look to contribute. Newcomers of note include juniors Bossay Ditanduka (jumps, sprints) and Rush Morrison (throws) and freshmen Josua Kapita (jumps, hurdles) and Theo Maley (jumps, sprints, hurdles). The Red Riots will be pushed by several strong teams, but have the pieces in place to taste greatness once more.

On the girls’ side, Edwards-Burrell was runner-up in the shot put last winter. She’s back, looking to move up. Deloacth (shot put) Edgar (jumps), Kebokere (shot put, jumps), LeBleu (jumps) Nieves (jumps) and Soucy (jumps) are other veterans in field events. In the sprints, keep an eye on Berry, Bisson, Kebokere, Milandu and Soucy. Edgar could score in the hurdles. Top distance runners include Tompkins (South Portland’s Fall Athlete of the Year after a terrific cross country campaign) and LeBleu. South Portland is bolstered by a strong group of newcomers. That list includes sophomores Anne Ebane Athomo (jumps), Blessing Maya (jumps, 400) and Evelyn Smith (800) and freshmen Ramona Falatko (hurdles, distance), Alexus Lamour (sprints) and Taylor Levesque (jumps, sprints).

SWIMMING

Coach: Ryan Green (11th year)

2023-24 results:
(Boys) 12th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) 5th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) James Kneeland (Senior), Gavin Olsen (Senior), Matthew Kasianov (Sophomore)
(Girls) Lola Strom (Senior), McKenzie Smart (Junior), Mina Dagorova (Sophomore), Ali Maksimova (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “The girls will challenge for another top-five finish this year despite losing distance ace Amelia Hughes. The boys will look to jump up, perhaps into the top five, with an influx of young talent.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: South Portland’s swim teams are poised to make their mark this winter.

The girls are coming off their fourth straight top-10 finish and should be in that range again. Maksimova (fourth in the 50 freestyle and seventh in the 100 breaststroke last winter) is a top returner. She can also swim the breaststroke and individual medley. Dagorova also scored last year (sixth in the IM, seventh in the backstroke). She’ll also be heard from in the freestyle and breaststroke. Inman, Kierstead, Smart (backstroke, IM) and Strom (freestyle and IM) are other veterans to watch. Freshman Kiara Bradford could make a quick impact in breaststroke, freestyle and diving.

On the boys’ side, Olsen returns after placing fifth in the 500 free last year. He’ll also compete in the backstroke. Kasianov (backstroke, breaststroke) and Kneeland (sprint freestyle) are other experienced swimmers to watch. Sophomore Rowan Libby (sprint freestyle) and freshmen Patrick Olsen (distance freestyle, IM) and Hazen Patterson (butterfly, IM, backstroke) are top newcomers.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net.