Basketball Preview 2016/2017

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

A Special Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, December 9, 2016

PREVIEWS OF ALL NORTH CLASSES

TOP 10 GIRLS & BOYS TO WATCH IN 2016-17

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

AA NORTH BOYS AA NORTH GIRLS A NORTH BOYS A NORTH GIRLS B NORTH BOYS BOYS TOP 10 NORTH PLAYERS GIRLS TOP 10 NORTH PLAYERS B NORTH GIRLS C NORTH BOYS C NORTH GIRLS D NORTH BOYS D NORTH GIRLS

2 3 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 12 14 15

Players featured on the cover (from left): George Stevens Academy's Taylor Schildroth, Hampden's Ian McIntyre, Machias' Jacob Godfrey, Houlton's Kolleen Bouchard, Presque Isle's Emily Wheaton and Bangor's Katie Butler.

TEAM PREVIEWS AA NORTH DEPTH AN ASSET FOR BANGOR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM There are signs of growth within Bangor’s boys basketball program.

Participation has increased among the youth travel teams hosted by the city’s recreation department that complement existing middle-school teams.

The Bangor High School varsity squad that advanced to the first round of the inaugural Class AA North tournament last winter despite a 5-13 regular-season record is back with what may be a deeper, more experienced roster.

The Rams did graduate two top performers in forward Justin Smith -- now getting minutes as a freshman at Husson University -- and guard Ethan Dorman, but with Carl Parker back for his second year as head coach, there’s a familiarity that should enhance the improvement process.

“I think we’re much more comfortable with our team and what we’re going to do and where we’re headed, but there are a lot of good teams,” Parker said.

Those teams include defending state champion Portland, Edward Little of Auburn and Portland-based Deering and Cheverus, all of which hope to advance deep into the postseason.

“The strength of our roster is greater than it was overall, but other people have improved, too,” Parker said.

Bangor returns seven players with considerable experience from a year ago, including senior guard George Payne, who was last seen in goal making save after save during penalty kicks to help the Bangor boys soccer team outlast Gorham to win the Class A state championship.

Payne started the last 12 games of the 2015-2016 basketball season, and Parker expects him to be one of the team’s leaders this winter.

Joining Payne in the backcourt will be seniors Logan Alley and Phil Slick, junior Luke Tuell, and sophomore Damian Vance, a transfer from Brewer who was in the Witches’ rotation as a freshman last winter.

There’s also more experience up front, particularly in 6-foot-6 senior Ian Nagle and 6-4 sophomore Marc Hutchings.

“Our size is much better than it was last year, and they’re much more ready to play,” Parker said. “We’ve got some experience back and they’ve all been around me for a year now so I think that’s going to bode well for us.”

The Rams prepared for their regular-season opener at Edward Little on Dec. 9 with a rigorous exhibition schedule that began with games against last winter’s Class AA state finalists, Portland and South Portland, on the same day.

“I think we’re at a place where the players know how I feel about being competitive,” Parker said. “They’re also comfortable with the fact that if they compete and someone’s better than us, then someone’s better than us. I’m not going to bring them to task about that, I’m going to bring them to task if they don’t compete.”

Portland returns as the Class AA North preseason favorite after finishing 20-1 last winter and winning its second state title in three years and third consecutive regional crown.

Coach Joe Russo’s Bulldogs brings back junior guard Terion Moss, a third-team 2016 Bangor Daily News All-Maine honoree, along with junior forward Griffin Foley and senior center Charles Lyall from a roster that graduated just four players last spring.

“Portland returns a solid starting nucleus along with some very good young talent,” Oxford Hills of South Paris coach Scott Graffam said.

Edward Little also boasts a veteran team by senior swingman Jarod Norcross-Plourde, a three-sport standout who already has accepted a baseball scholarship from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

“Jarod obviously filled every statistical category for us last season, and we need another strong season from him to take the next step,” Edward Little coach Mike Adams said. “But we have several players who should be ready to be stronger and more reliable in every aspect of the game, which hopefully will make our team stronger and let Jarod do some different things to help us.”

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 Cheverus is motivated after being ousted by Edward Little in last season’s regional quarterfinals, and the Stags have some star power in 6-4 senior guard Jack Casale and 6-5 junior center Jesse Matthews, who’s already drawing recruiting interest from NCAA Division II and III programs in the Northeast.

“I think a strength of ours will be our length,” Cheverus coach Ryan Soucie said. “We could roll out a lineup of five guys 6-foot-2 and above at times. We’ll also look to play a quick pace and create a lot of scoring opportunities off our full- and half-court defenses.”

Deering reached the AA North final last February before falling to Portland, and while the Rams graduated four starters the returning cast includes senior center Raffaele Salamone and promising 6-4 sophomore forward Ben Onek.

“Ben’s mentally tough,” Deering coach Todd Wing said. “Last year, he didn’t have a ride to practice and walked two miles in a blizzard to get to the gym. He arrived three minutes late and immediately put himself on the line to do sprints due to his lateness. He gets it.”

Oxford Hills graduated four starters -- among them 2016 Gatorade Maine Player of the Year Andrew Fleming, now playing at the University of Maine -- but considerable help could come from the same family tree.

Sophomore forward Matt Fleming, Andrew’s younger brother, averaged 10 points per game as a freshman, and he has grown three inches to 6-foot-5, which gives him additional low-post potential to complement his perimeter play.

One team poised to take a significant step forward is Windham. The Eagles went 7-11 a year and missed qualifying for the tournament but return feature junior class led by guards Nick Curtis -- a second-team All-SMAA choice as a sophomore -- and Mike Gilman.

That duo averaged 35.4 points per game for coach Chad Pulkkinen’s club last winter.

Lewiston also fell short of qualifying for the first Class AA North tourney, but a more experienced roster and a productive summer have the Blue Devils aspiring toward their own upward mobility.

3

CLASS AA NORTH GIRLS DIVISION EXPECTED TO BE WIDE OPEN A year ago, the Bangor High School girls basketball team had to replace the dominant post tandem of 6-footers Mary Butler and Cordelia Stewart, who led them to a berth in the 2015 Eastern Maine Class A championship game.

The Rams went 10-8 last season, which earned them the third seed in the Class AA North tournament, where they were upset in the first round by Lewiston.

Now they have to replace the talented backcourt duo of Emily Gilmore and Sarah Bragg, but Bangor head coach Joe Johnson’s team does return 6-footer Katie Butler, a Bangor Daily News All-Maine Schoolgirl Basketball Team honorable mention, and he is optimistic.

“I like what we have returning starting with Katie in the middle,” said Johnson. “She’s a tenacious defender … she’s tall and she has a lot of grit to her. She’s relentless. Our guard play will be very good. I think we’ll be able to defend very well. And we’ve got some [smart players] coming back. The system has been in place for a couple of years.”

“We definitely lost a few girls but we have a strong nucleus back,” said Butler.

“Our [senior] class has quite a few girls who have played together for a long time and, hopefully, that will work in our favor. This will be the last year for most of us, so that will be a big motivator.”

Butler averaged approximately 13 points and 9 rebounds a game, according to Johnson, and he noted that she had a great summer developing her skills.

Senior Megan Conner provides tenacity and court awareness at the guard spot and will have a more prominent role. Conner is also an effective rebounder. Senior Emma Payne is a sure-handed point guard who can score; Olivia Sharrow will benefit from receiving valuable playing time as a freshman guard and is a good shooter; and junior Lauren Young provides energy and a defensive presence in the backcourt.

Senior Kira Yardley will complement Butler in the paint and should collect her share of rebounds and sophomore Abby Houghton will also corral some.

4

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 “Kira attacks the boards more than anyone,” said Butler.

Conner feels the Rams will be a better outside shooting team this season and will utilize more players.

Bangor will rely on its half-court, player-to-player defense to shut down opponents and fuel its transition offense.

“Defense comes first and offense comes out of that,” said Butler.

The Rams will again be road warriors, as their schedule will see them put 1,518 miles on their bus, including a 290-mile junket (round trip) to face Thornton Academy of Saco.

Johnson and other Class AA North coaches feel the league is wide open this season.

“It will come down to who plays better that night. Everyone is pretty similar and everyone defends pretty hard.”

“Everyone has a shot this year,” said Butler.

Edward Little of Auburn and Oxford Hills of South Paris met in the Class AA North title game last season but both graduated an All-Maine selection.

Edward Little’s Emily Jacques, a second-team choice, averaged 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, while Oxford Hills’ Tianna Sugars, a third-teamer, averaged 13 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. They were the Class AA North Co-Players of the Year.

“We don’t have a lot of scoring back,” said EL coach Craig Jipson, who also lost No. 2 scorer Karli Stubbs. “A lot of new faces are going to play major minutes.”

Jipson does have 6-foot senior center Jordyn Reynolds, an honorable mention AllMaine selection, and junior guard Piper Norcross to lead his team.

“Jordyn doesn’t score a lot but she is a very good rebounder and shot blocker,” said Jipson, whose Red Eddies went 17-5 last season.

Reynolds was selected to the Class AA North All Tournament team.

Norcross is an athletic, multipurpose junior guard.

The Eddies will generate a lot of points off their smothering, full-court press.

Oxford Hills, the top seed in Class AA North last season, returns some quality

BDN FILE

Bangor’s Olivia Sharrow goes in for a lay-up past Edward Little’s Grace Beaudet during a game last season at Red Barry Gym in Bangor. Sharrow, a sophomore guard, may provide Bangor with some scoring punch this season.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 veterans including Erin Morton and Erni Eastman, along with Maighread Laliberte. Morton, an All-Maine honorable mention, and Eastman are guards, while Laliberte is a forward.

“We’re going to be guard-oriented,” said Oxford Hills coach Nate Pelletier, who anticipates receiving quality minutes from freshman Julia Colby.

Oxford Hills went 17-4 during 2015-2016.

Pelletier said Deering High School of Portland should be one of the favorites “because they didn’t lose anybody.”

The list of Deering returnees includes the formidable backcourt tandem of speedy sparkplug Abi Ramirez and sharpshooter Tasia Titherington. Both are seniors for Mike Murphy’s Rams.

Ramirez, an All-Maine honorable mention, creates matchup problems for opponents with her quickness, tenacity and court vision.

Deering was a AA North semifinalist and finished at 12-8.

Cheverus is coming off a 10-9 season and will be guided by the guard tandem of Abby Cavallaro and Kaylin Malmquist, along with 5-11 center Brooke McElman.

All three are seniors.

Lewiston went 10-10 and earned a spot in the semifinals and Pelletier said his neighbors have really improved.

The Blue Devils graduated honorable mention guard Kristina Blais but return one in junior center Victoria Harris, and she will be complemented by versatile Morgan Eliasen.

Windham went 8-11 last season and graduated six seniors, including honorable mention Sadie Nelson. But they do return a top-notch, all-purpose guard in fleetfooted Mya Mannette.

Portland went 2-16 a year ago but graduated just three seniors so the Bulldogs should be improved.

5

TEAM PREVIEWS A NORTH BALANCE BLOOMING AS HAMPDEN, OCEANSIDE, MEDOMAK VALLEY EYE RETURN TO POSTSEASON

Last year’s Class A North boys basketball tournament was a prime example of just why the games are played instead of merely being theorized by prognosticators.

A Hampden Academy team coming off a 20-point win over Portland in the 2015 Class A state final was back with its entire starting lineup intact, the heaviest of favorites as the season began to win at least its fifth consecutive regional championship.

But injuries plagued the Broncos throughout the winter, and when the state’s eventual Mr. Basketball, Nick Gilpin, got hurt during Hampden’s Class A North semifinal against Oceanside of Rockland-Thomaston and returned at less than 100 percent, it was just too much.

Oceanside fought off the Broncos to end their undefeated season, then defeated neighboring Medomak Valley of Waldoboro to secure that consolidated school’s first regional crown.

This year’s Class A North field appears much more balanced from the outset, with several teams capable of staking a claim as best in class.

That includes Hampden, though the Broncos will have a vastly different look with their most recent Fab Four - Gilpin, Brendan McIntire, Jake Black and Conar Moore - now graduated.

Junior center Ian McIntyre, with two years of starting with that class of 2016 already on his resume, should continue to provide inside scoring, rebounding and defense, and he’ll take on an additional role this winter -- team leader.

“He hasn’t had to do this before but he’s been groomed by good players and leaders

6

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

BDN FILE

Hampden Academy’s Thomas Raye (center) dribbles up court during practice in Hampden on November 22.

before him,” Hampden head coach Russ Bartlett said. “It may take him some time to get comfortable in this role but I feel he’s up to the task. He has gotten stronger and been getting his teammates in the weight room, which has been a great start.”

Others expected to contribute in a more significant way include senior forward Mike Labun, junior forward Thomas Raye, junior guard Johnny Wolfington and sophomore guards Kory Winch and Ross Webb.

“I feel like we are lacking experience so I expect us to be a bit inconsistent early in the season as roles are established,” Bartlett said. “Our goals obviously will be to get better every day in hopes to be there come February when the tournament rolls around.

“I think with hard work we could be a tough out come tourney time.”

Oceanside similarly suffered significant graduation losses, but the breakthrough season experienced by coach Matt Breen’s club last winter should serve the returning Mariners well.

Returning players should include senior guards Nate Raye, Sam Atwood and Nick Tinker, junior forward Michael Norton Jr., junior center Josh Peaco and sophomore guard Cooper Wirkala, providing a solid

foundation of size and perimeter skills to Morse of Bath.

“This team will be very athletic,” commence Oceanside’s title defense.

Medomak Valley, while graduating five DePatsy said. “We must use our seniors, including BDN All-Maine forward athleticism to run, get offense off our Nicholas DePatsy, will be anchored by defense and be able to finish at the rim. another of the region’s top centers This team will be exciting to watch, they regardless of class in 6-foot-7 senior will play hard and will always look to improve each and every game.”

Cameron Allaire.

Central Maine entries that should be “His upside is huge,” said Medomak Valley head coach Nick DePatsy, who has postseason contenders in Class A North include Skowhegan, Messalonskee guided the Panthers to two CLASS A of Oakland, Lawrence of Fairfield, regional (Class B) championships NORTH BOYS and Gardiner. in the last four years. “He really Skowhegan returns 12 of the 13 players has improved on both ends of the floor, and most impressive to me is how his on its postseason roster from a year ago when coach Tom Nadeau’s club reached decision making has improved.

“He really is going to be counted on for the regional quarterfinals for the first rebounding, scoring, getting out on run- time since 2010.

That lone graduation loss was significant outs and blocking shots. His footwork and hands are as good as it gets, and his shot -- 1,000-point scorer Isaac Witham is now has improved in the midrange area. He’s playing at the University of Maine at Farmington -- but the Indians boast plenty also very coachable.”

Two other players from last winter’s of experience led by senior point guard rotation, 6-3 senior guard Kyle Donlin Brendan Curran, junior swingman and 6-2 senior guard Cale Gee, will add Cameron Barnes and sophomore forward size, experience and versatility for Marcus Christopher.

“We must commit to a better effort Medomak Valley. The Panthers also will be boosted by the return of senior Zidane defensively as a whole and in addition buy McMurrin, who started last year at into what we want to do offensively as a

whole,” Nadeau said. “We have to defend better individually, thus rely less on our helpside defense. Offensively, we should be balanced overall, as we have several guys who could lead us in scoring any given night.”

Messalonskee has been a tournament regular in recent years, and coach Peter McLaughlin’s Eagles may be a more guardoriented club this winter as led by senior backcourt players Nathan Violette and James Kouletsis along with 6-5 senior wing Griffin Tuttle.

Lawrence features one of the top wing players in Class A North in senior Mason Cooper, with junior Braden Ballard among those expected to make up for frontcourt graduation losses.

“We have some size but are mostly guard oriented,” Bulldogs coach Jason Pellerin said. “Our goal is to be physically and mentally as tough as we can be. We look forward to meshing our seniors, juniors and sophomores together to have a team that represents the history and pride of the Lawrence basketball program well.”

Gardiner also figures into the tournament mix under coach Jason Cassidy, with junior point guard Isaiah Magee, senior guard Hunter Chasse and junior center Ben Shaw among the returning Tigers, though a recent injury to Shaw may move 6-foot-4inch junior Connor McGuire into the pivot.

Also returning is Brewer head coach Ben Goodwin, back for his second stint with the Witches after the retirement of Clayton Blood. The Witches, coming off a 14-4 regular season and Class A North semifinals, may be in a bit of a rebuilding mode, but junior guard Kobe Rogerson will be back to lead the way, along with senior forward Tyler Hafford, senior guard Michael Bailey and sophomore guard Brandon Glidden.

MESSALONSKEE GIRLS TEAM TO BEAT IN ‘A’ NORTH; OTHER CHALLENGERS LOOM The departure of Miss Maine Basketball and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year Nia Irving and 3-point shooting guard Dominique Lewis, who both scored over 1,000 career points at Lawrence High School of Fairfield, means the Bulldogs’ domination of Class A North basketball has likely come to an end.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 That doesn’t mean that Lawrence, which inside presence and shot-blocker while has gone 42-2 the past two seasons and developing an outside shot.

“She is a force at times,” said Scott. claimed two regional titles and one state Junior Sophia Narofsky (5-10) will championship, won’t be in the mix for yet complement Donovan inside and juniors another crown.

Legendary head coach John Donato Braylee Wildman, Cassidy Burke and enters his 40th year of coaching with Peyton Smith will play important roles.

535 career wins, 11 regional Wildman is a forward, while Burke and championships and five state titles. Smith are guards.

Scott said he has some newcomers who Lawrence is his fifth school.

It does mean that teams like Nokomis will supply valuable depth.

Brewer coach Chris Horr’s Witches High of Newport, Hampden Academy and Brewer, which have a ton of seasoned went from one win two years ago to 8-11 returnees, will have a chance to make last season.

“We should be able to take that next step significant strides in a hotly contested and win three or four more games this year,” class and perhaps contend for the title.

Messalonskee of Oakland, which thanks to increased experience, he said.

“We had some tough [close] losses last reached the regional final and returns year and hopefully we’ve grown Bangor Daily News All-Maine CLASS A and learned from them and can Schoolgirl third-team selection NORTH GIRLS prevail [in those types of games] Sophie Holmes, is considered the favorite by the league’s coaches. But the this year,” said Horr.

The Witches are again undersized but gap between the Eagles and the rest of the league won’t be as sizeable as it was with Horr said they will try to compensate by playing aggressive, pressing defense and Lawrence a year ago.

“Messalonskee is one of the favorites but boxing out under the glass.

Senior forward Courtney Pearson (10 it won’t be like it was with Nia and Lewis dominating every game for Lawrence,” ppg along with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 said Hampden Academy coach Tim Scott. steals) headlines the list of veterans along “It’s a little more open this year. There are with Horr’s daughter Ellie, a junior point a lot of good teams and a lot of good players.” guard who averaged five points, five Messalonskee coach Keith Derosby agreed. rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Junior guards Emily Lord (6 ppg, 4 rpg, “There’s so much parity in our league. I don’t think there is going to be an easy 2 apg, 2 spg) and Cassidy Smith (7 ppg, 5 rpg) are capable of scoring in double night for anyone,” said Derosby.

Hampden returns four starters off last figures on a regular basis. Smith had 37 year’s 11-9 team that reached the regional 3-pointers last year.

Junior guard Haley Robertson (4 ppg, 2 semifinals, where it lost to Lawrence.

Seven of the nine losses came from apg, 2 spg) made 19 3-pointers and 5-9 Lawrence (3), Messalonskee (2) and Class sophomore Rebecca Gideon netted 5 ppg.

Junior forward Sierra Strang has a AA Bangor (2).

“We’ve been getting better every year,” great basketball IQ and a nose for the said Scott. “We won a preliminary game ball, said Horr.

Nokomis coach Michelle Paradis returns two years ago and a quarterfinal game last year. We’re moving in the right direction. her top seven players from a 13-6 team and anticipates “one of the most exciting We should be in the mix this year.

“We have size, we have kids who can seasons we’ve ever had. The girls have shoot the ball and handle it. We’re older been coming to me with such great emotion and feelings about this season.” and stronger,” he added.

Guards Austin Taylor, a senior, and Junior guard Marissa Gilpin and junior guard-forward Brooklynn Scott, the coach’s Chelsea Crockett, a junior, were the top two daughter, were the leading scorers a year scorers a year ago at around 10 ppg and Crockett also averaged four assists and is ago, averaging eight points per game.

Sophomore Bailey Donovan, a 6-foot-3 one of the top defenders.

Senior Olivia Brown is a versatile player center, was the top rebounder (8 rpg) and has become even more imposing as an who can play outside or in the post and can

score; 5-11 center Gabby Lord is an aggressive rebounder who can also put points on the board; senior guard Sidney Moore is a 3-point shooter; 5-6 forward Maci Leali is a strong inside player; junior Hanna Meservey is a relentless defender and 5-10 Chloe Gustin will provide a post presence and rebounds.

Messalonskee, 17-4 a year ago, will be led by the terrific trio of 5-8 guard Holmes (20.8 ppg, 11 rpg, 3 steals, 2 assists, 2 blocked shots), 5-10 junior guard Alyssa Turner (11 ppg, 5 apg) and 5-10 senior forward center McKenna Brodeur (13 ppg, 8 rpg).

Holmes and Brodeur were all-tourney picks last year.

“We need to be more consistent defensively,” said Derosby, who also expects important contributions from energetic guard Lydia Dexter, 5-10 Katie Seekins and 6-1 freshman Gabrielle Wener.

Donato pointed out that despite losing Irving and Lewis, he has three starters back and is excited about Lawrence’s season.

“It should be fun. We’re going to be more of a penetration-pressure team because we won’t have the size to compete with a lot of teams,” he said.

The Bulldogs have three players who averaged 10 points per game in senior guard Morgan Boudreau, junior guard Camryn Caldwell and junior forward Hunter Mercier.

Coach Mike Gray’s Gardiner Tigers went 15-5 a year ago and return the exceptional duo of talented, all-tourney senior guard Lauren Chadwick (14 ppg, 6 apg) and AllMaine honorable mention senior forward Mary Toman (12 ppg, 12 rpg).

Waterville turned in a 9-11 record and has one of the best all-around players in Class A North in high-scoring Jordan Jabar.

Youthful Skowhegan was 7-13 including a preliminary game win over Brewer and Annie Cooke, Sydney Ames, Sydney Reed and Alyssa Everett received a lot of playing time as freshmen and should benefit significantly.

Oceanside of Rockland/Thomaston (811), Erskine Academy of South China (7-11), Medomak Valley of Waldoboro (7-11), Camden Hills of Rockport (5-13) and Cony of Augusta (2-16) finished in the last five spots and will look to improve.

7

BDN FILE

Brewer’s Emily Lord (left) goes up for two against Nokomis’ Chelsea Crockett during their game at Brewer High School last season. Both players will bring scoring punch to their teams this season.

TEAM PREVIEWS B NORTH MDI, ORONO BOYS START BASKETBALL SEASON AS FAVORITES IN CLASS B The Mount Desert Island boys were the darlings of the Class B regional tournament in 2015. As the No. 13 seed with a 5-13 record, the Trojans pulled off shocking upsets over No. 5 Ellsworth in the preliminary round and No. 4 Gardiner in the quarterfinals before finally succumbing to top-ranked Medomak Valley in the semis.

Last year, the Trojans went 14-4 and won their prelim contest, but they fell by 11 points to Orono in the quarters.

MDI enters the 2016-17 season with a team that again figures to be at or near the top of the class. The Trojans return all five starters and lost just one player to graduation who was part of last year’s rotation. Tenth-year coach Justin Norwood hopes that lessons were learned from

Continued on page 10

8

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

boys TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Hampden Academy’s Ian McIntyre (center) runs through a drill during their practice in Hampden on Nov. 22. McIntyre will be a top player to watch as he leads the Broncos this season. BDN File

CAMERON ALLAIRE

MASON COOPER

Allaire ranks among the better centers statewide after helping the Panthers from Waldoboro advance to the Class A North championship game a year ago.

The 6-foot-7 pivot player requires most teams to double-team him in the paint, and his shot-blocking ability provides coach Nick DePatsy’s club and extra layer of rim protection.

Already established as one of the top players in Class A North, the veteran wing has added more than 20 pounds of muscle since last season to fuel his blend of ballhandling and scoring ability that ranges from the low post to beyond the 3-point arc. One job for Cooper this winter will be to identify open teammates when opposing defenses inevitably focus on him.

MATTHEW FLEMING

JACOB GODFREY

BRYCE HARMON

IAN MCINTYRE

The younger brother of 2016 Maine Gatorade Player of the Year Andrew Fleming, who is now at the University of Maine, Matt Fleming could develop into a similar frontcourt force for coach Scott Graffam’s Vikings. The younger Fleming saw considerable duty as a freshman in helping Oxford Hills reach last winter’s Class AA North semifinals.

At an active 6-foot-6, Godfrey is a rebounding machine who’s capable of overwhelming opponents near the basket.

He had 27 points and 26 rebounds in one tourney game last winter, and he is a big reason coach Jim Getchell’s Bulldogs will be among the favorites in Class D North this season.

One of the more experienced players in all of eastern Maine, Harmon may take on more of a scoring role for the Eagles as they begin the defense of their 2016 Class B North title. Harmon also is a veteran playmaker for coach Peter Austin’s club, and that acumen will help him get some younger teammates involved in the offense.

Already a two-year starter, McIntyre has emerged as a rebounding and defensive force for a program that won the 2014 Class A state championship before injuries slowed the Broncos’ 2015 postseason quest. He now will add the role of leader for a new-look Hampden roster under veteran coach Russ Bartlett.

TERION MOSS

TAYLOR SCHILDROTH

JUSTIN THOMPSON

ISAAC VARNEY

A third-team Bangor Daily News All-Maine choice a year ago, Moss will take over the point-guard duties as well as defensive leadership from his older brother Amir, who graduated after leading coach Joe Russo’s Bulldogs to the first Class AA state championship. Moss also can create his own offense, as evidenced by his 14.8 points per game a year ago.

Schildroth had the skill and knack for providing the reigning Class C state champs just what they needed last winter. He averaged 16 points and 6.5 assists per game as a playmaker for coach Dwayne Carter’s club during the regular season, then turned pure scorer with 32 points in the North final and 25 in the state game while earning BDN All-Maine third-team honors.

A fourth-year starter, Thompson does much of the inside work for his father’s (coach Darrick Thompson’s) Schenck of East Millinocket team, but he is more of a natural wing. One of the school’s all-time scoring leaders, the BDN All-Maine third-team choice averaged 25.1 points and 16 rebounds a game last winter.

One of several gifted prospects to come through Glenburn’s middle-school program during the last two years, the 6-foot-3 Varney may be just the addition to help elevate coach Mark Reed’s Hawks to serious contender in Class B North. Varney is described as a versatile player capable of creating offense both from the wing and interior, and his size creates shot-blocking potential as he transitions to varsity play.

So., Oxford Hills

Jr., Portland

Sr., Medomak Valley

Jr., Machias

Jr., George Stevens Acad.

Sr., Lawrence

Sr., Ellsworth

Sr., Schenck

George Stevens Academy’s Nick Szwez (right) tries for two past Schenck’s Justin Thompson during their Class C North boys semifinal at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor last season. Thompson will be a top player to watch this season. BDN File

Jr., Hampden Academy

Fr., Hermon

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

girls CRYSTAL BELL

KOLLEEN BOUCHARD

Crystal Bell, a 5-7 guard, averaged 17 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Crusaders and is a proven point-producer from all over the court.

She was an All-Maine honorable mention. “She can shoot from anywhere.

She has an eye for the basket. And she drives very well. She’s tenacious. She works on her game year-round,” said John Bapst coach Mike Webb.

The 5-foot-11 guard led the Shires to a Class C state championship as a freshman and did the same last year in Class B. She was a Bangor Daily News All-Maine Schoolgirl Basketball first-team selection last season after being a second-teamer as a freshman.

Bouchard averaged 20.7 points, nine rebounds, four blocked shots and 3.3 assists a year ago

TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

KATIE BUTLER

LAUREN CHADWICK

EMI HIGGINS

SOPHIE HOLMES

Butler, a 6-foot center, is a formidable inside presence who has significantly improved her shooting touch. She averaged about 13 points and nine rebounds for the Rams a year ago.

She was an All-Maine honorable mention. In addition, Bangor coach Joe Johnson considers her a “relentless defender.”

A multipurpose 5-6 guard, Chadwick has been the catalyst for the Tigers, averaging 14 points and six assists a year ago. “She sets the tone for the whole team, and they feed off what she brings to the table,” said Gardiner coach Mike Gray. “She’s an outstanding guard who also rebounds well.”

Higgins, a 6-foot forward, emerged as a star in the Class B North Tournament a year ago when she scored 35 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in upset victories over Mount Desert Island and Presque Isle. She was an All-Maine honorable mention. “She’s versatile,” said Houlton’s Graham. “She can make that midrange shot, and she also has some nice post moves.”

Holmes, a 5-8 guard, averaged 20.8 points, 11 rebounds, three steals per game, two assists and two blocked shots. She was an All-Maine third teamer.

“She was second in the league in scoring and rebounding last year, and that says a lot,” said Messalonskee coach Keith Derosby. “She has great instincts defensively. And she’s a gym rat.”

JORDAN JABAR

ABI RAMIREZ

JORDYN REYNOLDS

EMILY WHEATON

A high-scoring forward, Jabar is a “real nice player” according to Gardiner coach Mike Gray. “She has pretty good range, she’s very athletic, and she gets to the basket.

She’s similar to Chadwick.”

Ramirez is a very speedy and tireless guard who does a little bit of everything for Deering. She averaged 6.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and two steals per game.

She was an All-Maine honorable mention. “She’s a tough, tough kid,” said Edward Little coach Craig Jipson.

Reynolds, a 6-foot center, is one of Class AA North’s best post players.

She was an All-Maine honorable mention. Edward Little coach Craig Jipson said she is a “very good rebounder and shot blocker.” She had 17 points in the regional final last year and should be a more prolific scorer this season.

Wheaton is a versatile 5-5 guard who runs the show for the Wildcats and averaged 16.2 points, 4.4 assists and 2.2 steals last year. She was an All-Maine honorable mention. “She’s one of the toughest girls to defend in our class,” said Houlton’s Graham. “She gets to the rim well for her size, and she can also hit a step-back jumper. She’s an excellent ball-handler and a good passer.”

Presque Isle's Emily Wheaton (left) drives past Hermon's Alex Allain during a Class B North semifinal last season at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

Wheaton, a junior guard, averaged 16.2 points per game last season and is one of the top 10 players to watch in the North ranks. BDN File

Jr., John Bapst

Houlton's Kolleen Bouchard twirls the net over her head in celebration after the Shires won the Class B North girls championship. BDN File

Sr., Bangor

Sr., Waterville

Sr., Gardiner

Sr., Deering

Jr., Houlton

Sr., Hermon

Sr., Edward Little

Sr., Messalonskee

Jr., Presque Isle

9

10

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

Continued from page 7 February’s tourney run that was cut short.

“Two years ago, we played as if we had nothing to lose, and last year’s higher expectations affected the way we played in the tournament,” Norwood said. “To take the next step, I think it is important that we play together on both ends of the floor.”

The chemistry should be there for this veteran group, which includes nine players who were members of that surprising team in 2014-15.

“One thing I love about this team is that they are very close,” Norwood said. “The kids support each other and truly enjoy playing together.”

Senior Riley Swanson, who averaged 13.3 points and five rebounds per game last season, is one of the top shooters in the Big East Conference and has built a strong allaround offensive game.

Senior Russell Kropf is another returning double-figure scorer (10.5 ppg) who is a threat both around the basket and from the perimeter.

Seniors Graham Good (9.5 ppg) and Aaron Snurkowski (7.5 ppg) and junior Andrew Phelps (6.3 ppg) are other weapons on both ends of the floor. Good, who led the Trojans with 7.2 rebounds per contest, is regarded as the team’s top defender, and Snurkowski and Phelps paced MDI in assists and steals, respectively.

Others in the rotation are seniors Gus Reeves, Drew Rich, Devin Parlatore and junior Colby Lee. Norwood benefits from having a successful junior varsity program, which went undefeated last year and gives the Trojans even more depth.

“In my 10 years, I’m not sure we have had this much talent throughout our program,” Norwood said. “We have many new players who have the talent to push some of the players from last year.”

BDN FILE Norwood said the Trojans plan to “continue to try to speed the game up, pressing as Orono’s Nate Desisto (right) looks to pass as Old Town’s Kaleb Gifford defends during a game at much as possible to use our depth to our advantage.”

Orono HIgh School last season. Desisto and several other returning veterans should put Orono in Orono, the team that eliminated MDI in the quarterfinal round last winter and has the thick of the Class B North race this season. advanced to the regional finals each of the past two seasons, should be dangerous again.

“They have a lot of size and experience and will be a very good team,” Norwood said.

The Red Riots lost some size with the graduation of 6-7 Imao Woldring and 6-2 Kamron The defending regional champions, the Ellsworth Eagles, lost nine players to graduation, Hines, but they bring back a wealth of talent and experience.

They have two athletes who have signed on to play other sports at the Division I level this fall. including many strong frontcourt players, but their strength this season lies in guard play.

Bryce Harmon, a second team all-conference player last season who averaged 10 points and Jake Koffman, a 6-2 forward, is going to Stanford University on a track and field scholarship, and four assists per game, will run the show as a four-year starter. Zach Harris, a junior, 6-3 Jackson Coutts is bound for the University of Rhode Island to play baseball.

CLASS B “Jake is a do-it-all defender who can guard any position and control the paint NORTH BOYS shot 50 percent from 3-point land and starts alongside Harmon.

“They will create matchup problems against anyone they play,” Coleman said. on both ends of the floor,” said Red Riots’ coach Jason Coleman. “Jackson is our Eagle coach Peter Austin said Trent Mahon is joined by newcomers Bradley Smith and glue guy. He has a very high sports IQ and does a very good job getting us organized.”

They return to the starting lineup along with point guard Nate Desisto, a Big East Sam Giffin as players who provide depth in the backcourt. Jackson Curtis is a highlytouted freshman who could get minutes.

Conference first teamer, and 6-3 Keenan Collett.

The Old Town Coyotes are another team with many holes to fill after 10 players graduated, but “Nate is a very gifted offensive player, and Keenan is capable of scoring 20 points on any Ryan Hoogterp is one of the keys for coach Brian McDormand’s squad, which won a state title in 2014. given night and have 15 rebounds the next,” Coleman said.

The Hermon Hawks are always one of the top defensive teams in the league and should be Connor Robertson, a sophomore who was the sixth man last year, is another player to watch.

“He has really begun to grow into his body and has improved his skill set, making him a large competitive once again behind veteran coach Mark Reed. Keenan Marseille, an all-conference third team selection last year, has the ability to take over a game, and freshman Isaac Varney part of what we will be doing this year,” the coach added. shows great promise.

“They are going to be very tough as they always are,” Norwood said. “They have some of their top players back and are always prepared.”

Houlton is coming off a 2-16 season but has a new coach in Tim Brewer, who compiled 216 victories and four Class D state championships during his 15-year tenure at Central Aroostook.

They lost a number of close games last year but return a solid nucleus.

Presque Isle also had a tough year in 2015-16, recording just three victories, but return a dynamic starting backcourt consisting of junior Griffin Guerrette and sophomore Jonah Hudson.

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

BDN FILE

John Bapst’s Crystal Bell (center) waits to see if a free throw will sink against Caribou’s Hope Shea (left) and Searra Herbert during their game at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor last season.

HOULTON GIRLS EYE THIRD CONSECUTIVE STATE TITLE After winning a state championship in Class C in 2015, the Houlton girls basketball team made the move up to Class B last year and did it again.

Can the Shiretowners make it three in a row? It looks like they will be a serious contender amongst a deep field of teams in the division.

Coach Shawn Graham’s team lost Chelsea Gentle, Natalie Hill and Katie Condon to graduation. Gentle and Hill provided steady play throughout last year’s successful run, while Condon was a key component her first three seasons before suffering a seasonending knee injury early on a year ago. However, three starters return, including BDN All-Maine first teamer Kolleen Bouchard.

Bouchard, a junior, is a 6-footer who can play anywhere on the floor. She has claimed BDN All-Tourney MVP honors each of the last two seasons and was the player of the year in the Big East Conference. She averaged 20.7 points per game in 2015-16, while also piling up impressive statistics in rebounds, assists and blocked shots.

“She is clearly the most talented player I’ve had the honor of coaching,” said Graham, who begins his 13th season with the Shires. “She can do so many things on the court -- a great defender with good length, she gets our fast break going off the rebound extremely well, she makes a great point guard with her size and shooting abilities and is also an exceptional post with her athleticism around the basket and ability to use both hands.”

Junior Aspen Flewelling, who averaged 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year, is back as a starter after being inserted last year following Condon’s injury. At 5-11, she is strong inside but is also a serious threat as a 3-point shooter.

Senior Rylee Warman is a third-year starter who “sets the tone for us in practice and games with her hustle and desire,” according to Graham. Warman will share point-guard duties with Bouchard.

Junior Kristen Graham, the coach’s daughter, who was the first player off the bench last year, moves into the starting five along with Makayla Watson, a 6-1 center who is back after spending her junior year in Windham. Houlton welcomes another transfer in sophomore Tessa Soloman, who played at Bucksport last season. Graham said she should

11

bolster the team with her defensive intensity and rebounding skills.

“Key factors for us will be staying focused and motivated and it will be my job as a coach to not allow them to take things for granted,” Graham said. “After you win a couple of titles, it can be real easy to get a little bit lazy and overconfident. I’ve got to make sure we play with heart and hustle every single night.”

Coach Graham said the success over the past two seasons for the Shires has to be credited to the players and their parents.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a group that has stayed involved in the game at a high level for long periods of time throughout the year,” he said. “They are working harder in the offseason more while playing on various travel teams and leagues.”

The Big East Conference boasts several other teams which bring back plenty of talent.

Hermon entered last year’s tournament as the No. 7 seed with a mediocre 10-8 regular season record, but marched into the finals following upset victories over No. 2 Mount Desert Island and No. 3 Presque Isle. Second-year coach Chris Cameron lost just two seniors and will feature an imposing front line of 6-0 senior Emi Higgins and 5-10 juniors Lauren Plissey and Maddie Pullen. “[Higgins] is a force inside and they were the most improved team last year,” said 18thyear Presque Isle coach Jeff Hudson.

The Wildcats are just two seasons removed from a state championship game appearance and are always a threat. They suffered key personnel losses to graduation in starters Taylor Williams, Olivia Hudson and Regan Nelson, but have two of the better guards in the division in junior Emily Wheaton (16.1 ppg) and senior Emily Lagerstrom (9.3 ppg), their two top scorers from last year.

“They are always dangerous, with a rich basketball tradition,” Graham said.

“They are very well coached and are ready to play every single night, so you never can count them out.”

John Bapst brings back numerous veterans, including junior Crystal Bell, an allconference first teamer, who “can shoot it from anywhere on the floor,” according to Hudson. Junior forward Grace Philippon is among the other key returnees for coach Mike Webb’s Crusaders.

Central was bounced in the preliminary round last February but brings back a roster that is almost fully intact. Libby Cook, a 6-1 senior center, and Sydney Allen, a 5-6 junior guard, are both talented allaround performers and 5-9 senior Emma Campbell is considered one of the best defenders in the conference.

After giving Houlton a good fight in the quarterfinals last season, Foxcroft Academy has just about everybody back, led by seniors Abigail Simpson and Grace Bickford.

MDI faces challenges without all-state players Sierra Tapley and Kelsey Shaw, who both graduated, but Hudson said “they can’t be taken lightly.”

The team to watch out of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference is Winslow, which reached the semifinal round of the playoffs a season ago.

“They are possibly the quickest, most athletic group in our class,” Graham said.

“They play with a lot of energy and prefer an uptempo style with a mix of pressure defenses.”

Heather Kervin, a 5-6 senior forward, leads the way for coach Lindsey Withee’s squad.

12

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

TEAM PREVIEWS C NORTH GEORGE STEVENS BOYS LOOK TO REPEAT IN DEEP ‘C’ NORTH FIELD The George Stevens Academy boys basketball team relied on a talented crop of young players to claim the Blue Hill school’s first state championship in more than a decade last winter.

Now that core, led by junior guard Taylor Schildroth, is a year older, and that is a scary prospect for the rest of Class C North.

“GSA is clearly the favorite,” said Dexter coach Peter Murray, who has a pretty talented team of his own.

Coach Dwayne Carter’s Eagles, who graduated only three seniors, lost only one game in their state-championship run last winter, and the Eagles hope to be even stronger this season.

It all starts with the talented Schildroth, last year’s regional tournament MVP, and 6-foot-6 classmate Max Mattson.

Schildroth averaged about 18 points per game last season, while Mattson averaged more than five blocked shots and 10 rebounds, and Carter expects those two players to be even better.

“They’re much improved over last year,” Carter said. “Taylor’s just an all-around really good player, very confident, probably more confident than last year. Max has improved his game a lot, his scoring a lot.”

Senior forward Jared Chase, who is 6-foot-3, is another contributor and one of the Eagles’ best defenders, Carter said.

Junior Stefan Simmons and senior Beckett Slayton also will be among George Stevens Academy’s mainstays.

George Stevens Academy will be battletested come February, with a rugged schedule that includes two matchups with reigning Class B North champ and Hancock County rival Ellsworth.

“Everyone’s going to be gunning for us because they’re going to bring their best game no matter what,” Carter said. “The kids know that, they’ve talked about it

BDN FILE

Narraguagus’ Kylee Joyce (right) tries for two past Penobscot Valley’s Amy Hallett during their Class C North final last season at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

already. We’re going to have to be up learned something from last winter’s semifinal loss to the eventual state champions. for the challenge.”

“They look forward to closing that gap One team equipped to give the Eagles a run for their championship throne is this year,” Thompson said.

Thompson added that Schenck plays a Schenck of East Millinocket, which fell to George Stevens Academy in the regional rugged schedule that includes Washington County contender Calais and Class D semifinals last year.

Coach Darrick Thompson’s Wolverines contender Bangor Christian.

Aroostook County entry Fort Fairfield, return a veteran nucleus led by 6-4 guard Justin Thompson, the coach’s son, and which earned the No. 2 seed only to be upset in the quarterfinals by fellow County backcourt mate Chris King.

The Wolverines’ backcourt also includes contender Hodgdon, also has a veteran senior Cody Pelletier, junior Riley Dionne returning nucleus. Like Schenck, the Tigers will be deep in the backcourt. and sophomore guard Travis CLASS C “Our backcourt should be fairly Thompson, also the coach’s son.

NORTH BOYS strong,” Fort Fairfield coach Schenck’s frontcourt includes seniors Mitch McDunnah and Eric Green, Logan McLaughlin said. “Our interior play while Justin Thompson’s versatility allows is something we’re going to have to work on. I’ve got a lot of returning players that him to play anywhere on the floor.

“I can’t go without mentioning he is very are coming back from last year’s team that tough and blue-collar,” coach Thompson should show a lot of improvement.”

That core includes seniors Chris said. “He does it all every night.”

Justin Thompson has bounced back after Giberson and Ryan Player and junior Isaac a broken arm cost him virtually all of his Cyr, all guards. Also looking to play important roles are juniors Jared Harvey summer basketball season.

“His rehab went well and he’s back and Malcolm Langer and seniors Carter playing full speed again,” coach Thompson Bruce and Landon Kinney.

“Typically, my coaching philosophy, I said. “He’s hungry to get back on the floor like a running game,” McLaughlin said. at a competitive level.”

McLaughlin is hoping the combination Lee Academy coach Randy Harris referred to Justin Thompson as a “matchup of being knocked out of the tourney as a No. nightmare” who can handle the ball well 2 seed last winter and the fact that most of his players competed on Fort Fairfield’s for a player his size.

Coach Thompson also is hopeful his team soccer team, a regional champion in 2015

and runner-up this fall, will provide motivation.

Harris’s Pandas will be reloading after losing five of their top seven players, but Lee welcomes back senior guard Nathan Gilman and senior forward Travon Rhodes, two guys from whom Harris will be seeking leadership this season.

In addition, junior guard and forward Tony Chu, junior point guard Sammy Huang, senior forward Howie Francis and senior guard Dmitrii Krivorotko will be other key players for the Pandas.

Dexter, a regional quarterfinalist last winter, will look to improve on that finish as well.

Dexter welcomes back guards Zach White and Brayden Miller, both seniors, along with senior point guard William Strauch.

Senior Jason Campbell and junior Josh Simcock will see time on the wings for the Tigers, while guard Chandler Perkins and forward C.J. Cooper, two more seniors, round out Dexter’s depth.

A lot of those Tigers competed on the school’s football team that made it to the regional championship game, and Murray hopes that experience can translate to the hardwood.

“That left them with a certain hunger,” he said. “We were left with a bad taste in our mouth.”

Other dark horse possibilities include always-tough Hodgdon, Piscataquis of Guilford, Penobscot Valley of Howland and Penquis of Milo.

Regional finalist Bucksport will be looking to reload after graduating seven seniors.

NARRAGUAGUS LOOKS TO REPEAT AMONG DEEP ‘C’ GIRLS FIELD The Narraguagus girls basketball team made history the old-fashioned way last winter.

In claiming the first state championship in program history, the Knights of Harrington surrendered only 29.2 points per game in their four tournament outings.

If coach Heather Thompson’s Knights want to repeat this winter, they’re going to need to have the same type of defensive mindset after losing three starters.

“We lost our height, we’re not very tall this year,” Thompson said, noting her tallest player is 5-foot-8 sophomore Kylee Joyce. “We just have to make some adjustments, still focus on defense and rebounding and being really aggressive.”

While the defending state champions did graduate standout center Kelli Kennedy

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 and three other seniors, the Knights do have some returning depth. Returnees include Joyce; junior guard Madison Leighton; sophomore guard Lanie Perry; and senior guard and forward Kayla Toppin.

Thompson said Caitlin Reynolds, Hannah Alley, Shi Weed, Madison Prague, Keanna Reynolds and Liza Frye could see valuable minutes this season as well. Reynolds, Alley and Toppin are the Knights’ lone seniors.

“They’re hungry. They got a taste of a championship last year and they liked it,” Thompson said. “They’re very capable of playing hardcore basketball.”

Joyce likely will be counted on to fill the inside void left by Kennedy, while Perry, Toppin and Leighton will play key roles in the backcourt.

One team that could be poised to take monumental steps forward this winter is Stearns of Millinocket.

Coach Nick Cullen’s Minutemen made it to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor last February before losing to Dexter in the quarterfinals, but a number of his players have championship experience from regional softball championships the last two springs.

“The girls are really pumped up,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to a really good season.” top players in senior center Megan Peach.

Coach Jody Grant’s Tigers have already Cullen returns four starters in senior point guard Emma Alley, junior forward had to deal with some early adversity, with Paige Ingersoll, senior center Mackenzie senior point guard Cidney Pratt suffering a Carter (5-9) and senior guard Abby Russell. torn ACL in the offseason. Grant said he is The Minutemen also will welcome hopeful Pratt, who underwent surgery and Alley’s freshman sister, Katherine, into the elected to wear a brace, will be able to go.

Regardless, the leadership of Peach will mix, giving Stearns one of the deepest be vital for Dexter, which lost to backcourts in Class C North.

“The style we play, it’s nice to have some Narraguagus in the semifinals last winter.

“Her leadership has really grown,” Grant kids come in off the bench,” said Cullen, whose said. “She’s really continuing to grow as a Minutemen will go roughly 10 deep this year.

Stearns also will feature juniors Callie young lady, which bodes well for us.”

Dexter also welcomes back Waceken, Marissa Marter and CLASS C senior guard Abby Webber, whom Sidney Farquhar, sophomores NORTH GIRLS Grant called “one of the best Julia Stanley and Bailey Girsa defenders in our league,” and senior forward and freshman Adria Doane.

Cullen said making it to Bangor last winter Kayli Cunningham, who is expected to be in the Tigers’ starting rotation after coming off ignited his team’s fire over the offseason.

“It’s just amazing the work ethic they the bench last winter.

Juniors Kaitlyn Webber and Becca Barton have,” he said. “They just don’t stop until and sophomores Kaylee Deering and Danielle they get what they want.”

And that could potentially be a shot at a Cummings also will be key players for Dexter.

Tradition-laden Calais has a new head state championship, something no girls coach familiar to Down East basketball circles program at Stearns has accomplished.

The team that ended the Minutemen’s in longtime Woodland girls coach Arnie Clark.

The Blue Devils graduated just three season last year, Dexter, always plays stingy defense and features one of Class C North’s seniors, and they always play one of the

13

most challenging schedules in Class C. “We do play Houlton and Washington Academy, two Class B schools,” Clark said.

“Those will be challenging.” Houlton is the reigning Class B state champion.

Calais lost to Fort Fairfield in the quarterfinals last winter, and Clark is hopeful his club can make even bigger strides this season.

“We’re going to have a mix of youth and experience,” he said. “It depends on how we can blend that all together.”

Fort Fairfield, which won 17 games and earned the No. 1 seed in Class C North last winter before falling to Penobscot Valley of Howland in the semifinals, will be in somewhat of a rebuild mode this winter, according to head coach Larry Gardner, who is in his 28th year.

Gardner’s Tigers graduated four seniors off of last year’s squad, and he won’t have any seniors this season.

“We’ve got to see who is going to step up and how hard the kids are going to step up,” he said.

If anything, there isn’t expected to be that one team that is looming as a heavy favorite.

“I think there’ll be 4-5 teams that are kind of at the top of the pack,” Cullen said. “I hope to be one of them.”

14

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

TEAM PREVIEWS D NORTH MACHIAS, SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK BOYS HOPE TO TAKE NEXT STEP IN ‘D’ NORTH

The last two postseasons have ended in frustrating fashion for the Machias boys basketball team.

The Bulldogs have come up one game short of the Class D regional championship game, and fell to Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook in last winter’s semifinals.

But coach Jim Getchell’s team welcomes everybody back from a squad that went 16-2 in the regular season last year, and he believes the third time will be the charm for his Bulldogs.

“This year, we’re ready to take the next step,” said Getchell, who returns his entire roster from last year.

“They’ve had a tremendous offseason, defense, rebound, show good composure and show up every single night and take they’ve worked really hard,” he said.

Among the talent Getchell welcomes each game one step at a time, we’ll have a back are junior center Jacob Godfrey, great season.”

The team that knocked the Bulldogs junior guard Jordan Grant and senior out of the postseason last year, Southern guard James Mersereau.

Both Mersereau and Grant averaged Aroostook, also returns its entire roster, close to 20 points per game last year, and that has veteran head coach Bill while Godfrey, who is 6-foot-7, averaged McAvoy excited.

“If we stay healthy, I just think that we’re around 16 points per game.

Senior forwards Mark Anthony and going to be awfully good,” McAvoy said.

The Warriors return arguably two of the John Massaad also could have large best players in Class D North in Jackson impacts, Getchell said.

Mathers and Nolan Altvater, Juniors Russell Hanscom and CLASS D seniors who have eclipsed 1,000 Alessandro Marotta will be NORTH BOYS points in their respective careers. running the point on a team Both players also averaged more than 20 Getchell said is the deepest he’s had in his points per game last season, and both have 10 years at the school.

“Any five guys that I can put out there, worked hard on adjusting to junk defenses we’re going to be pretty balanced,” said that they could be facing this winter.

“I think those two kids are as good as Getchell, who also will have one of the anybody in the state,” McAvoy said. tallest teams in Class D North.

In addition to the 6-foot-7 Godfrey, “They can do an awful lot of things.”

Like Machias, the Warriors will be Mereseau stands 6-foot-5, while Anthony is 6-foot-6. Getchell said Godfrey also has deep, with senior guards Tyler Batchelder, Rob Lillis and Luis Morales expected to the quickness of a guard.

“We’ve got pretty good size to go with provide some scoring depth.

“We’re going to be eight deep,” McAvoy our guard play,” Getchell said. “If we play

said. “For Class D, it’s not bad at all.”

McAvoy will be mentoring an experienced team that has a sevenmember senior class.

“I’ve got a bunch of seniors who have been together since fifth, sixth grade,” he said. “They’ve improved tremendously from last year to now.”

Another senior, Riley Robinson, the Warriors’ tallest player at 6-foot-3, is hopeful to play this year after suffering two concussions during the soccer season, McAvoy said.

Sophomores Steve Radcliffe, Jayden Burpee and Garrett Stiles and senior Tanner Batchelder could provide the Warriors with valuable minutes off the bench.

“It’s fun to go to practice because these kids come to work and they listen,” McAvoy said. “To me as a coach, that’s half the battle.”

What Southern Aroostook lacks in size, it’ll make up for with quickness and tenacity on the defensive end.

“Our strength is going to be without a doubt our quickness,” McAvoy said.

While Machias and Southern Aroostook could be considered the favorites, don’t

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016 count out reigning Class D North champion Easton.

The Bears won the first regional championship in program history under firstyear head coach Manny Martinez, and should field a contending team again this winter.

Easton did graduate a regional alltournament team honoree in Logan Halvorson, along with Drew Sotomayor, but Martinez will have regional tourney MVP Jordan Doody back in the fold this winter.

The Bears also welcome back sophomore guard Carson Flewelling, junior guard Hunter Brown, senior forward Jacob Flewelling and junior forward Collin Sotomayor.

“They will play hard,” McAvoy said.

Central Aroostook of Mars Hill will be looking to take another step forward under second-year coach Jason Woodworth. The Panthers got to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor last winter, along with Bangor Christian, another 2015-16 regional quarterfinalist.

While Bangor Christian only graduated two seniors, Central Aroostook lost four seniors.

Teams with dark-horse potential include Katahdin of Stacyville, Shead of Eastport and Wisdom of St. Agatha.

SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM HOPES TO VIE WITH TOP TEAMS IN ‘D’ NORTH When you’ve got a roster loaded with freshmen and eighth-graders, growing pains can be expected.

That wasn’t the case for the Southern Aroostook girls basketball team last winter.

Fielding the youngest team in the state, the Warriors from Dyer Brook advanced to the Class D North semifinals before falling to their Aroostook County rival, Central Aroostook of Mars Hill.

Talk about growing up fast.

“Anytime you can get down there and play it’s going to be a benefit,” Warriors coach Cliff Urquhart said. “Some of them might get to play five years down there.

Anytime you can get down there, it’s great.”

Like last winter, Urquhart’s Warriors will be young but talented, with no juniors and seniors on his eight-player roster, which features one eighth-grader.

“I think we’re really balanced,” Urquhart said. “We’ve got a really good balance of

being that way the freshmen and kids who can shoot the ball, pass the ball.”

Urquhart’s returning sophomores are sophomores are looking [forward to] being forwards Kylie Vining, Maddie Cummings something special.”

The team that Shead knocked off in the and Katelyn Slauenwhite and guard regional final last winter, Central Aroostook, Kassidy Mathers.

Mathers, who averaged 15 points per graduated three seniors, including an allgame last winter, will miss most of the tournament selection in Kassidy Levesque, regular season with a knee injury, but but returns a talented core of players.

That group includes sophomore guard Urquhart is hopeful she’ll be back in time Ashlee Harris, an all-tourney honorable for the postseason.

Urquhart’s freshman class includes mention selection last year who averaged point guard Makaelyn Porter and shooting 16 points per game for coach Cody guard Sydney Brewer, who averaged 13 Tompkins’ Panthers.

Junior forward Kassidy points per game last winter.

CLASS D Levesque and junior guard The Warriors’ eighth-grader, NORTH GIRLS Caitlyn Harris also return, along Kasey Daggett, will be the team’s with junior center Isabelle Wright and tallest player at 5-foot-10.

“She’s a really good defensive player,” junior guard Jessie Thomas.

Tompkins said Thomas missed a lot of Urquhart said.

Like Southern Aroostook, reigning games last winter due to a concussion, and he regional champion Shead of Eastport will feels she is one of his best defensive players.

“She’s a really good on-the-ball defender,” be youthful, but coach Dean Preston’s Tigerettes have to replace an eight- said Tompkins, who brought his team to a University of Connecticut women’s game member senior class.

Shead will feature a senior-led during the preseason. “Last time she played, backcourt in Holly Preston, the coach’s she played a lot out on the perimeter.”

Tompkins’ newcomers include 5-9 sophomore daughter, and Katelyn Mitchell, with junior forward Cassidy Wilder also Destiny Cyr and 5-9 freshman Breanna Bradbury. expected to see some key minutes.

Dean Preston said he has a “good group of freshmen” coming in this season, including point guard Halle Sullivan, who will add to Shead’s backcourt depth.

“We hope to compete,” Preston said. “I think we have enough to compete. I think we’ve got some work to do but our goal is to make the trip to Bangor and then sort it out [from] there.”

Preston feels that Southern Aroostook and Central Aroostook will be the Class D North favorites this year, while Katahdin of Stacyville and Wisdom of St. Agatha could be dark horses.

Shead also plays one of the most challenging schedules in Class D, with seven Class C games (Narraguagus of Harrington twice, Woodland twice, Fort Kent twice and Fort Fairfield) on the slate.

“That’ll make us tournament-tough when the time comes,” Preston said.

Preston also has liked what he’s seen from starting point guard Holly Preston who, along with Mitchell and Wilder, will be counted on for leadership.

“This group right here wants to learn,” he said. “I like their attention. My seniors are locked in, laser-focused, but with them

15

One thing Tompkins will be seeking early in the season is leadership.

“This year, it’s going to be the challenge, finding out who is going to lead the team,” he said, “who is going to step up in big moments.”

He also feels Southern Aroostook is the team to beat, while Easton could be a top-five team as well.

“Southern Aroostook might be the team that wins a lot more games than everyone else,” Tompkins said. “It’ll be interesting.”

Other teams with dark-horse potential include East Grand of Danforth and Katahdin.

2016-2017 High School Basketball Preview Special Section Publisher: Richard J. Warren Writers: Ernie Clark, Larry Mahoney, Ryan McLauglin, Kevin Sjoberg

Photographers: Ashley L. Conti, Micky Bedell Print Sales Manager: Todd Johnston Layout: Benjamin Cyr Cover Design: Jocelyn Davis Creative Services: Michele Dwyer, Coralie Cross, Callie Picard, Carolina Rave

16

BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Section • December 9, 2016

Maine! we want to hear from you

Would you like to see more local sports sections like this one?

Let us know!

Email your suggestions and comments to:

specialsections@bangordailynews.com

Or write us a letter and send it to:

Easton coach Manny Martinez celebrates on the sidelines after his team beat Southern Aroostook in overtime of the Class D North championship game last season at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Martinez will guide the Bears in their title defense this season. BDN File

Bangor Daily News Special Sections 1 Merchant’s Plaza Bangor, Maine 04401