Basketball Preview 2023-24 by Bangor Daily News

Basketball A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, Dec. 8, 2023

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

Ellsworth High School celebrates after winning the Maine girls Class B championship basketball game at the Portland Expo on March 7, 2023. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

The Ellsworth girls basketball team had never won a state title. Now it wants to win its 2nd in a row. BY LARRY MAHONEY, BDN STAFF Ellsworth guard Abby Radel (#2) makes a layup while guarded by Spruce Mountain High School's Olivia Mastine (#22) during the Maine girls Class B championship basketball game in 2023. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

girls basketball team captured its first Class B state championship a year ago in what was only the program’s second appearance in a state championship game. That 1992 Ellsworth squad lost to York in the final 62-47. Ellsworth ended its season 19-3 a year ago, including Class B North tournament wins over Mount Desert Island (68-33), Caribou (71-51) and Old Town (59-52) before edging Spruce Mountain of Jay 57-56 in the state championship game. And with all but one starter returning, the Eagles are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back Class B state titles since Presque Isle did so in 2012 and 2013. “We should be equally good and deeper than last year if we can stay healthy throughout the whole season,” said Ellsworth head coach Andy Pooler, who is in his 13th season at the helm and hadn’t won a tournament quarterfinal round game until last season. Pooler and junior forward/wing Grace Jaffray know that trying to repeat is going to be a challenge. “This is going to be a different world for us. We flew under the radar last year. We’re going to get everybody’s hardest game,” Pooler said. “Everybody will want to knock us off.”

Headlining the list of returnees for the Eagles are Jaffray and junior point guard Abby Radel. Radel was the Most Valuable Player in the Class B North Tournament and was joined on the team by Jaffray. Both were chosen Bangor Daily News All-Maine Schoolgirl team honorable mentions. The 5-foot-5 Radel averaged 19.3 points per game in the tournament and then poured in 17 to lead the Eagles past Spruce Mountain in the state title game. The 5-foot-10 Jaffray averaged 13.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in the B North tournament and had 10 points in the state final. Jaffray was the Big East conference’s second-leading scorer during the regular season at 19.3 ppg and the third-best rebounder with 8.7 per game. Radel averaged 12.1 ppg. “I definitely want to be a better shooter,” Jaffray said. “I’m not one of the best 3-point shooters around but I’ve been in the gym a lot really working hard at that. And by the end of my high school career, I also want to be the player you can trust to guard the other team’s best player.” Junior Addison Atherton, a 5-foot-10 forward who tied the Spruce Mountain game 56-56 with a 10-foot jumper with 30 seconds left, averaged 7.3 points and 4.7 rebounds and can “jump out of the building,” Pooler said. She also

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

grabbed a crucial offensive rebound in the final seconds of the state game. Point guard Lizzie Boles came off the bench as a freshman a year ago and averaged 6.7 points, along with a team-high 3.3 assists and 2.8 steals. “She’s strong and super efficient. We have the two best point guards in the league,” Pooler said. Five-foot-11 junior Lily Bean is the center and produced 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. “She is as smart as they come and is the rock in the middle for us,” Pooler said. Senior forward Meg Jordan, who hit the game-winning free throw with 13 seconds left in the state final, is often assigned the opponents’ best shooter and can use her 5-foot-10 frame to shut them down. She is also a team leader who hauled down 3.6 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Kaylee Bagley is a “deadly 3-point shooter,” according to Pooler. She swung between the junior varsity and varsity teams in 2022-23. Senior Aaliyah Manning is a valuable reserve post player who is a really good rebounder, according to Pooler, and the coach has two other important contributors off the bench who are returning from knee surgeries. Elise Sargent is a “super quick” 5-foot-5 junior guard who played in only six games a year ago before getting hurt. “She is one of our best defenders and having her back is going to be huge for us,” Jaffray said.

“She gives us energy off the bench,” Pooler said. Junior forward Savannah Edgecomb will provide the team with another strong rebounder when she is cleared to play by doctors. Jaffray said their scoring balance is going to be a real asset. “It’s really hard to stop a team when you have five people on the court who can score at any given time,” Jaffray said. “And they aren’t selfish. They like to share the ball,” Pooler said. “Somebody might light it up for 20 points one night and it’s somebody different the next night.” Another plus, said Jaffray, is having five players who played on the Class B North championship soccer team in Boles, Atherton, Bagley, Bean and Jordan. “They are going to be in such good shape from playing soccer all fall,” said Jaffray, who added that they will also be composed in pressure situations because of their experience in state championship soccer and basketball games. Pooler said he doesn’t anticipate making any major changes, saying “I’d just like to see us continue to get better and get really good at what we do.”

Ellsworth guard Elizabeth Boles (#15) dribbles around a defender during the 2023 Maine girls Class B championship game. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

He said his team must continue to be motivated to win another title. “We need to practice like we never won and play like we never lost,” Pooler said.

Girls North 04

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

BY LARRY MAHONEY, BDN STAFF Oxford Hills of South Paris and Cheverus of Portland will be in the mix for the Class AA North title this season but both teams suffered key personnel losses that will make things interesting in the class. Oxford Hills beat Cheverus in the AA North final 68-63 before overwhelming Gorham 62-25 in the state championship game. Miss Maine Basketball finalist and Bangor Daily News All-Maine schoolgirl first team guard Sierra Carson, who averaged 17.4 points per game last season, has graduated and Tristen Derenburger, who

Cheverus High School's Maddie Fitzpatrick (#23) falls while going for a rebound against Oxford Hills High School at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland last winter. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

averaged an AA North-leading 3.3 3-pointers made per game, has been lost indefinitely to a knee injury that could end her season. Oxford Hills head coach Nate Pelletier’s Vikings will be led by his daughter, All-Maine Schoolgirl second team selection Ella Pelletier, who was AA North’s second-best rebounder (10.8 rpg) and fifth-highest scorer (14.6 ppg). Cheverus returns All-Maine first team guard Maddie Fitzpatrick (17.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 5.1 apg, 2.5 steals per game), but All-Maine third teamer Emma Lizotte (17 ppg, 10.2 rpg) has transferred to Thornton Academy in Saco and sisters Jenna and Jaelyn Jensen have transferred to Mt. Ararat High in Topsham. “Cheverus doesn’t have its post player anymore (Lizotte) but they still have Fitzpatrick so they will contend,” Oxford Hills Coach Pelletier said. Bangor graduated four starters and its fifth starter, guard Ayzlynn Gifford, has been lost for the season with a knee injury. But Mimi Quinn, who didn’t play last year, has returned and gives the Rams an imposing post presence to accompany a number of players who are inexperienced but athletic, according to head coach Jay Kemble.

This class is wide open with defending champ Lawrence of Fairfield being hit hard by graduation, including AllMaine first team guard Hope Bouchard. But Maddie Prevost was one of the state’s most impactful freshmen a year ago and will headline the list of returnees. Hampden Academy has dropped from AA to A where it was the regional champ three years in a row (’18, ’19 and ’20) after being AA North semifinalists a year ago. “Hampden coming back to A will be a favorite and Lawrence is the defending champ,” said Skowhegan coach Mike LeBlanc. “Brewer played well at the end of the year, Camden Hills is very athletic and Cony will be solid with four starters who can score from anywhere.” Abby Morrill was an All-KVAC first team pick from Cony and returns. Skowhegan has the Morris twins, Maddy and Annabelle, and LeBlanc’s daughter, Laney, along with junior forward Allie Frey back. Skowhegan was the state titlist in 2022. Hampden Academy coach Nick Winchester expects his Broncos to be good despite losing All-Maine second team pick Bella McLaughlin, AA North’s leading scorer a year ago with 18.3 points per game. Winchester said senior guard Lucy Wiles, who played under the shadow of McLaughlin, is ready to have a breakout season and he is also looking for a productive

Hampden Academy's Lauren Voteur passes the ball at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland in 2023. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

year from post player Lauren Voteur, another senior. Caitlin Murphy saw a lot of playing time a year ago and Winchester said he is “excited” about his freshmen and sophomores and what they can bring to the table.

Ellsworth beat Old Town in the B North title game a year ago en route to its first state championship in school history, and no one would be surprised if they met again in February. “We can’t rest on what we did eight months ago. That’s not going to get us anywhere,” said Ellsworth

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

Old Town’s Saige Evans (#22, right) puts one up as Ellsworth’s Lily Bean (#21) defends in first half action of the 2023 Class B North girls regional championship game at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Ellsworth won the game 59-52. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

coach Andy Pooler, noting that Old Town returns Saige Evans, Taylor Loring and Makayla Emerson. But Pooler said his team could be better than last year thanks to his veterans having a year under their belts including state championship game experience, the return of two players who were sidelined by injury a year ago, and the fact five of his players contributed to the girls soccer team’s Class B North title. Junior forward Grace Jaffray was the Big East’s second-leading scorer (19.3 ppg) and No. 3 rebounder (8.7 rpg) a year ago and was a first team All-Big East pick as well as a Class B North all-tourney pick. Junior point guard Abby Radel was the tournament MVP and a second team All-Big East pick after averaging 12.1 points per game. Old Town boasts the conference’s top rebounder (11 rpg) and second-leading scorer (17.3 ppg) in Evans, who was a third team All-Maine selection. Emerson, an All-Big East second team pick, is

a good shooter who also averaged 2.9 assists and Loring was one of the state’s best freshmen as she averaged 11.9 points, 3.1 steals and 2.6 assists. Caribou has the Big East Player of the Year and an All-Maine third team selection in Madelynn Deprey, and Claire Gaetani from Bangor’s John Bapst High was a Big East second team selection.

This shapes up as a three-team race involving defending champ Dexter, Penobscot Valley of Howland and Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln. Dexter returns four starters including 6-2 center Mazie Peach, the MVP of the Class C North Tournament a year ago. She averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds and is a formidable rim protector. Guards Cally Gudroe and Abby Corson were chosen to the all-tourney team and Hannah Dean is a nice complement to Peach in the paint and will be a threeyear starter. Penobscot Valley graduated the Lor-

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

ing sisters, All-PVC first teamers Holly and Kaya, but the Howlers have virtually everybody else back and several of the returnees are coming off a state Class D soccer championship. That includes junior guard Ellie Austin, a PVC third teamer and a C North alltourney choice a year ago, forward Lila Cummings and point guard Rylee Moulton. The Howlers will also benefit from the return of 5-foot-11 forward Mia Neal, who missed last season with a knee injury, and from incoming freshman Brooklynn Raymond. Pat House’s Mattanawcook Academy Lynx have plenty of size, led by All-PVC first teamer Addison Cyr, who averaged 15 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and Kaitlin Thornton (9 points, 9 rebounds). Both stand 6-1. Head coach Pat House’s daughters — 5-foot-11 sophomore Megan House and 5-foot-7 senior Lauren House — are also key components. “Our team has more confidence this year,” Coach House said. Hodgdon and Fort Kent could also be in the mix, but the loss of University of Maine-bound Izzy Allen, a 1,000-point scorer, to knee surgery will make it difficult for Central of Corinth to be in the title picture.

Southern Aroostook and Wisdom met in a memorable Class D North final with Southern Aroostook earning a thrilling 53-49 win for its fifth straight regional title. Both lost game-changers but return plenty of quality players. Each lost a 1,000-point scorer as Southern Aroostook’s Madison Russell and Wisdom’s Olivia Ouellette graduated. Russell was the two-time D North tournament MVP. But senior guards Cami Shields from Southern Aroostook and Lilly Roy from Wisdom will add to their 1,000-plus point total this season. Shields averaged 15 points per game last season and Urquhart also considers her a “great on-the-ball defender who is a good 3-point shooter and can also drive to the basket and score.” Her sister, Ally, is also a capable scorer while their cousin, Madison, will take over Madison Russell’s point guard spot. Roy averaged an eye-opening 26.7 points per game in the tournament and was nosed out for the MVP award by Madison Russell. Athletic guard Abbie Lerman has graduated but her younger sister, Ava, is back and she has improved dramatically, according to Urquhart. The Southern Aroostook coach said two other teams to keep an eye on are Central Aroostook of Mars Hill and Katahin of Stacyville.

Dexter’s Mazie Peach looks to score on Penobscot Valley defender Lila Cummings during the 2023 Class C North championship game at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. KIM HIGGINS | BDN

Southern Aroostook’s Cami Shields (#33) tires to block a pass by Seacoast Christian’s Breckyn Winship (#21) in first half action of the 2023 Class D girls state championship game. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

10 North girls basketball players to watch this season

BY LARRY MAHONEY, BDN STAFF

JR., G, PENOBSCOT VALLEY

SR., F, LEWISTON

The 5-foot-11 Austin averaged 14.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.5 steals for the Howlers a year ago and is a two-time Class C North all-tournament selection. “She can do it all,” said Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln coach Pat House. “She is a great defender, she can shoot from the perimeter and she is also a really good slasher.”

Despite being the primary focus of opposing defenses, the 6-foot University of Vermont-bound Beaudoin still averaged 14.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and led AA North in blocked shots with 2.3 per contest. “She is an excellent shooter,” said Craig Jipson, who was her coach at Lewiston last year but did not return this season. “When she gets hot, she is a lights-out 3-point shooter.”

JR., G, CARIBOU

SR., F, OLD TOWN

Deprey was the Big East Player of the Year last season and a Bangor Daily News All-Schoolgirl third team selection after averaging 21.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.8 assists per game. She also had an outstanding Class B North Tournament and was selected to the All-Tournament team after posting double-doubles in both of her tournament games. “She’s fun to watch. She can light you up for 40 [points],” said Ellsworth coach Andy Pooler.

SR., G, CHEVERUS The 5-foot-10 Fitzpatrick was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year last season after averaging 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game. The University of Maine-bound Fitzpatrick was AA North’s second-leading scorer and was also second in assists, she was fourth in rebounds and sixth in steals. “You can’t move her off the ball. She can score from the perimeter, off the dribble or at the rim,” Hampden Academy coach Nick Winchester said.

The athletic Evans was chosen to the BDN All-Maine third team after averaging 17.3 points, 11 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for the Coyotes. Evans, the Big East Player of the Year two years ago, also earned a spot on the B North All-Tourney team after registering two double-doubles and coming two rebounds shy of a third double-double. She averaged 18 points and 13.3 rebounds per game in her three tournament games.

JR., F, ELLSWORTH Jaffray led the Eagles to their first Class B state championship in school history. The first-team Big East selection was the conference’s second-leading scorer (19.3 points per game), No. 3 rebounder (8.7) and she was fourth in steals (3.6). “She is a really strong rebounder who runs the floor extremely well,” Pooler said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

JR., G., HODGDON

JR., F-C, OXFORD HILLS

Oliver is a point guard who can score from anywhere and is also a top-notch defender. She is a consistent doubledigit scorer who earned a spot on the Class C North all-tournament team as a freshman two years ago when she averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the tournament. “She sees the floor so well and is so unselfish. She plays incredible help defense,” said Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook coach Cliff Urquhart.

The 5-11 Pelletier was a BDN All-Maine second team selection a year ago after helping lead her Vikings to the state AA championship. She finished in the top five in AA North in three categories as she was second in rebounds (10.8), third in assists (4.4) and fifth in scoring (14.6 ppg). “She is a really good all-around player,” Winchester said. “She is able to control a basketball game with the ball in her hands, on the defensive end of the floor or rebounding.”

SR., C, DEXTER

SR., G, WISDOM

The 6-foot-2 Peach was the Most Valuable Player of the Class C North Tournament last season when she averaged 13 points and 15.3 rebounds per game for the regional champions. “She protects the rim real well for us,” said Dexter coach Jody Grant, who added that Peach is healthy at the outset of the season for the first time in her career. “She bothers and changes a lot of shots.”

Roy had a remarkable Class D North tournament last season as she poured in an average of 26.7 points per game and also had nine rebounds to go with her 17 points in the 53-49 loss to eventual state champ Southern Aroostook in the title game. An outstanding multi-sport athlete, Roy has already reached the 1,000-point plateau for her career and is also an exceptional ball handler, passer and defender.

Boys North 10

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

BY SAM CANFIELD, BDN STAFF Unfortunately for the rest of Class B North, reigning champion Orono is poised to go back-to-back. The Red Riots have returned their synergistic trio of Pierce Walston, Ben Francis and Will Francis, and are coming off an invigorating title run on the gridiron — but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beaten. Over in Ellsworth, the Eagles return explosive All-Maine first-teamer Chance Mercier, who averaged more than 27 points per game last year, on 61 percent

shooting. The Eagles have a combined 44-4 record over the past two seasons — including an appearance in the 2021-22 state championship game — and will be prepared to see Orono come February. “Last year we had the luxury of being under the radar; the focus was on Ellsworth and Old Town,” Orono head coach Ed Kohtala said. “Now, we’re the hunted ones.” In addition to Orono and Ellsworth, Old Town and Caribou are also returning key players and could definitely make some noise in the tournament.

Ellsworth's Chance Mercier going in for a layup over Orono's Noah Schaff during the 2023 Class B North championship game. KIM HIGGINS | BDN

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

The Coyotes will have the formidable combo of guard Grayson Thibeualt (senior, All-Conference third-team) and 6-foot-4 forward Emmitt Byther (junior, All-Conference third-team), plus a jack-ofall-trades in senior Brendan Mahaney. Meanwhile, the Vikings’ top two shottakers from last year in Kaymen Sargent and Tristan Robbins will be back as juniors, highlighting a well-balanced and high-energy Caribou squad.

South Portland has emerged as the champion of Class AA Maine high school boys’ basketball the past two years — but the team’s crosstown rivals in the Cheverus Stags and Portland Bulldogs are ready to reclaim bragging rights this winter. At Cheverus, head coach Richie Ashley will be working with a stacked group of kids, including junior Maine United guards Leo McNabb and Sammy Znamiman, as well as likely Mr. Maine Basketball candidate, guard Gio St. Onge. All three are crafty playmakers and are capable of scoring from around the floor.

The Stags have been knocking on the door for a while now, and have elevated themselves to being this year’s favorite in AA North. Right behind the Stags in the coaches’ preseason poll are the Portland Bulldogs, led by Mr. Maine Basketball candidate center Jeissey Khamis and senior guard Kevin Rugabirwa. Portland upset Teigan Pelletier and Oxford Hills in last year’s regional final, and are proven contenders for the state championship. If head coach Joe Russo can get big man Khamis’ passing and guard Rugabirwa’s scoring going in his offense, Portland could easily run away with the region. Rounding out the AA North preseason poll is Windham, Edward Little, Lewiston, Oxford Hills and Bangor. Of these teams, the scrappy and well-balanced Windham Eagles could make a deep tournament run, but the others might be too young to make enough noise come February. Oxford Hills’ go-to guy in Teigan Pelletier and Lewiston’s Yusuf Dakane transferred out of state this offseason.

Class A North has two clear favorites in Hampden Academy and Messalonskee, but could still feature the most interesting regional title race this year. Portland High School’s Kevin Rugabirwa “It’s going to be a crazy dribbles around an dogfight in the middle,” Oxford Hills High School Scott Flagg of Brewer said. player in 2023. “Three through 10 could go a TROY R. BENNETT | BDN variety of different ways.” The reigning state champion Witches, regional finalists Skowhegan and 2021 state champions Nokomis have all been gutted this offseason, with the graduation of top players in Brady Saunders (Brewer), Brock Flagg (Brewer), Adam Savage (Skowhegan) and Madden White (Nokomis). Meanwhile, lower down on last Mt. Blue’s Evans Sterling (#5) attempts to year’s totem pole, Camden Hills dribble past Cony defender Alex Fournier (#4) during a 2023 Class A North quarterfinal game. and Mt. Blue are ready to make JOSH O’DONNELL | BDN leaps this season, with All-Rookie Nolan Ames and senior sharp-

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

shooter Will Duke leading the Windjammers’ offense, and 6-foot-3 All-Conference firstteamer Evans Sterling loading up the Cougars’ stat sheet. At the top, the battle between Messalonskee (three first-place votes in preseason poll) and Class A newcomers Hampden Fort Kent’s Lance Gagnon (#22) tries to block (seven first-place votes) will be Sol s Academy’ Stevens George by a shot Lorio (#1) in second half action of a 2023 equally as interesting. Class C North boys quarterfinal game. The Eagles’ 6-foot-10 junior LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN Merrick Smith continues to physically mature and add to his skill package, while the Broncos’ fearsome duo of four-year starters Zach McLaughlin and JJ Wolfington are primed to lead Hampden all the way.

Southern Aroostook’s Dylan Burpee (#5) puts up a shot over Machias defender Mickey Fitzsimmons (#24) during the 2023 Class D North boys regional championship game. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

Class C North has long been considered wide open, and that’s especially the case this year. Reigning regional champion and offensive locomotive Calais has graduated its starting five, Dexter’s 1,000-point scorer Will Kusnierz has also graduated, and

post-pandemic powerhouse Machias has joined the fray from Class D. “It’s going to be a lot different this year,” head coach Dwayne Carter of George Stevens Academy said. “The best teams will be whoever develops their young players the fastest.” In Blue Hill, the Eagles will be led by senior guard and scoring specialist Patrick Dagan. Dagan can do it himself from anywhere on the court, but GSA is also deep enough to “win by committee,” Carter said. Meanwhile, Calais has reloaded with a new big three in Jeremy Turner, Kaden Small and Kaeson Dana, and Machias’ Mickey Fitzsimmons will highlight a high-energy, young Bulldog corps aiming for their third consecutive regional final appearance. Reigning No. 2 seed Fort Kent and No. 3 seed Dexter shouldn’t be counted out either, considering their records of 35-7 and 31-8, respectively, over the past two years.

In Class D, the name of the game is beating the Southern Aroostook Warriors.

Led by 6-foot-2 senior guard Dylan Burpee — and formerly his older brother and 1,000 point scorer Hunter Burpee — the Warriors have won back-to-back state championships in convincing fashion, and are on track to make it three in a row. “Dylan’s a pure shooter, with an incredible work ethic,” Southern Aroostook Athletic Director Cliff Urquhart said. “He has the ability to stop-and-pop, leaps out of the gym and can see the open player.” With regional finalists Machias being elevated to Class C this offseason, it will be up to regional semifinalists Bangor Christian and Schenck to try to stop Burpee and the Warriors — and the Patriots definitely have the players to do it. Led by senior backcourt duo Jalen Reed and Conrad Straubel, Bangor Christian’s record has gone from 1-17 in 2019-20 to 15-5 in 2022-23, and will probably continue to improve this winter. Reed (20.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.6 steals per game last year) and Straubel (4.7 assists, 3.3 steals per game) are fantastic two-way players that have played key roles in Bangor Christian’s stingy defense.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

10 North boys basketball players to watch this season SR., G, SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK Southern Aroostook has won back-to-back Class D state titles, and with Burpee on the floor the team could make it three in a row. The 6-foot-2 versatile combo guard can score from anywhere, is a skilled ball handler and has a great basketball IQ. “He’s a leader; he knows how to win,” Matt MacKenzie of Eastern Maine Sports Academy said.

SR., G, GEORGE STEVENS ACADEMY In a wide open Class C North, George Stevens could make the leap this year, and its leader will be the dynamic Patrick Dagan. The 5-foot-10 senior can create his own shot, has a ridiculous range and averaged 17.5 points last year. “No lead is safe with him on the floor; he’s a straight-up scorer,” GSA head coach Dwayne Carter said.

SR., C, PORTLAND

SO., G, MACHIAS

At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Khamis is a jack of all trades. The cerebral big man can drain 3-pointers, score in the post and pass the rock down low. Portland came up just short of winning the Class AA title game last year, and Khamis will play a key role in the Bulldogs’ postseason campaign this February. He won the Vinal Award for being the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player last year.

With Shane Feeney having graduated this offseason, the Machias Bulldogs will turn to Fitzsimmons to help power their offense this winter. Fitzsimmons scored 12 points per game on an efficient 60 percent from the field and 37 percent from three last season, so with a higher usage rate he could be one of Class C North’s most productive scorers.

SR., G, HAMPDEN ACADEMY An All-Conference first-team shooting guard last year, McLaughlin averaged 23.1 points per game and shot 40 percent from three. Hampden head coach Russ Bartlett said McLaughlin has further developed his body and skill package this offseason, and will be a serious problem for defenders when driving downhill. McLaughlin is a solid candidate to be this year’s Mr. Maine Basketball.

BY SAM CANFIELD, BDN STAFF

SR., G, ELLSWORTH A Bangor Daily News All-Schoolboy first-teamer last season, Mercier led the Eagles to a perfect 18-0 record against in-conference opposition before being upset by No. 3 Orono in the regional final. Mercier is an explosive and athletic ball handler, and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season. He averaged 27.1 points on 61 percent shooting in 2022-23.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023

SR., G, CHEVERUS ACADEMY

JR., C, MESSALONSKEE

Gio St. Onge highlights what could be the best backcourt in Maine, alongside Sammy Ziamana and Leo McNabb. St. Onge is “a crafty, competitive comboguard” that will also be Cheverus’ “intensity guy — like Marcus Smart,” said Matt McCluskey of XLPortland Basketball. St. Onge is a proven scorer, and can power himself to the hoop through traffic. He was an All-Conference honorable mention last year.

This 6-foot-10 big man is going to be a matchup nightmare all winter long. Smith averaged 13.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks last year, and is continuing to mature physically. Smith will be Messalonskee’s mainstay on both ends of the floor, and could help propel the Eagles to a deep tournament run this February.

SR., G, BANGOR CHRISTIAN

SR., G, ORONO

The Patriots may not have dominated like Southern Aroostook or Machias have the last couple years, but they’ve certainly contended, particularly with Reed in the backcourt. Reed is a lightning-quick ball handler and an athletic finisher, scoring 20.6 points per game last season. He was also a great rebounder and defender, averaging 8.5 boards and 3.6 steals.

Of Orono’s title-winning squad last year, Walston was the Red Riots’ MVP. Walston is a fierce competitor and cerebral point guard that distributes the ball well, and makes Orono’s offense tick. Moreover, Walston is a capable scorer and pocketpicker who averaged 17.5 points and 3.1 steals per game last season. He was a BDN All-Maine third-teamer.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 8, 2023