Basketball PREVIEW
MAINE HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW
TOP 10 GIRLS & BOYS TO WATCH THIS SEASON
WHICH TEAMS HAVE A SHOT AT THE GOLD BALL A BREAKDOWN
Girls North
PREVIEW
WHICH TEAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS SEASON
BY CRYSTAL SANDS, SPECIAL TO THE BDN
Class AA
This year, Class AA North is shaping up to be full of excitement. Cheverus of Portland defeated Oxford Hills of South Paris 48-38 for the Class AA North regional final last year, and went on to win the state title over Gorham. Both Cheverus and Oxford Hills will be ones to watch this season, along with Bangor’s team, which is returning 11 of its 12 varsity players from last year and poised for a strong season.
Cheverus will be looking to defend its title without its stars from last season, Maddie Fitzpatrick and Ruth Boles, who both graduated. Oxford Hills coach Cimeron Colby says his team is returning three seniors — Ella Pelletier, Gabbie Tibbitts, and Maddie Herrick — who have been playing together since they
were in second grade, making them a powerful force for the upcoming season.
Bangor coach Jay Kemble says returning 11 of the 12 varsity players from last year sets the team up well for the season. While Bangor lost a talented senior last year in Mimi Quinn, Kemble says the team has a depth of skills with a multitude of scorers.
“We have a number of players that will allow us to do many things offensively,” Kemble said.
Class A
Cony upset Lawrence 54-46 in last year’s Class A North regional game, and both teams are considered favorites in this class this year. Still, Hampden Academy is another team to watch.
Cony returns Cassie Lacroix who came from the bench to score 12 points to lead the Lady Rams to the victory over Lawrence. Lawrence, consistently strong on both offense and defense, returns junior Maddie Provost and senior Lilly Gray, both hungry for a title.
Hampden Academy is losing a senior star from last year in Lucy Wiles,
but still has a lot of depth on the team. Having made it deep into the tournament last year, and with their move from Class AA to Class A in recent years, Hampden Academy, under the direction of coach Nick Winchester, should be a force in Class A North this year.
Class B
In Class B North there are several teams to watch, as last year’s champs, Old Town, will face fierce competition from Ellsworth and a group of seniors wanting to repeat the championship from their sophomore year.
Coach Andy Pooler has four starters returning. He says his team has gained some experience and wisdom after being a strong favorite last year but losing out to Old Town. He says he wants his team to remember the joy of playing this year without worrying so much about outside expectations.
Other strong contenders in Class B North include Caribou and John Bapst, who both have impressive senior players returning. Caribou’s Madelyn Deprey averaged 22.9 points per game last year.
“We return a strong core with 4 returning starters, including three seniors and one junior,” Caribou coach Kayla Brown said. She added Class B North is full of talent this year, but her team is ready to compete.
Bapst’s Claire Gaetani is on track to score her 1000th
Players from Bangor High School and Oxford Hills grapple for a loose ball during the Maine girls Class AA semifinal basketball game at the Cross Insurance Arena in 2024.
TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
Cony High School senior guard Maci Freeman dribbles around Brunswick High School’s Alexis Morin during the Maine Class A girls basketball championship game in 2024 TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
Belfast’s Julie Darres (#11) is denied a basket by Caribou’s Madelynn Deprey (#15) during a 2024 girls Class B North quarterfinal game at the Cross Insurance Center.
LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN
point in the first half of the season. Coach Matt Smith is looking to Gaetani to lead Bapst on a deep run into the tournament.
Class C
Dexter defeated Penobscot Valley in a close game 28-23 for the Class C North regional title last year, and went on to defeat Hall-Dale 48-41 for the state championship.
Penobscot Valley coach Nathaniel Chase is looking forward to the challenge in Class C North this year. The smallest team in the class, the PVHS Lady Howlers have embraced the underdog mentality, even though the expectations for his team are always high.
“We have some really skilled athletes to pair with our strong work ethic and practice habits,” Chase said. “We would love to go over the top and win that gold ball for the first time in the history of the school.”
But Chase points out
Members of the Dexter girls basketball team hoist the plaque representing their 2024 Class C North championship.
KIM HIGGINS | BDN
-- Kim Higgins photo
Cheverus High School team members celebrate after winning the Maine Class AA girls basketball championship game in 2024. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
that there is fierce competition in Class C North. Dexter graduated several seniors last year, but their coach, Jody Grant, has a methodical style that prepared them well for the tournament. Mattanawcook Academy should also be tough this year.
Class D North
Last year, Southern Aroostook dominated Katahdin in the Class D North finals, 71-27, before defeating Valley for the state championship. Southern Aroostook remains a team to watch, along with Katahdin and Wisdom, who made it deep into the tournament last year.
The Southern Aroostook Lady Warriors remain a force this year, having won five out of the last six Gold Balls for the Class D State Championships. Although they graduated three seniors last year, the team has a depth and connection that is hard to beat. The girls of Southern Aroostook have been playing together since pee-wee basketball and know how to work as a team.
But Katahdin and Wisdom remain strong in this class. Katahdin boasts a stellar defense and returns junior Ayanna Lester, who had a great sophomore season. Although Wisdom lost Lilly Roy, they have a standout junior guard in Ava Lerman, who is looking to step up and lead the team.
The Southern Aroostook girls celebrate their state championship win against Valley at the Augusta Civic Center. JANET VOSE PHOTO
THE ONES TO
10 NORTH GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON
EMILY ADAMS
SR., G, BANGOR
As a senior with depth of experience, Emily Adams of Bangor is a varsity girl to watch from Class AA North. At 5'9", Adams is adept with the ball and provides stability for the Bangor team. “Emily handles the ball well and is great at both dribbling and shooting,” coach Jay Kemble said. “She understands how to play the game — and she can score.” Adams will be attending St. Joseph’s next year to play college basketball.
CLAIRE GAETANI
SR., PG, JOHN BAPST
ARIANNA BRADEEN
SR., G, MOUNT VIEW
This 5'10" senior had a breakout season her sophomore year and has been gaining experience and skills ever since. She averaged 13.5 points per game last year and was Second Team All-Conference for the 2023-24 season. In 2024, Bradeen was voted one of Eastern Maine Sports Athletes of the Week. Bradeen is a team leader, who adds experience to the Mustangs’ roster. She can shoot from both inside and outside and is not afraid to take the threes.
ELLIE AUSTIN
SR., G, PENOBSCOT VALLEY
BY CRYSTAL SANDS, SPECIAL TO
Ellie Austin is a 5'11" guard who averaged 18 points per game and 11 rebounds per game last year. Last year, Austin was an Honorable Mention for the BDN All-Maine Team and is looking to lead her team to even greater success this year. “Ellie is built like a post with guard skills and should be in the running for Miss Basketball this year,” coach Nathaniel Case said. Case is relying on her experience this year. “She’s also just a great kid.”
MADELYNN DEPREY
SR., G, CARIBOU
Reaching 1,000 points as a junior, this senior is a competitive player who also serves as a leader for the team. At 5'10", Deprey averaged 22.9 points per game and 8.8 rebounds. She’s been named the Big East Conference Player of the Year the last two years in a row.
Coach Kayla Brown says Deprey is a great leader and “has every desire to win a team championship as a senior this year.” Deprey led Caribou in points, rebounds, steals, and assists last season.
This 5'6" point guard from Bapst is set to score her 1000th point early this coming season. She averaged 18 points per game last year, along with a whopping 4.1 steals, making her the conference leader for steals last year. She was named John Bapst’s Defensive Player of the Year. “Claire is an exceptional athlete, an amazing person, and an incredible leader on our team,” coach Matt Smith said. “She’s smart, dedicated, and always looks to outwork everyone in the gym.”
AVA LERMAN
JR., G, WISDOM
At 5'4", this junior from Wisdom is a standout on her team and in Class D North. With strong leadership skills, her versatile playing style is sure to help Wisdom advance deep into the tournament this year. Head coach Kayla Donne said, “Ava is a natural athlete and leader. She puts the time in beyond practice. I see good things coming from her this season.”
ABBY MORRILL
SR., SG, CONY
At 5'10", Morrill is not only a leader on the court but is a scholar-athlete who has earned honors for her academic performance. Morrill helped lead her team to the Class A North title last year. A star on the court, Morrill also supports her team and emphasizes that the strength of Cony is in how well the team works together.
MADDIE PROVOST
JR., PG, LAWRENCE
Provost is a 5'8" guard with strong ball handling skills and a beautiful outside shot. Provost had a stellar season as a sophomore, so hopes are high for her upcoming junior year. Last year, she was named to the Maine Varsity All-State Team and was an Honorable Mention for the BDN All-Maine Basketball Team. She was a part of the team that won the state championship when she was a freshman and is already receiving offers from several colleges. “She doesn’t shy away from the big moments,” said coach Keith Chesley.
ELLA PELLETIER
SR., SF, OXFORD HILLS
At 5'11", Pelletier is a small forward who can also shoot a three. Last year, she averaged 19.7 points per game and 10.8 rebounds. Pelletier has committed to Division 1 Stonehill College to play next year. Coach Cimeron Colby says Pelletier is a huge asset to the team. “She manifests success because she’s always so positive. She lifts the team up and that shows in our game. She’s not only a great scorer, she’s also our team’s biggest cheerleader.”
ABBY RADEL
SR., PG, ELLSWORTH
This 5'5" point guard from Ellsworth is looking to lead her team to another title again this year. Radel averaged 12.5 points per game last year and was named Most Valuable Player in Class B North in 2023. “Abby has a depth of experience and know-how to shine in the big moments,” said head coach Andy Pooler.
Lawrence’s Madalyn Provost fights off the double team to get a shot off.
JOSH O’DONNELL | BDN
TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
FROM THE 2023-24 SEASON Highlights
(Left) Fort Kent’s Mia Voisine tosses up the ball chased down by Penobscot Valley’s Mia Neal during a Class C North semifinal game in 2024. (Above) Old Town’s Grayson Thibeault recovers a loose ball poked away by Orono’s Caden Ewer-Cousins during the 2024 Class B North regional championship game. KIM HIGGINS | BDN
(Below, left to right) Katahdin’s Calvin Richardson goes up for a layup during a Class D North semifinal game verus Schenck. The Old Town team celebrates after winning the girls 2024 Class B North championship. Bangor’s Avery Clark attacks the hoop during a game versus Brewer in January 2024. KIM HIGGINS | BDN
Boys North
PREVIEW
HAMPDEN ACADEMY, ORONO AND BANGOR CHRISTIAN HAVE A SHOT TO DEFEND THEIR REGIONAL TITLES
BY SAM CANFIELD, SPECIAL TO THE BDN
Defending a championship is never easy. The deepest and most fortunate basketball programs can only position themselves to repeat and hope for the best. As the Maine boys high school basketball season kicks into high gear, some familiar names in northern Maine are favored to go deep into the tournament. Here are the squads trying to go back-to-back, and the most likely candidates to end their fun.
Class AA
Windham played a special brand of selfless, hard-nosed basketball en route to its first ever regional and state titles last year, all without a single BDN All-Mainer or Maine McDonald’s All-Star.
Head coach Chad Pulkinnen’s Eagle squad returns do-it-all senior forward Creighty Dickson, skilled junior point guard Tyrie James and lanky junior guard AJ Moody (all three scored more than 10 points per game last year), providing Windham with key pieces to defend its AA North regional title.
The most likely candidate to usurp the Eagles is an experienced Cheverus team featuring BDN All-Maine shooting guard Leo McNabb, crafty point guard Sammy Nzeyimana and 6-foot-5 forward Jameson Fitzpatrick. The Stags finished 15-3 last year.
Meanwhile, Lewiston is expected to make strides behind the scoring of seniors Abdirahman Dakane and Lonnie Thomas. Across the river in Auburn, Edward Little’s explosive big Diing Maiwen has a chance to be AA North’s best player, but the Red Eddies are ultimately rebuilding like Bangor and Portland.
Class A
For the second year in a row, Hampden Academy and Messalonskee are expected to finish atop the Class A North standings and meet in the regional title game.
The defending champion Broncos and Eagles of Oakland will look different without Mr. Basketball finalist Zach McLaughlin and 6-foot-10 big man Merrick Smith respectively, but have reloaded with the likes of junior Liam Henaghen plus senior Aiden Kochendoerfer (Hampden) and seniors Ty Bernier plus Parker Reynolds (Messalonskee). Hampden’s length and defensive edge equated to six first-place votes in the A North preseason coaches’ poll, while Messalonskee’s pure shooting ability earned itself two first-place votes.
Elsewhere, Camden Hills will be led by high-scoring junior guard Nolan Ames, a favorite to win Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference MVP, and Brewer is also expected to make some noise. State champs from two years ago, Brewer returns a deep and well-balanced crew of seniors ready for their own playoff run, featuring go-to guard Steven Youngs, sharpshooter Charlie Brydges, and forward Owen Fullerton. The Witches were polled to finish third in the A North standings, even after finishing 4-14 last year.
Windham High School’s Creighty Dickson celebrates as time runs out and his team wins the Maine Class AA boys championship basketball game in 2024. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
Brewer’s Charles Brydges drives to the hoop between Hampden defenders Aiden Kochendoerfer (3) and Sawyer Worcester during the season opener in 2023. KIM HIGGINS | BDN
Class B
Led by 2023-24 Maine Gatorade Player of the Year Pierce Walston, the Orono Red Riots have been the gold standard in Class B North, winning back-to-back state titles. The upcoming 2024-25 season could finally mark the end of their reign.
The favorites to knock Orono off are the Caribou Vikings, who finished 14-4 last year and have a stacked group of upperclassmen ready to seize the crown. Senior forward Tristan Robbins (Big East Conference first team) will lead the charge, aided by senior guard Kaymen Sargent (second team), and juniors Owen Corrigan and Landen Belanger, among others.
Reigning regional finalists Old Town, which returns skilled big Emmitt Byther (first team) and sharpshooting sophomore Tyler Priest, should also be in the playoff mix. Last year’s No. 1 seed Ellsworth could also make a run despite losing Mr. Maine Basketball Chance Mercier, with a solid core of versatile wings including Kyle Kenny, Hollis Grindal and Dawson Curtis.
Spearheading Orono’s title defense will be explosive senior forward Will Francis (third team), flanked by shooters like Bergen Soderberg and Brady Hews.
Oceanside’s Cohen Galley attempts a shot against Orono’s Caden Gray (#14) and Will Francis (#32) in second half action of the boys 2024 Class B State Championship game. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN
Class C
The Class C North tournament has a reputation for being very unpredictable, and last year’s dance at Bangor’s Cross Center certainly lived up to the hype. A young Hodgdon team came out of nowhere to upset tourney favorites Machias in the first round, and No. 7 Mount View was the lowest seed last year to win a regional final, beating No. 1 Calais by 34 points.
Hodgdon is considered by some to be the favorite this year, returning its entire starting lineup (including dynamic sophomore forward Cyran Ciarleglio and senior leader David Tuttle), and Machias will be a contender again with junior point guard Mickey Fitzsimmons at the helm.
Mount View and Calais are expected to be solid once again, but will take a step back due to the departure of stars like Noah Hurd and Jeremy Turner, respectively. Taking a step forward will be Mattanawcook Academy, which has turned heads this preseason with its new trap defense orchestrated by first-year head coach Adam Mahaney.
Members of the Hodgdon boys basketball team rejoice on the court following the team’s 65-54 victory over Narraguagus.
JOSEPH CYR | BDN
Class D
Bangor Christian lost to Schenck twice in the regular season last year before silencing its undefeated rival in the Class D North title game, 38-25, on the way to the Patriots’ first ever gold basketball. Both teams return three starters and multiple bench players, setting up two interesting rematches this January that could help dictate the region’s competitive landscape.
Meanwhile, an upstart Katahdin team boasts a legitimate one-two punch in versatile senior forward Connor Edwards and flashy junior guard Calvin Richardson, creating a three-horse race for the regional crown. Easton, Southern Aroostook and Lee Academy are also forecasted to be in the playoff mix.
Bangor Christian’s Jesse Booker gathers the ball for a layup chased down by Southern Aroostook’s Connor Lane during a Class D North semifinal game in 2024.
KIM HIGGINS | BDN
(Below) Katahdin’s Connor Edwards (#4) is fouled by Easton’s Augustus Donner (#2) during a boys Class D North quarterfinal game.
LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN
THE ONES TO
10
NORTH BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SEASON
NORTHERN MAINE PRODUCED MANY OF THE TOP BOYS BASKETBALL STARS
FROM LAST SEASON, including Mr. Basketball Chance Mercier (Ellsworth), Maine Gatorade Player of the Year and two-time state champion Pierce Walston (Orono), Mr. Basketball finalist Zach McLaughlin (Hampden Academy) and Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference MVP Evans Sterling (Mt. Blue). The 2024-25 season will usher in a new set of premier players worth following, and here are ten candidates (two per class) from northern Maine who could be particularly sensational.
JESSE BOOKER
JR., PF, BANGOR CHRISTIAN
Booker unexpectedly emerged as a top player for Bangor Christian last year, making the D North all-tournament team with his fundamental play on both ends of the floor. Head coach Charlie Colson’s “bear on the boards” standing 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Booker averaged 10.1 points on 56 percent shooting with 6.2 rebounds last season, and will anchor a defensive-minded Patriot team looking to defend its first ever state title.
CYRAN CIARLEGLIO
SO., SF, HODGDON
Ciarleglio was one of two freshmen starting for Hodgdon last season, headlining a young and exciting Hawk team with big goals ahead. Ciarleglio can play a variety of positions and consistently stuff the stat sheet, tallying 15.4 points on 65 percent shooting (39 percent from three), 10.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.4 blocks per game last year.
“Cyran is a package player that produces statistically and can be mixed around. He’s a gym rat,” second-year head coach Sam Henderson said.
EMMITT BYTHER
SR., PF, OLD TOWN
BY SAM CANFIELD, SPECIAL TO THE BDN
NOLAN AMES
JR., SG, CAMDEN HILLS
A member of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference All-Rookie team two years ago, Ames is now the favorite to win KVAC MVP. Standing at 6-foot2, Ames is a physical ball handler who loves attacking downhill and can consistently score in the paint. Ames has legitimate explosiveness and a strong midrange game to complement his slashing capabilities, and averaged 16.6 points, 3.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game last year.
Byther was the leading scorer and rebounder for the regional finalist Coyotes last year, averaging a 15-point double-double to go with two assists and two steals per game. Elected to the Big East Conference first team, Byther is a skilled 6-foot-5 big with an array of moves to score in and around the paint, and can also serve as a point forward when necessary. Byther will have an even larger role this season and could average close to 20 ppg.
MICKEY FITZSIMMONS
JR., PG, MACHIAS
Fitzsimmons is a long, talented, and creative point guard for the Bulldogs who led the Penobscot Valley Conference (Class C/D) in points and assists for much of last year. The PVC first-teamer finished with averages of 19.6 points, 5.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game, orchestrating the top-ranked offense in Class C North (63.2 points per game). After an early playoff exit last February, Fitzsimmons and company will be playing with something to prove.
WILL FRANCIS
SR., PF, ORONO
Arguably the most athletic player in Class B North, Francis has served as a premier rebounder and defender for Orono’s back-to-back championship teams. With the departure of stars Pierce Walston and Ben Francis this offseason, the Red Riots are now prepared to fully unleash Will offensively. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward will channel his vertical ability to score around the hoop, and will also get touches along the perimeter. Francis averaged 7.4 points on 57 percent shooting, 7.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists last year.
DIING MAIWEN
SR., PF, EDWARD LITTLE
Standing at 6-foot-6, Maiwen is a dynamic wing player who can defend the rim, attack downhill and slam home alley-oops with ease. A likely BDN AllMainer, Maiwen tallied 12.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and a Class AA-best 2.3 blocks per game last year. “Diing impacts both ends of the floor, can shoot it from deep and is a great last line of defense. He’s evolved into a good leader for our Edward Little team,” first-year head coach James Philbrook said.
LIAM HENAGHEN
JR., SF, HAMPDEN ACADEMY
A solid three-and-D starter for the regional champion Broncos last year, Henaghen has made strides this offseason as a ball handler and scorer at all three levels, and will make his presence felt offensively. Standing 6-foot-5, Henaghen tallied seven points, five rebounds, three assists and 1.7 blocks per game last season, serving as the primary rim protector in Class A North’s top defense.
LEO MCNABB
SR., SG, CHEVERUS
McNabb made the BDN’s All-Maine third team as a junior, posting the highest scoring average (16.4 ppg) in Class AA North and leading the Stags to the region’s No. 2 seed. McNabb is skilled with both hands, extremely quick, tenacious on defense (he snagged 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game last season) and a threat to score at all three levels. He formerly played on Cooper Flagg’s Maine United AAU team, alongside Cheverus point guard Sammy Nzeyimana.
OWEN WYMAN
SR.,
PF, SCHENCK
Wyman is a versatile big man that can guard all five positions, dominate the post and stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting. The PVC firstteamer averaged 12.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game last year, en route to an undefeated regular season and regional final appearance. The Wolverines only graduated three seniors last year, and Wyman will be the leader of a hungry Schenck team aiming for a state title.
(Far left) Southern Aroostook’s Dylan Burpee and Bangor Christian’s Jalen Reed chase down a loose ball.
KIM HIGGINS | BDN
Bangor’s Damon Gonsalves (left) grabs the ball on the floor after struggling with Cheverus High School’s Leo McNabb .
TROY R. BENNETT | BDN
