2019-2020 Hoops Preview_Proof by Bangor Daily News

L O O H C S H G I H 2019 / 2020

S P HOO 2019-2020 BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS FROM Ashland, Caribou, Central Aroostook, East Grand, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent, GHCA, Hodgdon, Houlton, Katahdin, Madawaska, Presque Isle, SACS, Van Buren, Washburn & Wisdom

Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;¢ Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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VAN BUREN GIRLS • CRUSADERS CRUSADERS READY TO BRING WINNING CULTURE TO VAN BUREN BY MORGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

Clifford has a positive outlook for the season

Abby Ayotte, Brooke Caron, Jayde Violette;

starting small forward, Nicknair as starting power

and said he hopes to build a “culture of teamwork

and

forward and Caron starting at center.

and togetherness” to the squad this year.

Nicknair and Sierra Soucy. The team will even

While Violette sees the floor well, is a solid

seniors

Bailey

Laplant,

Armanda

VAN BUREN — The Crusaders out of Van Buren

“When everyone does the little things, big

showcase the talents of three eighth-graders

ball handler and a solid shooter, Ayotte has

are on their way to a positive start to the season

things happen,” he said. “We score together,

Abby Cormier, Audrey Caron and Mallory

exceptional awareness and is an excellent passer.

with new head coach Griffin Clifford leading

defend together, and win together.”

Beaulieu to help boster the roster.

Soucy is a captain and a leader on the floor.

the varsity girls basketball team for the 20192020 season.

The team is made up of freshmen Alexis

For strengths, Clifford said the competitive

Kimball; sophomore Kylie Laplant; juniors

factor is up because of the determination of the girls.

“She communicates well and is an excellent defender,” Clifford said. Nicknair has the qualities of speed and

“We have a group of girls that are willing

athleticism.

to work as hard as necessary to be competitive

“She has a big wingspan and is an excellent

this year,” he said. “We have a team with the

defender,” he said. “She’s a solid shooter as well.”

awareness to run a few complex defenses and

As a captain and rim protector, Caron will be

we have the stamina to maintain it. These girls are conditioned, defensive minded, and ready to put the work in. They’ve really bought into the program.”

the “defensive anchor underneath.” “She has a tremendous work ethic and is a leader on and off the court,” Clifford said. Despite losing two leading scorers last

The team went 5-13 last year, finishing

year, Leah Gendreau and Tiffany Morrow to

just shy of the playoff picture, but this year,

graduation, Clifford said the team is working

Clifford said they are going to work on

hard to bring the spirit of winning back to the

improving a few things.

girls program.

“Offensively were going to have to get our

“The community is behind us, the parents

feet under us and create our own identity,” he

have been supportive and the girls are

said. “As the players develop we’ll get much

hard workers,” he said. “That only leaves

more efficiency from our offense.”

development and execution. If we can develop

The starting five will be Violette as starting point guard, Ayotte as starting shooting guard, Soucy as

and execute this program will see some major headway throughout the course of the season.”

VAN BUREN GIRLS

Staff photo / Kylie Lapierre Members of the Van Buren girls basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, row 1: Abby Ayotte, Coach Griffin Clifford, Mallory Beaulieu; row 2: Sierra Soucy, Jayde Violette, Alexis Kimball, Audrey Caron; row 3: Armanda Nicknair; row 4: Kylie LaPlante, Bailey LaPlante, Abbie Cormier; row 5: Brooke Caron.

Dec. 6

Central Aroostook

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

East Grand

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 10

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Easton

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 18

Katahdin

1:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 21

@Katahdin

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 18

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ East Grand

5:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6

@ Central Aroostook 5:30 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

VAN BUREN BOYS • CRUSADERS

CRUSADER BOYS ANTICIPATE STRONG START BY MORGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

season will hopefully be off to a strong start for

This year’s team boasts diversity among grade

She added that junior Morales is a new

the Van Buren Crusaders boys varsity team

levels, including an eighth grader ready to

student that found his place among the team

this winter.

show off his skills.

very quickly.

VAN BUREN — With a positive outlook from

The long-time coach Lapierre has been

This year’s varsity squad features seniors

“He sees the floor well and capable of making

veteran coach Steve Lapierre, basketball

guiding varsity basketball since the late 1970s.

Noah Pelletier, Luc Perreault and Colby

big things happen if the other boys on the court

Lapointe; juniors Colby Lavoie, Isiah Morales,

are ready for him,” she said.

Emmanuel Deschaine and Mikal Ayotte;

Lavoie, Martin, and Pelletier are all players

sophomores Blake Martin, Brady LaPlant,

the coach expects to play big roles for the team

Rudy Quinonez and Eric LaPlant; freshman

this year, while Bellamy is working his way

Mikail Deschaine, Henry Hebert, Richard

back from an injury sustained toward the end of

Bellamy and Noah Martin; and eighth-grader

last season.

Samuel Hebert.

“We are hoping he makes it the whole season

“We are still relatively young, but expect go improve as the year goes on,” coach Lapierre said.

this time,” the athletic director said. Last season, the boys finished eighth in the Class D North standings with a 9-8

With such a wide array of players in different

regular season record. The Crusaders hosted

grades, Lapierre said the team’s biggest strength

Washburn in a preliminary game, winning

would be its returning players including senior

46-31, to earn a spot in Bangor. The team then

Perreault.

faced No. 1 Woodland, falling 76-29 in the

Van Buren Athletic Director Kylie Lapierre,

quarterfinals.

the coach’s daughter-in-law, said Perreault is

“We have a large team this year so

on his way to reaching the coveted 1,000-point

hopefully the other boys are learning and

scoring plateau this season, if all goes well.

working hard to play up to the starters and

“He’s been a key player since his freshman

their competition,” the athletic director said.

year and will be hard to replace at the end of this

“The boys ended the soccer season feeling

season,” she said. “He also is a two-time captain

pretty good with how far they ended up and

and has always been a positive role model to

are hoping to do well this basketball season.”

younger players of all ages.”

VAN BUREN BOYS

Photo courtesy of Kylie LaPierre Members of the Van Buren boys basketball team for the 2019-20, row 1: Mikail Deschaine, Noah Pelletier, Samuel Hebert, Isaiah Morales, Blake Martin; row 2: Eric LaPlante, Henry Hebert, Rudy Quinonez, Richard Bellamy; row 3: Colby Lapointe, Casey Bellamy, Luc Perreault, Emmanuel Deschaine. Missing from photo: Coach Steve Lapierre, Colby Lavoie, Brady LaPlante, Noah Martin, Mikal Ayotte. Since this photo was taken, Bellamy is no longer on the team.

Dec. 6

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 10

Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

GHCA

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 18

Katahdin

3:00 p.m.

Dec. 18

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 21

@Katahdin

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

@GHCA

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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FORT KENT GIRLS • WARRIORS

WARRIOR GIRLS HAVE POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR THE SEASON BY JESSICA POTILA Staff Writer

The Warriors will face last year’s regular

FORT KENT — The Fort Kent Warrior girls varsity

for postseason play,” said O’Leary.

team’s greatest strengths.

season top-seeded Class C North team Central

O’Leary, in his fifth year as head coach

Aroostook twice, as well as Class B teams

of the Warrior girls, said he has a positive

including

Caribou and Presque Isle.

outlook for the season.

Kailee Guimond (F), Desirae Hafford (G), and

basketball team faces a challenging schedule this

“We hope that our new schedule will make

year, but head coach Kelly O’Leary said this will

us more competitive at season’s end and allow

only make them stronger for the postseason.

us to be better mentally and physically prepared

“We have a nice mixture of veterans and underclassmen,” he said. O’Leary said defense and speed are the

This year’s team consists of 15 players, seniors

Madison

Saucier

(F),

Samantha Roy (G); juniors Macy Bard (G), and Shaylee Jandreau (G/F); sophomores Kassidy O’Leary (G/F), Hannah Chasse (C), Vivian Drolet (G), and Allee Morgan (G/F); and freshman Larissa Daigle (G), Shania Morin (G), Graci Landry (F/C), Genevieve Naranja (G), and Caitlin Overlock (G/F). Last year the Warrior girls went 8-10 and fell to Madawaska in a prelim game. The Owls went 14-4 last year, finishing third in the regular season for Class C North teams. Fort Kent will face them again this year twice during the regular season. The Warriors have since lost key players to graduation in Emma Desjardins, Mikayla Pelletier and Hannah Daigle. The Warriors finished their 2017-2018 regular season with a record of 13 wins and 6 losses, and made it to the state high school basketball tournament. “We lost a playoff game in Bangor to a good Dexter Team,” O’Leary said about that playoff season.

Photo courtesy of Kylie LaPierre The 2019-2020 Warrior girls varsity basketball players are, front, from left, Desirae Hafford, Madison Saucier, Kailee Guimond, and Samantha Roy; and back, from left, Genevieve Naranja, Kassidy O’Leary, Shaylee Jandreau, Larissa Daigle, Vivian Drolet, Allee Morgan, Graci Landry, Macy Bard, and Caitlin Overlock.

FORT KENT GIRLS Dec. 7

@ Shead

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 11

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Southern Aroostook

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Woodland

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Southern Aroostook 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Hodgdon

4:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Woodland

4:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Shead

3:30 p.m.

Feb. 6

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

O’Leary said he anticipates Dexter, as well as Calais will provide the Warriors with their stiffest competition this year.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

FORT KENT BOYS • WARRIORS

WARRIOR BOYS REBUILDING UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP BY JESSICA POTILA Staff Writer

Community High School boys varsity basketball team may be rebuilding this season, but don’t count them out of the postseason just yet.

becoming tournament bound.”

year is the University of Maine at Fort Kent

This is Cyr’s first year coaching the Warrior

Athletic Hall of Famer Larry Murphy.

boys. He replaced former Warriors head coach

The 2019-2020 Fort Kent Warrior varsity

FORT KENT — Under new leadership, and having

“I believe we will surprise people,” head

Derrick Cooper, who resigned from the position

boys are: seniors Eden Paradis (guard), Jace

lost many seniors to graduation, the Fort Kent

coach Chad Cyr said. “We have high hopes of

in September. The Warriors assistant coach this

Rocheleau (guard), Steven Pierce, (guard), Ian Albert (center), Kyle Blaire (forward), and Aburba Kaphle (guard); junior Ethan Boulay (guard); sophomores Austin Delisle (guard), Collin Bennett (forward), Evan Deschaine (forward),

Jake

Fongemie

(forward);

and

freshman Keegan Cyr (guard). “One of the main strengths that our team possesses that will help to get us there is team unity,” added Cyr. “All the guys on this team respect each other and will do the best they can to not let a teammate down. Coupled with the willingness to not give up and the will to win makes for a great recipe for any team.” The Warriors experienced a disappointing end to a promising regular season run last year. Last season, the Warriors were ranked sixth in the Class C North standings with a record of 14-4. The team hosted No. 11 Calais in the preliminary round and was upset 53-48. The team also lost eight seniors from the program at that time.

Staff photo / Jessica Potila The 2019-2020 Fort Kent Warrior boys varsity basketball team are, front, from left, Aidan Sirois, team manager; center, from left, Chad Cyr, head coach; Apurba Kaphle, Jace Rocheleau, Jake Fongemie, Eden Paradis, Steven Pierce, Keegan Cyr, and Ethan Bouley; and back, from left, Evan Deschaine, Collin Bennett, Ian Albert, Austin Delisle, and Larry Murphy, assistant coach. Not pictured is Kyle Blaire.

“There were some key losses to graduation last year in the likes of Caleb Delisle, a 1,000 point

scorer,

Camden

Jandreau,

Austin

Plourde, Josh Soucy, as well as some key

FORT KENT BOYS Dec. 10

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 13

Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Southern Aroostook

2:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Woodland

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

Greater Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Southern Aroostook 2:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Hodgdon

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 29

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

Woodland

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

@Greater Houlton

12:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

role players, Lance Ouellette, Jake Jandreau,

sound. He seems to do all the little things

Jonathan Chasse, and Alex Roy,” Cyr said.

well. Austin Delisle has great court vision,

Two key areas the coach hopes to work on this

can shoot from outside, yet can also post up.

year are becoming more disciplined in the half

He is also a great rebounder. Collin Bennett

court set, tighter rotations and communication

has a very high basketball IQ with the ability

on defense.

to shoot from outside as well, along with great

Potential starters this year will depend on

rebounding ability.”

matchups and may change from time to time,

Although Cyr has high hopes for the

according to Cyr. However, coach Cyr did point

postseason this year, he said the team is not

out some go to’s for the starting positions,

taking anything for granted.

including senior Eden Paradis, who Cyr described as an extremely hard worker.

“There is not one game on our schedule that will be overlooked. All of our competitors

“He has the ability to shoot from outside,

have the potential to compete at a high level,”

handle the ball, penetrate gaps, and is a

Cyr said. “The same amount of preparation

great defender,” the coach said of Paradis.

and attention to detail will be put into every

“Jace Rocheleau shoots the ball from outside

game throughout the season. We are going to

extremely well and is quick off the dribble

focus on doing what we do, as well as we can

with great leaping ability. Steven Pierce is

do it, and I believe if we can do that the results

a strong individual who is fundamentally

will follow.”

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

CARIBOU GIRLS • VIKINGS

SENIOR STARTERS TO LEAD VIKING GIRLS BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

Caribou Vikings, so she is hoping a return to health translates into success for this year’s squad. The Vikings managed just three victories all

during Brown’s rookie campaign.

necessary,” she said.

Brown said last year’s experience did bring some positives.

The Vikings will have to make up for the loss of Alexis Rodriguez, the lone starter who

CARIBOU — Injuries derailed Coach Kayla

of last season and fell short of making it into the

“The girls learned the importance of being

graduated. She was a strong defender and also

Brown’s second season as head coach of the

playoffs, a year after reaching the quarterfinals

ready to step in and fill a different role when

led the team in scoring. A few other reserve players graduated, while others opted not to return, leaving Caribou with an 11-player roster to begin the season. Caribou was without 6-foot-1 center Paige Espling for the first 13 games of the 2018-19 season. The senior returns from an ACL injury and gives the Vikings a huge presence in the post, both offensively and defensively. Three other senior starters are back, with Taylor LaBreck giving the squad a secondary post player. She plays aggressively and is a strong finisher close to the basket. She averaged 6.5 points and five rebounds last year. Taylor Skidgel, who led the team in rebounds with 6 per game, is a versatile performer who plays with great composure and consistency, while Kim Susi, who also missed some time due to injury last season, is quick and can shoot from the outside. Skidgel and Susi led the team in 3-point field goals made and attempted a season ago.

Staff photo / Chris Bouchard Members of the Caribou Girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Renee Stubbs, Selena Savage, Gabrielle Sutherland, Kim Susi, Mia Theirualt, and manager Alya Theriault; and back, assistant coach Marc Weeks, Ashlyn Bouchard, Emily Collins, Taylor LaBreck, Paige Espling, Nevaeh Trombley, Abbi Robbins, Taylor Skidgel, coach Kayla Brown, and manager Naomi Cote.

The team’s new point guard is Selena Savage, the younger sister of former Caribou standouts Dayne and Donovan Savage. Brown likes her ability to see the floor and distribute the ball.

CARIBOU GIRLS Dec. 7

@ Orono

12:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Winslow

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 11

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Winslow

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Hermon

1:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ John Bapst

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

Foxcroft Academy

TBD

Dec. 27

Ellsworth

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ Ellsworth

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 28

Mount Desert

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Mount Desert

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

Washington Academy 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ Old Town

12:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Presque Isle

Feb. 5

@ Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Emily Collins, a junior, will see minutes off

player who joins classmates Mia Theriault and

the bench in the frontcourt and is a solid defender.

Neveah Trombley as players rounding out the

Seniors Abbi Robbins (3.7 rebounds per game)

Viking roster.

and Renee Stubbs will receive valuable minutes.

Brown likes the makeup of this year’s

Robbins is strong and skilled in the post, while

team and the unselfishness each player

Stubbs is fast and has the ability to score from

demonstrates.

the perimeter. She led Caribou in 3-point field goal percentage last year.

“This group understands the importance of teamwork and their individual role in the team’s

“We return seven varsity players who

success,” Brown said. “These girls are focused

have gained confidence and now have a deeper

on their contribution to the team rather than

understanding of what it takes to be successful,”

individual achievements.

Brown said. “This group as a whole is willing to work hard and is excited for the season.” Sophomore Gabby Sutherland is a first-year

“If they remain confident and consistent throughout the season, this group has a lot of potential,” she added.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

CARIBOU BOYS • VIKINGS

VIKINGS APPEAR PRIMED FOR ANOTHER TITLE RUN BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

second-year coach Kyle Corrigan, you simply

After winning the Class B state title last

the guys are getting after it,” said Corrigan.

bring back four starters, rely on last year’s subs

year, marking the first for the school in 50 years,

“Our practices have been intense and very

to take on greater roles and promote players

Caribou is reloading for another run this year

competitive and everyone is pushing each

CARIBOU — How do you top what the Caribou

from last year’s undefeated JV squad to fill the

and appears to be the prohibitive favorite.

other, which is going to pay dividends in the

Vikings accomplished last season? If you’re

remaining spots on the roster.

“We have a great vibe going so far and

end. We’re much deeper with how many guys can and will contribute.” Caribou went 15-3 during the regular season to finish second in the division. The Vikings defeated Washington Academy and Ellsworth in the first two rounds of the tournament before getting past 2018 state champ Hermon in the North finals. Next came the triumph over Cape Elizabeth in state championship game in Portland. The Vikings’ unquestioned leader was Austin Findlen, who has graduated, but seniors Parker Deprey, Alex Bouchard and Isaac Marker return to the starting lineup along with junior Sawyer Deprey. Parker Deprey was the MVP of the North tournament last year and Corrigan calls Deprey one of the best all-around players to have ever suited up for the Vikings as he excels on both ends of the floor. Alex Bouchard, who serves as a captain along with Deprey, is the team’s floor general.

Staff photo / Chris Bouchard Members of the Caribou Boys basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Cory Herbert, Jake Berkoski, Jacob Paul, Zack Madore, Brevin Barnes, and Carter Quist; and back, Coach Kyle Corrigan, Manager Abby St. Peter, Alex Bouchard, Joey Gregson, Sawyer Deprey, Parker Deprey, Ethan Holdsworth, Riley Bouchard, Caleb Espling, Michael Brigman, Isaac Marker, Manager Maddy Zeigler, and Assistant Coach Ben Rosser. Assistant Jeremiah Fitzherbert and Assistant Coach Andre Rossignol are absent from the photo.

He finished with 111 assists for an average of 5 per game last season. Marker is one of the best perimeter shooters around and can score in bunches, as evidenced

CARIBOU BOYS Dec. 7

@ Orono

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Winslow

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 10

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Winslow

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Hermon

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

Foxcroft Academy

TBD

Dec. 23. @ John Bapst

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 22

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

Ellsworth

7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ Ellsworth

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28

Mount Desert

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Mount Desert

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Washington Academy 3:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ Old Town

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 8

Presque Isle

Feb. 6

@ Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

by a 19-point performance in a 4-1/2 minute span

Quist and senior Joey Gregson were members

against Houlton during the regular season.

of the successful JV team last year and will pad

Sawyer Deprey is a hard worker in the

Caribou’s depth.

frontcourt and relishes the chance to guard the

The only potential hindrance for a defending

opponents’ top big men, doing so effectively in

champ is complacency, but Corrigan doesn’t

the state game a year ago against 6-7 Andrew

believe that will be an issue.

Hartel of Cape Elizabeth.

“We started the season out with a talk

Three players were in the running for the

about this being a totally different year,” he

fifth starting position early in the preseason.

said. “The guys understand that last year was

Senior Jake Berkoski, junior Ethan Holdsworth

last year, and this year is this year. We’re a

and sophomore Michael Brigman all bring

different team with different guys that will

different elements and all will be valuable

have different roles.

members of the rotation. Senior Jacob Paul, another varsity veteran, is a high-energy player. Juniors Zack Madore, Riley Bouchard, Cory Hebert, Caleb Espling, Brevin Barnes and Carter

“Last year was great and everything that came with it was amazing, but we’ve moved on. We need to keep the fire going in practice every day so we continuously get better and aren’t taking any steps back,” Corrigan added.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

CAHS GIRLS • PANTHERS

PANTHER GIRLS POISED TO BE THREAT IN CLASS C BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

are the No. 1 seed.

regular season] but at the end of the day, we

refocused group who now knows what it’s going

But that is Central Aroostook coach Dillon

just weren’t ready to compete on that stage

to take to win a game or two come tournament

Kingsbury’s take when reflecting on last

with the level of competition Stearns brought,”

time,” he said.

MARS HILL — It’s not easy putting a positive

February’s loss to the Stearns Minutemen at the

Kingsbury said. “Looking back, losing was the

spin on a loss in the tournament, especially

Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

best thing for us moving forward.

when it’s in the quarterfinal round and you

“We exceeded expectations [during the

Central Aroostook was also upset in the Class C playoffs two years ago, falling to No. 12

“It was a nice wake-up call and now I have a

Calais as the fifth seed in the prelim round. The Panthers gained a shot of confidence following a strong summer of competition. Playing mostly against Class A and B teams at a tournament in Camden, Central Aroostook made it all the way to the championship game. “This group is shaping up to be one of my favorites,” Kingsbury said. “We have such a great team dynamic. The girls love to be around one another and work extremely well on the court together.” The Panthers have a third-year starter at point guard in junior Maci Beals, who is one of the more dynamic players in Aroostook County. She averaged 7.9 points per game last year and loves to run the floor and shoot 3-pointers, but is also very unselfish (4.8 assists per game) and Kingsbury says “she would rather make a pass for a teammate to score than to score herself.” Libby Grass (5.2 ppg) will start at another

Staff photo / David Marino Jr. Members of the Central Aroostook girls basketball team for 2019-2020 are, front from left, Liberty Fulton, Libby Grass, Abby Haines, Izabel Pryor, Kassidy Blackstone, Maci Beals; and back from left, Kira Fitzherbert, Sydney Garrison, Rylee Pierce, Breann Bradbury, Sara Stitham, Mallory Kingsbury, Head Coach Dillon Kingsbury. Not pictured: Ira Fletcher, Assistant Coach Krystal Kingsbury, and managers Nickie Deschaine, Frankie Pierce and Mckenzie Honeycutt.

guard spot after coming off the bench the past couple years. Kingsbury expects a breakout year from the junior, who is a defensive presence but has made huge strides on the offensive end.

CAHS GIRLS Dec. 6

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 13

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

@ Southern Aroostook 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Easton

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Woodland

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Fort Kent

7.00 p.m.

Jan. 27

Southern Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Woodland

2:30 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW â&#x20AC;˘ Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 18, 2019

Senior Sydney Garrison always draws the

squad along with eighth-graders Abby Haines,

assignment of guarding the opposing teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top

Kassidy Blackstone, Rylee Pierce, Ira Fletcher

scorer and has embraced that role.

and Izabel Pryor.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the true definition of a good teammate

Coach Kingsbury said the Panthers like to

as she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care if she scores,â&#x20AC;? said Kingsbury,

play a running game, but the development of the

who will be leaning on Garrison to be a vocal

bench will be a key in making that happen.

leader as one of the squadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior captains. The other captain is Breann Bradbury (12.1 ppg and 7 rebounds per game), a senior who can

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We love playing up-tempo and pressing a lot but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need players to step up if we wish to continue playing this style,â&#x20AC;? said the coach.

score in a variety of ways. Kingsbury said she

Still, he is comfortable with the mix of

will need to be consistent on offense if the team

players and is looking forward to seeing how the

is to experience success.

season unfolds.

The other starting spot will go to either

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a variety of different levels of skill

sophomore Liberty Fulton, a streaky shooter,

and our senior leaders are doing a tremendous

or freshman Kira Fitzherbert, who was a

job showing patience and bringing everyone

pleasant surprise during early workouts and can

up to speed on what it takes to be a Central

contribute offensively.

Aroostook Panther,â&#x20AC;? Coach Kingsbury said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

Mallory Kingsbury, another freshman, joins junior Sara Stitham as other players on the

Good Luck for the 2019-2020 SEASON

look forward to what this tight-knit group can accomplish come February.â&#x20AC;?

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

CAHS BOYS • PANTHERS STORIED CENTRAL AROOSTOOK BOYS TEAM LOOKS TO ROAR BACK IN NEW YEAR BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

Woodworth’s mind is winning big: the state

the most successful boys basketball teams in The

championship. They were not able to accomplish

County, having won six state championships

the classroom,” such as handling conflict. He said he never had any interest in giving up

that goal last season, where, as a top seed in Class

in the last 25 years. Woodworth was not

on basketball after graduating from high school.

MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook boys

C, they lost in their first game in the playoffs.

exaggerating when he said Mars Hill has been

For him, it wasn’t a question of if he was going to

basketball team comes off a highly successful

Sumner barely took down the Panthers, winning

“spoiled” with boys basketball championships.

be involved, but how.

last season, in which they went 15-3, and

at the last moment by just a point.

dominated much of the competition. Yet, the only thing on fifth-year coach Jason

His championship mindset also weighs on

“You weren’t able to play after four years, so

Central Aroostook has certainly gone all the

his decision-making as he looks at what needs

the only thing they had was to be a referee or a

way before. Historically, they have been one of

improving. Woodworth said his team had a

coach,” Jason said. “I had no interest in refereeing.

robust and experienced offensive that should

So this is the only way to stay connected to the

have no problems putting points on the board.

game at the local level.”

But, he said the ever-elusive defense greatness

Senior Brayden Bradbury said he hoped

was a somewhat different story; in fact, it may be

this year’s team could continue to be offensively

the team’s “one weakness.”

strong, working on getting the best possible shot

“Defense is hard work. It takes a lot more thought process. It takes a lot more being into the game,” Woodworth said. “That’s why defense wins championships.”

“intense” on defense. He said this is far from the first time he has played with many of his teammates; much of the

As he looks to improve aspects of their play, Woodworth said the sportsmanlike attitude of his

team had been playing basketball in Mars Hill since they were in the first-grade.

players made his job far more manageable. While

“We’ve played together for a long time,”

he had coached teams in the past that he said

Bradbury said. “Everyone has their hobbies, and

were rife with unnecessary competition between

this has been ours.”

teammates, he did not see that in this team.

Staff photo / David Marino Jr. Members of Central Aroostook boys basketball team for 2019-2020 are, front from left, Josh Dahl, Josh Thomas, Zaylan Johnston, Cody McCrum, Stetson Nicholas; and back from left, Jacob Carvell, Ethan Pryor, Brayden Bradbury, Drew Belmain, Lucas Haines, Malachi Fitzherbert, Coach Jason Woodworth. Absent from photo: Hayden Kingsbury and Assistant Coach Carl Mullen.

every time they get possession, while remaining

The members of the 2019-2020 Central

“There’s no internal competition here,”

Aroostook boys basketball team are seniors

Woodworth said. “They are glad to see the next

Drew Belmain, Brayden Bradbury, Jacob

guy down the line succeed.”

Carvell and Hayden Kingsbury; juniors Josh

Woodworth, who played basketball at

Dahl, Malachi Fitzherbert, Zaylan Johnston,

Central Aroostook high, relishes both the

Cody McCrum, Stetson Nicholas and Joshua

athletic and mentoring aspects of his job. He

Thoms; and sophomore Lucas Haines. The

hopes to teach kids both how to play basketball

managers are Nickie Deschaine, Mackenzie

and real-world skills that students “don’t get in

Honeycutt and Frankie Pierce.

CAHS BOYS Dec. 6

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Madawaska

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 18

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Easton

4:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Woodland

4:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

Southern Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 29

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

Woodland

4:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Southern Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW â&#x20AC;¢ Special Advertising Section â&#x20AC;¢ DECEMBER 18, 2019

Good luck

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

MADAWASKA GIRLS Dec. 6

@ Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

East Grand

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ East Grand

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Central Aroostook 1:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

@Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 21

Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 27

Central Aroostook

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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MADAWASKA GIRLS • OWLS

FRESH, YOUNG TEAM FOR MADAWASKA GIRLS VARSITY BY MORGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer

coach Dean Gendreau this 2019-20 season with a

from last year’s roster, only three have competitive game.”

young, enthusiastic team.

returned for this season.

While Gendreau hopes the girls will

Last year, the team graduated four seniors

“We have a very young and inexperienced become more competitive over the next year

MADAWASKA — The Madawaska Owls girls

and this year, two players decided not to

team,” Gendreau said. “We will work hard and possibly earn a preliminary game, he also

varsity basketball team will be led by 15-year

return. That means out of the nine players

every night and try to give our opponent a

stressed fun was important. “Hoping to improve from game to game and at the same time, trying to have fun and win a few,” he said. Last season, the Owls had a tremendous season, finishing with a 14-4 regular season record that earned the club the No. 3 seed in Class C North. The Owls beat No. 14 Fort Kent, 57-33, in a prelim playoff, but then lost to No. 6 Calais 74-42 in the quarterfinals in Bangor. The Madawaska Owls feature sophomores Mallory

Corriveau,

Annabelle

Hodgkin,

Chantel Ackerly, Jessica Theriault, Madison Ouellet, Isabell Hodgkin, Chloe Dumond and freshman Isabel Lowell. Both Ackerly and Theriault are returning from last year and will be leading the starting players. However, Gendreau said the next three starters will all depend on how the players are doing at the time. “This will be between Annabelle Hodgkin, a good rebounder and post player, Mallory Corriveau a ball handler, Madison Ouellet a defender and shooter and Isabelle Hodgkin a defender,” he said.

Staff photo / Morgan Mitchell Members of the Madawaska girls basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, from left, Isabelle Hodgkin, Mallory Corriveau,Chloe Dumond, Jessica Theriault, Chantal Ackley, Annabelle Hodgkin, Madison Ouellet and Isabel Lowell. Not pictured is coach Dean Gendreau.

He added that Dumond would be off the bench and Lowell will also see court time. Aside from the general loss of players, one player in particular will be missed — Jenna Dugal. Dugal graduated at the end of the 2019 school year, but not before she scored her 1000th point. Gendreau also said he lost point guard Brianne Thibeault, center Cassidy Beaulieu and guard Hollie Morneault. Coach Gendreau added that he was going to keep an eye on Dexter and Calais downstate who he described as tough and leading the way. However, Fort Fairfield, Fort Kent and Central Aroostook will be the teams to beat.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

MADAWASKA BOYS • OWLS

OWL BOYS READY TO TAKE ON THE NEW SEASON BY MORGAN MITCHELL Staff Writer MADAWASKA — The Madawaska boys

team for nine years from 1998-2007. In total, this

Pickering, Michael Hebert and Riley Morneault;

rebounder, on-ball defender, while Minor also

is my 30th year as a basketball coach, with 28

juniors Roderick Minor, Brenden Simeone

is a “great” on-ball defender, is a strong passer,

years as a varsity coach, and two years as a

and Robbie Lausier; sophomores Chandler

extremely quick, and an “all out huster.”

middle school coach.”

Hartvigsen and Adam Gendreau; and freshmen

Morneault is also a huster and good rebounder

Sam Lausier, Ian Beaulieu, Carsen Cyr, Sam

given his 5-foot-9-inch stature.

basketball team is gearing up for what is hoped

Rossignol said that this year with the Owls is

to be another strong season for the Owls this

tough to predict, but said he thinks a .500 season

year thanks to the addition of a new head coach

is a reasonable goal.

with plenty of experience.

Dufresne and Brady Gagnon.

Last year, the Owls finished 8-10 in Class

A few of his key players to watch this season

C North, and were ranked 15th in the region,

The biggest strengths on the team are

are Lausier, who will play either point guard or

just one spot shy of qualifying for the playoffs.

While this is coach Matt Rossignol’s first

“quickness, speed, athleticism, hustle and

shooting guard; Hebert, who is a good perimeter

The veteran coach is optimistic the Owls will

year coaching the boys varsity team, he is no

defense,” and some things Rossignol said his team

shooter; Minor, the team’s primary ball handler,

be able to crack the group of postseason teams

stranger to the sport.

needs to work on are “shooting, running multiple

and Morneault, who is an underrated shooter,

this year.

offenses and handling pressure defense.”

the coach said.

“I had been the Van Buren girls coach for the past nine years,” he said. “Although, I did coach the Madawaska boys varsity basketball

On the roster for the the 2019-2020 varsity boys

basketball

are

seniors

Johnathan

Lausier can “score from the perimeter or take it to the basket.” Hebert acts as a

Rossignol said he anticipates Woodland, Van Buren, Fort Fairfield, Hodgdon and Fort Kent to be among the top teams in the region.

Staff photo / Morgan Mitchell Members of the Madawaska boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Brady Gagnon, Robbie Lausier, Michael Hebert, Riley Morneault, and Sam Lausier; and back, Roderick Minor, Adam Gendreau, Brenden Simeone, Chandler Hartvigsen, Ian Beaulieu, Carsen Cyr, Sam Dufresne. Not pictured is player Johnathan Pickering and coach Matt Rossignol.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Best of Luck to all County teams! MADAWASKA BOYS Dec. 6

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Central Aroostook 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 17

Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Madawaska

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 21

Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 27

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

TheCounty.ME

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

WISDOM GIRLS • PIONEERS WISDOM GIRLS READY TO WORK HARD THIS SEASON, DESPITE YOUNG TEAM BY JESSICA POTILA Staff Writer

have to work extra hard this season, according

ST. AGATHA — With only seven players, the

but we should be able to maximize the effort

and

Wisdom High School girls basketball team will

and hustle required from our players to be

Pelletier, Abbie Lerman and Olivia Ouellette,

to head coach Scott Pelletier. “We will not have much depth on the roster,

competitive in all games,” Pelletier said.

and eighth-graders Lilly Roy and Colleen

The team has no seniors or sophomores and is composed of juniors Emma Chamberland Savannah

Hanlin,

freshmen

Kylie

Thamsen. The five oldest girls will likely be starters, according to Pelletier, who returns to coaching the team after a hiatus that began in 2016. “My outlook for this upcoming season is to be competitive, improve throughout the season, and hopefully get an opportunity to extend our season beyond the 18 games that we have scheduled,” Pelletier said. The Wisdom girls finished ninth in Class D last year with a record of 6-12 and fell to Washburn in the prelims 43-35. The team lost Alyssa Banville to graduation last year. “When I last coached the girls team we were the No. 8 seed with only six girls on the roster,” Pelletier said. “They were wonderful student athletes that I had the privilege to coach. They persevered through times and were resilient. They went to Bangor that year and faced No. 1 Southern Aroostook and we took them to overtime. “I wish they could have [gone] further, but the fight they showed was so commendable and proud to be part of. I think I have a very similar group that can accomplish some great things,” Pelletier said.

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Pelletier The 2019-2020 Wisdom girls varsity basketball players are, front, from left, Abigail Lerman, Lilly Roy, and Colleen Thamsen; and back from left, Scott Pelletier, head coach; Kylie Pelletier, Emma Chamberland, and Savanna Hanlin. Not pictured is Olivia Ouellette.

“They are young, but they are resilient and work really hard. I look forward to seeing how far we can go.”

WISDOM GIRLS Dec. 10

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

@ Southern Aroostook 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Katahdin

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 28

@ Ashland

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 21

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 23

Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

GHCA

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ GHCA

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

Katahdin

1:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

Southern Aroostook

5:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Z023

WISDOM BOYS • PIONEERS

WISDOM BOYS HAVE SIGHTS SET ON WINNING SEASON BY JESSICA POTILA Staff Writer

seniors and underclassmen with 13 players. The 2019-2020 Wisdom varsity boys are seniors

Davenport; junior Jonah Babin; sophomores Connor Thompson and Carter Pelletier; and

this year.

freshman Kaden Daigle, Dominick Gendreau,

Kayla Dionne. Dionne is new to the team this year, but has

Katahdin

12:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Katahdin

12:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

Easton

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 21

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 28

@ Ashland

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 23

Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 2

Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ East Grand

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

Fort Fairfield

12:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Easton

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 4

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Dionne said she has not yet decided who the starters will be and will spend the first few games of the season working on that rotation. Last year the boys finished 2-16 and were 11th in the Class D North division. Wisdom did

because she is a former boys and girls coach

not make the playoffs. “As a whole, the team’s chemistry is pretty strong,” the coach said. “We have a diverse set

She stepped away from coaching four years

of skills throughout all players so as a whole, if

ago, due to the demands of working and pursuing

properly initiated and combined, the team can

her college education.

conquer their season.”

“I have a very different outlook than

Jan. 11

Goyette.

basketball. If her name sounds familiar, it is

Wisdom High School.

7:00 p.m.

Nathan Dionne, Aiden Barrier and Evan

experience coaching both boys and girls varsity

for the Pioneers and is herself a graduate of

@ Van Buren

Martin,

over last season to achieve a winning record

and working our way up,” said new head coach

Dec. 10

Gavin

varsity basketball team hopes to improve

on building a good foundation with the basics

WISDOM BOYS

Couture,

Spencer Gervais; Micque Robertson and Lance

“This season is a rebuilding year, focusing

Photo courtesy of Alyssa Pelletier The 2019-2020 Wisdom boys varsity basketball players are, front, from left, Aidan Barriere, Micque Robertson, Trevor Couture, Carter Pelletier and Dominick Gendreau; middle, Evan Goyette, Gavin Martin, Spencer Gervais, and Kaden Daigle; and back, Lance Davenport, Nathan Dionne, Jonah Babin and Kayla Dionne, head coach.

Trevor

ST. AGATHA — The Wisdom Pioneers boys

Dionne

said

she

hopes

inspire

what the the past few years teams have had,”

dedication and determination among the

the coach said. “(It) is a very huge learning

players as the season progresses. She added

experience for myself to penetrate that mindset

that even if the Pioneers fall short of a

and for the team as a whole to adjust my style of

winning season this year, she hopes the

coaching. In my opinion, with commitment and

effort will be worthwhile.

dedication, there is plenty of potential for this year’s team to have a winning season.” The year’s team includes a good mix of

“The pride I feel to see these student athletes achieve even the most minor goals, is extremely satisfying,” she said.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

ASHLAND GIRLS • HORNETS WITH EXPERIENCED NEW COACH, DEDICATED PLAYERS, ASHLAND GIRLS DRIVE TOWARD SUCCESS BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

It was during her playing career that Trams

The members of the 2019-2020 Ashland girls

said she learned a valuable lesson that influences

varsity basketball team are juniors Danni Carter,

“Getting in foul trouble last year kind of limited what they could do,” Trams said.

her coaching style to this day. In 1990, the Ashland

Hailee Cunningham, Kaitlyn Dotson, Kaitlyn

The coach said what distinguishes this

ASHLAND — Adding a new coach with an

Hornets went undefeated before losing in the

Ferro, Willow Hall, Brooke Harris, Jamie Poulin;

team is their quickness and athleticism.

illustrious past, and a cadet of young players

quarterfinals after the team’s “star player,” suffered

sophomore Mia Carney; and freshmen McKenna

Offensively, she hopes that the girls can move

with a passion for basketball, the 2019-2020

an ACL injury in the last game of the regular season.

Condon and Yasmeen Hutchinson.

the balls in an uptempo fashion, overwhelming

Ashland girls varsity basketball team has high

She said the 1991 championship team was

Coach Trams acknowledged that potential

much more balanced, with multiple players

personal conflicts between players could get

She said their endless dedication to the

Coach Diana Trams comes to lead her

taking part in the action rather than relying

in the way of this goal. Yet, she said resolving

team is another positive she has noticed

hometown team with a career that is already

on the prowess of just one. She said she tries to

such disputes, when they do emerge, helps

and pointed out that her players made it to

noteworthy: she won three state championships

bring that same balance to her teams as a coach.

prepare players for the conflicts they will

practice that day in the early morning, during

as the coach of the Washburn girls basketball

“In coaching now, that is something I

experience in the “real world,” especially in

Thanksgiving vacation.

team. And as a player, she helped bring home a

emphasize: team goals and working together,”

state championship for Ashland in 1991.

Trams said.

hopes for the upcoming season.

the workplace.

opponents with their quick style of play.

“The rest of your friends are home in bed, and

“It can make it challenging as a coach for sure,” Trams said. “But when you have to work through difficulties or personality clashes, it helps you come together as a team.” She is hoping each of the girls games can be a learning experience: to help them progress as

you are getting up at 7:00, coming into practice,” Trams said. “They keep the right attitude.” Students

the

Ashland

girls

team

acknowledged that team management was not always an easy task, but said they had a healthy support system.

players throughout the season and gradually

“I think time management is something that

“come together as a team.” If it all goes to plan,

is a little tricky for everyone, but our coach is

she said, they will make it far.

really understanding, and our teammates are

“One of the things I’ve said to them is ‘we don’t want to just make it to Bangor. We want to surprise some people when we get there,’” Trams said.

really supportive as well,” said Cunningham, a junior forward. Ultimately, several of the players said they looked forward to growing closer as a team, on

Trams said that one of her big focuses was

and off the court. “I want us to come together

on creating disciplined defensive play by her

as a family and build chemistry and trust in

team. She also said she is looking to decrease the

each other,” said junior point guard Carter.

number of fouls players incur while attempting

“We’ll go far.”

to draw turnovers.

ASHLAND GIRLS

Submitted photo / Diana Trams Members of Ashland girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, McKenna Condon, Kaitlyn Dotson, Danni Carter, Mia Carney, Yasmeen Hutchinson; and back, assistant coach Liz Mayhew, Willow Hall, Hailee Cunningham, Jamie Poulin, Brooke Harris, Kaitlyn Ferro and head coach Diana Trams. Not pictured is Shelby Stolze.

Dec. 6

Katahdin

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 6

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8

@ Katahdin

5:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Easton

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 17

@Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

Southern Aroostook

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

East Grand

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ East Grand

5:00 p.m.

Dec. 28

Wisdom

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 31

@ Southern Aroostook 1:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 2

Washburn

Feb. 4

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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ASHLAND BOYS • HORNETS ASHLAND BOYS LOOK TO IMPROVE AFTER DISAPPOINTING 2019 SEASON BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

strength is its speed. He hopes the Hornets will

Page, Alden Routhier; sophomores Lukas Deabay

Celestre, a junior, is someone Belanger

be able to swiftly overcome their opponents on

and Chance Mills; and eighth-graders Andrew

describes as the fastest guy on the team. Belanger

the floor, whether on offense or defense.

Dotson, Inyas Janoch and Blake Vincent.

said Celestre’s speed is to his advantage in

ASHLAND — After a season in which the team

“We are a pretty fast group,” Belanger said.

In terms of improvements, Coach Belanger

went 3-15 and did not qualify for the playoffs, the

“We got some guards that can really cover some

said he is “always” trying to improve defensive

Ashland boys basketball team is ready to prove

ground fast.”

play. He pointed out that any team without a

Celestre, who also plays soccer, said that it

itself this season.

defensive play and that he can have dominant defensive abilities on any given night.

The members of the 2019-2020 Ashland

good defense leaves themselves susceptible to

was his love of basketball at a young age that

Coach Lucas Belanger, in his fifth year

Hornets are senior Drew Doughty; juniors

being dominated by the offense, especially with

first drove him to start playing. He continues to

leading the Hornets, said his team’s biggest

Blayne Boutot, Josh Celestre, Sam Craig, Gabe

troublesome 3-point-shots.

hold a similar attitude today. “I just wanted to “If we can’t defend,

and can’t get rebounds,

Belanger said that Page, a junior, is

then we’re not going

distinguished by his height (he is about 6-foot,

to limit possessions,”

4-inches) and athleticism. He will be the starting

Belanger said.

center for the team. “He would do anything

Coach

Belanger

to play minutes and stay on the floor for this

said while the eighth-

team,” Belanger said. “He’s got a good motor as

graders on the squad

a basketball player.”

might

initially

Page, who said that his father motivated

somewhat timid, he

him to begin playing basketball, said that

was optimistic that

while the life of a high school athlete was busy

the experience would

and sometimes stressful, he had no problems

ultimately help them

managing it.

down the road.

Dec. 6

GHCA

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

Shead

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 9

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 6

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Easton

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 10

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

@Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

Southern Aroostook

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Shead

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ GHCA

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 28

Wisdom

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 31

@ Southern Aroostook 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Washburn

Feb. 4

@ Hodgdon

5:30 p.m.

Belanger said that he believed all of the

“As the season

teams on the Hornets’ schedule were formidable.

gets going, and they

He was optimistic about his team’s chances if

understand their role

they kept up with winning fundamentals.

on the team, they

“We just (have to) take care of ourselves

know this is like an

offensively and defensively,” Belanger said.

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr extra year for them Members of the Ashland boys basketball team for 2019-20 are, front row from left, Drew Doughty, Inyas Janoch, to participate in the Andrew Dotson, Lukas Deabay, and Josh Celestre; and back, manager Ty Cyr, coach Lucas Belanger, Sam Craig, Gabe sport,” Belanger said. Page, Blayne Boutot, Chance Mills, Alden Routhier and manager Vanessa Rafford. Not pictured is Blake Vincent.

ASHLAND BOYS

play for fun,” Celestre said.

“And on our nights, when we are really attacking the paint and shooting the ball well, we can beat any team.”

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

EASTON GIRLS • BEARS EASTON GIRLS EXHIBIT POSITIVITY AND LEADERSHIP IN TOUGH SITUATION BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

Yet, Easton Bears coach Bryan Shaw said

acknowledged some of the issues that come with

total students in grades 9-12 at Easton Junior-

he saw daily improvements from his players

coaching in a small program. He said the most

Senior High School.

throughout last season, as well as a whole lot of

challenging thing was recruiting new girls to fill

EASTON — The Easton girls basketball team

leadership from his juniors (now seniors on the

out the roster.

had a tough season last year, not getting a single

2019-2020 team).

win throughout the schedule.

Shaw, who has coached the team since 2013,

“Last year, I didn’t have any seniors,” Shaw said. “There were four senior girls, but they

The main hurdle is often the population of the school itself: there are currently 77

didn’t play basketball.” Right now, Shaw’s roster sits at nine students. He is hoping he can build that number to 14 by mid-season. He said that he had begun focusing his recruitment efforts at the eighthgrade level; there are two junior players on the squad so far this season. Shaw said he tries to be a positive and calming presence for his players, not “overthe-top.” When negatives emerge, they are addressed, but strategically. He said he is always driving his team to win through positive energy. “I wouldn’t say I’m a drill sergeant,” Shaw said with a laugh. “I don’t know what they’d say.” Shaw’s big hope for the year is to get five or six wins on the board. He said the current playoff format is a boon for small schools like his, as his team could make the playoffs without even going .500. To get there, he hopes to improve upon a few facets of the girls’ game, especially defense. He said he is focusing his efforts on trying to push man-to-man coverage on his team.

Staff photo / David Marino Jr. Members of the Easton girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Lydia Ferris, Emma Lamoreau, Kaylee Boyce, Michaella Pelletier; and back, Coach Bryan Shaw, Kenzie Legassie, Grace Flewelling, Cecilia Morin, Grace Ellis. Absent from photo: Amelia Bate.

“Man-to-man style requires more work, but it also makes the game more energized,” Shaw said.

EASTON GIRLS Dec. 10

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Fort Fairfield

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 14

Ashland

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

Central Aroostook

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Shead

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

@Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Central Aroostook 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Shead

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 6

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

Katahdin

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 9

Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Senior Cecilia Morin has played on the

the season. As one of the few seniors, she wants

Easton team since her freshman year. She

to drive these bonds with personal leadership,

acknowledges that the road hasn’t always

and be a “role model” to younger players.

been easy. “It’s just hard to go from having all those wins to trying to get just one,” Morin said.

Ultimately, Ferris said she was ready just to get out there and play. “I’m excited to build as a team, have some

But, she said, this year might be different.

fun, and definitely win some games,” Ferris said.

She was especially encouraged by the success of

The members of the Easton girls basketball

her team in the summer basketball tournament.

team for 2019-20 are seniors Lydia Ferris, Cecilia

In that tournament, she said the team had beaten

Morin and Michaella Pelletier; sophomores

some County teams they will play during the

Kaylee Boyce and Emma Lamoreau; freshman

regular season.

Grace Flewelling and Kenzie Legassie; and

Along with working on her shot, Senior

eighth-graders Amelia Bate and Grace Ellis.

Lydia Ferris said she was excited for her team to

Sophomore Maggie Currie and junior Matigan

build strong bonds with one another throughout

Dow will work as managers for the team.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

EASTON BOYS • BEARS WITH NEW COACH, TENACITY, EASTON BOYS BASKETBALL READY TO MAKE IT FAR BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

more than ready to get back on the court. Bradley Trask is the new coach of the Bears, replacing Cody Closson. Trask knows the

the University of Maine at Presque Isle shortly

basketball made him sure that he was ready to

after, he played on the men’s basketball team

take on new duties.

throughout his time as an undergraduate.

EASTON — With a new head coach, and a vow

school’s basketball program well: a proud Easton

Trask, who works as an optometrist, said

to improve on its early playoff exit last year, the

native, he played for the team throughout high

that while he had a few “nerves” about his new

2019-2020 Easton boys varsity basketball team is

school before graduating in 2009. Enrolling at

job, his extensive experience in the game of

“You’re going to make mistakes, whether you’ve been coaching for a year, or if you’ve been coaching for 30 years,” Trask said. Trask understandably wants his team to have a high winning percentage on the season, and to make it far in the playoffs. Yet, for him, winning isn’t all that high school basketball can offer his players. “I want to make sure the kids are improving, and enjoying the game,” Trask said. “Obviously we want to win, but I want them to have fun doing it.” While he thinks very highly of his team, both personally and athletically, every practice he

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Easton boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Malcom McDougall, Owen Nicholson, Kooper Kinney, Ben Currier and Kody Carter; and back, coach Brad Trask, Austin Carver, Ben Wipperman, Camden Michaud, Troy Chasse, Matt Pangburn, manager Lila McCrum and assistant coach Dan Warren. Not pictured are assistant coach Cody Humphrey, Seth Faloon, Kyle Flewelling, Madison Bubar, Paul Bonner, and manager Savannah Guess.

EASTON BOYS Dec. 9

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Easton

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

Central Aroostook

4:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Shead

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 18

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Katahdin

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Shead

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 6

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 5

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Follow your local High School Basketball teams on

Fiddleheadfocus.com

zeroes in on two areas of improvement: defense

“Just as long as Easton has the most points on

and “intensity.”

the scoreboard.”

Trask says many high school basketball

Last season, the Bears went 11-7, before

players think defense is when you tone it

losing to East Millinocket-based Schenck High

down and “catch your breath” in preparation

School in the preliminary playoffs in Bangor.

for offensive ball-handling. But he wants to

Senior guard Matthew Pangburn said that

turn that proposition on its head. He sees

while the early loss in the playoffs last year

defense not as a sideshow, but an easy avenue

“stung,” he and his team were ready to redeem

to victory.

themselves in the new season.

He admits that this quest is not always

“I’m excited to get back there and grow with

easy. He says the NBA players young players

the team. To be ready every day,” Pangburn said.

are watching, such as James Harden and Kyrie

Kooper Kinney, also a senior and guard, said

Irving, are not making it in the highlight

his team was rife with pride for their school. He

reel because of defensive prowess, but from

and his teammates planned on dedicating their

offensive fireworks.

season, as they did in the previous Easton boys

“Defense, with kids, you gotta just get em’ to

soccer season, to the memory of former Easton

buy in,” Trask said. “And we’re still working on it.”

Schools custodian Vance Smith, who died in a

Intensity is a much more abstract concept,

motorcycle crash in July.

but one that he continues to focus on. He wants

“There’s a lot of pride with Easton on the

the players to be giving 100 percent all the time.

front of your jersey,” Kinney said. “I love looking

He says he’s been happy with improvements he’s

back at the stadium and seeing your hometown

seen so far in this sector, but, as with defense,

cheering you on.”

there is always room for improvement.

The members of the Easton boys team are

Trask comes into the 2019-2020 season with a

seniors Troy Chasse, Seth Faloon, Kooper

team of relative veterans: the majority are juniors

Kinney, Malcolm McDougall, Matthew Pangburn

and seniors who have played varsity basketball

and juniors Paul Bonner, Madison Bubar, Kody

for three years or four years. He says he values

Carter, Austin Carver, Kyle Flewelling, Camden

their comradery and genuine selflessness that

Michaud, Owen Nicholson. Ben Currier and

they exhibit on-and-off the court.

Ben Wipperman are the only sophomores and

“They don’t care who scores,” Trask said.

freshmen on the team respectively.

Strength through unity – L’union fait la force

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Good Luck to all teams this basketball season!

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Z035

PRESQUE ISLE GIRLS • WILDCATS

PI GIRLS HAVE POTENTIAL, TOUGH SCHEDULE BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

“I think we have some potential, but that’s all it is right now,” he said following a preseason

ppg and led the Big East in 3-pointers. She was an

both from inside and out on the perimeter.

all-conference second team selection in 2018-19.

Jandreau has plenty of upside on both offense

tourney on Nov. 29 and 30. “We are inconsistent

“Faith is one of the best shooters around,”

PRESQUE ISLE — After reaching the Class B

on offensively and our defense does not create

Hudson said. “I am hoping she is going to expand

North semifinal round of the tournament an

offense, so I am worried about scoring.

her game to score more around the hoop and

Junior Rhylee Kinney is athletic and will be

“We are also weak with the ball and need

improve as a rebounder and playmaker. She has

a cog on the press and is also a capable scorer

astounding 10 years in a row, the Wildcat girls were unable to get that far last season.

and defense and her development will be a key factor in the Wildcats’ success.

to get tougher and stronger both physically

improved her defensive positioning and will be

and rebounder. Senior Anna Trombley is a

Presque Isle did reach the tournament, but

and mentally, but I think we have more team

asked to do a lot.”

heady player who is usually in the right spot and

the team was handily defeated by No. 1 Hermon

speed than last year and we have some 3-point

in the quarterfinals. When two senior starters

shooters,” he added.

Rebecca Rider, a senior, will play the post

does a lot of things to help the team.

and is coming off a solid preseason. Hudson

Junior Hattie Bubar will be asked to come

were lost for the season due to ACL injuries —

Presque Isle has two of the top players in the

said Rider, who averaged 5 rebounds per game

off the bench and hit 3-pointers against the zone.

Savannah Rodriguez during soccer and Sydney

conference back from last year in senior Maggie

last year, is looking to score more and has been

Jenna Sargent is another junior who can be an

Thompson during a preseason tournament

Castonguay and sophomore Faith Sjoberg.

outstanding as an offensive rebounder.

asset defensively. Sophomore Sadie LaPointe

— Coach Jeff Hudson said the Wildcats “were constantly fighting an uphill battle.”

Castonguay,

third-year

player

who

Among those competing for the other two

has a knack for collecting offensive rebounds and

averaged 11 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, is

starting spots are seniors Libby Moreau and

could see more time as her confidence increases.

PI did manage to finish over .500 overall at

an outstanding athlete who helps the team in a

Alaina Legassie, junior Meg Casavant and

Allison Himes, a senior, is a great team player

11-9 and defeated Orono in a home prelim game

number of ways, including rebounding, defending,

freshman Anna Jandreau.

who Hudson says does a little bit of everything.

to make it into the tourney field.

running, handling the ball and scoring.

Hudson, who begins his 21st season as the Wildcats’ coach, said this year’s schedule is as

“When Maggie keeps it simple and is scoring for us, we are a very tough team,” Hudson said.

Moreau is a strong athlete who will aid

“We have a lot of kids who have improved

the team with her rebounding and defensive

from last year,” said Hudson, who once again is

prowess. Legassie is a steady player who is

assisted by Ralph Michaud, “but if we are going

challenging as any of his prior teams have faced,

Sjoberg, is coming off a strong freshman

capable of scoring in different ways. Casavant is

to contend, we need to believe we are better than

so the squad will have to be ready every time out.

campaign in which she averaged a team-high 12.5

a smart player who also has a knack for scoring

our opponent and play with confidence.”

PRESQUE ISLE GIRLS

Staff photo / David Marino Jr. Members of Presque Isle girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Alana Legassie, Allison Himes, Faith Sjoberg, Maggie Castonguay, Hattie Bubar, Anna Trombley; and back, Coach Jeff Hudson, Manager Riley Davis, Sadie LaPointe, Rhylee Kinney, Libby Moreau, Rebecca Rider, Anna Jandreau, Meg Casavant, mgr. Carly Guerrette, JV Coach Tim McCue. Absent from photo: Assistant Coach Ralph Michaud.

Dec. 7

Old Town

3:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Waterville

3:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Washington Academy 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

Foxcroft Academy

TBD

Dec. 27

Mount Desert

5:00 p.m.

Dec. 28

Ellsworth

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Orono

TBD

Jan. 4

@ Waterville

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Hermon

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Old Town

12:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

John Bapst

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ Mount Desert

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Ellsworth

1:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ Foxcroft Academy 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 5

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Z037

PRESQUE ISLE BOYS • WILDCATS

LACK OF VETERAN PLAYERS MAY CHALLENGE PI BOYS BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

“He has really worked on getting stronger in

tallest player at 6-3. He will be counted on to

part of Cummings’ rotation.

the off-season, which should pay dividends for

rebound on both ends of the floor. McAtee plays

Splitting time between the varsity and JV

both him and the team,” said ninth-year coach

guard and has worked diligently during the off-

teams will be juniors Jacob Devine and Jude Mosher.

PRESQUE ISLE — If the Wildcat boys are to make

Terry Cummings. “Caleb can score the basketball,

season to improve his skills and Cummings feels

another trip to the Class B North tournament

but he will also be looked upon to make good

he is ready to take his game to the next level.

this season, they will have to rely on senior

decisions as he will draw the opponents’ best

Albertson is a hustling forward who can

one another, which is so important, so our team

guard Caleb Wheaton and a cast of otherwise

defender most games, so finding other guys will

be a solid inside presence, while Rideout is an

chemistry should be very good,” said Coach

inexperienced players to get them there.

be very important.”

undersized frontcourt player who does the little

Cummings.

Wheaton is the lone returning starter back

Cummings spent the preseason coming up

from last year’s team that went 8-10 during the

with the remainder of the starting group. Some of

Malachi Cummings, the coach’s son, is a

the team will often look to apply full-court

regular season and defeated Foxcroft Academy

the top candidates include senior returnees Sam

freshman who is expected to make an immediate

pressure and “everyone will have to do a good

in a hard-fought preliminary playoff game

Beaulieu and Nate Willett and sophomore Xavier

impact. He demonstrated the ability to get to the

job boxing out to make up for our lack of height.”

before falling to Hermon in the quarterfinals at

McAtee along with a pair of newcomers in senior

rim and be a scoring threat during the preseason.

Class B is full of talented teams, led by

the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The 2018-

Connor Albertson and junior Connor Rideout.

19 squad graduated eight players, with many playing key roles. Wheaton, who will be Presque Isle’s primary point guard, averaged nearly 12 points per game

things to help his team succeed.

“This year’s group gets along very well with

Rebounding is a concern, so the coach said

Senior Noah Flynn is an inside player who

defending state champion and rival Caribou.

Beaulieu was a defensive stopper a year ago

benefited from a full season of practicing with

Ellsworth and Hermon will both be solid, while

at the guard position and will be back in that

last year’s veteran group, but saw limited time

Houlton makes the jump up after appearing in

role, while also being expected to contribute

during games. That could change this season

the Class C state finals a year ago.

more on offense.

with his offensive abilities near the basket.

“We are very excited and optimistic about

as a junior, which was second on the Wildcats.

Willett and McAtee were both late-season

Other newcomers at the varsity level,

the group that we have,” Cummings said. “We’d

He led the team in 3-pointers made and was

call-ups to the varsity squad a year ago. Willett

juniors Mason Fletcher and Ben Ryan and

like to get back to Bangor and with a lot of hard

second in steals and assists.

is coming off a strong JV season and will be PI’s

sophomore Noah Yarema, are also looking to be

work, we feel we can accomplish that goal.”

PRESQUE ISLE BOYS

Staff photo / David Marino Jr. Members of Presque Isle boys basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Jacob Devine, Captain Caleb Wheaton, Captain Sam Beaulieu, Jude Mother, Xavier McAtee, Ben Ryan; and back, Assistant Coach David Whitaker, JV Coach William Guerrette, Manager Michaela York, Mason Fletcher, Connor Rideout, Malachi Cummings, Nathan Willett, Connor Albertson, Noah Yarema, Noah Flynn, Assistant Coach Greg Whitaker, Head Coach Terry Cummings. Absent from photo: Manager Abbie Yarema.

Dec. 7

Old Town

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 11

Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Waterville

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Washington Academy 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

Foxcroft Academy

TBD

Dec. 27

Mount Desert

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 28

Ellsworth

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Orono

TBD

Jan. 4

@ Waterville

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 8

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Hermon

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Old Town

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

John Bapst

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@Mount Desert

8:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Ellsworth

2:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

@ Foxcroft Academy 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 4

@ Houlton

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

FORT FAIRFIELD GIRLS • TIGERS FORT FAIRFIELD GIRLS BID FOR 22ND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer

“We always expect to compete with everyone we play against,” Gardner said. “Our team will

Cammi King-DeMerchant and Amber Sherwood.

schedule and is a perennial contender. The

The junior group consists of Brenna

teams will meet again on Dec. 27 in the Maine

work hard and wants to return to Bangor, but

LeVasseur,

Kennedy

Basketball Hall of Fame Christmas Classic at

FORT FAIRFIELD — From an enrollment

will have to learn each other’s strengths and

Bencivenga, Hunter Perkins and Shantelle

the site of the North tournament — the Cross

perspective, the Tigers have one of the smallest

build team chemistry to be able to compete.”

Smith, while the sophomores are Camrya Ala,

Insurance Center in Bangor.

Class C programs in the state. Yet last year’s

Gardner said early-season workouts have

team got into the tournament field with a 14-4

indicated the team appears ready for the rigors

regular season record and hopes to make a

of the regular season.

return trip this season.

“I

our

competitiveness

Kourtney

West,

Sarah McShea and Eva Callioras. New to the Tiger roster are freshmen Kassidy Gorneault, Jayde McKenney and Ryan Reischi.

and

“This is a great opportunity to be able to play at the Cross Center and I know all our players are excited for this opportunity,” Gardner said.

our

John Ala and Becky West are assistant

Gardner also expects Central Aroostook,

Last year, Fort Fairfield finished seventh in

chemistry, but we still have a lot of areas to

coaches under Gardner. Ala is a veteran coach

Katahdin, Fort Kent and Hodgdon to be among

the standings and defeated Penquis, 61-57, in the

work on and we will continue to try to improve

in the Tigers’ athletic program, currently

the stronger teams on this year’s schedule.

prelim round of the playoffs. The Tigers then fell

each practice and game,” he said. “I do like our

leading both the girls soccer and boys baseball

“We want to be better today than yesterday,

to Dexter in the quarterfinals by a score of 47-25.

athleticism, attitude and work ethic and we do

teams, while West has prior experience as a

and better tomorrow than we are today,” Gardner

Coach Larry Gardner has taken his team

have some quickness, along with players who

varsity coach in Limestone with the LCS/MSSM

said. “Our goal is to take one game at a time and

to the postseason in each of his first 21 years at

can shoot the ball, some who can rebound the

girls squad.

compete as hard as we can for that game.

the helm of the girls squad. With many players

ball and some good ball handlers as well.”

back, Fort Fairfield is looking to extend that impressive streak.

The Tigers opened the season at home

“We will have to have huge contributions

Three seniors, all of whom saw extensive

against the Woodland Dragons back on Dec. 7.

from all our players in order to compete in Class

playing time last year, are back in Riley Clough,

Woodland is a new opponent on Fort Fairfield’s

C,” he added.

FORT FAIRFIELD GIRLS

Contributed photo Members of the Fort Fairfield girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Brenna LeVasseur, Kourtney West, Amber Sherwood, Riley Clough, Cammi King-Demerchant, Shantelle Simon, and Camryn Ala; and back, coach Larry Gardner, manager Kira Rogers, Ryan Reischl, Jayde McKenney, Eva Callioras, Hunter Perkins, Kassidy Gorneault, Kennedy Bencivenga, Sarah McShea, Manager Olivia Langner, and assistant coach Becky West.

Dec. 4

@ Southern Aroostook 5:00 p.m.

Dec. 7

Woodland

2:30 p.m.

Dec. 10

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 13

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 27

Woodland

2:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Wisdom

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Easton

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ Central Aroostook 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27

Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4

Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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FORT FAIRFIELD BOYS • TIGERS FORT FAIRFIELD BOYS READY TO MAKE HOMETOWN PROUD BY DAVID MARINO JR. Staff Writer

game of basketball. He played it himself in his

said he has begun to videotape practices. He

balance a basketball or play defense or rebound.

youth and said he had coached locally, on-and-

plans to do the same for games.

It is also about this entire community.”

off, since the early 1980s. He uses these analytical

FORT FAIRFIELD — This time last year, the Fort

skills to measure and beat the competition.

“I want them to be able to see what they’re

Chase Griffeth, a senior, said he was excited

doing on the floor instead of just talking about

to get back on the floor and set his team up for

it all the time,” McLaughlin said. “We have the

a good playoff run. With a similar roster to last

technology, so I feel like I need to use it.”

year’s team, he is looking forward to being able

Fairfield boys basketball team had nearly the

He is quickly able to name off facts about

same roster. That team, led by first-year coach

each of the teams on his schedule. Sumner is a

Vaughn McLaughlin, went far, gathering a 12-6

hard game because they have a “real deal” kid

McLaughlin’s basketball ethos goes beyond

record and making it to the playoffs.

who is 6-foot-7. Penobscot Valley will be a tough

the game itself, however. While he said he could

“It feels like the exact same team, so that’s

game because of the increased “size,” many of

be aggressive and even “intense” in his quest for

an advantage,” Griffeth said. “We don’t feel loss

the kids acquire from the football program.

success, he also makes a concentrated effort to

anywhere.”

Yet, the Tigers lost in the preliminary round of the playoffs to a Sumner team that had massive offensive production in the fourth quarter.

He said his team would be able to succeed

drive leadership skills into players.

to build upon last year’s success.

The members of the 2019-2020 Fort Fairfield

McLaughlin said this year is different. While it

on athletic ability alone. It is their basketball

He said that he and the Fort Fairfield

boys basketball team are seniors Chase

is the same cadre of kids, they are now older, wiser,

IQ that will help them dominate the competition

basketball program were trying to build a

Griffeth, Grayden Griffeth, Wyatt Keegan,

and more experienced than they were before.

this year, and accomplish his goal of improving

“culture of collaboration,” in which students

Colby Langner and Dawson Watson; juniors

on their 12 wins last year.

play with a higher purpose in mind.

Kadin Barnes, Avery Cormier and Kobe West;

“I only had one player last year that had any varsity time,” McLaughlin said. “Now, I have six or seven kids.”

“We have to do it with skill level,” McLaughlin said. “Not body weight or body mass.”

“I tell kids that there are younger kids

sophomores Dominik Barnes-Garcia, Chase

watching them play and that are watching

Coiley, Josh Gill, Zachary McShea and Alex

McLaughlin’s work often seems cut out for

It may be simpler than ever for players to

them drive their pick-up out of the parking lot,”

Oakes; and freshmen Zak Gerhauser and

him. He is first and foremost a student of the

work on areas of improvement, as McLaughlin

McLaughlin said. “It’s not just about how you

Blake Senal.

FORT FAIRFIELD BOYS

Contributed photo Members of Fort Fairfield boys basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Colby Langner, Chase Coiley, Kobe West, Dawson Watson, Wyatt Keegan, Avery Cormier, Chase Griffeth; and back, Coach Vaughn Mclaughlin, Zak Gerhauser, Alex Oakes, Blake Senal, Josh Gill, Dominik Barnes-Garcia, Assistant Coach Cody Closson. Not pictured: Grayden Griffeth, Kadin Barnes, Zachary McShea.

Dec. 6

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

Woodland

12:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Washburn

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 3

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 6

GHCA

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

Woodland

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 21

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 27

Washburn

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 29

Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 4

GHCA

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

WASHBURN GIRLS • BEAVERS

STRONG JUNIOR GROUP KEYS WASHBURN GIRLS BY KEVIN SJOBERG Contributing Writer WASHBURN — The Beaver girls are now five

Class D ranks from 2011 to 2015.

of the tournament.

strides. She can be a force as a rebounder and

The team has had three different coaches

Last season, the Beavers went 8-10 to finish

since, with the current one, Jon Poisson, in year

eighth in the standings and then defeated

No. 3 at the helm of the program.

Wisdom in a home prelim game. That led to

Raegyn Chavez possesses a strong overall

a decisive quarterfinal loss to eventual state

game and is a perimeter scoring threat, while

champion Southern Aroostook.

Emerson Turner can also shoot from the outside

seasons removed from completing one of the

Washburn has managed to reach the post-

most impressive runs in Maine schoolgirl

season every year since its last state title, but

basketball history, having won gold balls in the

has never made it beyond the semifinal round

“We had a few midseason departures from

offense so far this season.

and will be expected to help out on the glass.

the team and the season didn’t turn out the way

Freshman Emily Jackson should provide

we hoped, but sometimes you learn more from

a spark defensively. Other team members are

losing than winning,” Poisson said. “We have

sophomore Layla Harris and eighth-graders

improved our record the past two seasons and

Chelsea Hobbs and Nishelle Kelley.

we want to continue that trend.”

“I feel this group will bring it this year on

In order to do that and get into the tourney

both sides of the ball,” Poisson said. “They have

this year, Poisson needs a big effort from the

come in since opening day determined to learn

Beavers talented and experienced junior class.

and improve from the day before and that work

Washburn will greatly miss 1,000-point

ethic is very encouraging, so I’m excited.”

scorer Kassie Farley, who is now playing

The Beavers opened the regular season

collegiately at the University of Maine at

with a rematch against the Southern Aroostook

Presque Isle.

Warriors. Washburn also has two games each

However, five players — all juniors who saw

against Central Aroostook, Fort Fairfield and

quality minutes — return and figure to make up

Madawaska, all Class C tourney teams a year ago.

this year’s starting lineup.

Poisson is looking forward to the two regular

“Roles are expanding from last year and the players getting used to that is my biggest concern,” Poisson said.

Staff photo / Chris Bouchard Members of the Washburn girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Kyli Farley, Emma Johnston, Chelsea Hobbs, and Layla Harris; and back, Emily Jackson, Trinity SaucierPellecer, Emerson Turner, Raegyn Chavez, Nishelle Kelley, and Head Coach Jon Poisson.

the coach said she has shown a lot of growth on

season games against Ashland, which is led by former Beaver coach Diana Trams. Poisson said the key factors this season

Emma Johnston is a steady ball handler and

for his squad to enjoy a successful season are

solid defender, while Kyli Farley possesses a

limiting turnovers, showing hustle and great

strong basketball IQ and can score inside.

effort every time out, and getting contributions

Poisson said although Trinity Saucier-

from everyone on the floor.

Pellicer is only in her third season of playing organized basketball, she has made tremendous

WASHBURN GIRLS Dec. 6

@ Southern Aroostook 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 9

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 10

@ Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

@ Central Aroostook 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

Southern Aroostook

2:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Easton

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 23

@ Wisdom

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20

Central Aroostook

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Katahdin

1:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Katahdin

12:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5

Easton

5:30 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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WASHBURN BOYS • BEAVERS

WASHBURN BOYS HOPING FOR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT BY KEVIN SJOBERG Staff Writer

The Beavers finished ninth in the Class D North standings last winter and lost to Van Buren in a road prelim contest.

were open heading into the regular season. Junior Damien Douglass is a defensiveminded player, while freshman Ben Turner is

Shawn Helton, sophomores Adam Boot and Kevin Nader and freshmen Derek Cruz, Parker Corey and Mitchell Turner.

WASHBURN — The Beavers went from being

Junior Aidan Churchill and senior Colby

an 0-18 team two seasons ago to climb to a six-

Hewitt will make up the Beavers’ starting

win total and a playoff berth during the 2018-

backcourt. Churchill (8 points per game last

Juniors Shayne Scott (6-1) and Devin

which Hartford feels will lead to being able to

19 campaign.

year) is a third-year starter at point guard

Dionne (6-2) give the team good size up front.

compete more consistently for a better seeding

and has been impressive early on. Hewitt (5

This is Scott’s first go-around at the high school

for the playoffs.

ppg) has dropped 20 pounds from last year

level after being a consistent attendee at this

“We are teaching a new offensive philosophy

That leap has coach Mike Hartford excited about what’s in store for this year’s squad.

smart and blends in well with Churchill and Hewitt in the backcourt.

Washburn has a different schedule than in years past, with more Class D teams on the slate

“We are on the cusp of getting back in the

so his quickness has improved and he has

year’s summer program. His length makes him

and adding a new defensive scheme, and that

thick of the tournament,” predicted Hartford a

shown improved ball-handling skills as well.

a stout defender near the rim and he can also

should bode well for our personnel,” Hartford

week into preseason workouts. “My returning

Hartford said the duo has entered the season

score inside. Dionne, a transfer from Central

said. “My hope is that we can use some of our

players got a taste of what we can achieve with

on a mission to excel.

Aroostook, is rugged and has good hands with

quickness and athleticism to turn mistakes by

the ability to score from the post.

our opponents into quick, easy offense.”

the right desire and work ethic after we proved

After suffering a major knee injury during

we are a capable team that can compete and

the final game of last season, sophomore

“With Beckham, Shayne and Devin, we

win games.

Beckham Vaughn (6 ppg, 4 rebounds per game)

have some size that we have not had in a few

“This group does not want to go backwards

has been cleared to play and should be a reliable

seasons,” Hartford said. “We can change lineups

this season and they are dedicated to pushing

scorer and rebounder after working hard to get

depending on the matchups, which is a nice

themselves to attempt to exceed last season’s

back on the court.

option to have.”

success,” he added.

The other two remaining starting spots

Rounding out the Beaver roster are junior

WASHBURN BOYS

Staff photo / Chris Bouchard Members of the Washburn boys basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Kevin Nader, Damien Douglass, Colby Hewitt, Aidan Churchill, and Shawn Helton; and back, coach Mike Hartford, manager Madison Miller, Parker Corey, Mitchell Turner, Ben Turner, Devin Dionne, Beckam Vaughn, Derek Cruz, Adam Boot, manager Emily Driscoll, and assistant coach Andy Churchill. Shane Scott is absent from the photo.

Dec. 6

@ Southern Aroostook 5:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

@ Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Katahdin

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

Southern Aroostook

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 23

@ Wisdom

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Katahdin

12:00 p.m.

Jan. 27

@ Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 5

Easton

7:00 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

EAST GRAND GIRLS • VIKINGS

YOUTH WILL CARRY EAST GRAND ON THE COURT THIS SEASON BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer DANFORTH

— If this year’s varsity girls

basketball roster is any indication, the future of girls basketball at East Grand High School is in good hands. The Vikings have just one senior, two

“We are trying to build a different attitude

for the Vikings starting as an eighth-grader

member of the squad at about 5-feet, 7 inches,

and culture into the program this year,” Cropley

herself. She will be called upon to provide key

Espenscheild will likely anchor the low post and

said. “We are really looking at two or three years

veteran leadership for the squad.

be one of the team’s top rebounders this year.

down the road of being a lot more competitive with the goal of reaching Bangor.”

“We need to use her experience and

The fifth starting spot will likely fluctuate

leadership this year,” coach Cropley said.

between juniors Oliver and Lindsey, depending

East Grand struggled through a winless

“Jordyn is a scrappy and aggressive player who

on the opponent, while Davis will probably be

season a year ago, but Cropley is optimistic the

doesn’t give up. All of the younger girls look up

the first player off the bench, the coach said.

wins will come this year.

to her. She makes my job a lot easier.”

Cropley admits the Vikings cannot get into

juniors, three freshmen and four eighth-

Members of East Grand girls basketball team

Coach Cropley said Foss and Madeline

graders on the roster this season and many of

are senior, Jordyn Cowger; juniors Madisyn

Cowger will likely be starters to begin the

the younger players will be key contributors

Oliver and Faith Lindsey; freshmen Phoebe Foss,

season. Foss is a good defender who plays

“We are trying to rely on our defense and

from the onset, according to new head coach

Madeline Cowger and Emma Davis; and eighth-

aggressively, while Madeline Cowger has a nice

overall speed on the floor,” Cropley said. “We are

Anthony Cropley.

graders Victoria Gilman, Jayden Williams,

perimeter shot that should only get better the

not going to outshoot teams. So we are banking

Danlen Espenscheild and Kayla MacClellen.

stronger she becomes.

on being a tough, gritty, defending team.”

Cropley takes over the program from Mike Carlos, who led the Vikings for seven seasons with several postseason appearances.

The Vikings will rely heavily on their lone

Espenscheild, coach Cropley’s step-daughter,

senior, Jordyn Cowger, who is a five-year player

will also start as an eight-grader. The tallest

fast-paced, high-scoring affairs if they want to succeed this year.

Assisting Cropley this year is Tammi Matula.

EAST GRAND GIRLS

Photo courtesy of Holly Dicker Members of East Grand girls basketball team for 2019-20 are, front from left, Victoria Gilman, Jordyn Cowger, Emma Davis and Jayden Williams; and back, coach Anthony Cropley, Faith Lindsey, Phoebe Foss, Madeline Cowger, Danlen Espenscheild, Kayla MacClellen, Madisyn Oliver and assistant coach Tammi Matula.

Dec. 10

@ Southern Aroostook 5:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Madawaska

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Wisdom

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 18

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Ashland

1:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Shead

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Madawaska

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Van Buren

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Katahdin

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 22

Ashland

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 24

Van Buren

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

Wisdom

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 27

@ Katahdin

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 29

Hodgdon

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 31

Shead

5:00 p.m.

Feb. 3

Southern Aroostook

6:00 p.m.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Z045

HODGDON GIRLS • HAWKS

HAWK GIRLS READY FOR NEXT STEP BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

for the past two seasons, but has not been to

Valley, a team that advanced all the way to the

Vickie Porter (forward), Sadie Thompson

Bangor for tournament action for a number

state championship, and fell short 49-30 in the

(guard), and Marissa Dow (guard).

of years. Getting over that hump of an early

preliminary round.

HODGDON — Is this the year that the Hodgdon

postseason exit is one of the team’s top

girls basketball team takes the next step and

priorities this season.

plays a tournament game in Bangor? Veteran coach Wendell Harvey, who is now in his fourth year with the Hawks, certainly hopes so. And with a bundle of talented players on his squad, that optimism is easily understandable. Hodgdon has qualified for the postseason

Coach Harvey lost just one player, Kora

Members of the Hawk squad are seniors Autumn

Ganzel

(forward)

and

Lauren

Lambert, to graduation a year ago, but she was a key member of the Hawks known for her

“We are looking forward to a very competitive

McGillicuddy (guard); juniors Emma Drew

season,” coach Harvey said. “We will be working

(guard), Sabra Scott (guard/forward), Kylee

The four remaining starters from last season —

hard to get another playoff game this year.”

Mooers (center) and Allison Winship (forward);

Drew, Scott, Mooers and Ganzel — should be poised

sophomores Monique Polchies (center) and

for even bigger things this year with another year of

were ranked 13th in Class C North. Hodgdon

Kaelyn

varsity experience under their belts.

drew the tough card of facing No. 5 Penobscot

Madison Smith (guard), Brianna Caler (guard),

The Hawks finished 10-8 a year ago and

Lawlor

(forward),

and

freshmen

remarkable rebounding prowess.

Drew is a strong defender and will likely be called upon to be the team’s primary ball handler. Scott is a good offensive player and solid defender, while Mooers (at 6-feet, 1-inch) is the team’s tallest player and will see the bulk of her scoring come from the post. Ganzel is a strong defender who can also rebound and runs the floor well. The freshmen group could also surprise many this year as they bring athleticism to the team. The Hawks play a tough Class C schedule, which features Houlton, Madawaska and Fort Kent, but must also contend with several strong Class D opponents, including two-time defending state champs Southern Aroostook and Katahdin. “We will look to play tough defense while trying to push the ball a little more this year on offense,” he said. “We are looking to improve

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Hodgdon girls basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Emma Drew, Brianna Caler, Vickie Porter, Sadie Thompson, Marissa Dow and Madison Smith; and back, Kaelyn Lawlor, Autumn Ganzel, Sabra Scott, Kylee Mooers, Monique Polchies, Lauren McGillicuddy, Allie Winship and coach Wendell Harvey.

HODGDON GIRLS Dec. 6

Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Fort Kent

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 13

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 9

@ Southern Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

Van Buren

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 18

East Grand

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

Fort Kent

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 20

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 22

Southern Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 29

@ East Grand

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Katahdin

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 4

Ashland

7:00 p.m.

our defense this year. We will be

looking

to press more in hopes of getting some easy transition baskets.”

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

HODGDON BOYS • HAWKS

HAWK BOYS HOPING FOR A RETURN TO POSTSEASON FORM BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

Matthew Oliver, Hodgdon’s all-time leading scorer with more than 2,000 career points, has

Hawks will be competitive this season and

Walker Oliver, the team’s lone freshman and the

hopefully gel in time for a postseason push.

coach’s son. Oliver is an excellent shooter and ball

taken the helm of the boys varsity basketball

“We will be competitive with most of the

handler and will be pressed into varsity action

HODGDON — A new era could be happening for

team. He replaces Rob Smith, who guided the

teams we play this year,” he said. “Only one

early in his career. Jackman is a strong rebounder

the Hodgdon boys basketball team this season as

Hawks for nine seasons.

member of our team has significant varsity

and is solid around the basket, while Hipsley is

Oliver, who was hired as the Hodgdon Mill

experience, so I’m anticipating it will take us

very quick and could lead the team in steals.

Pond School principal last summer, said the

several games to develop individual players’

Tapley is a solid defender, who can execute

confidence levels and to acclimate to the pace

on the fast break, and is very good at the mid-

and physicality of varsity basketball.”

range shot and Caron is a strong offensive

the Hawks have a new head coach and a bundle of new players to compete.

The Hawks roster features seniors Seth

The Hawks finished 6-12 last season and

Josh Foster (guard), Josh Caler (guard), Dameon

ranked 17th in Class C North, failing to make the

Sanders (forward); junior Isaac Jurson (center);

postseason for the second straight season. Coach

sophomores TJ Fitzpatrick (forward), Troy

Oliver is hoping to reverse that trend this year.

Hipsley (guard), Colton Folsom (forward), Colin

The Hawks have good quickness, hustle and

Caron (forward), Caleb Nash (forward); and

work ethic, which should bode well for the team

freshman Walker Oliver (guard).

as a whole.

Of this group, only Foster logged any quality

“Since our team has very little actual

minutes with the varsity team last season and

varsity level experience, we will structure our

will look to use his strong defensive abilities to

practices and game experiences to consistently

guard the opponent’s top scorers. He could also

improve upon ball control, limiting turnovers

be a dual threat and lead the team in scoring.

as the season progresses, and understanding

“We will look for Josh to exhibit leadership and his tremendous intensity,” coach Oliver

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Hodgdon boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are front row from left, Troy Hipsley, TJ Fitzpatrick, Josh Foster and Walker Oliver; and back, coach Matthew Oliver, Seth Tapley, Tristan Jackman, Isaac Jurson, Colton Folsom, Michael Sanders, Caleb Nash and Colin Caron.

HODGDON BOYS Dec. 6

Madawaska

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 9

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 3

@ Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

GHCA

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

@ Easton

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

@ Katahdin

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

Fort Kent

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

Fort Kent

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 21

Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

@ Van Buren

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

@Madawaska

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 26

Southern Aroostook

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27

GHCA

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

Katahdin

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Southern Aroostook 5:30 p.m.

rebounder and shooter.

Tapley (forward), Tristan Jackman (forward),

individual roles on offense and defense,” Coach Oliver said.

said. “He will be a great role model for the rest

Playing in the competitive Class C North

of our team and if they can strive to reach his

division, the Hawks should not expect any

level of effort and performance, everyone will

easy wins this season. Fort Fairfield, Central

become a more well-rounded teammate as the

Aroostook, Fort Kent, and Southern Aroostook

season rolls on.”

will be among the team’s toughest foes on the

Other potential starting players include

hardwood, the coach said.

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GHCA BOYS • EAGLES

EAGLES HOPE TO BUILD ON LAST SEASON’S SUCCESSES BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer HOULTON — Coming off a historic season,

opportunity, beating No. 6 Southern Aroostook

Carmichael, Jeremy Stone and Austin Winslow;

upon as the season progresses is limiting

54-44 in the quarterfinals and nearly pulling

sophomores Brock Thompson and Silas Graham;

turnovers and showing patience on offense. “I

off an upset over No. 2 Jonesport-Beals in the

and freshman Drew Duttweiler.

really emphasize the fundamentals with the

semifinal, before ultimately falling 66-53.

“Size is probably one of our more noticeable

boys,” he said. “I want our defense to win our

which saw the Greater Houlton Christian

“With the loss of Isaac Potter and Cole

strengths,” the coach said. “Over the summer,

games for us.”

Academy boys basketball team win its first-ever

Winslow from last year (to graduation), we lost

the boys seem to have each grown a substantial

GHCA will once again play the bulk of its

tournament game in Bangor, it would be easy to

some very important roles and leadership,” coach

amount. With that some players may be moving

schedule on the road as the team has no home

rest on that success.

Day said. “I’m hoping that new players will step up

positions, assuming new roles, and adjusting to

gym to call its own. The team has just five “home”

But that is not the expectation for second-year

and be leaders for the younger guys on our team

their new roles.”

games scheduled this year, with those games

varsity coach Matt Day and the rest of the Eagles.

and also strong leaders for other young people in

At 6-feet, 4-inches, Brewer is the tallest

“Hopefully we will pick up where we left

the school. I hope our players will all adapt to their

Eagle on the roster and should be poised for a

The Eagles have a number of tough teams

off last year,” coach Day said. “I’m hoping to

new roles on the team and all nine of our players

tremendous senior season as the team’s focal

in their division with Southern Aroostook and

capitalize on the experience we have as a group

will contribute in any way possible.”

point. Austin (a 6-2 forward), Winslow (5-11

Easton leading the way. GHCA also plays some

to try and further our success in the playoffs.”

being played at Hodgdon Middle-High School.

But many of the players from last year’s

guard) and Stone (5-10 guard) are competent

strong Class C foes in Hodgdon, Woodland and

The Eagles finished 15-2 last season, which

squad are back for another run this year, which

shooters who thrive behind the 3-point arc, while

Fort Kent, which should help prep the team for a

earned them the No. 3 seed in Class D North

should bode well for the Eagles this season. This

Carmichael (a 6-1 forward) will contribute from

potential playoff run.

and a bye directly to the Cross Insurance

year’s squad features seniors Parker Brewer,

the post and should be a big rebounding option.

Center in Bangor. GHCA made the most of the

Will Austin and Ethan Grant; juniors Joel

Coach Day said one area he wants to improve

GHCA BOYS

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Greater Houlton Christian Academy boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Drew Duttweiler, Ethan Grant, Jeremy Stone, Austin Winslow and Brock Thompson; and back, coach Matt Day, Joel Carmichael, Will Austin, Parker Brewer and Silas Graham.

Dec. 6

@ Ashland

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 9

@ Katahdin

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 12

@ Woodland

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

@ Southern Aroostook 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 18

Fort Kent

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

Van Buren

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Wisdom

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 6

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 8

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Van Buren

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

@ Southern Aroostook 6:00 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ Woodland

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

Ashland

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 27

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

@ Shead

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Wisdom

1:30 p.m.

Feb. 4

@ Fort Fairfield

5:30 p.m.

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

Go Eagles! Soar This Season!

Preschool — Grade 12 27 School Street, Houlton, ME 04730

Voice: (207) 532-0736 office@ghca.com

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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HOULTON GIRLS • SHIRES

HOULTON GIRLS MAKE JUMP TO CLASS B BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

championship, with Houlton winning the gold

is a bit of a concern and moving back up to

said. Barton is nursing a foot injury sustained

ball in the 2015-16 season.

Class B with a very competitive schedule [is

during soccer season, but coach Graham is

another concern].”

hopeful she will be able to return at some point

“I believe this team can make a bid for

HOULTON — In his 16th season as the Houlton

tournament play come February, if we can play

Graham said his starting lineup is mostly

varsity girls basketball coach, Shawn Graham

with passion every night, turn up the defensive

set with Mia Henderson, Olivia Henderson,

may be facing his toughest challenge yet.

pressure and be confident in our abilities,”

Worthley, Ewings locks to start games. The

Consistency on the court should be the

coach Graham said.

fifth spot is currently up for grabs and may vary

Shires strength this season. “We also have

between Howe, Warman and Buzzeo depending

solid guard play, perimeter shooting, and

on the opponent.

experience,” coach Graham said. “I also like

The Shires are moving back up to the Class

later in the year and will make an immediate impact when she does return.

B North division for the first time since the

Last year, Houlton finished 9-9 and were the

2016-17 season, which means changes to the

No. 8 seed in the Class C North playoffs. Houlton

team’s schedule are in the works. Houlton has

lost to No. 9 Stearns 50-32 in a preliminary

Mia Henderson averaged 12 points and

traditionally played Class B foes Presque Isle

playoff game at home. All players are returning

5.3 rebounds per game as a freshman. Olivia

Some of the areas to improve upon as the

and Caribou, but this year will see even more B

from that squad, which should add a layer of

Henderson, the team’s point guard, averaged

year progresses are taking care of the basketball,

opponents with Ellsworth, Mount Desert Island,

consistency for the program.

6.3 points, 2.2 turnovers and led the team in

cutting down on turnovers, team defense and

3-pointers with 16, also as a freshman.

rebounding, Graham said.

Old Town, John Bapst, Washington Academy and Foxcroft Academy added to the mix.

The Shires roster features seniors Abbie

our depth this year.”

Worthley, Teagan Ewings, Samantha Condon

Worthley has been with the varsity team

Waterville is likely to be the favorite in Class

Those additions mean Houlton will not

and Kennedy Buzzeo; juniors Morgan Graham,

all four years and averaged 7.5 points and an

B North, with Old Town and Hermon also in the

be facing as many County foes this year

Emma Ardell and Rebecca Howe; sophomores

impressive 90 percent from the free throw line.

top four. Presque Isle and MDI should also be

as Hodgdon and Southern Aroostook were

Olivia Henderson, Mia Henderson and Breanne

Howe was a solid contributor last season with

tough opponents, the coach said.

dropped from the schedule.

Barton; and freshmen Drew Warman and

8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while

Emma Swallow.

Ewings averaged 7.2 points.

Houlton spent two years in the Class B division in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. Both

“We are very small, with not a player over

Other players who will see lots of minutes are

of those years saw the Shires reach the state

5-feet 8-inches,” the coach said. “Rebounding

Condon, Ardell, Graham and Swallow, the coach

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Houlton girls basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Teagan Ewings, Savannah Soucy, Emma Swallow, Drew Warman, Olivia Henderson and Emma Ardell; and back, Breanne Barton, Rebecca Howe, Abbie Worthley, Mia Henderson, Kennedy Buzzeo, Samantha Condon and Morgan Graham. Not pictured are coach Shawn Graham and assistant coaches Jon Solomon and Clyde Warman.

Assisting Graham on the sidelines again this season are Clyde Warman and Jon Solomon.

HOULTON GIRLS Dec. 7

Mount Desert Island 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 10

@ Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Hermon

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 17

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Ellsworth

2:00 p.m.

Dec. 27

Old Town

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

John Bapst

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

Stearns

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Foxcroft Academy 3:00 p.m.

Jan. 8

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ John Bapst

TBD

Jan. 14

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

Washington Academy 3:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Old Town

3:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

Orono

2:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Stearns

7:00 p.m.

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HOULTON BOYS • SHIRES

HOULTON BOYS RELOAD FOR ANOTHER TITLE RUN BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

will succeed.

Houlton lost three players — Nolan Porter,

season-ending ACL injury during the regular

“We have a bunch of young kids that we are

Nick Brewer and Ben Grant — from that squad

season. Foley has fully recovered from that

trying to mix in with the veterans we have,” he

to graduation, but gained several younger

injury and recently completed a successful

HOULTON — The Houlton boys basketball

said. “We have some kids who will have to step

players to help fill in.

soccer season for the Shires.

team made tremendous strides on the court last

up and fill some voids from last year.”

season, advancing all the way to the state Class

seniors Keegan Gentle, Jaron Gentle

“Right now, I am looking at an eight-man

and

rotation with Keegan, Cameron, Drew, Jaron,

Class C North and beat No. 13 Lee Academy

Cameron Callnan; juniors Hunter Sennett and

Collin, Isaiah, Caleb and Jadon,” coach Brewer

And while the outcome was not what the

74-55 in a preliminary game; crushed No. 5

Drew Foley; sophomores Collin Moody Isaiah

said. “It is just a matter of players getting

team, or veteran coach Tim Brewer, had hoped

Penobscot Valley 72-32 in the quarterfinals;

Gentle, Gage Bartlett, Jadon Gentle, Caleb

familiar with their roles and how to fit in.”

for the experience gained from such a run

defeated No. 8 Sumner 60-34 in the semifinals;

Solomon and Nolan Hodgkins; and freshman

should pay dividends this season. Coach Brewer

and beat No. 3 George Stevens Academy 54-

Cody Johnston.

is embarking on his fourth season with the

34 for the Class C North title. In the state

Many of those players were key figures in

Houlton will see tough competition from Mount

Shires, and 19th overall coaching high school

championship, Houlton played valiantly but

last year’s championship run. But Foley missed

Desert Island, Hermon, Ellsworth, Old Town,

basketball, and is optimistic this year’s squad

ultimately fell to Winthrop 61-49.

out on that postseason run as he suffered a

Washington Academy and John Bapst.

C championship game.

Last season, the Shires finished fourth in

Members of the Houlton boys roster are

Brewer said the move to Class B will be another challenge his team must overcome as

“I expect games to be a little more physical with better competition night in and night out,” he said. “We will have to bring our ‘A’ game every night if we are going to get wins.” Assisting coach Brewer again this season is Travis Gentle.

HOULTON BOYS

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Houlton boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Collin Moody, Cody Johnston, Hunter Sennett, Isaac Gentle, Gage Bartlett and Jaron Gentle; and back, Noah Hodgkins, Jadon Gentle, Caleb Solomon, Drew Foley, Keegan Gentle and Cameron Callnan. Not pictured are coach Tim Brewer and assistant coach Travis Gentle.

Dec. 7

Mount Desert Island 3:00 p.m.

Dec. 11

@ Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Hermon

3:00 p.m.

Dec. 16

Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 18

Central Aroostook

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Ellsworth

12:30 p.m.

Dec. 27

Old Town

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

John Bapst

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Foxcroft Academy 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

@ Stearns

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ John Bapst

TBD

Jan. 13

Stearns

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

Washington Academy 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ Caribou

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

@ Old Town

12:30 p.m.

Feb. 1

Orono

4:00 p.m.

Feb. 4

Presque Isle

7:00 p.m.

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KATAHDIN GIRLS • COUGARS ‘TIGHT-KNIT’ COUGARS PREP FOR SEASON WITH NEW COACH BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

the players were members of McAvoy’s soccer

another guard who can pester teams on defense,

Last year, Katahdin finished sixth in Class

team this past fall.

while Libby is one of the most versatile Cougars,

D North with a 9-9 regular season record.

capable of playing guard and small forward.

The Cougars earned a bye directly to Bangor,

Members of the Katahdin girls basketball

STACYVILLE — A new, but familiar face will be

team for 2019-20 season are seniors Lily Cullen

The sophomore group of Hartsgrove, Beyer

seen prowling the sidelines of Katahdin girls

and Jordyn Gardner; junior Danielle Libby;

and Maizy Cullen (Lily’s younger sister), have

basketball games this season.

sophomores

Makayla

Hartsgrove,

where they lost to No. 3 Woodland, 59-33 in the quarterfinal round.

Emiley

been playing basketball together since the second

McAvoy said he believes the Cougars will be

Shaun McAvoy, a veteran coach at Katahdin

Beyer and Maizy Cullen; and freshmen Isabelle

grade, the coach said. “Those three really play

able to compete with just about anyone in Class

who also guides the Cougar girls soccer team, has

Brownlee, Autumn McGraw, Natalie Green,

well together,” he said. “It should be fun to watch

D North. “We will try to push the ball a bit more

taken over the program from Jona Fitzpatrick,

Chloe Rickards, Maggie O’Hara, Alexis Gardiner

because they really understand the game.”

this year,” he said. “My biggest thing is I want

who stepped down after seven years with the club.

and Emily Krafve.

The large group of freshmen may also be

the girls to learn how to play great defense. So

“Being an assistant coach for four years

Lilly Cullen, Gardner and Libby will make

pressed into action sooner rather than later, the

many teams get away from that and focus on the

under Jona has really helped me get to know the

up three-fifths of the starting lineup. Who the

coach said. Leading that class will be Brownlee,

3-pointer or try to score a lot of points. My theory

kids,” coach McAvoy said. “This is a tight-knit

other two starters will be remains up in the

who could see serious minutes on varsity this year.

is if they can’t score, they are not going to win.”

group that really seems to like each other and

air. Lily Cullen has served as the Cougars point

“They all played soccer and have great work

Assisting McAvoy is another familiar

get along really well.”

guard for the past few seasons, responsible for

ethic,” coach McAvoy said. “They need to get

face for the Cougars as Georgia Landry, a 2017

the bulk of the ball handling duties. Gardner is

some confidence and experience.”

graduate of KMHS.

Also helping is the fact that that several of

KATAHDIN GIRLS

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Katahdin girls basketball team for 2019-20 season are, front from left, Isabelle Brownlee, Danielle Libby, Autumn McGraw, Natalie Green and Jordyn Gardner; and back, coach Shaun McAvoy, Alexis Gardner, Emily Beyer, Makayla Hartsgrove, Lily Cullen, Maizy Cullen, Emily Krafve, Maggie O’Hara, Chloe Rickards, assistant coach Georgia Landry and manager Savanna O’Hara.

Dec. 6

@ Ashland

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 13

Hodgdon

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 14

Wisdom

12:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

Southern Aroostook

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 23

Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 2

@Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Washburn

12:00 p.m.

Jan. 8

Ashland

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 11

@ Wisdom

12:00 p.m.

Jan. 13

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 16

@ East Grand

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Van Buren

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 21

Van Buren

4:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

Washburn

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 27

East Grand

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 30

Fort Fairfield

6:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Easton

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6

@Southern Aroostook 6:30 p.m.

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KATAHDIN BOYS • COUGARS

COUGAR BOYS GAIN NEW COACH, FRESH TEAM OUTLOOK BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

presence with the team on the bench for each game

a pretty tough schedule that includes Class C

he would not be the least bit surprised to see a

as he brings a great deal of enthusiasm to the club.

opponents Fort Fairfield and Madawaska.

different high scorer in every game this year.

“We are pretty evenly spread between freshmen

“We are going to be an uptempo team, relying

“We also don’t have any real big presence

STACYVILLE — First-year Katahdin boys basketball

to seniors,” the coach said. “They are a competitive

on a strong defense,” he said. “Our strength is

inside, so I look for us to be a team rebounding

coach Brandon Robinson hopes to breathe new life

group from top to bottom. I am looking for us to be

our athleticism and defense.”

squad,” he said. “We are a competitive group

into the Cougar program this winter.

more competitive this year from the start.”

The coach said he plans to focus the bulk of

The Cougars finished 2-16 last season and did

Because of their two-win record of a year ago,

his time in practice and scrimmages honing the

not qualify for the playoffs, but coach Robinson

coach Robinson said he hopes his team will fly

Cougars offense. “I would like to see us shoot the ball

is optimistic his squad will be able to reverse

under the radar and surprise a few clubs along

better,” he said. “We need to be more consistent.”

that ship this year.

the way, but also admitted that the Cougars have

With no one player to lean on, the coach said

with a lot of guys back from last year who should contribute for us this year.” The Cougars faced several strong squads during the preseason with games against Penquis, Lee Academy and Schenck.

Robinson, a 2011 graduate from Katahdin, takes over the program from James McNally, who guided the club for three seasons. Robinson said he was quite familiar with all of the players on the squad, as he served as an assistant coach for the past three years and also coached many of the players when they were in junior high. “There is nobody on this team that I have not coached at some level,” Robinson said. Members of the Katahdin roster are seniors Blake Howes, Caleb Giles, Garrett Hamm and Bryce Sinclair; juniors Wesley Richardson, Kaden

McNally

and

Bradley

Hotham;

sophomores Justin Hurlbert, Eric Cummings, Daquan Lindsey and Bradley Bailey; and freshmen Ethan Stewart, Grady Ritchie, Kyle McNally, Jake Perry and Jeffrey Martin. Hotham will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL during soccer season for the Cougars. The coach said Hotham will still be a

Photo courtesy of Beth Somers Members of the Katahdin boys basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Erick Cummings, Daquan Lindsey, Justin Hurlbert, Jeffery Martin, Grady Ritchie, Kyle McNally, Jake Perry and Ethan Stewart; and back, Managers Cassidy Rasoilo, Grace Theriault, assistant coach Terry Duffy, Blake Howes, Caleb Giles, Kaden McNally, Bradley Hotham, Wesley Richardson, Garrett Hamm, Bryce Sinclair, assistant coach Chris Cloukey, coach Brandon Robinson.

KATAHDIN BOYS Dec. 6

Fort Fairfield

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 11

Wisdom

1:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

GHCA

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 18

@ Van Buren

3:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

Wisdom

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 21

Van Buren

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

Hodgdon

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ Southern Aroostook 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

@Madawaska

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

Washburn

12:00 p.m.

Dec. 23

Easton

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 29

@ Fort Fairfield

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 30

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 1

Madawaska

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 4

@ Washburn

1:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Easton

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 8

GHCA

6:30 p.m.

Feb. 5

Southern Aroostook

6:30 p.m.

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SACS GIRLS • WARRIORS

WARRIORS HOPE TO CONTINUE WINNING TRADITION BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

The Warriors are also without the services of

The team also received some big news just a

leadership to the squad. Porter, who has

senior Sydney Brewer, who opted not to play

week before the season began as Kacy Daggett,

committed to playing basketball next year at

basketball this winter.

a junior, returned to Southern Aroostook after

Husson University, will be asked to have more

spending the first three months of the school

of an inside presence thanks to her 5-foot, 11-

year attending Oceanside School in Rockland.

inch frame.

DYER BROOK — The dynasty that the

“It’s tough to gauge at this point,” veteran

Southern Aroostook girls basketball team

coach Cliff Urquhart said of this year’s outlook.

established in Class D North will certainly be

“We lost so many good players and have had so

tested this season.

much turnover it’s just hard to tell.”

After winning back-to-back state titles, and

Members of the 2018-19 Warrior roster

doing so in dominating fashion as evidenced

are senior Makaelyn Porter (guard/forward);

by the team’s impressive 40-4 record over those

juniors Paige Vose (guard), Emma Nadeau

two seasons, the Warriors find themselves in

(forward)

unfamiliar territory. If the team is to experience

sophomores

and

Selena

the team has enjoyed much success, all of that

“She has worked extremely hard in the off

is in the past.

season improving her game. We are anticipating

“This program has won a lot of games over the

good things from her this season.” Other Warriors who could be poised for big

Bre

said. “We have a lot to prove. I think there’s some

season include Vose, Nadeau, Madison Russell

success, it must look to a number of new faces

Daggett (forward) and Emily Skinner (forward);

potential here, but it’s going to take a full season

and Callie Russell. Vose, who could see some time

to lead them on the basketball court for the first

freshmen Madison Russell (guard), Jennah

for us to really see what we have. Interior play will

at point guard this year, is a dual threat who can

time in many years.

Brooks (guard/forward), and Callie Russell

be a huge area of concern for us. We lost both ‘bigs’

get to the rim and also shoots the ball very well.

The Warriors lost four key players to

(forward); and eighth-graders Emmalee Landry

and our four best rebounders from last season.”

graduation — Kylie Vining, Kassidy Mathers,

(forward), Lexi Rackliff (forward), Madison

Katelyn Slauenwhite and Maddie Cummings.

Shields (guard) and Cami Shields (guard).

Stewart

(forward);

“She is going to be relied upon to do more scoring than in the years past,” the coach said.

last few years, but this team hasn’t won any,” he

Emily

Botting

Now in his ninth season with SACS, Urquhart said his approach to this year is simple. While

(guard),

Nadeau, who will play both guard and

The Warriors will likely lean heavily on

forward, is one of the most athletic players on

its lone senior, Porter, to provide veteran

the team this year, according to her coach. “She is getting better at being more under control with the ball,” Urquhart said. Madison Russell, though only a freshman, saw an increased role with the team down the stretch last season as an eighth-grader. “That experience will be valuable coming into the year as she will take on primary ball-handling responsibilities,” the coach said. “Maddie is a very good defender who can take over a game with her ability to sniff out the ball and get run out layups.” Callie Russell, Madison’s cousin, will look to be an inside presence for the Warriors this year. “We’ll be quicker than in years past,” Urquhart said of his team. “We have always prided ourselves on the way we play defense and I don’t see that going away this year. I think we have some kids that can shoot the ball pretty well. I also believe we have five or six girls that can really get to the rim. I think we will be at the (free throw) line a lot this season.” Deer Isle-Stonington, Schenck, Shead and

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the Southern Aroostook girls basketball team for the 2019-20 season are, front from left, Emily Stewart, Cami Shields, Madison Russell, Emmalee Landry, Paige Vose, Jennah Brooks, Madison Shields; and back, volunteer coach Brandon McCarthy, Makaelyn Porter, Emily Skinner, Selena Botting, Emma Nadeau, Lexi Rackliff, Callie Russell, Brianna Daggett and coach Cliff Urquhart. Absent from photo is Kacy Daggett.

Wisdom should be among the top squads in Class D North this season, the coach said. Assisting coach Urquhart this season are Brandon McCarthy and Kim Russell.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Best of Luck to all County teams! SACS GIRLS Dec. 6

Washburn

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

Central Aroostook

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 10

East Grand

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

Shead

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Fort Kent

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Washburn

2:00 p.m.

Dec. 17

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19

@ Ashland

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 25

Fort Kent

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Shead

3:00 p.m.

Jan. 27

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 31

Ashland

1:00 p.m.

Jan. 29

Woodland

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 6

@ Woodland

6:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ East Grand

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 9

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

TheCounty.ME

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

SACS BOYS • WARRIORS

NEW COACH TAKES HELM OF WARRIOR BOYS SQUAD BY JOSEPH CYR Staff Writer

been the assistant varsity baseball coach for the

Members of the 2019-20 Warrior roster are

Morales is a fast player who likes to slash to the

past three seasons and has also coached at the

juniors Xavier Morales (5-foot, 11-inch guard),

basket and is a strong defender, the coach said.

junior high level.

Jacob Brooks (6-foot forward), Robert Chambers

Brooks is a solid shooter and defender, while Burpee is an excellent rebounder.

DYER BROOK — For the second straight season,

“I will be looking to improve in all aspects

(6-foot forward), Jacob Ritchie (5-9 guard), Parker

the Southern Aroostook boys basketball team

of the game,” Russell said. “If we can play as

Skinner (6-foot forward) and Brett Williams (5-

Though only a freshman, Porter could

will have a new head coach calling the shots.

a team, and improve as we go along, it should

10 guard); sophomores Hunter Burpee (6-foot

become the Warriors primary ball handler and

Brett Russell has taken the reins of the

be a successful season. Everything else should

forward), Chris Caswell (5-11 guard/forward)

is also a tenacious defender, while Graham

Warrior program from Greg Marter, who

take care of itself. We as a team are looking to

and Gunner Siltz (6-foot forward); and freshmen

Siltz, Ritchie, Caswell and Gunner Siltz are all

coached SA for one season. Under Marter, the

make our way into the tournament and make

Camden Porter (6-foot guard) and Graham Siltz

excellent defenders.

Warriors had a strong season, finishing with a

some noise.”

(6-1 guard/forward).

9-8 regular season record and a berth to the Class D North quarterfinals as the No. 5 seed.

“We will be looking to improve on our

To make that noise, the Warriors must do so

The team is exceptionally deep, according

rebounding,” coach Russell said. “This will be a

without the services of two key players from last

to its coach. “We will look to run seven to eight

key if we want to get out and run. Also, we will

Southern Aroostook faced No. 4 Greater

year’s team — Garrett Siltz and Jayden Burpee

players deep,” he said. “We will look to get

be working on our defense and conditioning

Houlton Christian Academy at the Cross

— who graduated this past spring. The Warriors

after teams defensively and push the tempo

throughout the season.”

Insurance Center, falling 54-44 to the Eagles.

also have a relatively young squad with no

when available.”

Although a first-year varsity coach, Russell is no stranger to the Warrior athletes as he has

seniors on the roster, which should bode well for years to come.

SACS has a number of returning players who saw extensive playing time a season ago.

Among the top squads in Class D North are Greater Houlton Christian Academy, Easton and Schenck, the coach said.

Staff photo / Joseph Cyr Members of the 2019-20 Southern Aroostook boys basketball team are, front from left, Graham Siltz, Jacob Ritchie, AJ Lewis, Christopher Caswell, Peyton Lawlor, Robert Robinson and Andrew Chambers; and back, coach Brett Russell, Xavier Morales, Hunter Burpee, Gunner Siltz, Brett Williams, Jacob Brooks, Camden Porter, Parker Skinner, Robert Chambers and assistant coach Phil Faulkner.

2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019

SACS BOYS Dec. 6

Washburn

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 15

GHCA

6:00 p.m.

Dec. 14

@ Fort Kent

2:00 p.m.

Jan. 17

Shead

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16

GHCA

6:00 p.m.

Jan. 20

@ Washburn

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 19

@ Ashland

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22

Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

@ Shead

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

Fort Kent

2:00 p.m.

Dec. 26

@ Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 28

@ Central Aroostook 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 31

Ashland

2:30 p.m.

Jan. 30

Hodgdon

7:00 p.m.

Jan. 7

Central Aroostook

5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

@ Wisdom

5:00 p.m.

Jan. 14

Wisdom

4:30 p.m.

Feb. 5

@ Katahdin

6:30 p.m.

Good Luck to all teams this basketball season!

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2019 COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW • Special Advertising Section • DECEMBER 18, 2019