sun journal's preview of winter sports 2014-2015

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Sun Journal

2014-15 high school basketball preview

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 5, 20142 FULL COURT PRESS

TABLE OF CONTENTSSEASON PREVIEWS

Conference PageKVAC 2-3

WMC 10-11

MVC 14-15

Class D West 25-26

SCHOOL SPOTLIGHTS

School PageEdward Little 4

Leavitt 5

Lewiston 6

Mt. Blue 7

Oxford Hills 8

Spruce Mountain 9

Gray-NG 12

Poland 13

Dirigo 16

Lisbon 17

Monmouth 18

Mt. Abram 19

Mtn. Valley 20

Oak Hill 21

St. Dom’s 22

Telstar 23

Winthrop 24

Hebron 24

Buckfi eld 27

Rangeley 27-28

SEASON SCHEDULEPages 29-31

CREDITSEDITOR/DESIGNERJustin Pelletier

WRITERSKalle OakesKevin C. Mills

PHOTOSRuss DillinghamDaryn SloverAmber WatermanJanet HenryJess SmallLinda GalwayDeb CarrollChristina LeBlancJackie Rybeck

KVAC girls’ previewCROWDED FIELD IN PLAYOFF CHASEBY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

There won’t be a shortage of con-tenders coming out of the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference this win-ter.

The defending regional champs from Oxford Hills should be among the top teams. The Vikings were a bit of a surprise last year, but went 14-4 and stormed through the Eastern A tourney to claim the regional crown after starting the season 1-3.

Oxford Hills graduated just three players and returns standouts Anna Winslow and Mikayla Morin. Win-slow led the team with 15 points per game while Morin was a force in the backcourt. Tianna Sugars returns in-side, where she averaged nearly nine rebounds. The Vikings also return Ally Hanley, Erin Morton, Shannon Kriger, Erin Eastman and Jayden Colby — all saw time with the club last year.

The Vikings had a stellar defensive team, allowing just 40 points against per game. Oxford Hills should be strong on the defensive end again and have a variety of offensive options.

“It will be fun to see new kids step into roles that were vacated by se-niors,” Oxford Hills coach Nate Pelle-tier said. “As always, it is a building process, but I feel we are further along this year compared to years past. Our goal is to be playing the best bas-ketball by the end of the year and see where it takes us.”

The team the Vikings beat in the re-gional final last year was top-seed Ed-ward Little. The Red Eddies went 17-1 in the regular season to claim the top spot. EL should be in the mix again af-ter graduating only one player.

EL averaged 55.6 points per game and allowed only 40 last year, and still has a team that should be balanced and solid defensively.

Among the returning players are forward Emily Jacques (10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds), shooter Tianna Harriman (10.9 points, including 43 3’s) and forward Brooke Reynolds (8.9 points and 10.3 rebounds. EL also has depth returning with veterans Mol-ly Murray, Calli Murray, Eraleena Hairston, Sarah Hammond, Jordyn Reynolds and Karli Stubbs.

“We will need some players to re-ally step up their game to compete with the top teams in the KVAC,” EL coach Craig Jipson said. “We hope to be better defensively than we have been the last few years and take ad-vantage of a plethora of talented play-ers in the post.”

Mt. Blue will be a team to watch. The Cougars have a new coach in Gavin Kane and a team with a num-ber of returning players. Mt. Blue edged Lewiston in the prelims last year and then nearly toppled Edward Little in the quarterfinals. Center Addie Brinkman and guard Caitlin Kane are the only returning starters, but the Cougars have some size with Sarah Cummings, MacKenzie Har-ris and Rachele Bator returning.

“I have been very pleased with our effort and attentiveness so far

this preseason,” Kane said. “We are throwing a great deal of new offen-sive and defensive schemes at these kids, along with many new funda-mental drills as well. They’re do-ing a good job trying to absorb it all. Once we have more time to get com-fortable with it all, then I believe the team will be ready to compete and be successful.”

Lewiston made great strides last year and went 5-13 before losing a tight prelim game to Mt. Blue. The Blue Devils have a new coach, alum-na Lynn Girouard, and graduated five from last year’s team. Still, Lew-iston has a young group of return-ing players that could build on last year. Guards Kristina Blais, Ala-sia Branche, Emily Brochu and forwards Morgan Eliasen Aman-da Swart and Gabby Barrett are all

back.“The girls are very excited this

year and have their sights set on making it to Augusta in February,” Girouard said. “They are adjust-ing well to all the changes from the coaching staff to the offenses and defenses. They have been working hard. We are young, but I expect us to surprise a lot of teams this season.”

In KVAC Class B, Spruce Moun-tain is a new entry in the field. The Phoenix went 18-0 in the regu-lar season the past two years in the Mountain Valley Conference and have won 45 straight regular season games.

It will be an adjustment in the KVAC for the Phoenix, but the club returns most of the team from last year. Seniors Emily Keene, Kailee Newcomb, Nicole Hamblin, Saman-tha Richards and Vanese Barnes have all been key contributors the past few seasons. Alex Bessey, Amanda Castonguay, Amia Pelle-tier, Emily Hogan, Rylee Moore and Brooke Tracy are all returning play-ers as well.

Spruce Mountain is a deep team with experience. The Phoenix al-lowed just 27 points per game last year.

The KVAC B should make for a challenge for Spruce Mountain. No-komis, Winslow, Oceanside, Me-domak Valley, Camden and Gar-diner were all playoff teams in East-ern B last year while Lincoln Acad-emy was a tourney team in Western B. Maranacook was second in West-ern C and returns much of that team, including standout forward Chris-tine Miller.

Leavitt finished 6-12, but returns a young team that should improve despite not having any seniors. Ju-niors Chantel Eells and Delaney Strout are the most veteran players. Sophomores Carlee Long, Shannon O’Malley, Allie Bellaire, Miranda Coombs, Molly McCormick, Abigail Robertson and Kylie Fuller give the Hornets a young group to build with.

“The team from day one has been willing to work,” Leavitt coach Dave Gerrish said. “We plan on being more active on the defensive end this year, creating turnovers and allow-ing us to run.”

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOEdward Little’s Calli Murray, middle. and Cony’s Bayleigh Logan battle for a loose ball during the Eastern Class A semifi nal last season.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Friday, December 5, 2014 FULL COURT PRESS 3

KVAC boys’ preview

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Coaches don’t necessar-ily embrace being ranked No. 1 in a preseason poll. It’s as good as taping a dartboard configuration over the numbers on the back of your uniform.

When you never miss the regional semifinals and make a habit of going be-yond that, however, you can probably expect it and take it as a compliment.

So after what feels like it must have been a 10-year run for Hampden, there is Edward Little, picked to win the ultimate prize in Class A East boys’ basket-ball.

“Our strength could be our depth, as we seeming-ly have a number of play-ers who are capable of step-ping in when teams focus on stopping what many consider to be our top two or three players,” Edward Little coach Mike Adams said. “That strength could also be a threat, as only so much (playing) time is available.”

Adams never has been known for looking too far down his bench when a game remains in the bal-ance, but don’t be sur-prised to see 10 or 11 Red Eddies in the regular rota-tion this year.

Five players who saw some 2013-14 starting time return for EL, and that doesn’t even include Ian Mileikis, widely consid-ered the Eddies’ go-to guy. He missed most of his ju-nior season with a broken foot.

Lew Jensen is a four-year varsity player who is dangerous from any-where in the offensive end. Kaleb Main, Austin Cox, Luke Sterling, Elijah Roe

and brothers Thomas and Charles Cedre also con-tributed heavily to a 12-win team that extended its lengthy streak of quarterfi-nal wins in Augusta.

EL’s coach called his team’s No. 1 ranking, “the elephant in the room.”

“It is not a position we have never been in before. Our players recognize that any team in the KVAC is more than capable of beat-ing us and anyone else,” he said. “We know we are not ‘that’ team who is picked No. 1 and it is unquestion-able that the talent will get us there. We’re looking for-ward to a great season with a lot of interesting games and matchups.”

Two of those will come against arch rival Lewis-ton, which is on the oppo-site end of the spectrum. The Blue Devils were not picked in the top eight de-spite having 10 seniors and a streak of four consecu-tive tournament appear-ances.

“I think we could do something special,” Lew-iston coach Tim Farrar. “It isn’t very often you get a senior class like this one.”

Lewiston’s marquee player is 6-foot-4 forward Isaiah Harris, who has re-ceived a track and field scholarship to Penn State.

The Blue Devils al -so have an exciting new-comer, Tykeem Gaines, at point guard, and 6-foot-10 center Trever Irish at the heart of an offense that should have myriad op-tions. Quintarian Brown and Ace Curry have been part-time starters since their sophomore season.

Don’t expect the Devils to be awestruck by the Ed-dies or anyone else.

“The KVAC does not have a 20-0 super team this

year,” Farrar said. “How-ever, the talent across the league has never been bet-ter.”

Oxford Hills demonstrat-ed that closeness of compe-tition in 2014, rising from a No. 6 seed to knock off Ban-gor and Brunswick before losing to Hampden in the Class A East final.

Andrew Fleming, the 6-foot-5 forward who car-ried that team on his back, returns along with 6-3 Ty-us Ripley. Both are ju-niors. The Vikings will surround them primarily

with players who started in JV a year ago.

“We’re a work in prog-ress. I think we’re a pret-ty good Class B team right now,” Oxford Hills coach Scott Graffam quipped. “I’d like to hope we can split the first four games (EL, Mt. Ararat, Lawrence and Bangor). If we do, I think we’ll be fine. If we can get to Christmas with-out being 0-6, we’ll be al-right.”

Messalonskee, led by 6-8, Division I signee Nick Mayo, and Lawrence are

picked fourth and fifth be-hind EL, Hampden and Ox-ford Hills in Class A.

Kevin Main takes over at Mt. Blue as the fourth dif-ferent coach in four years. The Cougars are 3-33 since reaching the 2012 Class A East final under longtime leader Jim Bessey. Sopho-more Zach Mittelstadt is a player to watch now and in the future.

On the Class B side, Spruce Mountain arrives from the MVC in hopes of beefing up its schedule and better preparing for the

playoff rigors.The Phoenix lost to even-

tual Class B West champi-on Poland in the 2014 re-gional quarterfinals. Most of their standouts return, including leading scorer Deonte Ring, Peter Theri-ault, Tyler Kachnovich, Anthony York, Andrew Darling and James Ouel-lette. Theriault is a four-year varsity player; the others are in their third season.

Spruce does have a new coach, although not a new face. Scott Bessey has as-cended from the assistant’s role to take over for broth-er Chris, who moved to the girls’ program.

“We fly under the radar in most people’s opinions and polls,” Scott Bessey said. “It’s fine. It’s our fault for coming up short last year, when expecta-tions were much higher. We will play and coach with that chip on our shoulder.”

Bessey expects Winslow to be the class of KVAC B and C. He also looks for-ward to the natural rivalry with Leavitt, although the Hornets may have trouble holding up their end of the bargain in year one.

Due to injuries and other defections, Leavitt starts the season with fewer than 20 players in the program. Eli Calder is the lone re-turning starter.

“Ten football players are either out for a while or may not play at all. A cou-ple need surgeries,” Ha-thaway said “I’d say there is not much that is prom-ising. It’s too bad (fall and winter sports) overlap like this two years in a row.”

Class C Maranacook rep-resented the league in the regional finals a year [email protected]

Edward Little a favorite, a target

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOKaleb Main of Edward Little pulls down a rebound against Kindle Bonsall, left, and Nate Backus of Mount Blue in Auburn last season.


Edward Little Red Eddies

BOYS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Mike Adams (14th year)

Last year’s record: 12-8, lost in Eastern A semifi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Elijah Roe (6-2 forward/center), Kaleb Main (6-2 forward/center), Lew Jensen (6-5 forward), Thomas Cedre (6-0 guard), Charles Cedre (6-0 guard), Bryce Gibson (6-3 forward), Luke Sterling (5-9 guard), Ian Mileikis (6-1 guard); Juniors — Austin Cox (6-1 forward).

Key losses: Andrew Middleton (6-5 forward), Salad Shiekh (6-3 center).

Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Samatar Iman (5-9 guard), C.J. Jipson (5-10 guard), Jarod Norcross-Plourde (6-0 guard); Freshman — Tyler Morin (5-8 guard).

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Based on its deep return-ing cast, Edward Little was the consensus No. 1 pre-season pick by KVAC coach-es. Jensen, Main, Sterling and Roe were 2013-14 start-ers and are joined by Milei-kis, who missed the entire regular season with a bro-ken foot.

The Cedre brothers and Cox saw key time off the

bench. Adams never has been one to use much of his bench, but his talented soph-omore class could see signif-icant time and allow the Red Eddies to run 10 or 11 play-ers deep.

With Hampden, Oxford Hills, Messalonskee, Mt. Ar-arat, Brunswick and Lew-iston all showcasing sensa-tional individual talent, that strength in numbers and co-hesion could be the key to EL’s regional and state title hopes.

Ian Mileikis

Llewellan Jensen

Life at the top of the heap suiting EL just fine

GIRLS’ TEAM SUMMARY

Coach: Craig Jipson (10th year)

Last year’s record: 19-2, lost in Eastern A fi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Molly Murray G. Brooke Reynolds F, Maegan Chartier G, Tianna Harriman G, Calli Murray G, Nicole Ouellette F, Eraleena Hairston F; Juniors — Sarah Hammond G, Emily Jacques C, Karli Stubbs F, Francesca Haines F; Sophomores — Jordyn Reynolds C, Kaylee Jipson G.

Key losses: Kory Norcross G.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Piper Norcross G, Grace Beaudet G.

Brooke Reynolds

Molly Murray

Calli Murray

Tianna Harriman

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BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Red Eddies only lost one player from a team that was the top seed in Eastern A and lost in the regional fi-nal. Jacques (10.7 ppg) and Reynolds (8.9 ppg) return to the paint while Harriman

(10.9 ppg) hit 43 3’s last year. Add in veterans like the Murray’s and Hammond in the backcourt and Hairston in the post, EL has a veter-an lineup with some prom-ising younger players ready to take a step forward. EL should be another force in the KVAC and a threat in Eastern A.

Eddies’ girls among Eastern Class A favorites again

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Jordyn Reynolds, left, of Edward Little and Gabrielle Barrett of Lewiston battle for the ball in Auburn last season.


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BOYS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Mike Hathaway (seventh year)

Last year’s record: 4-14

Returning players: Senior — Korey Caito (6-0 forward), Isiah Trask (5-9 guard); Sophomore — Eli Calder (5-11 guard).

Key losses: Matt Powell (6-8 center), Nate Coombs (5-10 guard), Levi Morin (6-3 forward), Zac Goulette (6-0 guard), Mitchel Davis (6-5 forward), Austin Anderson (6-3 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Isaiah Calder (5-11 guard); Junior — Levi Craig (6-0 guard/forward), Nathanael Goulette (5-9 guard), Anthony Degone (6-0 guard/forward); Sophomore — D’Andre James (6-1 guard/forward); Freshman — Bryce Hudson (5-10 guard).

Elijah Calder

Isiah Trask

Isaiah Calder


Coach: Dave Gerrish (second year)


Returning players: Juniors —Chantel Eells C, Delanie Strout G; Sophomores — Carlee Long G, Shannon O’Malley G, Allie Bellaire G, Miranda Coombs F, Molly McCormick F, Abigail Robertson G, Kylie Fuller G.

Key losses: Megan Dow G, Tasha Cloutier G, Sierra Santomango F, Kendra Gilbert F.

Promising newcomers: Senior - Maya Boualam F; Sophomore - Ashley Black G; Freshmen — Rebecca Fogg F, Sophia Gilbert F, Kassie Murch G, Zoe Nadeau C, Elizabeth Goulette G, Audrey Varney C, Hannah Chouinard G, De Ja Mango G.

Delanie Strout

AllieBelaire

Shannon O’Malley

ChantelEells

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Low numbers, an abbrevi-ated preseason and football injuries may hamper the Hornets early in the season.

Leavitt has lost at least three players who were hurt in the Class C state gridiron game, possibly for

the season. Size and varsity experi-

ence are at a premium. Eli Calder is the lone returning starter, and he gives Leavitt a scorer.

The other players in the regular rotation split time between varsity and JV a year ago. Coach Mike Hath-away hopes they will gain consistency on the fly.

Boys hope to overcome injuries, low numbers

Youth-filled team looking to make strides in tough KVACBY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Hornets have just two upperclass-men in Chantel Eells and Delanie Strout.

There’s a solid group of sopho-mores back, but Leavitt will stil l

be a young team. The Hornets hope to focus on the defen-

sive side of the ball and spark the offense with some pressere defense and turn-overs.

Leavitt is still in the growing stages but could make progress this year.

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SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOMax Green of Leavitt Area High School breaks for the basket after stealing the ball from Erskine Academy during a game last season.


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SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOLewiston’s Amanda Swart (21) and Jenessa Talarico (10) battle for a rebound with Tianna Sugars of Oxford Hills during their game in Paris last season.

GIRLS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Lynn Girouard (fi rst year)


Returning players: Seniors - Amanda Swart F, Gabrielle Barrett F, Emily Brochu G; Juniors - Kristina Blais G, Alasia Branche; Sophomore - Morgan Eliasen G

Key losses: Jenessa Talarico G, Brie Wilson F, Maegan Mathon F, Laurianne Murphy G.

Promising newcomers: Senior - Keileigh Belanger F; Sophomores - Dacia Bail G, Kasey Talarico G, Skylar Gaudette G; Freshman Victoria Harris F.

Kristina Blais

Amanda Swart

Morgan Eliasen

Gabrielle Barrett

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

Lynn Girouard returns to the Blue Devils, for whom she was a 1,000-point scorer.

Lewiston made great strides last year, reaching the Eastern A prelims and nearly beating Mt Blue.

Kristina Blais is the on-ly returning starter but the Blue Devils have a number

of players that saw action last year. The Blue Dev-ils return seniors Amanda Swart and Emily Brochu, who missed much of last year to injury.

Alasia Blanche and Mor-gan Eliasen are young players with promise that saw time last year Lewis-ton hopes to continue the progression this year and build off last year’s suc-cess.

New coach, new direction at LHS

BOYS’ TEAM SUMMARY

Coach: Tim Farrar

Last year’s record: 8-11, lost in Western A quarterfi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Isaiah Harris (6-4 forward), Ryan Bell (5-11 guard), Ace Curry (5-9 guard), Quintarian Brown (6-3 forward), Trever Irish (6-10 center), Tylon Myers (5-10 guard), Carter Chabot (6-0 guard), Ty Murphy (5-11 guard), Kevin Dillingham (6-3 forward).

Key losses: Carlos Gonzalez, Mohamed Mohamud.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Tykeem Gaines (6-0 guard); Juniors — Abdinasir Issak (5-6 guard), Salat Hassan (5-10 guard), Tajh Fulgham (6-2 forward), Mohamedsediq Hussein (6-4 forward), Jordan Palmer (5-6 guard).

Ace CurryQuintarian Brown

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BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Lewiston appears to be the forgotten, or at least overlooked team, in KVAC boys’ basketball.

Coaches didn’t put the Blue Devils in the pre-season top eight. That’s an odd development, consider-ing that they are coming off another journey to the re-gional quarterfinals, grad-uated only two players and welcome back 11 seniors.

It’s an intriguing mix of athletes, too, including Penn State track recruit Isa-iah Harris, football stand-out Quintarian Brown

and 6-foot-10 center Trever Irish. Ace Curry also pro-vides a veteran presence in the backcourt, and transfer Tykeen Gaines has been a great find at point guard.

The Devils have some out-side shooting ability in Ty-lon Myers, Carter Chabot and Ryan Bell, and coach Tim Farrar said that Ty Murphy and Kevin Dilling-ham bring “a toughness we haven’t had for a couple of years.”

Between Lewiston’s depth, experience and work ethic, it is hard to imagine the Devils not escalating to the upper half of a rugged conference.

Optimism reigns for Blue Devils

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BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

Coach Gavin Kane makes the jump to the Class A level with the Cougars after coaching at Spruce Mountain.

Mt. Blue beat Lewiston in the prelims last year and nearly top-pled the No. 1 seed in Eastern A in the quarterfinals. The Cou-gars return just two starters, Addie Brinkman and Caitlin Kane.

Sarah Cummings, Rachele Bator and Eryn Doiron saw time off the bench and contributed. Mt. Blue didn’t have a summer season with its new coach, so it will take time for the Cougars to adjust and round into form, but Mt. Blue should be a tourney team and a tough opponent by the end of the year.


Coach: Gavin Kane (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 9-11, lost in Eastern A quarterfi nals

Returning players: Seniors —Addie Brinkman C, Sarah Cummings F, Rachele Bator F; Juniors — Moesha Harrington G, Eryn Doiron G, Emilee Eustis G, MacKenzie Harris F, Caitlin Kane G, Lauren Guppy G.

Key losses: Miranda Niceley F, Kiana Thompson G, Emily Knowles F.

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Leah St. Laurent, Hannah LeClair G, Kasadie Barker F.

achelle Bator

Moesha Harrington

Sarah Cummings

Addie Brinkman

Young and feisty

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Kevin Main is the fourth different coach in four years, a run that began with Jim Bessey’s final season after a ca-reer that spanned nearly two generations.

The Cougars haven’t tasted much success since his re-tirement, but size and young talent give Mt. Blue hopes of regaining its footing in the rugged KVAC.

Zach Mittelstadt showed flashes of brilliance as a fresh-man and will carry a heavier load this season. Winning enough games to get back to Augusta is an ultimate goal for the Cougars.


Coach: Kevin Main (fi rst year)


Returning players: Seniors — Brad Durrell (6-3 forward), Drew Parsons (6-1 guard); Sophomore — Zach Mittelstadt (6-2 guard).

Key losses: Nate Backus (5-10 guard), Kindle Bonsall (6-0 forward), Cam Abbott (6-2 forward).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Alex Bunnell (6-3 forward); Sophomore — Cooper Hollingsworth (6-4 center).

Colton Lawrence

Brad Durrell

Kody Vining

New coach again

BANGOR DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTOBangor’s Sarah Bragg takes a shot while being closely guarded by Mt. Blue’s Caitlin Kane during a game last season.


Oxford Hills Vikings

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BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

The Vikings made a sur-prising run to the region-al title game in 2014 and re-turn one of the top play-ers in the state in Andrew Fleming, who willed Ox-

ford Hills past Bangor and Brunswick in the tourna-ment.

Tyus Ripley also is a po-tential first-team KVAC performer. Patrick Macro, who missed most of his ju-nior season with an injury, will provide a lift with his athleticism.

In order to challenge the elite teams in the confer-ence, the Vikings will need less experienced players to emerge, both in the starting five and on the bench. Jake Yates provides another big body to complement Oxford Hills’ one-two punch.

“Defensively we’re not

very good right now,” coach Scott Graffam said. “That’s an issue.”

Although Edward Little and Hampden are consid-ered a notch above Oxford Hills as the season begins, the Vikings are optimistic that they can close the gap and make another run.

BOYS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Scott Graffam (16th year)

Last year’s record: 13-8, lost in Eastern A fi nal

Returning athletes: Senior — Cole Everett (5-9 guard); Juniors — Andrew Fleming (6-5 forward), Tyus Ripley (6-3 guard/forward), Jake Beauchesne (6-0 guard), Blake Slicer (5-8 guard).

Key losses: Matt Beauchesne (5-8 guard), Dalton Rice (6-4 guard/forward), Luke Davidson (6-4 center), Ben Morton (6-2 guard), Riley Chickering (6-0 guard), Caleb Fillebrown (6-2 guard).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Patrick Macro (6-3 senior), Jake Yates (6-5 center), Brandon Martinez (6-0 guard); Sophomore — Cole Verrier (5-10 guard); Freshman — Chris St. Pierre (6-0 guard).

Cole Everett

Patrick Macro

Jacob Yates

Time to rebuild, and contend


Coach: Nate Pelletier (10th year)

Last year’s record: 17-5, lost in Class A state championship game.

Returning players: Seniors – Mikayla Morin G, Anna Winslow F, Shannon Kriger F; Juniors – Tianna Sugars F, Jayden Colby F, Ally Hanley G; Sophomores – Erin Morton G, Erin Eastman G.

Key losses: Brooke Murch F, Claire Gregory F, Crystal West G

Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Anna Piirainen G, Sophia Hanscom F, Krystin Paine F; Freshman — Maighread Laliberte G.

Anna Winslow

Shannon Kriger

Mikayla Morin

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Vikings return a number of key players from last year’s team that won the regional title. Anna Winslow led the team with

15 points per game. Mikayla Morin was a scoring threat and defensive stalwart while Tiana Sugars was strong on the boards.

The Vikings have some holes to fill but have a group of guards ready to

take on larger roles.Oxford Hills should still be

a solid defensive team and have some balance offensive-ly. It will be tough to match the success of last year, but the Vikings have a seasoned and talented group.

Girls are back for more

sunjournal.com/sjvarsity • @Sports_SJfacebook.com/sunjournalsports

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOOxford Hills’ Tiana Sugars drives to the basket past during a playoff game last season.


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Coach: Chris Bessey (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 19-1, lost in Western B semifi nals.

Returning players: Seniors – Samantha Richards C, Nicole Hamblin G, Kailee Newcomb G, Amanda Castonguay G, Amia Pelletier F, Vanese Barnes F, Emily Keene F; Juniors – Emily Hogan G, Rylee Moore F; Sophomores – Alex Bessey G, Brooke Tracy C.

Key losses: Victoria Ouellette F, Ladesta Tracy G

Promising newcomers: Junior – Avery Goding F; Sophomore – Kim Seitz G; Freshman – Hanna St. Pierre F.

Nicole Hamblin

Samantha Richards

Vanese Barnes

Emily Keene

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Phoenix make the jump to the KVAC while Coach Chris Bessey makes the jump from the boys’ program back to coaching girls, where he guided the Jay girls to the state title in 2009. Spruce Mountain won 45 straight games in the MVC and went 18-0 the past two seasons.

The Phoenix return much of last year’s team, which allowed just 27 points per game.

Sam Richards, Nicole

Hamblin, Kaylee New-comb, Vanese Barnes and Emily Keene have all been starters the past few sea-sons while Amanda Cas-tonguay, Amia Pelletier, Emily Hogan, Alex Bessey and Rylee Moore saw time last year and could see in-creased role this season.

Spruce Mountain is a deep team with good de-fense and experience. It will take an adjustment to the KVAC level of play but this team is certainly sea-soned enough to face that challenge.

Phoenix jump in

Looking to make the leap to KVACBY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

On the heels of a disappointing loss to eventual Class B West champion Poland in the regional quarterfinals, Spruce Mountain moves to a new league

(KVAC) with a new head coach and most of its key components returning.

Ring and Theriault were the one-two punch a year ago, while York, Kachnovich, Andrew Darling and Ouellette join them as three-year var-sity players. Bessey, who has been an

assistant to brother Chris, looks to de-velop depth.

The Phoenix feel that they have been overlooked upon their arrival in what should be a stronger conference, and they will use that as fuel for what they hope will be a deeper tournament run.


Coach: Scott Bessey (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 16-3, lost in Western B quarterfi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Peter Theriault (5-11 guard/forward), Deonte Ring (6-2 guard/forward), Anthony York (6-4 forward), Tyler Kachnovich (6-2 forward), Kyle Trask (6-0 guard/forward); Juniors — Andrew Darling (5-9 guard), James Ouellette (6-3 forward).

Key losses: Scottie Hall (5-9 guard), John McKenna (5-10 guard), Austin Couture (5-10 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Brandon Walp (6-2 forward); Juniors —Brandon Anctil (6-4 forward), Matt Cornelio (5-10 guard/forward); Sophomores — Austin Darling (5-8 guard), Caulin Parker (6-2 forward), Noah Preble (5-8 guard).

Deonte Ring

Kyle Trask

Peter Theriault

Anthony York

sunjournal.com/sjvarsity@Sports_SJ



WMC girls’ preview

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

After winning 11 games a year ago, the Gray-New Gloucester girls’ basket-ball team is poised for an-other successful season.

The Patriots, who lost in the Western B quarterfi-nals last year, return vet-erans from last year as well some young players that showed great prom-ise last winter.

“Altougth four of our top six are sophomores, we consider this to be a relatively experienced team, as all of the sopho-mores played a key role a year ago,” Gray-NG coach Mike Andreasen said.

Senior forward Ma-ria Valente returns after leading the team in scor-ing the past three years.

Fellow senior Zoe Ad-ams also returns in the post.

Sophomores Alicia Du-mont, Skye Conley, Isa-belle DeTroy and Grace Kariotis all saw time as freshmen and contributed to last year’s success.

Dumont is a great ball handler and helped run the offense in the back-court while Kariotis is an outside shooting threat. Conley plays well in the post.

Even the players new to the varsity team have some experience. Seniors Sara Carder and Crystal MacLean both saw some action last year and give the Patriots some added depth.

“The team looks to play up-tempo and play pres-sure defense and hopes to balance the scoring,” An-dreasen said.

“A playoff appearance is

possible if all players set-tle in on their roles and the team plays as a cohe-sive unit.”

Though Lake Region has been a force in re-cent years and won the state title after going 21-1, the Lakers lost Tiana-Jo

Carter and have a much younger team.

The Lakers still have a solid supporting cast back.

That could still make them a tough foe.

Wells lost in the region-al final and was a senior-

laden team. The Warriors will be rebuilding after going 18-3. Greely went 14-4 and was ranked fourth before losing in the semi-finals.

The Rangers should be a solid team and contend once again

Fryeburg and York were both playoff teams and should also be in the tour-ney hunt.

Poland finished 10th in Western B at 9-9 before losing to the Raiders in the preliminaries.

The Knights lost some

veteran talent but return senior guard Michaella Arsenault and forward Caroline Littlefield.

“Of our 13 players, five are seniors and five are freshmen,” Poland coach Mike Susi said. “While we have a strong senior class with solid leadership, on-ly three players return with much varsity experi-ence.”

The Knights are still shooting for a tourney berth and could have the talent to make it happen if new players can adjust to the varsity level.

Teams like Freeport (8-10) and Cape Elizabeth (9-9) had good records, but missed the postseason last year. They should be in the playoff hunt once again.

In Class C, Old Orchard Beach won 13 games but lost in the first round while Waynflete won 12 before losing to Carrabec in the quarterfinals. Both teams lost a number of se-niors.

OOB has a solid senior class back while the Fly-ers have a young team re-turning.

Both Traip and Sacop-ee Valley graduated vet-eran talent but could have enough back to push for a tourney berth.

Teams from outside the WMC could be factors in the Western B playoff hunt.

Spruce Mountain was second last year and re-turns most of that team that lost in the regional semifinals.

Lincoln Academy won 15 games last year while Oak Hill won 14 and earned the eighth seed before losing to York in the prelims.

Patriots hoping to add to success

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOGray-New Gloucester’s Maria Valente moves in to slap the rebound away from Poland’s Michaella Arsenault in the second quarter of their game in Gray last season.


WMC boys’ preview

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Two things are certain about Western Maine Conference boys’ basket-ball.

It’s loaded, from top-to-bottom. Hopefully nobody went light-headed from shock at that revelation.

Also, Poland won’t be sneaking up on anybody, any longer.

The Knights were a rela-tive afterthought in their decade-and-a-half of WMC participation, even as ri-vals noted their obvious improvement in Tyler Tracy’s coaching tenure.

On the heels of a 10-8 regular season, Poland became an overnight sen-sation and the toast of Maine basketball for a week in February 2014, knocking off No. 3 Spruce Mountain and No. 2 Morse in advance of an unthink-able comeback against No. 1 Greely for the re-gional title.

Judging from two out-standing preseason ef-forts against Edward Lit-tle and Lewiston of the KVAC, that journey ben-efited the Knights in the long term, not only for the few central figures of the title run who return in 2014-15 but also those who cheered from the bench.

“We’re going to be a lot better than people ex-pect,” Tracy said. “We were so deep last year that some guys just didn’t get a chance to play. They were pretty good, but they had to play behind seniors. Now it’s their time, their opportunity, and I think they’ll step up.”

Poland has the mak-ings of a strong front-court in seniors Alan Young and Zach Lowe and

junior John Fossett.Derek Michaud, a third-

year starter, is the only guard who saw substan-tial time in the playoff run. Adam Mocciola and Pat Kuklinski fall into that category of players who waited their turn and are poised to shine.

“Our defense proba-bly is going to keep us in games early,” Tracy said. “Offense, we run motion, and it takes time for ev-erybody to get on the same page.”

Poland was on the busi-ness end of a regular-sea-son rout against Greely before rallying from a 29-

11 deficit in the regional final.

Cape Elizabeth and Yar-mouth supplant Greely as preseason favorites in the WMC this year. Regard-less of what the opposing uniform reads, howev-er, Poland believes it has shattered that mystique.

“I think we can play with everybody, and the big thing is that the guys know that now,” Tracy said. “That mental part is such a huge part of the game. Now they’ve been there, and they know what it takes.”

If you’re looking for the “next Poland” to rise

out of nowhere and make noise in Class B West, per-haps look no farther than a few miles down Route 26 at Gray-New Gloucester.

Third-year Patriots ’ coach Ryan Deschenes has been excited about this season since taking the job, because he knew it was when a young but talented group would come of age.

“We have a nice mix-ture of balance and expe-rience,” Deschenes said. “Overall this could be my most balanced team since 2009 at St. Dom’s.”

G u a r d / f o r w a r d A n -dreas Kariotis was a

third-team all-conference player as a junior, and he is surrounded by se-nior classmates Tyler St. Pierre and David Chan-latte as returning start-ers.

Deschenes projects J.T. Magno as a potential dou-ble-digit scorer and re-bounder each night, while the 6-foot-3 Zack Haskell and 6-5 Kyle Keenan sur-round him with muscle in the paint.

“We will play a well-rounded game and look to move up the ladder,” Deschenes said. “Four seniors have played all three seasons for us. We

need to continue to learn how to win and practice at a high level to get where we want to be.”

After the top two or three teams in the league, Deschenes expects the WMC to be a nightly grind for the middle of the pack.

Lake Region, York and Fryeburg all made it to the preliminary round in 2014 and look to be vastly improved.

“I expect we can be in that mix,” Deschenes said. “There should be a lot of parity, which will make for a fun and com-petitive season.”[email protected]

Poland no longer an afterthought

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOPoland reacts to gaining control of the ball late in the Western Class B fi nal in Portland last season.

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Coach: Mike Andreasen (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 11-8, lost in Western B quarterfi nals.

Returning players: Seniors — Maria Valente F, Zoe Adams F; Sophomores — Alicia Dumont G, Skye Conley C, Isabelle DeTroy F, Grace Kariotis G.

Key losses: Stephanie Greaton C, Julia Martel G, Grace Ferguson F.

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Sara Carder G, Crystal MacLean F, Michaela MacDonald G.

Gray-New Gloucester Patriots

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BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

This was the season coach Ryan Deschenes an-ticipated when he moved over from St. Dom’s and took the Gray-NG job three season ago. The Patriots will have a nice mixture of

balance and experience. Andreas Kariotis was third team all-WMC last season and has added to his game. Tyler St. Pierre and David Chanlatte were both start-ers last season and make up a very quick backcourt. J.T. Magno has improved his low-post scoring game and could be a double-dou-

ble guy on a nightly ba-sis. Zack Haskell and Kyle Keenan provide length and will be vital to the Gray-NG defense. A playoff berth is the goal and appears to be within reach, although it will require continued im-provement in an always-tough WMC.


Coach: Ryan Deschenes (third year)


Returning players: Seniors — Andreas Kariotis (6-1 guard/forward), Tyler St. Pierre (5-10 guard), J.T. Magno (6-3 forward), David Chanlatte (5-8 guard; Juniors — Zack Haskell (6-3 forward), Kyle Keenan (6-5 forward).

Key losses: Sam Johnson (5-11 guard), Brandon Thibeault (5-10 guard), Justin McKenna (5-11 guard), Spencer Harriman (6-1 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Andrew Ellingson (6-4 center); Juniors — R.J. Chamberlain (5-11 forward), Justice Bowie (5-8 guard); Sophomores — John Henry (5-10 guard), Tanner Mann (5-11 forward).

Andreas Kariotis

J.T. Magno

David Chanlatte

Tyler St. Pierre

Alicia Dumont

Sara Carder

Maria Valente

Zoe Adams

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Patriots finished sixth in Western B last year before losing to Wells in the first round. Gray-NG has six players back from that club, including Maria Valente, who was an all-conference player and averaged 14.6

points and 7.8 rebounds. Zoe Adams is another vet-

eran in the post while Ali-cia Dumont (9.4 ppg), Skye Conley, Isabelle DeTroy and Grace Kariotis all showed promise as freshmen. Though young on paper, the Patriots should be a sea-soned team and hope to be in the tourney hunt again.

Playoffs a goal for Patriots

Youth + talent

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOGray-New Gloucester’s Alicia Dumont dribbles between two defenders during a game against Wells last season.


Poland Knights

James F. Weigand, D.D.S.

GOOD LUCKATHLETES!

364 Maine Street, Poland Spring

(207) 998-4587

Coach: Mike Susi (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 9-10, lost in Western B preliminary

Returning players: Seniors – Michaella Arsenault G, Caroline Littlefi eld F.

Key losses: Emily Bolduc G, Lindsay Theriault G.

Promising newcomers: Seniors – Hope Kohtala G, Emily Gibson F, Marissa Zink G; Freshmen – Natalie Theriault G, Morgan Brousseau F.

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Knights have five seniors but also five freshmen. Only three players return with much varsity experience.

Michaella Arsenault was one of Poland’s top play-

ers last year before ending the season sidelined by an injury.

Caroline Littlefield is also a returning starter that con-tributed in the post and from the outside.

The Knights are still hoping to challenge for a tour-ney berth but will need new players stepping into larger roles.

Coach: Tyler Tracy (fi fth year)

Last year’s record: 13-9, Western B champions

Returning athletes: Seniors — Alan Young (6-3 forward), Derek Michaud (5-7 guard), Zach Lowe (6-3 forward), Adam Mocciola (5-10 guard); Juniors — John Fossett (6-2 forward), Pat Kuklinski (5-7 guard).

Key losses: C.J. Martin (5-10 guard), Josh Gary (6-4 forward), Tyler Michaud (5-10 guard), Shawn Murphy (6-3 forward), Billy Bickford (6-1 forward).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Jared Martel (5-10 guard), Trevor Saunders (5-10 guard); Sophomores — Caleb Hodgkin (6-1 forward), Quinn Callahan (6-0 forward), Nate Chouinard (5-9 guard).

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

After making only two pre-vious quarterfinal appear-ances and never winning, Poland made an unforgetta-ble run through No. 3 Spruce Mountain, No. 2 Morse and No. 1 Greely to reach the

state game in 2014. The Cin-derella journey ended with a loss to Old Town in the final.

The Knights are younger this season, but still tall and athletic with Alan Young and John Fossett leading the way. Michaud’s grit and leadership will anchor the backcourt.

Many key players simply had to wait their turn on a senior-dominated team, and now will be their oppor-tunity to shine. Zach Lowe, Adam Mocciola and Pat Kuklinski fall into that cat-egory.

The middle of the WMC pack may be even deeper in

2014-15. Coach Tyler Tracy expects local rivals Gray-New Gloucester, Fryeburg and Lake Region all to be much improved. But the Knights showed a year ago that a gaudy regular-season record won’t matter if they are poised to play their best basketball in February.


Adam Mocciola

Derek Michaud

Alan Young

Zachary Lowe

Title defense won’t be easy


Caroline Littlefi eld

Michaella Arsenault

New players, new roles for Knights

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOPoland’s Alan Young takes a shot over Morse’s Chris Paulus during their Western Class B boys’ semifinal matchup at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland last season.


MVC girls’ preview

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

It will be a different looking Mountain Valley Conference this season.

Between an abundance of new coaches, Spruce Mountain moving to the KVAC and Winthrop not fielding a varsity team, the MVC will be transforming this season.

One constant is the fact that Madison and Carrabec should still be among the top teams. The Cobras (14-4) won the regional title while the Bulldogs (12-6) lost in the cham-pionship game. Both teams only graduated a few and return teams with good young talent.

Another familiar team in the mix should be Dirigo. The Cougars went 11-7 and won a prelim before knocking off the top seed last year. Dirigo has a new coach in Karen Mag-nusson, but returns much of that club, including senior for-wards Jessica Conant and Kelsey Hutchins and guards Ra-chel Knight, a senior, and juniors Emma Lueders and Sabri-na Daoud.

Oak Hill won 14 games before losing in the Western B pre-lims. The Raiders have a new coach but a good young nucle-us of talent that should make them a team to watch.

St. Dom’s, who was the top seed last year at 15-3, only re-turns two starters, Faith Grady and Chloe Dwinell. The Saints do have some injured players back and some promis-ing freshmen.

“Our team is very young, with only two returning play-ers who have significant varsity experience and 10 out of 13 players are freshmen or sophomores,” St. Dom’s coach Jon Berry said. “Our goals will include striving to compete and improve every time we take the court. Our players are young but very athletic and coachable. We just want to get better every day.”

Monmouth was another playoff team last year, going 11-7 before losing in the prelims to Dirigo. The Mustangs have a young team, with six freshmen on the roster. Mon-mouth lost some veteran players but has some experience back in starters Sidney Wilson, Haley West and Jenna Da-vies, while Mikayla Cameron contributed regularly off the bench.

“We look to continue to improve throughout the season,” Monmouth coach Scott Wing said. “Blending the returning varsity players with several incoming freshmen players will be a major key to our success. We played a very aggres-sive and competitive summer schedule and that looks like it could help in the maturing and bonding process.”

Hall-Dale won 11 games last year while Boothbay and Wis-

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE …

casset fell shy of the playoffs. All three teams return young squads. The Bulldogs lost a number or seniors but have a sizable group of upperclassmen back. Boothbay and Wiscas-set both return much of their teams and could improve.

Mountain Valley and Lisbon each went 6-12 last year. The Falcons are hoping to improve despite having a young team. Adelle Oswald and Abby Parent are the only seniors for Mountain Valley while Karen Flaherty and Sydney Petrie are the only juniors.

“We grew up last season and learned some tough lessons and gained some great experience,” Mountain Valley coach Ryan Casey said. “Each season brings new challenges and after a great summer, the big questions will be offensive leadership and a continued commitment to pressure de-fense.”

Lisbon doesn’t have an abundance of upperclassmen ei-ther. Mikayla Yanez and Mia Durgin are the only seniors while Bree Sautter and Katherin George are the juniors.

“Although we lost some height, we will rely on an ag-gressive style of play to be competitive,” Lisbon coach Ju-lie Petrie said. “We have a few veteran guards in Durgin, Yanez and Sautter, who will provide quality leadership and scoring.”

Mt. Abram and Telstar both went 2-16 and hope to im-prove this year. The Roadrunners have nine players back, including starters Alora Ross, Sally Stevens and Olivia Ryan. The Rebels have six players that return with varsi-ty experience, led by senior Savanna Pelletier and juniors Becca Howard, Haley Peterson, Blair Stevens and Naomi Carr. Sophomore Natasha Hart is also back.

… the more they stay the same. As the MVC shrinks, competition heats up

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTODirigo’s Kelsey Wilson, center left and Emma Lueders hug after a last-minute comeback against St. Dominic Academy during the Western Class C quarterfi nals at the Augusta Civic Center last season.


MVC boys’ preview

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Put the three names in a hat, pick one out, and you’ll have a Mountain Valley Confer-ence boys’ basketball contender on your hands.

Dirigo graduated only one player from a team that was ranked No. 1 in Class C West during the 2013-14 regular season. Boothbay is led by brothers Evan and John Hepburn and ageless coach I.J. Pinkham. And Winthrop is a senior-dominated squad that has awakened the echoes of state championship teams past.

For any local schools looking to crack that iron triangle, this winter figures to be an up-hill climb.

“I think the MVC is going to be up this year,” Monmouth coach Lucas Turner said. “Boothbay, Dirigo, Winthrop and Hall-Dale are bringing back several players. Madison will be right in the mix, as well. I really think night-in, night-out, there is going to be some great basketball.”

Excellence is the expectation at Dirigo, where the Cougars hope to make the state game for the fifth time in seven years after two consecutive semifinal ousters.

Having perhaps the league’s best player (Ri-ley Robinson), top point guard (Tyler Frost), dangerous 3-point shooter (Kaine Hutchins) and lockdown defender (Gavin Arsenault) is a great place to start.

“We have a good mixture of guys that can score in the post, attack the basket, and stretch the defense by making outside shots. We are athletic and can get up and down the floor quickly,” Dirigo coach Travis Magnus-son said. “We will take it one day at a time, but we believe we can win every game we play. Our goals are to be great defensively, play hard, and care about each other.”

Hopes are similarly through the roof at Winthrop.

Seniors Taylor Morang, Ben Allen, Matt Sekerak and Dakota Carter have rebuilt the program under coach Todd MacArthur, pro-gressing from 3 wins to 11 to 14 and a quarter-final appearance in Class C West.

“The time is now for this group to reach the apex of their basketball talents,” MacArthur said. “We must continue to work hard each day and put forth the effort and commitment to improve upon our weaknesses and solidify our strengths. If they do that, I am excited for what the season can bring.”

Monmouth has made a habit of reaching the quarterfinals in Turner’s tenure.

With senior Kasey Smith and sophomore

Hunter Richardson leading the way, this may be the year the Mustangs take the next step forward.

“We are going to be much better in Febru-ary than we are in November,” Turner said. “We have a young varsity team that is im-proving with every practice. We are going to rely on fundamentally sound defense and minimizing turnovers on the offensive end.”

Lisbon and St. Dom’s also hope to return to the Class C West playoffs after reaching the

preliminary round a year ago.The Greyhounds will have to overcome

the loss of senior Kyle Bourget, who is out for the season after surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered at the end of football season. Lisbon will rely heavily on his football linemen — Joe Phlbrick, Darren Ward and Andrew Go-lino — and freshman Jonah Sautter in his ab-sence.

“The strengths of the team are in our re-turning players’ experience and leadership,”

Lisbon coach Jake Gentle said. “We have an excellent group of returning upperclassmen that are giver great effort and play as a team.”

Mike Bryant’s all-around game and Becket Wagner’s size under the basket will be hall-marks for the Saints.

“We have some players with varsity experi-ence but will need some fairly inexperienced players to learn fast and on the fly,” St. Dom’s coach Todd Flaherty said. “There are four or five experienced, talented and well-coached teams that will be battling for the top spots, with the balance of the league working to im-prove to their level.”

Oak Hill hasn’t found the switch from the KVAC to MVC beneficial in the win column yet, but this could be the season that changes for the Raiders.

Kyle Field and Drew Gamage provide strength in the frontcourt, while football state champions Dalton Therrien and Adam Mer-rill should give Oak Hill’s outside game a lift.

“I think we’re going to surprise a few peo-ple,” Oak Hill coach Tom Smith. “The sched-ule is a bit more favorable. We played Law-rence and Messalonskee in the preseason. It doesn’t get much tougher than that.”

Mountain Valley slipped to two wins, by far the lowest total in school history, but the Fal-cons are confident that it was a one-year lull.

The Falcons didn’t sustain any graduation losses and should be able to work inside-out, with Caleb Gauvin, Jordan Pilgrim and Brad Marshall tough in the low post and Tom Mar-shall leading the charge from downtown.

“In order for us to win, we are going to have to share the load of scoring the ball,” Moun-tain Valley coach Tom Danylik said. “We want our bigs to get touches inside, but we need our guards to get into the lane and create opportunities."

Telstar (Mike Pelletier) and Mt. Abram (Heath Cowan) have new coaches and young teams hoping to climb from 3-15 seasons last winter.

Pelletier is enthusiastic about an influx of talent that includes senior Zach Wheeler and junior Cameron Pike, neither of whom played for the Rebels a year ago, and rangy sopho-mores Tanner Wheeler and Jeremiah Rich-ardson.

“I know we were average minus-27 point differential last year,” Pelletier said. “I’m not great with math, but I know that’s not real good, so we’re working on that.”

Cowan, who previously coached the Skow-hegan and Gardiner girls, turns to Tristen Dy-er as the senior with the most significant var-sity experience.

CONFERENCE HEAVY AT THE TOP

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTODirigo’s Riley Robinson, right, and Madison’t Chase Malloy battle for a rebound during a game last season.


Dirigo Cougars

126 Weld RoadDixfield, ME

562-8284

Best of Luck Dirigofrom

Ellis Variety &Gas Station

Coach: Karen Magnusson (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 13-8, lost in Western C semifi nal

Returning players: Seniors – Jessica Conant F, Kelsey Hutchins F, Rachel Knight G; Juniors – Mariah Lafl eur G, Kenize Lord G, Lauren Henderson G/F, Emma Lueders G, Sabrina Daoud G; Sophomores – Kaicey Conant F, Olivia Noyes G

Key losses: Kelsey Wilson G, Lindsy Crutchfi eld G

Promising newcomers: Senior – Gabby Scott F; Sophomore – Brittney Greig G.

Coach: Travis Magnusson (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 18-2, lost in Western C semifi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Nick St. Germain (6-3 center), Tyler Frost (5-8 guard), Kaine Hutchins (6-2 forward), Joe Casey (5-10 guard), Cody Dolloff (5-8 guard); Juniors — Riley Robinson (6-2 forward), Gavin Arsenault (6-2 guard), Clay Swett (6-2 center), Seth Child (5-11 guard); Sophomore — Gavin Hebert (6-2 forward).

Key loss: Dylan Kidder (6-0 forward).

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Vince Hebert (6-3 forward); Freshmen — Cooper Chiasson (5-11 forward), Cameron Turner (5-10 forward), Luke Lueders (5-7 guard).


Joe Casey

Kaine Hutchins

Tyler Frost

Cody Dolloff


Kelsey Hutchins

Jessica Conant

Rachel Knight

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

After getting knocked out in the regional semifinals each of the past two sea-sons, Dirigo welcomes back an experienced group that appears poised to challenge in a loaded Class C West race.

Riley Robinson is one of the best players in the state, regardless of class, hav-ing averaged more than 25 points per game as a soph-omore. Tyler Frost dished out six assists per game and is a proven floor gener-al. Kaine Hutchins is a dan-gerous outside shooter, and Gavin Arsenault is one of

the best defensive players in the MVC.

Magnusson felt that the team’s overall defense was an area of weakness in 2013-14 and has made improve-ment a point of emphasis. Dirigo will be as athletic as any team in the league and region. Another title run is a possibility.

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Cougars won a pre-lim and then beat the top seed in Western C last year before losing to Madison in the regional semifinals. Then the program replaced coaches.

Karen Magnusson, the former Cony coach, returns to coaching after a year off. The Cougars return much of last year’s team includ-ing playmaker Emma Lu-eders in the backcourt, along with Sabrina Daoud

and post threats in Kelsey Hutchins and Lauren Hen-derson.

Dirigo is a deep squad with experience and bal-ance.

Again, a team to watch

Heightened expectations

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTODirigo’s Kelsey Hutchins has the ball slip out of her hands as she and Madison’s Emily McKenney vye for a rebound during Thursday afternoon’s girls Western Maine Class C semifi nal basketball game between Dirigo and Madison at the Augusta Civic Center.



Lisbon Greyhounds

Federally Insuredby NCUA

325 Lisbon Street PO Box 878Lisbon, ME 04250 207-353-4144

802 Sabattus StreetLewiston, ME 04240 207-333-3214

GoGreyhounds!!

Coach: Julie Petrie (fourth year)


Returning players: Seniors — Mikayla Yanez G, Mia Durgin G; Juniors — Bree Sautter G, Katherin George G; Sophomores — Kaylin Le G, Jasmin Le F, Kipri Steele G/F, Kate Philbrick G/F.

Key losses: Katelyn Fowley F, Abby Roy F.

Promising newcomers: Senior - Victoria Swan, Dakota Bisson; Junior - Deliah Schreiber; Sophomores — Bree Daigle, Allie Sult.

Coach: Jake Gentle (third year)

Last year’s record: 11-8, lost in Western C preliminary

Returning athletes: Seniors — Johnny Yim (6-0 guard), Andrew Golino (6-1 forward), Darren Ward (6-0 forward), Joe Philbrick (5-10 forward), R.J. Sargent (5-7 guard); Juniors — Noah Carter (5-7 guard), Austin Bedford (5-9 guard); Sophomore — Josh Huston (6-1 forward).

Key losses: Tucker Brannon (5-10 forward), Kendal Roy (5-6 guard), Jake Johnston (6-4 forward/center), Jake Bremmer (6-5 center), Kyle Bourget (5-11 guard, injured).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Troy Galarneau (6-1 guard), Christian Booker (6-0 forward); Sophomores — Tyrese Joseph (6-1 forward), Blake Berube (5-8 guard); Freshman — Jonah Sautter (5-11 guard).


Andrew Golino

Darren Ward

Joe Philbrick

Johnny Yim


Victoria Swan

Dakota Bisson

Mikayla Yanez

Mia Durgin

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

Lisbon lost some size in the post but still have an ex-perienced and scrappy club that won’t be an easy foe.

Mia Durgin, Mikayla

Yanez and Bree Sautter are veteran guards in the back-court that will lead the Grey-hounds aggressive style.

Lisbon fell short of a tourney berth last year but hope to compete for the playoffs this winter.

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Lisbon boys’ basketball is coming off its best season in many years with numerous holes to fill.

Leading scorer Tucker

Brannon graduated, and Kyle Bourget, who was like-ly to step up and help fill that void, was lost to a knee inju-ry in the football playoffs.

Experience and leadership are still strong, however, and Coach Jake Gentle hopes

that will help compensate for a lack of size.

Team rebounding will be an emphasis. The strength of football standouts Joe Phil-brick, Darren Ward and An-drew Golino is sure to help in that regard. Jonah Sautter

may emerge as one of the top freshmen in the state.

It has been a while since the Greyhounds were in contention for back-to-back playoff berths. With contin-ued improvement, Lisbon will have a shot.

Greyhounds look to be aggressive

Boys’ team has some holes to fill

SUN JOUENAL FILE PHOTO

Lisbon’s Johnny Yim

drives to the basket

during a boys’ basketball

game in Lisbon last

season.


Monmouth Mustangs

Dan Dumont31 Blake Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240

Phone 782-7113 • Fax: [email protected]

GoMonmouthMustangs! ❧ Serving You Since 1848

Monmouth, ME • 933-4444Owner Kenneth R. I. Finley

Best of Luck Athletes!

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Coach: Scott Wing (fi fth year)

Last year’s record: 11-8 lost in Western C preliminary.

Returning players: Seniors —Caroline Bonenfant G, Jenna Davies F; Juniors — Mikayla Cameron G, Bri Gonzalez G/F, Maddie Stevens F, Haley West F, Sidney Wilson G.

Key losses: Amanda Anair F, Ashley Coulombe G, Krystin Kemp F, Kylie Kemp G, Paxton Lessard G.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Abbey Allen G/F, Maddie Amero F, Hannah Anderson G/F, Tia Day G, Emily Grandahl G, Megan Knowles F.

Coach: Lucas Turner (sixth year)

Last year’s record: 12-8 lost in Western C quarterfi nal

Returning players: Senior — Kasey Smith (6-4 forward), Tyler Gosselin (5-9 forward); Juniors — Nick Sanborn (6-1 forward), Nick Menice (5-9 guard), Luke Thombs (5-9 guard); Sophomores — Avery Amero (6-1 forward), Hunter Richardson (5-11 guard).

Key losses: Marcques Houston (6-4 center), Brandon Goff (6-1 guard), Brett Wilson (6-0 guard), Nick Tozier (6-4 forward); Alex Curtis (6-4 forward).

Promising newcomer: Senior — Noah Bates (5-3 guard).


Tyler Gosselin

Kasey Smith

Noah Bates


Caroline Bonenfant

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Monmouth has become a regular participant in the regional quarterfinals un-der coach Lucas Turner’s watch, reaching the Civic

Center four of the past five years.

The Mustangs have enough talent to make a return trip, but much of it is young and will need to progress as the season moves forward. Kasey

Smith is a strong building block in the middle.

Hunter Richardson and Avery Amero could emerge as sophomores. Strong de-fense and minimizing turn-overs on offense will be the emphasis.

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Mustangs graduat-ed a wealth of experience and scoring from last year’s club. Still, Monmouth has some returning talent.

Sidney Wilson, Haley West and Jenna Davies all

started at times last win-ter and Mikayla Cam-eron came off the bench regularly.

The Mustangs have six freshmen on the team. So how those younger players fit in and develop will help determine what this club can do.

Good mix for ’Stangs

Minimizing offensive TOs key for Monmouth

sunjournal.com/sjvarsity@Sports_SJ


SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOMonmouth’s Sidney Wilson drives to the basket for a layup during a game last season.


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Coach: Larry Donald (fi rst year)

Last year’s results: 2-16

Returning players: Seniors — Brooke Millbury F, Starr Osgood F; Juniors — Danielle Sinclair F, Keely Marble G; Sophomores — Sally Stevens, F, Shania Campbell F, Olivia Ryan F, Alora Ross G, Marya Beedy G.

Key losses: Sareenah Lariviere G, Alex Harnden G.

Promising newcomers: Freshmen— Lindsay Huff G, Megan Sorel G.

Coach: Heath Cowan (fi rst year)


Returning players: Seniors — Tristen Dyer, Quinton Hanna, Bryson Walker; Juniors — Luke Romanoski; Sophomore — Danny Luce.

Key losses: Arthur Ryan, Sol Fast, Amos Withee.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Logan Boyce; Juniors — Finley Mackay, Seth Thomas, Hunter York; Sophomores — Trevor Chaput, Riley Davenport, Glendon Howard, Carl Trafton.



BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Roadrunners re-turn most of the team from last year but are still young.

Alora Ross, Sally Ste-vens and Olivia Ryan all were starters last year.

Mt. Abram is still inex-

perienced at the varsity level and getting used to a new coach.

The Roadrunners could improve but are still in the building stages.

Newcomers Lindsay Huff and Megan Sorel are only freshmen, but they will be looked upon to step right in and log some

varsity minutes.The progression from

two years ago to last year was slight, but another couple years moving in the same direction are possible as the Roadrun-ners navigate the tough-as-nails Mountain Valley Conference.

Still building in Salem

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

T h e m o s t o b v i o u s change in the Mt. Abram boys’ basketball program this season is at the top.

Heath Cowan takes over for Trevis Knapp, bring-ing experience and a proven track record with him. Cowan led the girls’ programs at Skowhegan and Gardiner prior to a one-year stint as a boys’ assistant at Lawrence.

He inherits a program that hasn’t tasted much success in the past de-cade, including only a three-win season a year ago.

The first step for Cow-

an likely will be install-ing his preferred system, which features the run-ning game and pressure defense.

Those qualities will be of increased importance for the team that doesn’t wield much size in the paint. Dyer and Walk-er will be counted upon to make up for the loss of Withee’s scoring pres-ence.

The early schedule is a mixed bag, with Carrabec and Telstar out of the gate before Mt. Abram faces MVC powers Boothbay and Dirigo in a span of six days. Gaining some confi-dence in the early games is crucial.

In an interesting twist, Cowan will be coaching against his son, Ty, who is a senior at Madison. The teams meet on Dec. 18 and Jan. 15.

A change to pressure on defense is in the cards

789 Webster Street, Lewiston • 784-6964

Good LuckAll Area Teams!!

Work with the best,Achieve your best!

Wishing All StudentAthletes a Safe &Successful Season!

1190 Lisbon Street, Lewiston

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Phone: (207) 376-3000 • Fax: (207) [email protected]

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Mt. Abram Roadrunners


Mountain Valley

www.meaderandson.com364-4545

Meader & SonFuneral Home

RumfordLocally Owned & Operated

Best ofLuck!

Mountain Valley!

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Mountain Valley had never endured a boys’ bas-ketball season like the one that unfolded in 2013-14. After winning 13 games and reaching the Class B West semifinals the pre-vious winter, the Falcons sank to 2-16 and last in Class C West Heal Points.

The Falcons should bounce back substantial-ly and look more like their old selves this MVC sea-son.

Experience should pay dividends this winter. Ca-leb Gauvin and Brad and Tom Marshall all return for their third varsity cam-paign.

Mountain Valley needs to establish a consistent scoring presence and im-prove its defensive com-munication. While they hope to exploit some ad-vantages inside with Gauvin, Jordan Pilgrim and Brad Marshall, the Falcons also hope their guards can penetrate and become options on

the offensive end.Early wins are imper-

ative in order to regain some confidence. If that happens, the Falcons could make a run to the Augus-ta Civic Center, a building that was good to them in their 1990s heyday.


Coach: Tom Danylik (third year)


Returning athletes: Seniors — Caleb Gauvin (C), Brad Marshall (F), Tom Marshall (G), Andrew Cote (F), Jordan Pilgrim (C); Juniors — Ryley Flynn (G), Alex Ridley (G), Curtis Steele (G); Sophomores — Kyle Farrar (G), Zach Duguay (F).

Key losses: None.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Jordan Parent (G); Junior — Eduardo Esteban (G); Sophomore — Parker Davis (G).

Brad Marshall

Ryley Flynn

Caleb Gauvin

Tom Marshall


Coach: Ryan Casey (second year)


Returning players: Seniors —Adelle Oswald G, Abby Parent F; Juniors — Karen Flaherty G, Sydney Petrie F; Sophomores - Liza White F, Ashley Russell F, Emily Laubauskas G.

Key losses: Katie Puiia G, Shannon Laubauskas G, Jenna Plourde C, Kaitlyn Virgin G.

Promising newcomers: Junior - Tori Ryerson G, Sophomores — Emily Billings G, Julia Perry, G, Abby Mazza G, Samantha Shorey G, Chelsea Allison G, Grace Briggs F.

Abby Parent

Adelle Oswald

Bounce-back year on deck

A progression of youthBY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

T h e F a l c o n s w e n t through a transition year last year and hope to build off that experience.

Mountain Valley is still young, with six new soph-omores. Developing the backcourt, including a point guard, will be one of the challenges for the Fal-cons.

Some of these players have seen success recently in soccer and softball.

So the Falcons could ben-efit from that experience and continue to improve like those teams did.

@Sports_SJfacebook.com/sunjournalsports

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOMountain Valley’s Liza White attempts to get the ball to a teammate as she is forced out of bounds by Wiscasset’s Kayla Gordon, right, and Hanna Foye in the fi rst half of their game last season.


Oak Hill Raiders

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Coach: Tom Smith (fourth year)


Returning athletes: Seniors — Drew Gamage (6-4 forward), Kyle Field (6-4 center), Adam Merrill (5-10 guard); Juniors — Dalton Therrien (5-9 guard), Jonah Martin (5-11 guard/forward), Connor Elwell (6-0 forward).

Key losses: Parker Asselin (6-1 guard/forward), Luke Washburn (6-3 center), Ryan Stevens (6-0, guard/forward), Carlton Banton (6-0 guard/forward), Derek Gamage (6-5 center).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Jake Bannister (5-9 guard); Juniors — Duncan Trotter (5-11 guard), Connor Nilsson (6-0 forward); Sophomores — Matt Strout (6-2 forward/center), Evan Boston (5-4 guard).

Adam Merrill

Duncan Trotter

Drew Gamage

Kyle Field


Coach: Charlie Castonguay (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 14-4, lost in Western B preliminary round

Returning players: Seniors — Kayla Veilleux C, Sadie Goulet G, Iris Abbott F, Vanessa Wright G, Danielle Samson G, Meagan Crosby G; Juniors — Jamie Prue G, Sara Noel G/F, Grace Sabine C/F; Sophomore — Brianna Mulherin G/F.

Key Losses: Kelsey Collins F, Lauren Beganny G

Promising newcomers: Junior — Brooke DePuy G; Sophomores — Charlotte Waterman G, Madison Bennett G/F, Emma Hlister G/F.

Meaghan Crosby

Brianna Mulherin

Sadie Goulet

Danielle Samson

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Raiders return 10 players from a club that reached the prelims in Western B.

The Raiders have a new coach but plenty of depth and experience.

The upperclassmen are all proven at the varsity level while Brianna Mul-herin was promising as a

freshman last year.Oak Hill should be one

of the more seasoned teams in the MVC and challenging for another playoff spot in Western Class B.

Experience and depth abound

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

For the second consecutive year, the Raiders lost the first week of preseason while the football team stormed to a state title.

Coach Tom Smith said that he learned from the previous experience and tai-lored the team’s preparation differently this season in hopes of making up for lost time.

Dalton Therrien to Drew Gamage and Kyle Field gives the Raiders a solid in-

side-out game. Adam Merill is a veteran shooting guard, and Oak Hill has a poten-tially explosive wing in Jonah Martin.

The schedule also is favorable, with Boothbay and Dirigo appearing only once each, and neither until January.

Home-and-home seriess include Carra-bec, Mountain Valley, St. Dom’s and Hall-Dale.

Oak Hill should show some improve-ment in the win column.

Pocketing enough Heal Points for a breakthrough tournament appearance is the ultimate goal.

Late start, favorable sked should help Raiders along

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOSpruce Mountain’s Alex Bessey, left and Kailee Newcomb, back, team up to try to steal the ball from Oak Hill’s Jamie Prue during a game last season.


St. Dominic Saints

Set your goals high anddon’t stop until you get there.

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Providing personalized financial solutions for over 75 years.

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BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

The Saints graduated four players who keyed consecutive runs to the opening round of the play-offs.

St. Dom’s will need big-

ger contributions from role players as well as im-mediate input from new faces to keep that streak intact.

Becket Wagner’s size could give MVC oppo-nents trouble. Mike Bry-ant may emerge as one

of the league’s best all-around players.

Four or five teams ap-pear to be battling for league supremacy, but Ccoach Todd Flaherty feels that the Saints should be competitive with everyone else.


Coach: Jon Berry (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 15-4, lost in Western C quarterfi nal

Returning players: Seniors — Faith Grady G/F, Olivia Mayo G/F; Junior —Mikayla Pietkiewicz F; Sophomores — Allie Veinote G/F, Emily Dionne F, Hannah Phelan F, Chloe Dwinell F.

Key losses: Kelly Pomerleau G, Callie Greco G, Alexis Dwinell F

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Patricia Lu F; Freshmen — Riley Stebbins G, Janelle Bryant G/F, Lindsay Cook F, Caroline Gastonguay G, Maddy Leslie G.


Coach: Todd Flaherty (third year)

Last year’s record: 6-13, lost in Western C preliminary

Returning players: Seniors — Mike Bryant (6-0 guard), Keenan Lynch (6-0 forward), Becket Wagner (6-6 center), Isaac Dean (5-7 guard), Adam Vining (6-1 guard), Luis Allen (6-0 guard).

Key losses: Madison Jalbert (6-0 guard), Eric Ulin (6-2 forward), Matt Dyer (6-4 forward), Cam Raymond (6-1 guard).

Promising newcomers: Sophomore —Sam Rines (6-0 forward); Freshman — Drew Greco (5-8 guard).

Adam Vining

Kennan Lynch

Becket Wagner

Mike Bryant

Faith Grady

Olivia Mayo

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Saints earned the No. 1 seed in Western C last year before losing in the first round. St. Dom’s has just two

starters back from that team. The Saints lost Kelly Po-

merleau, the MVC Player of the Year, as well as Callie Greco and Alexis Dwinell, two other seasoned starters. That leaves just Faith Grady

and Chloe Dwinell back as starters. Olivia Mayo and Mikayla Pietkiewicz return, but missed most of last year to injury. The Saints will be young with 10 out of 13 play-ers being underclassmen.

New players, greater roles

Rebuilding, retooling year

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOSt. Dom’s Cam Raymond fi ghts for the ball with Oak Hill’s Carlton Banton during their game last season.


Telstar Rebels


Coach: Brian Mills (third year)


Returning players: Senior — Savanna Pelletier G; Juniors — Becca Howard G, Haley Peterson F/G, Blair Stevens F, Naomi Carr F; Sophomore — Natasha Hart G.

Key losses: Casey Blaszczak F, Alyssa Brands F.

Promising newcomers: Junior — Kaylee Hass; Sophomore — Anna Montagna; Freshman — Kylee Martin.


Coach: Mike Pelletier (fi rst year)


Returning players: Seniors — Maverick Griffi n (5-9 guard), Mike Dougherty (6-2 center); Sophomores — Tanner Wheeler (6-2 forward/guard), Brandon Dougherty (5-10 guard).

Key losses: Tyler Cherkis (5-8 guard), Austin Ryerson (5-11 guard/forward), Nick Conrad (5-8 guard), Bronson Dean (6-3 forward).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Zach Wheeler (5-10 forward); Juniors — Cameron Pike (5-9 guard); Sophomores — Avry Griffi n (5-10 guard), Tanner Wheeler (6-2 forward/guard), Jeremiah Richardson (6-5 center); Freshman — Jarrett Bean (6-1 forward).

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Mike Pelletier’s name adorns the wall of the Tel-star gym as one of the all-time leading scorers in the history of the boys’ basket-ball program.

The 1991 graduate is back, this time as the Rebels’ coach. He’s making no pre-dictions of banners or hard-ware at this point. Rather, Pelletier hopes to lead Tel-star to respectability after a couple of lean seasons.

Telstar’s athleticism is intriguing, particularly among its underclassmen. Pelletier considers junior guard Cameron Pike his most talented player, go-ing as far as to say, “we’ll go where he takes us.” Pike transferred back into the program after a year away and has shown flashes of brilliance in the preseason.

Sophomores Tanner Wheeler is an emerging standout on the wing. Jere-miah Richardson, another sophomore, provides size at 6-foot-5, while Jarrett Bean, a 6-1, 200-pound freshman, will help the Rebels bang on the glass.

As for the seniors, Mav-erick Griffin provides a

Breathing new life

steadying presence at point guard, while Zach Wheeler re-turns after taking a year off to concentrate on other sports. Mike Dougherty is an experi-enced battler in the paint.

The Rebels averaged a mi-nus-27 point differential a year ago. For now, Pelleter said, he is focused on improving that number, hoping that more wins are the result.

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOTelstar’s Tyler Cherkis tries to swat the ball away from Mtn. Valley’s Andrew Cote in a game last season

Team looking to build on last year’s momentumBY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

After being winless two years ago, the Rebels won two games last season.

Telstar hopes to contin-ue to improve and build a more competitive pro-

gram. The Rebels return six that have been regu-lars.

Savanna Pelletier, Becca Howard, Haley Peterson, Blair Stevens, Naomi Carr and Natasha Hart have all seen their share of varsity time.

That gives the team a core of experienced play-ers.

That group will have to carry the load. The Rebels have low numbers and not much depth. Martin, Hass and Montagna will con-tribute off the bench.

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Winthrop Ramblers

Hebron LumberjacksBOYS’ TEAM SUMMARY

Coach: Bill Flynn (eighth year)


Returning players: Mack Telfer, Dave Enyedy, Maoze Wang, Nick Legare, Damarlee Smith, Naquan Bowline, Linjie Liu, Jack Morton, Mason Henley.

Key losses: Jalen Robinson, Niko Edwards, Danny Davis, Ibrahim Moustapher.

Promising newcomers: Justin Lee, Kian Chalwell, Christian Quinones, Jeff Adegbe.

Naquan Bowline

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Hebron enters the season with high optimism after a dif-ficult 3-19 campaign.

Fortunes are looking up thanks to nine returning play-ers, seven of whom are se-niors, and a wealth of talented newcomers who will contrib-ute on the floor immediately.

The key word this sea-

son for Hebron will be depth. Coach Bill Flynn will count on the entire roster to pick up the slack and see key minutes after the loss of leading scor-er Jalen Robinson from last year’s group.

That team concept, as op-posed to individual effort, will be the impetus for any im-provement in the win column. Hebron also hopes to improve its defense.


Head Coach: Chase Baker (First season )Assistant Coach: Molly Paul 1st season


Returning athletes: Sophie Gibson, Morgan Lurz Megan Long

Key losses: Olivia Brown, Atupele Machika

Promising newcomer: Alex Loh

Sophie Gibson

Morgan Lurz

Much optimism for boys

Rebuilding and learningBY JUSTIN PELLETIER

SPORTS EDITOR

After graduating perhaps its best two players, He-bron will have to start build-ing its next crop of standout players. Olivia Brown and Atupele Machika ran most of the Lumberjacks’ offense.

A handful of team mam-

bers this year are new to the game, and will join four returning players on the squad.

“Although this is a small group of girls, the team is ex-cited to grow together and to have fun while trying to be as competitive as possible in each contest,” first-year coach Chase Baker said.


Coach: Todd MacArthur (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 14-5, lost in Western C quarterfi nal

Returning athletes: Seniors — Taylor Morang (5-7 guard), Matt Sekerak (6-0 guard), Ben Allen (6-3 forward), Dakota Carter (6-2 forward), Nick Schlosser (5-7 guard); Junior — Anthony Owens (6-5 center); Sophomores — Jacob Hickey (5-10 guard), Bennett Brooks (5-8 guard), Garrett Tsouprake (6-3 forward), Nate Scott (5-7 guard).

Key losses: Zach Steele (5-9 guard), Ethan Squires (5-10 forward).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Joe Fay (6-0 guard/forward), Jacob Rioux (6-3 forward); Sophomores — Spencer Steele (5-10 guard), Andrew Pazdziorko (5-10 guard).

Ethan Morang

Matt Sekerak

Ben Allen

Nick Schlosser

Is this ‘the’ year?BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

It’s just like old times in the MVC and Class C West: Win-throp is one of the favorites in boys’ basketball.

Winthrop has progressed from 3 to 11 to 14 wins in the past three seasons under coach Todd MacArthur and is expected to battle with Dirigo and Boothbay for supremacy.

The Ramblers are athlet-ic and balanced. Taylor Mo-rang is a four-year starter at point guard. Ben Allen, Da-

kota Carter and Anthony Ow-ens comprise a strong, athlet-ic frontcourt. Matt Sekarak is fully recovered from a knee in-jury suffered just prior to the 2014 tournament.

Winthrop ended a five-year tournament drought with a quarterfinal loss to eventual Class C West finalist Marana-cook a year ago. With so ma-ny seniors on the squad, 2014-15 has been considered “the year” for Winthrop since the group was in the lower grades. Experience and talent should serve the Ramblers well.


EWC girls’ preview

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

In recent years, there have been some teams getting in the way of Rangeley’s cham-pionship aspirations.

Last winter it was a last-second 3 that lift-ed top-ranked Forest Hills past the Lakers in the regional final while Richmond had end-ed Rangeley’s tourney in previous years. Valley has also been a stumbling block for the Lakers.

This year, the Lakers are a contender once again. Rangeley returns much of last year’s team and could be a favorite to reach an eighth regional title game in the last 10 years.

The Lakers lost veteran guard Tori Letarte from last year’s team. Her leadership and presence in the backcourt will be missed, but Rangeley isn’t lacking for veteran players.

“We will return four of five starters from last season,” Rangeley coach Heidi Deery said. “They plan on pressuring the ball on the press. Defensive pressure is a key to the game plan, as well as re-bounds on both ends of the court.”

The returning start-ers include post players Blayke Morin and Tay-lor Esty as well as guards Maddison Egan and Seve Deery-Deraps. Morin and Esty will be tough to matchup against in the post and even more of a challenge on the fastbreak, something the Lakers like to do in their fast-paced style.

Players like Michaela Shorey, Valerie Roy-Lessard, Natasha Haley and Celia Philbrick are all returning players that make the Lak-ers a well-seasoned team.

Rangeley went 17-1 in the regular season, losing only to Forest Hills. The Lakers av-eraged 58.7 points while allowing just 28 per game in earning a 15th straight trip to Augusta. Only one win was by less than 18 points.

The rest of the East-West Conference can’t match the size or experience of the Lakers. Many of the top teams are regrouping after losing top talent. There are also some young promising up- and-coming teams that could make some noise in the conference and in the Western D tourney.

The regional champs from Forest Hills graduated four senior starters from a team that went 18-0 in the regular season. They’ll be hard-pressed to match the offensive punch the Tigers had last year.

Richmond has a new coach and graduat-

ed just two seniors. They’ll have a team built around 10 juniors and sophomores. The Bob-cats went 8-10 last year but should improve on that this winter.

Valley also went 8-10 and is another young team on the rise. The Cavaliers graduated just three from a team made up of 10 under-classmen last year.

Vinalhaven went 11-7 and graduated four seniors. The Vikings return a young team that had six underclassmen and some prom-ising young talent.

Greenville finished 6-12 but didn’t have any seniors last year and should be an im-proved club.

Buckfield finished 2-15 but hope to im-prove this year. The Bucks have senior Nau-dia Wesley and juniors Alexis Bennett, Ash-ley Campbell, Brianna Damon and Alyssa Therriault all returning with sophomores Kali Litchfield and Abigail Shields.

The Bucks are just 13-76 over the past five years. New coach Ryan Wilkins is hoping

the team can continue to improve.“Our focus is going to be on getting better

every time we take the floor, whether it be at practice or in a game,” Wilkins said. “Hope-fully, that will translate into our team get-ting better as the year progresses. At this point, it is foolish to talk wins and losses. We need to learn to compete before we can worry about wins and losses.”

From outside the EWC, there are a num-ber of teams that should compete for tourney spots in Western D. Searsport was ranked third last year after a 17-1 season. The Vi-kings lost to Rangeley in the semifinals. Se-arsport will be younger this season after los-ing six seniors.

Pine Tree Academy went 13-3 and lost in the semifinals. The Breakers had only two seniors and return some young talent. Isles-boro won 12 games last year and lost in the quarterfinals. The Eagles return most of its team while North Yarmouth Academy was the ninth seed and graduated four seniors.

LAKERS LOOKING TO NEXT LEVEL

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

The Rangeley girls’ basketball team reacts to a last-second 3-pointer in the Western Class D fi nal in Augusta last season.

With a good core back, Rangeley has sights set on Western Class D title

“They plan on pressuring the ball on the press. Defensive pressure is a key to the game plan, as well as rebounds on both ends of the court.”

Heidi Deery, Rangeley coach


EWC boys’ preview

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Mark Thurlow sounds energized, and the student participation level in the Buckfield boys’ basketball program is beyond healthy.

Now the key is to trans-late that novelty and excite-ment into wins on the court and upward movement in the East-West Conference.

Thurlow, who had two tenures at Telstar covering nearly two decades, knows that may take some time.

“They have a tradition, although it has been a while. The past five or six years, they’ve been getting to the preliminary round, maybe the quarterfinals,” Thurlow said. “This is quite a thing for me. It’s a challenge. I’ve coached against some great guys. Now I have to learn about a whole new group of coach-es and teams.”

He has learned about his own team by stacking them against familiar faces from the MVC, Class C tourna-ment hopefuls Mountain Valley and Monmouth.

Buckfield lost both ex-hibition games by 20 to 30 points but showed steady improvement from the opening tap to the final buzzer.

“I’m playing a lot of peo-ple,” Thurlow said. “I think I’m going to be able to go 8, 9 or 10 deep, and I’m hop-ing we can do some switch-ing up of defenses at some point. That’s what I like to do.”

Thurlow can afford to ex-periment with combina-tions and pick up the tem-po. He had 33 kids try out for Buckfield’s varsity and junior varsity teams.

Jared Eastman and Ty-ler Vallee give the Bucks a steadying senior presence in the backcourt.

Juniors Jon Randolph and Sidney Jackson are new to the squad and will provide an infusion of ath-leticism. Thurlow called Jackson “maybe one of the best athletes I’ve ever had.”

“He’s big. He’s strong. Nobody is going to out-jump him,” the coach add-ed. “Once he gets an idea how to play offense, he’s going to be difficult to de-fend.”

Buckfield may strug-gle out of the gate against 2014 Class D West champi-on Valley and 2013 Class D champion Forest Hills the first week of the season, but the Bucks expect their depth to be a boon against age-old rivals Richmond and Rangeley.

“I’m excited. The kids are excited. They’re hungry,” Thurlow said. “I would hope we can compete for a playoff spot. That’s the kids’ goal.”

Speaking of Rangeley, the Lakers are younger and thinner than the Bucks, but no less hopeful about using their scrappy quickness to spring a few surprises.

“We won three games last year, and it was kind of a re-building year,” Rangeley coach Jeff Larochelle said.

“But I think we lost four games by eight points or less, and I had one senior, one junior and basically sophomores and eighth-graders after that, so you know what? It’s possible we could turn those around.”

Rangeley has been with-out lone senior Mason Cav-alier in preseason while he recovers from a concus-sion. Another player un-derwent surgery for a medi-cal issue and remains out of the lineup, leaving the Lak-ers with only eight healthy players.

“I don’t like to play zone, but for right now, I need to have kids not get tired and to stay out of foul trouble,” Larochelle said. “Better to play zone with seven kids than finish the game with four kids on the court.”

Wyatt Dellavalle , a 6-foot-3 junior center, and Ricky Thompson, a 6-1 sophomore guard/forward, are the Lakers’ only play-ers taller than 5-10.

Rangeley will compen-sate by running the floor and playing hard-nosed de-fense when the numbers and the foul clock allow.

“The kids believe they can do it. That end of it has been an easy sell,” Laro-chelle said. “We’re going to be undersized, but we play hard, and we think we can pretty good defensively.”

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTORangeley’s Orrin Mitchell drives to the basket for a layup past a Richmond defender during a game in 2013.

BUCKS BELIEVE, LAKERS HOPEFUL

“They have a tradition, although it has been a while. The past five or six years, they’ve been getting to the preliminary round, maybe the quarterfinals.”

Mark Thurlow, Buckfield coach


Buckfield Bucks

GIRLS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Ryan Wilkins (fi rst year)


Returning players: Senior — Naudia Wesley F/C; Juniors — Alexis Bennett G/F, Ashley Campbell F, Brianna Damon F, Alyssa Therriault G, Sophomores — Kali Litchfi eld G, Abigail Shields F/C.

Key losses: Gabby Therriault F, Abby Campbell G, Arrabine Dunn F, Sami Zak G, Hannah Gallant.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Kerseyanne Goyette G; Freshmen — Seneca Jacobs G, Sarah MacDonald C, Thea Quick G, Mackenzie Richardson F, Marie Robertson F/C.


Coach: Mark Thurlow (fi rst year)

Last year’s record: 5-12, lost in Western D preliminary

Returning athletes: Seniors — Jared Eastman (5-11 guard), Tyler Vallee (5-8 guard); Juniors — Alec Brough (6-2 forward), Aaron Rowe (5-9 guard), Hunter Wiley (6-0 forward/guard), Brian Kimball (6-2 forward); Sophomore — Jake Kraske (6-0 guard/forward).

Key losses: Micah Madore (5-9 guard), Robert Rowe (6-2 forward), Keenan Stockdale (6-2 forward), Jonah Williams (6-2 guard/forward).

Promising newcomers: Juniors – Jon Randolph (6-2 forward), Sidney Jackson (6-1 forward).

Jared Eastman

Tyler Vallee

Kerseyanne Goyette

Naudia Wesley

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

The round trip is about five miles longer in the op-posite direction, and the faces are all new to Mark Thurlow, who takes over as coach at Buckfield after a lengthy tenure at Telstar.

And there were plenty of faces waiting to greet him. Thurlow has 33 total play-ers in the program, which means he will have 15 on his bench any given night.

Jared Eastman gives the Bucks one of the potential top scorers in the EWC, while the athleticism of

Sidney Jackson and soccer star Jon Randolph should be a boost as they grow into basketball players.

Buckfield has gone with a base defense early, but Thurlow hopes the team will be able to switch on the fly as it learns his sys-tem. Size is limited, so the Bucks will try to compen-sate with quickness, pres-sure, and technique on the boards.

The schedule will be rug-ged early, with Valley and Forest Hills for openers. The Bucks should have the talent and numbers to be in the playoff mix.

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Bucks return a young team that hopes to continue to improve. Buckfield is just 13-76 over the last five years.

There are players that have succeeded in other sports with the soccer and softball teams, so despite the youth, there are some

veteran upperclassmen that are accustomed to the varsity level and can help the team learn how to com-pete.

Wilkins coached at the varsity level at Livermore Falls and recently was at the middle school level. He hopes the Bucks can make some strides in rebuilding a once-proud program.

BOYS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Jeff Larochelle (second year)


Returning players: Senior — Mason Cavalier (5-9 guard); Juniors — Timmy White (5-7 guard), Wyatt Delvalle (6-3 center), Orrin Mitchell (5-10 forward); Sophomores — Ricky Thompson (6-1 guard/forward), Devin Clark (5-6 guard); Freshmen — Kyle Larochelle (5-9 guard/forward), Hunter Lowell (5-10 forward), Tristan Dresser (5-4 guard).

Key losses: Mike Haley (6-0 forward), David Bachelder (6-1 forward).

Promising newcomer: Freshman — Bo Beaulieu (5-7 guard/forward).

Thurlow takes over, Bucks looking to make a run

Goal is to improve

Rangeley Lakers

BY KALLE OAKES

STAFF WRITER

Rangeley faces a numbers game every year in boys’ basketball. Coach Jeff Laro-chelle said he believes that there are only 24 boys in the entire high school, and 10 are on his team.

With two out of the lineup

in preseason due to medical issues, the Lakers haven’t been able to play the pres-sure defense and quick pace that the coach prefers. Range-ley is using a zone to avoid fa-tigue and foul trouble.

At full strength, the Lakers will be young and scrappy. Mason Cavalier is the lone se-nior. Junior Wyatt Dellavalle

and sophomore wing Ricky Thompson are the only play-ers 6-foot-1 or taller.

Three of the four freshmen on the roster played on the varsity as eighth-graders. That experience should help against a EWC Class D sched-ule that features challenging opponents and lengthy road trips.

Young and scrappy the name of the game


Rangeley Lakers

GIRLS’ TEAM SUMMARYCoach: Heidi Deery (21st year)

Last year’s record: 19-2, lost in Western D fi nal.

Returning players: Seniors — Seve Deery-Deraps G, Valerie Roy-Lessard F, Taylor Esty F/C; Juniors — Michaela Shorey G, Maddison Egan G, Blayke Morin F/C; Sophomore — Celia Philbrick G/F; Freshman — Natasha Haley G/F.

Key loss: Tori Letarte G

Promising newcomers: Freshman — Sydney Royce G/F; Eighth-graders — Brooke Egan G, Vanessa Bisson F, Mary-Page Swiney.

BY KEVIN C. MILLS

STAFF WRITER

The Lakers lost in the re-gional final on the final shot of the game, but return almost all of that team.

Morin and Esty should dominate in the paint against EWC foes. Seve Deery-De-

raps, Michaela Shorey and Maddison Egan lead a group of guards that have experi-ence and can play pressure defense.

Rangeley will miss Tori Le-tarte’s talents and leadership, but the Lakers are a veter-an team that should be a con-tender in Western D again.

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTORangeley’s Seve Derry-Deraps fi ghts with Forest Hill’s Linda Riley over the ball in the Western Class D fi nal in Augusta last season. Forest Hills upended Rangeley on a last-second 3-pointer.

SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOSRangeley’s Natasha Haley, right, guards Richmond’s Emily Douin as she brings the ball up the court during their game in Richmond last season.

Their time is now

For all the latest scores, schedules and writeups from your local teams, be sure to keep up with us online at sunjournal.com/sjvarsityLike us on Facebook at facebook.com/sunjournalsportsInteract with us on Twitter, @Sports_SJ


2014-15 Local ScheduleFRIDAY, DECEMBER 5Boys

Poland at Freeport, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at Richmond, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Nokomis, 6 p.m.; Greely at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Gardiner at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Lisbon at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Madison at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Bangor, 7 p.m.

Girls

Rangeley at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Madison at Telstar, 5 p.m.; Bangor at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Nokomis at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Gardiner, 6 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Greely, 6 p.m.; Edward Little at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Freeport at Poland, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6Boys

Valley at Buckfi eld, 7 p.m.

Girls

St. Dominic at Oak Hill, 2 p.m.; Valley at Buckfi eld, 5 p.m.; Lisbon at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8Boys

Monmouth at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Lisbon, 7 p.m.

Girls

St. Dominic at Hall-Dale, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9Boys

Mt. Blue at Skowhegan, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Cony at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Leavitt at Waterville, 6 p.m.; Mt. Ararat at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Fryeburg, 6 p.m.; Kennebunk at Poland, 6 p.m.; Winslow at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Rangeley, 6 p.m.

Girls

Winslow at Spruce Mountain, 5 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Oak Hill at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Skowhegan at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Waterville at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Fryeburg at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Poland at Kennebunk, 6 p.m.; Dirigo at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Brunswick at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Cony, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10Boys

Monmouth at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Madison at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Wiscasset, 5 p.m.

Girls

Richmond at KHS, 6 p.m.; Telstar at Wiscasset, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11Boys

MCI at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at Hall-Dale, 7 p.m.

Girls

Monmouth at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Madison at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at MCI, 6 p.m.; Lisbon at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12Boys

Dirigo at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Skowhegan, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Bangor, 7 p.m.; Messalonskee at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Cape Elizabeth at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Poland at Yarmouth, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at North Haven, 6 p.m.; Greenville at Richmond, 6 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Leavitt at Nokomis, 6 p.m.

Girls

Yarmouth at Poland, 6 p.m.; Bangor at Edward Little, 6 p.m.; Rangeley at North Haven, 5 p.m.; Greenville at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Nokomis at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Messalonskee, 6 p.m.; Skowhegan at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Cape Elizabeth, 7 p.m.


Buckfi eld at Seacoast Christian, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Mt. Abram, 2 p.m.; Rangeley at North Haven, 10 a.m.

Girls

Mt. Abram at Hall-Dale, 2 p.m.; Rangeley at North Haven, 8 a.m.; Dirigo at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Seacoast Christian, 5 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Monmouth, 7 p.m.


Mountain Valley at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Monmouth at Madison, 7 p.m.

Girls

Leavitt at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.


Brunswick at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at York, 7 p.m.; Falmouth at Poland, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Buckfi eld, 7 p.m.; Lawrence at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Islesboro Central at Rangeley, 5 p.m.

Girls

Mt. Blue at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Poland at Falmouth, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Madison, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Buckfi eld, 5 p.m.; Islesboro Central at Rangeley, 6 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Lawrence, 7 p.m.; York at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Brunswick, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18Boys

Edward Little at Messalonskee, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Mt. Ararat at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Pine Tree, 7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Madison at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Wells at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Forest Hills at Buckfi eld, 6 p.m.

Girls

Mt. Blue at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.; Brunswick at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Wells, 7 p.m.; Messalonskee at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; KHS at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Richmond at Pine Tree, 5 p.m.; Forest Hills at Buckfi eld, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19Boys

Winthrop at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Valley, 7 p.m.; Leavitt at MCHS, 6 p.m.; Carrabec at Mountain Valley, 5 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Gardiner, 6 p.m.; Rangeley at Greenville, 6 p.m.

Girls

Carrabec at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Madison at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Valley, 5 p.m.; Lisbon at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Gardiner at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; MCHS at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Rangeley at Greenville, 5 p.m.


Lawrence at Edward Little, 2 p.m.; Skowhegan at Oxford Hills, 2 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Greenville, 2 p.m.; Wiscasset at Mt. Abram, 6 p.m.; Fryeburg at Poland, 5 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Lake Region, 5 p.m.; Lewiston at Mt. Ararat, 4 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Brewer, 1 p.m.

Girls

Mt. Ararat at Lewiston, 12 p.m.; Fryeburg at Poland, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Lake Region, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Lawrence, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Skowhegan, 2 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Greenville, 12 p.m.; Brewer at Mt. Blue, 1 p.m.; Wiscasset at Mt. Abram, 5 p.m.; Dirigo at St. Dominic, 1 p.m.


St. Dominic at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; MCHS at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; MCI at Leavitt, 6 p.m.

Girls

Spruce Mountain at MCHS, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at MCI, 6 p.m.


Edward Little at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Lawrence, 7 p.m.; Carrabec at Oak Hill, 5 p.m.

Girls

Mt. Ararat at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Carrabec at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Lawrence at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Lewiston, 5 p.m.; St. Dominic at Monmouth, 7 p.m.


Oxford Hills at Cony, 2 p.m.; Leavitt at Morse, 1 p.m.; Medomak Valley at Spruce Mountain, 1 p.m.; Dirigo at Winthrop, 11 a.m.

Girls

Spruce Mountain at Medomak Valley, 2 p.m.; Morse at Leavitt, 1 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Cony, 1 p.m.


2014-15 Local ScheduleMONDAY, DECEMBER 29Boys

Telstar at Carrabec, 4 p.m.

Girls

Madison at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Carrabec, 5 p.m.


Greenville at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Lincoln at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Bangor at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Seacoast Christian, 6 p.m.; Morse at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; St. Dominic at Hall-Dale, 6 p.m.; Lewiston at Hampden, 6 p.m.; Wiscasset at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Poland at Greely, 7 p.m.; Brunswick at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Madison at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Lisbon, 7 p.m.

Girls

Mt. Blue at Bangor, 7 p.m.; Greely at Poland, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Monmouth, 4 p.m.; Richmond at Seacoast Christian, 5 p.m.; Hampden at Lewiston, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Lincoln, 6 p.m.; Greenville at Rangeley, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Morse, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2Boys

Leavitt at Erskine, 6 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Vinalhaven, 7 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Mount View, 6 p.m.; Dirigo at Carrabec, 2 p.m.; Rangeley at Islesboro Central, 12 p.m.

Girls

Lisbon at Madison, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Telstar, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Vinalhaven, 5 p.m.; Rangeley at Islesboro Central, 2 p.m.; Dirigo at Carrabec, 1 p.m.; Erskine at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Mount View at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3Boys

Messalonskee at Lewiston, 2 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Oak Hill, 3 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Madison, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Cony at Mt. Blue, 1 p.m.; Poland at Lake Region, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Brewer, 4 p.m.; Hampden at Edward Little, 6 p.m.; St. Dominic at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Yarmouth at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Vinalhaven, 10 a.m.

Girls

Buckfi eld at Vinalhaven, 9 a.m.; Edward Little at Hampden, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at Hall-Dale, 2 p.m.; Lewiston at Messalonskee, 2 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Cony, 1 p.m.; Poland at Lake Region, 5 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Brewer, 5 p.m.; Yarmouth at Gray-New Gloucester, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5Girls

Boothbay Region at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6Boys

Mt. Abram at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Hall-Dale,

7 p.m.; Edward Little at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Temple at Buckfi eld, 7 p.m.; Valley at Rangeley, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Traip, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Waterville at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Richmond at North Yarmouth, 5 p.m.; Freeport at Poland, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Winslow, 6 p.m.

Girls

Oxford Hills at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Poland at Freeport, 7 p.m.; Traip at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Winslow at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Waterville, 6 p.m.; Richmond at Old Orchard Beach, 6 p.m.; Lewiston at Mt. Blue, 6 p.m.; Valley at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Temple at Buckfi eld, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8Boys

Lewiston at Lawrence, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Cape Elizabeth, 7 p.m.; Skowhegan at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Pine Tree, 6 p.m.; Old Orchard Beach at Poland, 6 p.m.

Girls

Hall-Dale at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Mt. Ararat at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Telstar at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Lawrence at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Madison at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Skowhegan, 7 p.m.; Poland at Old Orchard Beach, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Pine Tree, 4 p.m.; Cape Elizabeth at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.


Spruce Mountain at Lincoln, 6 p.m.; Richmond at Forest Hills, 6 p.m.; Mount View at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Hall-Dale, 7 p.m.; Madison at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Rangeley, 7 p.m.; Telstar at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.

Girls

Leavitt at Mount View, 6 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Richmond at Forest Hills, 5 p.m.; Lincoln at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.


Poland at Fryeburg, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Lake Region at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Greenville at Buckfi eld, 2 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Rangeley, 10 a.m.; Mt. Blue at Oxford Hills, 2 p.m.

Girls

Lewiston at Edward Little, 6 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Rangeley, 9 a.m.; Greenville at Buckfi eld, 12 p.m.; St. Dominic at Lisbon, 2 p.m.; Lake Region at Gray-New Gloucester, 5 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Mt. Blue, 2 p.m.; Poland at Fryeburg, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12Boys

Seacoast Christian at Richmond, 7 p.m.

Girls

Dirigo at Madison, 7 p.m.; Carrabec at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at Lisbon, 7

p.m.; Oak Hill at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Hall-Dale, 7 p.m.; Seacoast Christian at Richmond, 5 p.m.


Dirigo at Madison, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Hall-Dale, 7 p.m.; Brunswick at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Mt. Ararat at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Carrabec at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at Buckfi eld, 6 p.m.; Nokomis at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Lewiston at Oxford Hills, 5 p.m.; Monmouth at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.; Fryeburg at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Leavitt at Gardiner, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Poland at Kennebunk, 6 p.m.

Girls

Spruce Mountain at Nokomis, 6 p.m.; Gardiner at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Fryeburg, 6 p.m.; Rangeley at Buckfi eld, 5 p.m.; Kennebunk at Poland, 6 p.m.; Lewiston at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Brunswick, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14Boys

Pine Tree at Richmond, 6 p.m.

Girls

Telstar at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.; Pine Tree at Richmond, 5 p.m.


Poland at Waynfl ete, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Hall-Dale, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Madison, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Boothbay Region at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.

Girls

Telstar at Hall-Dale, 5 p.m.


Skowhegan at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Old Orchard Beach at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Messalonskee, 7 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Richmond, 7 p.m.; Bangor at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Valley, 6 p.m.; Waterville at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Winslow, 5 p.m.; Rangeley at Forest Hills, 6 p.m.

Girls

Oak Hill at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Madison, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Bangor, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Messalonskee at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Old Orchard Beach, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Skowhegan, 7 p.m.; Vinalhaven at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Rangeley at Forest Hills, 5 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Valley, 5 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Winslow, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Waterville, 6 p.m.; Waynfl ete at Poland, 6 p.m.


Vinalhaven at Richmond, 10 a.m.

Girls

Vinalhaven at Richmond, 9 a.m.; Mt. Abram at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.


2014-15 Local ScheduleMONDAY, JANUARY 19Boys

Gray-New Gloucester at Poland, 5 p.m.; Lewiston at Cony, 5 p.m.; Winthrop at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Messalonskee, 4 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Bangor, 2 p.m.; Edward Little at Hampden, 1 p.m.; Carrabec at St. Dominic, 1 p.m.

Girls

Lisbon at Boothbay Region, 3 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Poland, 6 p.m.; Cony at Lewiston, 5 p.m.; Hampden at Edward Little, 1 p.m.; Bangor at Oxford Hills, 2 p.m.; Carrabec at St. Dominic, 12 p.m.; Messalonskee at Mt. Blue, 12 p.m.


Buckfi eld at Richmond, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at Hyde, 5 p.m.

Girls

Oak Hill at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Monmouth at Hall-Dale, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at Hyde, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21Girls

Carrabec at Telstar, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22Girls

Hall-Dale at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.


Winthrop at Wiscasset, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Lisbon, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Madison, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Cony at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Bangor, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Brewer, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at MCI, 6 p.m.; Nokomis at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Forest Hills, 6 p.m.; Richmond at Greenville, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Rangeley at Valley, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Dirigo, 7 p.m.

Girls

Richmond at Greenville, 5 p.m.; Rangeley at Valley, 5 p.m.; Edward Little at Brewer, 5 p.m.; Brunswick at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Bangor at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Forest Hills, 5 p.m.; MCI at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Nokomis, 6 p.m.; Cony at Oxford Hills, 5 p.m.


York at Poland, 5 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Freeport, 2 p.m.

Girls

Poland at York, 5 p.m.; Oak Hill at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Freeport

at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Madison, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Lisbon, 2 p.m.; St. Dominic at Dirigo, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 26Boys

Lisbon at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Madison at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Monmouth, 7 p.m.


Lawrence at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Valley at Richmond, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Falmouth, 7 p.m.; Cape Elizabeth at Poland, 7 p.m.; Brewer at Lewiston, 6 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Sacopee Valley, 6 p.m.; Leavitt at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Gould at Rangeley, 6 p.m.

Girls

Falmouth at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Brewer at Lewiston, 5 p.m.; Valley at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Poland at Cape Elizabeth, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Lawrence, 7 p.m.; Buckfi eld at Sacopee Valley, 5 p.m.; Dirigo at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Leavitt, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28Boys

Buckfi eld at Old Orchard Beach, 7 p.m.

Girls

Buckfi eld at Old Orchard Beach, 5 p.m.


Oak Hill at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Carrabec at Winthrop, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Telstar at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Madison at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; MCHS at Leavitt, 6 p.m.

Girls

Edward Little at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.


Hampden at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Poland at Wells, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; Gardiner at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Richmond at Rangeley, 6 p.m.; Kennebunk at Gray-New Gloucester, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Lisbon, 7 p.m.

Girls

Gray-New Gloucester at Kennebunk, 7 p.m.; Richmond at Rangeley, 5 p.m.; Telstar at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Madison at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Hampden,

7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Wells at Poland, 7 p.m.; Mt. Abram at Lisbon, 5 p.m.; Leavitt at MCHS, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Gardiner, 6 p.m.


Seacoast Christian at Buckfi eld, 7 p.m.

Girls

Seacoast Christian at Buckfi eld, 6 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2Boys

St. Dominic at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Boothbay Region, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3Boys

Gray-New Gloucester at Yarmouth, 6 p.m.; Edward Little at Cony, 7 p.m.; Leavitt at MCI, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at MCHS, 6 p.m.; Hampden at Mt. Blue, 5 p.m.; Brunswick at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.; Mt. Ararat at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; North Yarmouth at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Lake Region at Poland, 7 p.m.

Girls

Cony at Edward Little, 7 p.m.; St. Dominic at Mountain Valley, 7 p.m.; Lewiston at Mt. Ararat, 7 p.m.; Monmouth at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Dirigo at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Oxford Hills at Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Gray-New Gloucester at Yarmouth, 5 p.m.; MCI at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Lake Region at Poland, 5 p.m.; MCHS at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Hampden at Mt. Blue, 6 p.m.; Lisbon at Oak Hill, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4Boys

Lisbon at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Oak Hill at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Winthrop at Telstar, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at Monmouth, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5Boys

Oxford Hills at Mt. Blue, 7 p.m.; Edward Little at Lewiston, 7 p.m.; Poland at Gray-New Gloucester, 6 p.m.; Winslow at Leavitt, 6 p.m.; Old Orchard Beach at Richmond, 6 p.m.; Spruce Mountain at Waterville, 6 p.m.

Girls

Old Orchard Beach at Richmond, 5 p.m.; Leavitt at Winslow, 6 p.m.; Hall-Dale at Dirigo, 7 p.m.; Poland at Gray-New Gloucester, 5 p.m.; Waterville at Spruce Mountain, 6 p.m.; Edward Little at Lewiston, 6 p.m.; Oak Hill at Mt. Abram, 7 p.m.; Mountain Valley at Carrabec, 7 p.m.; Lisbon at St. Dominic, 7 p.m.; Wiscasset at Monmouth, 7 p.m.; Mt. Blue at Oxford Hills, 7 p.m.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS THIS SEASON! TO REPORT YOUR SCORES, EMAIL US: [email protected], OR CALL US: 1-800-482-0935


Rewind to 2013-14

Scenes from 2013-14SUN JOURNAL FILE PHOTOS

The Oxford Hills Vikings celebrate with the championship plaque after winning the Eastern Class A fi nal against Edward Little at the Augusta Civic Center last February.

Caleb Martin celebrates Poland’s victory over Greely in the Western Class B fi nal in February.

Spruce Mountain’s Alex Bessey drives to the basket for a layup during a game in Jay last season.

Rangeley’s Natasha Haley, right, guards Richmond’s Emily Douin as she brings the ball up the court during a game in Richmond last season.

Wiscasset’s Tylan Onorato tangles herself with Lisbon’s Adrianna White in an attempt to steal the ball in the second quarter of their game in Lisbon last season.

sun journal's preview of winter sports 2014-2015

Documents

stellar defensive team

new coach

returning players

season schedulepages

defensive end

regular season

forward brooke reynolds

coach craig jipson