Bryce Lausier cemented himself in Hampden Academy history in early 2020 by leading the Broncos to a Class A state championship and winning Mr. Maine Basketball and Maine Gatorade Player of the Year.
He shipped off to Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2023 Lausier decided to spend his senior season at his home state’s flagship school, the University of Maine in Orono.
Lausier’s time with the Black Bears came to a close this May, having received a bachelor’s degree in finance, but the 6-foot-4 Glenburn native isn’t ready to hang up his shoes yet.
With a year of eligibility remaining and a desire to further his education in policy, planning and management, Lausier has decided to play for the University of Southern Maine Huskies in Portland for the 2024-25 season.
“I still have something left to give,” Lausier said. “USM was by far the best fit for me, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.”
Lausier only appeared in 11 games for the Hawks and got into just two for the Black Bears. The Division I level didn’t afford him much playing time, but he’s still grateful for the experience he received practicing and bonding with other top-tier athletes in Orono.
“There’s not a lot of opportunities to play Division I, and it definitely made my game better,” Lausier said. “Playing every day in practice with those guys, I’m so happy to have been a part of it, especially considering I’m a Maine kid.”
Second-year UMaine head coach Chris Markwood, who also won Mr. Maine Basketball himself in 2000 at South Portland, said Lausier was a valued addition to the roster this past season.
“He showed up every day and attacked to the best of his abilities. He really contributed to the team,” Markwood said. “He’s a tremendous young man, and the whole locker room loved him. I couldn’t have asked him for more.”
At USM, Lausier will compete alongside some familiar Maine faces in Brady Saunders of Brewer and Madden White of Nokomis, who are coming off solid freshman campaigns.
Lausier is looking forward to being the wise veteran in head coach Rob Sanicola’s guard-heavy, free-flowing offensive scheme, and playing with this duo that were formerly his opponents.
“Going from high school [to Saint Anselm] to UMaine, I learned a lot and it improved me as a man, on and off the basketball court,” Lausier said. “I’m looking forward to helping Brady and Madden out, and learning USM’s scheme. I’ve never had an issue making friends.”
