Which teams to watch out for this season
WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS | special to the BDN
Class AA
This year, Class AA North is shaping up to be full of excitement. Cheverus of Portland defeated Oxford Hills of South Paris 48-38 for the Class AA North regional final last year, and went on to win the state title over Gorham. Both Cheverus and Oxford Hills will be ones to watch this season, along with Bangor’s team, which is returning 11 of its 12 varsity players from last year and poised for a strong season.
Cheverus will be looking to defend its title without its stars from last season, Maddie Fitzpatrick and Ruth Boles, who both graduated. Oxford Hills coach Cimeron Colby says his team is returning three seniors — Ella Pelletier, Gabbie Tibbitts, and Maddie Herrick — who have been playing together since they were in second grade, making them a powerful force for the upcoming season.
Bangor coach Jay Kemble says returning 11 of the 12 varsity players from last year sets the team up well for the season. While Bangor lost a talented senior last year in Mimi Quinn, Kemble says the team has a depth of skills with a multitude of scorers.
“We have a number of players that will allow us to do many things offensively,” Kemble said.
Class A
Cony upset Lawrence 54-46 in last year’s Class A North regional game, and both teams are considered favorites in this class this year. Still, Hampden Academy is another team to watch.
Cony returns Cassie Lacroix who came from the bench to score 12 points to lead the Lady Rams to the victory over Lawrence. Lawrence, consistently strong on both offense and defense, returns junior Maddie Provost and senior Lilly Gray, both hungry for a title.
Hampden Academy is losing a senior star from last year in Lucy Wiles, but still has a lot of depth on the team. Having made it deep into the tournament last year, and with their move from Class AA to Class A in recent years, Hampden Academy, under the direction of coach Nick Winchester, should be a force in Class A North this year.
Class B
In Class B North there are several teams to watch, as last year’s champs, Old Town, will face fierce competition from Ellsworth and a group of seniors wanting to repeat the championship from their sophomore year. Coach Andy Pooler has four starters returning. He says his team has gained some experience and wisdom after being a strong favorite last year but losing out to Old Town. He says he wants his team to remember the joy of playing this year without worrying so much about outside expectations.
Other strong contenders in Class B North include Caribou and John Bapst, who both have impressive senior players returning. Caribou’s Madelyn Deprey averaged 22.9 points per game last year.
“We return a strong core with 4 returning starters, including three seniors and one junior,” Caribou coach Kayla Brown said. She added Class B North is full of talent this year, but her team is ready to compete.
Bapst’s Claire Gaetani is on track to score her 1000th point in the first half of the season. Coach Matt Smith is looking to Gaetani to lead Bapst on a deep run into the tournament.
Class C
Dexter defeated Penobscot Valley in a close game 28-23 for the Class C North regional title last year, and went on to defeat Hall-Dale 48-41 for the state championship.
Penobscot Valley coach Nathaniel Chase is looking forward to the challenge in Class C North this year. The smallest team in the class, the PVHS Lady Howlers have embraced the underdog mentality, even though the expectations for his team are always high.
“We have some really skilled athletes to pair with our strong work ethic and practice habits,” Chase said. “We would love to go over the top and win that gold ball for the first time in the history of the school.”
But Chase points out that there is fierce competition in Class C North. Dexter graduated several seniors last year, but their coach, Jody Grant, has a methodical style that prepared them well for the tournament. Mattanawcook Academy should also be tough this year.
Class D North
Last year, Southern Aroostook dominated Katahdin in the Class D North finals, 71-27, before defeating Valley for the state championship. Southern Aroostook remains a team to watch, along with Katahdin and Wisdom, who made it deep into the tournament last year.
The Southern Aroostook Lady Warriors remain a force this year, having won five out of the last six Gold Balls for the Class D State Championships. Although they graduated three seniors last year, the team has a depth and connection that is hard to beat. The girls of Southern Aroostook have been playing together since pee-wee basketball and know how to work as a team.
But Katahdin and Wisdom remain strong in this class. Katahdin boasts a stellar defense and returns junior Ayanna Lester, who had a great sophomore season. Although Wisdom lost Lilly Roy, they have a standout junior guard in Ava Lerman, who is looking to step up and lead the team.
