Monmouth Academy believes it has some unfinished business in Class C this winter, a year after going 16-2 and losing to Boothbay by two points in the Class C South semifinals.
Those two teams return the bulk of their lineups and figure to be battling it out again for Mountain Valley Conference and Class C supremacy.
“We’ve got quite a bit of experience,” Monmouth coach Scott Wing said. “Our biggest overall strength is we have so many kids who can score.”
That includes junior point guard Tia Day, who averaged 12 points a game and connected on 35 3-pointers last season. Junior Hannah Anderson came on strong in the tournament last season, scoring 26 points in a quarterfinal win and will be counted upon as a scorer and rebounder, as well as a defensive stopper. Abby Allen, Emily Grandahl, Destiny Clough and Maddi Amero all fit into Monmouth’s run-and-gun philosophy.
“We want to push the ball all we can.” Wing said. “We’ll defend full-court most of the time.”
Madison was in the three-team mix a year ago, and although the Bulldogs graduated some key players they can’t be counted out.
“We should contend,” Madison coach Al Veneziano said. “Hopefully by the end of the season we’ll be a solid team.”
Senior Madeline Wood is the top returning player and will get scoring help from junior guards Sydney LeBlanc and Ashley Emery and rebounding from freshman Lauren Hay.
Richmond kept most of its Class D schedule last season while moving up to Class C. The Bobcats entered the tournament at 16-2 and were the top seed. They were upset in the quarterfinals but with most of their lineup returning they can’t be overlooked. Sydney Tilton, a 5-foot-10 junior, is one of the better inside players in Class C. Last year she averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game and started Richmond’s fast break.
“We want to run-and-gun,” coach Mike Ladner said. “We like to play inside out and press full-court man.”
Senior Meranda Martin is a tenacious defender, and the team has plenty of outside shooters led by sophomore Caitlin Kendrick and senior McKenzie Abbott. The team has five Class C teams on its schedule this year in an effort to increase competition.
“We tried to beef it up,” Ladner said.
Mt. Abram returns a solid group of players and could be a spoiler for some MVC team. Lindsay Huff, Summer and Alora Ross, Shania Campbell and Meg Sorel have played a lot of ball together.
Carrabec has one returning starter in junior Bailey Dunphy and a few questions.
“We’re going to be young and I’m sure we’re going to have some growing pains,” coach Skip Rugh said. “They’ve got to get used to each other.”
Rugh is looking for contributions from sophomore twins Madeline and Gabriele Hughes and junior Melanie Clark.
Hall-Dale graduated seven players and nearly all its scoring, but coach Jarod Richmond isn’t discouraged.
“I am really excited about this group,” he said. “They work really hard.”
Justice Drapeau, Sabrina Freeman, Jill Whynot, Ellie Decker and Amanda Benner are all returning juniors who will be counted upon.
Winthrop turned the corner last year with three victories and is looking for more. The Ramblers return everyone and have added three freshmen to the roster.
“We’re looking to make some strides,” coach Joe Burnham said. “We’re looking to double that number (of wins).”
Senior Adlin Chaparin led the team in scoring last year while 5-10 senior Shie Smith led the team in rebounding.
Kents Hill has added five games to its MPA schedule after playing just nine last year. Luke Wamboldt returns to coach the team after a two-year hiatus and has a squad that includes four returning starters, including a couple of key players in sisters Becca and Cat Gibbs from Winslow.
“The big focus is making sure everyone gets involved,” he said.
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