Overview
Regardless of how the final standings work out, Mountain Valley will stand alone, as the only remaining Class B team in the league. Wiscasset and Lisbon have moved down to Class C. Several teams are gettting to know their new coaches, including Jay and WInthrop, which introduced their coaches just a few days before the winter season opened.

Defending Western Class B champion Mountain Valley is the favorite. The Falcons have a new starting backcourt, but they are deep and boast one of the best big-man combos in Class B with Jarod Oldham and Isaac Stickney.Georges Valley could challenge them, with a rugged frontcourt of its own led by Brett Hutchinson and A.J. Staples. The Buccaneers should compete for the Class C title.

The league’s second tier could be a dogfight. Mike Childs inherits a lot of talent and tradition at Jay, but it may take some time for the Tigers to get used to their new coach’s system. Childs succeeds Steve Hamilton, who due to the on-going teacher’s contract dispute in Jay moved down Route 133 to fill the vacancy at Winthrop. The Ramblers lost eight seniors from last year’s regional champion. Dirigo, Telstar, Boothbay, Livermore Falls and Monmouth will all battle for a spot in the top 12 in Western C. The most improved team could be Mt. Abram, which has one of its most talented teams in some time.
Players to watch
•Conrad Griffin, jr. forward, Wiscasset – Averaged 14 ppg. as a sophomore.

•Frank Hayes, sr. forward/center, Mt. Abram – Versatile and quick for his size (6-4). Can match-yp defensively against guards and defend on the perimeter.

•Randy McMullen, sr. forward, Madison -Averaged 12 rpg last year and should also take on more of a scoring role for the Bulldogs.

•Mike Norton, sr. forward, Boothbay – Will become Seahawks’ primary inside threat after averaging 12 ppg (fifth in MVC). and 9 rpg (second in MVC). last year.

•Jarod Oldham, sr. center, Mountain Valley – Talented low-post player should be one of the league’s top big men after averaging 12 ppg and 8 rpg as a sophomore.

•Mark Wade, sr. guard, Monmouth – Third-leading scorer in the conference last season (16 ppg).

•Matt Wheelock, jr. center, Hall-Dale-6-9 center averaged 15 ppg and 10 rpg last year.

Predicted order of finish

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