Overview

Valley pursues a record seventh consecutive Class D state championship with much of its nucleus intact, including leading scorer Mark Gaudet, one of the premier shooters in the state. Sophomore center Travis Hovey takes over for Kevin Miller as their primary low-post option, but the Cavaliers are still at their best in transition, with Gauder, senior guard Tony Hibbard and junior swingman Lucas Melcher forcing the tempo.

With Valley again a virtual lock for the conference crown, the real battle for post-season positioning should take place among the league’s second tier, among Rangeley, Forest Hills and Buckfield. The Lakers boast one of Class D’s best players in Jim Goodwin and needs several players to step up to support him with Neil Stewart (graduation) and Tim Johnson (transfer) having departed. Forest Hills also lost some key contributors from last year, but still has one of the top players in the conference in Josh Kipp. Buckfield has an athletic and balanced team with scoring depth. Richmond and Averill both have a lot of experience coming back and could challenge.

Players to watch

•Mark Gaudet, sr. guard, Valley -Top guard in Class D. Coming off a junior season in which he averaged 20 points per game.

•Jim Goodwin, sr. center, Rangeley – Athletic at 6-5. Lakers hope for more inside offense from him this season, but as a converted guard/forward, he’s explosive off the dribble and capable of shooting the 3-pointer. Averaged 16 ppg last season.

•Shane Hutchings, sr. guard, Richmond – One of the best shooters in the conference. Averaged 16 ppg last year.

•Josh Kipp, sr. guard, Forest Hills – Three-point marksman thrives in Tigers’ tiny home gym, as his 23.5 ppg last season shows.

•Scott Wetherell, sr. forward, Buckfield – Versatile, fast, strong and tough-minded defensively.

Predicted order of finish

1. Valley

2. Rangeley

3. Buckfield

4. Forest Hills

5. Richmond

6. Averill

7. Vinalhaven