Ralph Mims is gone from Brunswick. Corey Tielinen has departed from Oxford Hills, but that doesn’t mean the Dragons and Vikings are going to be pushovers in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference this season.

In fact, despite the loss of the Mr. Basketball winner and finalist, respectively, the two teams were voted 1-2 in the conference’s preseason coaches poll. Oxford Hills earned the top spot with the return of sharp-shooter Matt McDonnell and versatile twins Leif and Thomas Kothe. Brunswick brings back one of the top backcourts in the league with Jesse Kaplan and Justin Gauvin.

Mt. Blue boasts a pretty good backcourt of its own in Zack Frechette and Brian Simpson, plus one of the league’s top big men in Ted Neil. Cony lost nine players to graduation but should still be tough with KVAC Player of the Year favorite Doug Joerss. Waterville hopes to make one last splash in its final year in Class A led by Andy Vayo.

Leavitt should have one of the most improved teams in the conference with four returning starters and a good mix of size and athleticism. The Hornets could finish higher, but they should at least battle Lawrence and Medomak Valley 6-8 spots in the league, though Lewiston and Gardiner could figure into the mix. Edward Little hopes its depth can wear some of the competition out and improve on their two wins from a year ago.

In Class B, don’t expect many changes. Defending state champion Erskine Academy, Camden Hills and Winslow should duke it out for conference and Eastern B supremacy. Maranacook, led by Logan Gerrity, could challenge despite losing four starters. Oak Hill lost five starters and is trying to grow a lot of young and inexperienced talent.