By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

All eyes are once again focused on the two-time reigning state champs Lewiston boys. The Blue Devils should be up to the challenge.

Leading the way is senior Adam Wilding at No. 1 singles. The three-sport athlete has high expectations and can overpower opponents.

James Morin is at second singles, but junior Mike Sarrazin has been providing a strong battle for the spot. Both players are capable of surprising somebody in the state singles tourney.

The first doubles has Nick Bonenfant, who has only lost one match the last two years. Dave Labonte is a senior rookie transfer from the baseball team.

“Nick will be a key factor if we are to repeat as regional and state champs,” Lewiston coach Ron Chicoine said. “Dave has been a quick study and will make the first doubles very formidable.

Freshmen Matt Letourneau and Devyn Cote are learning to play doubles. Sophomore Ben Bergeron and freshmen Casey Poussard and Andrew Marden could fill in nicely. Luke Bonenfant, who started last year, is injured.

“Despite the fact that we have most of our team back from last year, we have three rookies who will need to gel with the veterans if we are to repeat as three-time state champs,” Chicoine said. “We have a long way to go and I’m not happy with our level of play thus far this early season. We shall see.”

Lewiston and Brunswick are definitely the teams to beat in the KVAC, however, Edward Little will surprise a lot of teams.

EL has qualified for the playoffs each spring. Veterans Bobby Gleason, Ben Levasseur and Ryan Goss will be the singles players. The Red Eddies are still playing challenge matches, so the players’ ultimate positions is uncertain.

“Despite only having 10 players on this year’s team, I am expecting us to have a good season,” EL coach Jay Vincent said. “While our matches may not be pretty to watch, the boys on the team are fighters. They know how to win, which can prove to be more beneficial than simply having textbook ground-strokes and volleys.”

A pair of new doubles combos will be key with juniors Alex Bullett and Aaron Boothby and seniors Matt Dodge and Ben Mooney.

Freshman Woody Mawhinney and Mooney showed poise by winning two-long sets in the Red Eddies season opener. Dodge and Bullett were at second doubles.

“The team’s determination and athleticism are our biggest strengths,” Vincent said. “A lack of match experience will be our biggest challenge.”

Oak Hill should continue to make strides in Class B. Veterans Sean Amos and Nic Daggett lead the Raiders. Drew Roundtree could be a key at third singles.

“We only graduated one player last year at 1 singles,” Oak Hill coach Matt Dean said. “I think our doubles teams should be intact all year as long as there are no injuries.”

The Raiders punched out MCI 3-2 as both doubles teams won four 6-love sets. The tandems include Shaun Micheal, Evan Travers, Jon Perron and Chris Blais.

The MVC welcomes Lisbon to the fold. The Greyhounds lost their initial meet against Madison, but the competitive nature of the athletes was evident. No. 2 singles Andrew Heckethron won 11-9 in pro sets.The No. 1 doubles of Tim Roy and Nick Carville lost 10-7. Adric Marenlus and Kyle Goodark play at No. 1 and No. 3 singles. Dirigo will challenge with Matt Chamberlin and Trevis Knapp.

Saint Dom’s has to fill some holes, but look for Joe Theriault to find success in the WMC.