BRIDGTON – Champions were crowned as the Maine BASS Federation hosted the Maine Junior Bassmaster State Championship recently at Highland Lake. A total of 16 of Maine’s top anglers competed.

Darren Villani of Lewiston, representing L/A Junior Bassmasters, captured his second consecutive state crown in the 15-18 age group with a total weight of 2.59-pounds. His 1.86-pound largemouth earned him the Big Bass Award in his age group. Second place went to Nathan King of Dayton, followed by Zachary Tupper of Lisbon.

Cory Laflamme of East Waterboro, representing Mainely Bass Junior Bassmasters, earned the state title in the 11-14 age group with a total weight of 6.72-pounds. He also claimed the Big Bass Award in his age group with a 3.7-pound largemouth. Finishing second was Nathan Hirsch of Lyman, followed by Robbie Hill of Greene.

Maine’s Junior Bassmasters state champs will compete in the Junior Bassmaster World Championship Feb. 18-19 in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic in Orlando, Fla.

Volunteers from the Maine BASS Federation provided the boats and served as boat captains during the Maine event.