Regional champions took a hit around the state, while a number of teams that just missed titles have reloaded.

It should make for an interesting showdown at tournament time, when defending champions will either pass the torch or relight it for another year.

Yarmouth, Dirigo and Cony all lost significant talent from title teams. Skowhegan, Lake Region, Hall-Dale and Valley all came up short in pursuit of glory but have their rosters virtually in tact.

There are also some promising up-and-coming teams in all classes that could make some noise as well. Mt. Blue, Messalonskee, York, Monmouth and Rangeley are teams waiting for their time to come.

Here’s an overview of what to expect in each class:

Class A

McAuley and Sanford appear the early favorites again in Western A. With Ashley Cimino, one of the state’s premier players, returning, the Lions should be a favorite to repeat. In Eastern A, Cony lost seven seniors including Katie Rollins and Briiana Rende, but the Rams have size and promise in Cassie Cooper and Rachel Mack to keep them in contention. Skowhegan lost just two seniors and should be a threat while Mt. Blue and Messalonskee each return the bulk of their playoff squads.

Class B

Lake Region fell short of a regional title last year but could take that extra step. Samantha Allen leads a strong Laker club. Though Yarmouth graduated four seniors integral to last year’s championship team, the Clippers still return post players Meredith Shaw and Colleen Tarpy. Greely and York could be in the chase and Mountain Valley could make a charge out of the MVC with Kristen Arsenault leading the Falcons.

Eastern A could be as tough to pick as last year with Presque Isle, defending state champ Winslow, Ellsworth, Camden and MDI all returning most of their squads.

Class C

Dirigo and Hall-Dale could be on another collision course in the regional final. Both teams return strong teams and should be the favorites in the MVC after meeting in the regional final the last two seasons. Teams like Jay, Monmouth, Winthrop, Telstar and St. Dom’s could be playoff teams hoping to alter that course.

Class D

With Kristin Baker leading the Cavaliers, Valley is a likely candidate to return to the regional final, where it stumbled against Hyde. Though Rangeley lost a ton of talent, the Lakers could rebuild in a hurry and be a team to watch in the playoffs. Buckfield returns most of its lineup and could make some gains as well.

-Kevin Mills