Class A

Oxford Hills returns as the defending Eastern champs and have a club that should be a playoff threat. The Vikings lost four regulars but still return the bulk of that team.

A return trip to the regional final, however, won’t be easy because there are a number of contenders.

Top-seeded Lawrence lost four seniors, including all-star Brogan Liberty and Alexa Bernatchez, but the Bulldogs have the core of its team back. Cony graduated Rachael Mack and Shelby Pelkey, but the Rams have a new coach and another potent lineup. Brunswick returns a pair of six-footers in Mardi Artis and Claire Baecher, making them a favorite. Messalonskee was a young up-and-coming team last year and graduated none while Skowhegan returns center Kaley Brown and most of its lineup.

Edward Little lost in a prelim to the Indians last year and returns its full team. The Red Eddies should be in the playoff hunt again. Bangor and Nokomis should be solid clubs as well.

Teams like Mt. Blue, Leavitt and Lewiston are all young and building, hoping to close the gap in the KVAC.

Class B

Lake Region has been the power in recent years and that may not change. The Lakers graduated two seniors, including Renee Nicholas, but the rest of the Western B champs return. Falmouth and York could be the Lakers biggest challenge. Both clubs return playoff contenders. Fryeburg and Greely both took hits at graduation but could still be tourney teams while Mountain Valley is poised to challenge in Western B again. The Falcons have three starters back from a club that lost in the quarterfinals. Gray-New Gloucester and Lisbon each lost in the prelims last year and should be playoff teams as well. Oak Hill could improve enough to challenge for a tourney berth.

Class C

Both Madison and Monmouth suffered heavy graduation losses. That leaves the Western C field wide open. Mt. Abram lost in the quarterfinals and returns guard Kenni Norton, who could be one of the top players in the conference. The Roadrunners are the only team that reached Augusta last year that returns most of its club. Jay should be a team to watch. The Tigers were hurt by injury and inexperience last year but have a team with great potential returning. The Tigers lost just three players and have the inside-outside tandem of Hillary Deane and Liz LeBlanc. Dirigo was also hurt by injury and lost in the preliminary round. The Cougars should be back stronger and ready to challenge for a playoff berth. Madison, Monmouth, Telstar and Georges Valley were all playoff teams but now return very young squads. Hall-Dale lost four seniors from its playoff team and could contend.

From the WMC, Waynflete and St. Dom’s should be in the playoff hunt. The Flyers lost senior Margaret Veroneau but return starters Morgan Woodhouse and Miriam Qazi. The Saints graduated five players and have some post players to replace, but St. Dom’s has a club that could make a return trip to Augusta.

Class D

Buckfield dominated Western D last year but graduated three seniors, including two starters. The Bucks have plenty of talent and experience back to make them contenders again. Valley and Vinalhaven had fairly young squads last year and should improve. Rangeley returns most of its squads and bolsters its lineup with players returning after taking a year off. The Lakers are still young but should challenge the top teams. Richmond lost five veteran seniors and will be rebuilding. Teams like North Haven and Greater Portland Christian should challenge for playoff spots but will struggle against the EWC teams.