This is the time.

When Oxford Hills and Rangeley started the year with a handful of losses, this is what kept them going. When Edward Little lost one of its top players, this was the destination that kept their focus. When Mark Simpson returned to coach the Livermore Falls Andies, it was a return to the tournament that became an immediate goal. When Leavitt dropped down to Class B with a brief taste of playoff action last year, the Hornets were on a mission for more. After losing in a hard-fought quarterfinal last year, Dirigo drove itself toward another chance.

The high school basketball tournaments begin for real tonight. It is what hoop hopefuls have prepared and planned for all year.

Whether it be to compete for a championship or just reach a milestone and enjoy the experience, this is the moment players around the state are ready for. And the best of the season may be yet to come.

Who knows what might happen next …

Class A

Skowhegan has been a dominant program in Eastern A in recent years but have little to show for it. The Indians are 124-19 in the last eight seasons and have reached the regional final four times in that span — losing all four. After winning 28 straight regular season games and a KVAC title, the Indians are poised to run the table. The Indians have experience and balance with three KVAC North First Team players and one player on the Second Team. Skowhegan had the best defense in the field and didn’t get challenged by too many teams. This tournament could be Skowhegan’s to lose. I think Messalonskee could get hot and earn a rematch in the regional final, but this time, the Indians win out.

Prediction: Skowhegan

Class B

Leavitt has been getting attention all year. Averaging 67.4 points and winning all but two games by 20 or more points, the hot-shooting Hornets have been a fun team to follow. They’ve also prompted questions about how they’ll do in Western B. The fast-paced, long-range shooting Hornets will play in a half-court happy Western Maine Conference- laden field. Greely should give the Hornets a test in a semifinal match. The Rangers do a lot of things that can challenge Leavitt’s game, but the Hornets should have enough to advance. That likely leaves them in a battle of tempo against York. The defending regional champs have size and play great defense (28.9 points against). If Leavitt gets hot and plays great, they could win it all. Their reliance on the outside shot, however, and their inexperience in big games and with the Western B venues work to York’s advantage. I’ll go with the more-seasoned club every time.

Prediction: York

Class C

It was a year in which just about every MVC game could have gone either way. Teams endured defensive battles and nightly nailbiters. If the regular season was a hint of things to come, this tournament could be just as unpredictable.

Jay and Waynflete have an advantage. They have experience and the most talent. The Flyer’s Morgan Woodhouse could be a one-person wrecking crew and lead her club to the title that eluded them last year. Jay, meanwhile, has the makings of a club that could duplicate what it did last year, if it feels like it. The Tigers have been hot and cold at times this year but could be poised for another title run.

In a Western C field as close as this one, I’ll go with the same rational that worked last year. Jay can play shutdown defense. It has some balance offensively, and the Tigers have had their nerves tested this year. Jay knows how to win games in the clutch.

The Tigers proved it last year and should put themselves in position to win again this year.

Prediction: Jay

Class D

The top three seeds from a year ago didn’t even make the playoffs. That opens the door for teams like Richmond and Vinalhaven to take the next step up with the bulk of their teams returning. Those two, along with Greenville, have been above all other squads during the regular season. I expect the regional final to have two of these three teams, putting my hunch on the Bobcats and Vikings.

I give Richmond the nod. They have the few teams in Western D can match. They also have the best defense, holding teams to under 20 points five times and under 30 points 13 times. The 3-point prowess shown last year proves their shooting ability and comfort with the ACC.  The Bobcats went 8-2 against the rest of the Western D field and have won the regional crown three out of four times when ranked No. 1.

Prediction: Richmond