Coach: Jim Bessey (35th year)

Last year’s record: 11-8, lost in Eastern Class A quarterfinals

Returning letter winners: Seniors — Adam Wiles-Rosell (6-4 forward), Dominique Clements (5-11 guard); Juniors — Cam Sennick (6-5 forward/center), Eric Berry (6-0 guard), Blake Hart (6-2 forward), Dustin Zamboni (6-3 forward), Steve Yardley (6-0 guard).

Key losses: Jordan Hoyt, Ryan Backus, Jake Malone, Seth Berry.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Nick Hilton (6-3 guard), Jamie Brooks (6-3 forward); Sophomores — Jordan Whitney (6-0 guard), Zach Kendall (6-2 forward), Chad Luker (6-2 guard).

Outlook: The Cougars’ ballyhooed Class of 2012 is a year older, wiser and stronger. Sennick, Berry and Hart are returning starters. Wiles-Rosell combines with Sennick to give Mt. Blue size and experience in the paint. Mt. Blue has been to the Eastern Class A quarterfinals every year since the tournament moved to Augusta, and this year should be no exception. The Cougars’ biggest challenge again may be their tournament seed, thanks to a rugged KVAC North schedule that includes home-and-home series with Bangor, Hampden, Brewer and Lawrence.

Coach’s comment: “They’re a pretty veteran group, even though they’re still relatively young.” — Coach Jim Bessey