Poland boys’ basketball

Coach: Tyler Tracy (first year)

Last year’s record: 6-12

Returning letter winners: Seniors — Jonah Farrington (6-0 forward), Jordan Chase (6-0 guard); Juniors — Jacob Littlefield (6-4 forward), Logan Nichols (5-10 guard), Drew Peterson (6-3 forward).

Key losses: Mike Littlefield, Kevin Payette, Kyle MacVane, Matt Brewster.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Jed Quint (5-11 guard), Nathan Rybeck (6-0 forward), Ricky Bryant (6-0 guard); Sophomores — Tony Whalen (5-10 guard), Nate Morin (5-9 guard), Brian Bates (5-11 guard); Freshmen — T.J. Martin (5-10 guard), Josh Gary (6-3 forward).

Outlook: Tracy, a former player at UMF and assistant coach at Livermore Falls, becomes the Knights’ third coach in four years. Defense has been his point of emphasis with a Poland team that is young in experience (Nichols and Farrington are the only returning starters) and age. Injuries have kept the Knights below full strength in the preseason. Poland will get to measure its progress quickly. Its first four WMC contests are against Yarmouth, Cape Elizabeth, York and Greely.

Coach’s comment: “Some of the best teams in the state play in our league. Hopefully we can get after it defensively and compete in every game.” — Coach Tyler Tracy