Eastern A

Messalonskee was the surprise team of the 2010 Eastern A tourney, upsetting top-seeded Morse, and reaching the regional final. The Eagles won’t sneak up on anybody this year. With a new coach and a strong senior class returning, Messalonskee will be one of the teams to beat in Eastern A.

Edward Little could be one of those teams as well. EL lost just three players and have a talented club back.

The defending regional champs from Hampden lost seven seniors and may be rebuilding but teams like Bangor and Morse could be in the playoff mix again.  The Rams graduated seven but have a strong group of seniors  while Morse also lost a wealth of key talent but return a promising group of upperclassmen.

Cony should be a threat with much of its team back while both Brunswick and Mt. Ararat should be in the playoff hunt again. Skowhegan could also be a playoff team after missing last year.

Oxford Hills  (8-10) fell shy of the tourney  but return seven from a club that handed Morse its only regular season loss. Led by guard Abbie Eastman and forwards Alex Rowe, Kelsey DeBlois and Brooke Murch, the Vikings hope to improve upon last year and return to the postseason.

Mt. Blue won four games last year but should take a step up. The Cougars return nine players, including returning starters Amy Hilton, Gabby Foy and Jaycee Mullen.

Lewiston (0-18) is also looking for progress this year. The Blue Devils had just three return last year but have 10 players back this year, including seniors MacKenzie Sullivan and Emily Dixon.

Western B

Leavitt (23-0) roared through the KVAC and Western B last year on its way to the Class B state title. The Hornets lost two starters from that club but still have all-conference players Adrie Newton and Kristen Anderson and returning starter Amanda Jordan leading a potent club.

The rest of the Western B field will be challenging. York lost some top talent but still only graduated four. Lake Region and Greely were both relatively young squads and return most of their teams.

Mountain Valley (14-5) reached the quarterfinals and have another playoff-caliber team. Ayla Allen was a Player of the Year in the MVC and is back with eight other regulars.

Gray-New Gloucester (11-8)  was also a playoff squad last year and return seven players for new coach Mike Andreasen. Seniors Leandra Grant and Maggie Chaplin lead a group that doesn’t have a wealth of varsity experience.

Spruce Mountain should be in the playoff mix as well. Kathryn Ventrella leads the returning Livermore Falls players while Alexi Deering is among the returnees from Jay.

Oak Hill (12-7) is a young team with holes to fill but has four-year starter Darby Beaulieu leading the way. The Raiders have a promising young group to build around.

Poland returns eight players, including all-conference guard Emily Bolduc. The Knights hope to continue last year’s progression.

Western C

The playoff field may look a little different this year. Jay, Livermore and Georges Valley are all gone. Lisbon has moved down from Class B.

Hall-Dale, the defending Class C state champs,  should still be the favorites. The Bulldogs only graduated three and return MVC Player of the Year Carylanne Wolfington.

Dirigo (12-7) graduated just two and have a strong returning group, led by guards Alyssa Wade and Paige Murphy and forward Angela Ronan.

St. Dom’s (13-7) was also a playoff squad last year but lost most of its starters. Mary Caron is the only starter back for the Saints and new coach Jon Berry.

Mt. Abram (6-12) is hoping for a tourney return with seven players back including starters Tori Beane, Mykayla Luce, Jill Howard and Miranda Smith.

Lisbon (6-12) has eight players back for new coach Julie Wescott, including forward Jessica Campbell.

Monmouth (5-13)was hoping to improve this year but lost three regulars to knee injuries during soccer season. The Mustangs, led by seniors Kristine Kahl, Molly Menice and Colby Wilson,  still hope to challenge for a playoff berth. Winthrop (6-12) is also young and inexperienced. Jessica Scott is the lone returning starter.

Out of the Western Maine Conference, Waynflete and Traip could be contenders. Both teams reached the semifinals last year and return their top players.

Telstar has a team of 14 underclassmen, 10 of which are freshmen. Because of the lack of varsity experience, the team may opt for a JV schedule this year. That decision is pending final approval.

Western D

Richmond (17-1) graduated just two players from a team that lost in the Class D states. The Bobcats return three starters and plenty of size to keep them atop the EWC.

Rangeley (16-4) was the only team to beat Richmond in the regular season.  The Lakers return six players including top scorers  Chantal and Emily Carrier as well as starter Jenney Abbott.

Greenville and Valley have been other playoff staples in recent years. The Lakers graduated just three while the Cavaliers graduated half their team. Vinalhaven graduated just three and should have a solid club back.

Buckfield (3-15) hopes to join the playoff mix. The Bucks have 12 returning players and could be a team on the rise.