Coach: Gavin Kane (first year)

Last year:  Livermore Falls went 17-4 and lost in the Western C final; Jay went  15-4 and lost in the Western C quarterfinal.

Returning letter winners: Seniors — Alexi Deering (5-6 guard/forward), Kathryn Ventrella (5-8 guard), Ashley Dorey (5-6 forward), Micaela Baron (5-8 forward), Ashlee Quirrion (5-2 guard), Kristi Macomber (5-8 forward).

Key losses:  Megan Therrien (guard), Samantha Greenwood (guard), Annika Durrell (forward), Marissa Welch (center), Alannah White (guard), Brittany DiPompo (guard), Lindsay Couture (guard), Beth Moore (forward), Kourtney Brennick (center)

Promising newcomers:  Sophomores — Victoria Ouellette (5-8 forward), Emily Taylor (5-7 guard), Ladesta Tracy (5-4 guard); Freshmen — Emily Keene (5-7 forward), Nicole Hamblin (5-7 forward), Samantha Richards (5-9 forward), Kailee Newcomb (5-5 guard), Vanese Barnes (5-6 forward).

Outlook:  Spruce Mountain combines the rivals from Jay and Livermore Falls but many of the top players from both those squads last year graduated. Ventrella was an MVC all-star for the Andies while Deering was a starter for Jay. The rest of the returning talent came off the bench and will step into larger roles. The squad is also hindered by the loss of senior center Kourtney Brennick, who is lost for the season to a knee injury. Kane hopes to bring the defensive philosophy to the Phoenix that worked so well at Dirigo.

Coach’s comment: “We are trying to get a new system and philosophy in place as quickly as possible. If we work hard consistently and buy into the defensive end of the floor then we will be successful. My concern going into the season is who is going to score for us consistently. All the more reason why we have to become a great defensive team.” Coach Gavin Kane.

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