Players to watch: Jr. F Jamie Plummer, Richmond (18 ppg, 8 rpg), Jr. C Alyssa Pearson, Richmond (8.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg); Sr. F Chantal Carrier, Rangeley; Sr. G Emily Carrier, Rangeley; Sr. G Miranda Drinkwater, Greenville; Sr. F Ruth Towne, Seacoast; Soph. G Dana McNally; Sr.G Izza Drury, Vinalhaven; Sr. F Suzanne Gonzalez, Greater Portland Christian; Sr. F Kaitlyn Rines, Buckfield, Sr. F Danielle Patrie, Buckfield.

Favorites: This is the third straight No. 1 ranking for Richmond and the Bobcats already have one regional title to show for it. The Bobcats graduated just two from last year’s championship team. This group of juniors has gone 48-5 in the last three regular seasons and were 11-0 against Western D tourney teams this year.

Rangeley has given Richmond its toughest battles. The Lakers lost both games by an average of just 2.5 points. The Lakers are equally experienced and have the talent to challenge the Bobcats.

Darkhorses: Greenville and Vinalhaven meet in Monday’s quarterfinal game. The winner will likely get Rangeley and then Richmond. It is a tough road but both of these teams are solid enough that the quarterfinal winner could put up a fight in the later rounds and challenge the likes of Rangeley and Richmond.

Fun facts: Richmond averaged 48.4 points for and 27.1 against. … Rangeley has been in four of the last six regional finals and lost them all. The Lakers last title came in 2004. … Seacoast has never won a quarterfinal game in five tries and did not beat a team with a winning record this season. … Forest Hills was the second-highest scoring team in the D field with an average of 50.7 points but allowed the most points at 44.4. … Vinalhaven lost six of its last 10 games including its last two. … Last win for GPC in Augusta was in 1988. … Buckfield returns to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009 but lost four straight to end the regular season and went 0-10 against teams in the Western D field.

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