There could be a changing of the guard in Western D this season.

At least, that’s what the Rangeley Lakers are hoping.

After three straight regional titles, Richmond graduated seven veterans, including standout post player Jamie Plummer. The Bobcats also lost forward Alyssa Pearson and Ciarra Lancaster as well as guards Brianna Snedker, Noel Acord and Payton Johnson, all key players during the last three seasons.

That makes Rangeley a strong favorite in the East-West Conference and in Western D. The Lakers have been to the regional six times in the last eight years.

Rangeley graduated just two seniors in Abby Abbott and Jenny Abbott. The Lakers return an experienced and balanced club that went 17-1 last year and earned the top seed in Western D. Rangeley subsequently lost to Richmond in the regional final.

The Lakers return junior forward Taylor Esty and sophomore forward Blayke Morin. That’s a formidable post tandem that most EWC teams will struggle to matchup against. Rangeley also returns veteran guards, juniors Seve Deery-Deraps and Valerie Roy-Lessard and senior Tori Letarte. The Lakers also have some young talent taking on larger roles, especially in the backcourt.

Though Rangeley may be the most experienced team in the EWC, the league could be pretty competitive this year. There were a number of young teams in the Western D field that return many this year and could improve.

Forest Hills (15-3) was the fourth seed and only graduated one player. Valley (5-13) finished sixth and graduated just three and returns a solid group of upperclassmen. Greenville (6-12) was the seventh seed and graduated four seniors and have a solid collection of juniors. Vinalhaven (5-13) lost in a prelim but graduated no seniors and should improve after a rare year away from the August Civic Center.

Hyde (16-1) was the third seed last year and could be in the mix as well. Greater Portland Christian (12-5) returns most of its team and could earn a spot in the Western D field.

Buckfield (3-15) missed the tourney after earning a playoff spot the year before. The Bucks return much of last year’s team and hope to improve enough to earn a tourney spot .

“We should be back at the Augusta Civic Center this year and should be a fun team to watch,” Bucks coach Annette Caldwell said.

Among the nine players back for the Bucks are seniors Gabby Therriault, Abby Campbell, Arrabine Dunn, Sami Zak and Hannah Gallant as well as junior Naudia Wesley and sophomores Ashley Campbell, Brianna Damon and Alyssa Therriault.

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