Local players to watch: Gray-New Gloucester — Justin McKenna (Sr. 2B/SS/P), Tyler St. Pierre (Jr. SS/P); Oak Hill — Parker Asselin (Sr. P/3B), Brady Dion (Sr. 2B), Jacob Martin (Sr. P/1B); Poland — Kaleb Bridgham (Sr. OF/P), Lukas Johnson (Sr. P/OF), Jake Simard (Sr. P/1B).

Favorites: Not only did Lincoln Academy (12-4) make a late charge to steal the top seed, it did so in style, winning tight contests over Oceanside and Morse, two other KVAC contenders. The Eagles’ pitching staff boasts seven shutouts this season. Poland (12-4) led the Heals for much of the season with a balanced, senior-laden team. Lukas Johnson anchors the pitching staff and joins Jake Simard and Kaleb Bridgham in the middle of a lineup capable of slugging or small-balling its way to wins.

Dark horses: Two of Greely’s three losses came against Class A Falmouth (the other a 3-0 loss to Poland). The Rangers (13-3) have one of the top pitchers in the region in Bailey Train The lone MVC representative, Oak Hill (12-4), has the advantage of the being the unknown wild card in the field. Parker Asselin emerged as the ace of the pitching staff, and the Raiders thrive on tightening the collars of the opposing defense with small-ball pressure. The Raiders will be tested from the start, traveling to defending state champion York in the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Poland.

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