For the second consecutive year, the Raiders lost the first week of preseason while the football team stormed to a state title.

Coach Tom Smith said that he learned from the previous experience and tailored the team’s preparation differently this season in hopes of making up for lost time.

Dalton Therrien to Drew Gamage and Kyle Field gives the Raiders a solid inside-out game. Adam Merill is a veteran shooting guard, and Oak Hill has a potentially explosive wing in Jonah Martin.

The schedule also is favorable, with Boothbay and Dirigo appearing only once each, and neither until January. Home-and-home series include Carrabec, Mountain Valley, St. Dom’s and Hall-Dale.

Oak Hill should show some improvement in the win column. Pocketing enough Heal Points for a breakthrough tournament appearance is the ultimate goal.

Coach: Tom Smith (fourth year)

Last year’s record: 4-14

Returning athletes: Seniors — Drew Gamage (6-4 forward), Kyle Field (6-4 center), Adam Merrill (5-10 guard); Juniors — Dalton Therrien (5-9 guard), Jonah Martin (5-11 guard/forward), Connor Elwell (6-0 forward).

Key losses: Parker Asselin (6-1 guard/forward), Luke Washburn (6-3 center), Ryan Stevens (6-0, guard/forward), Carlton Banton (6-0 guard/forward), Derek Gamage (6-5 center).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Jake Bannister (5-9 guard); Juniors — Duncan Trotter (5-11 guard), Connor Nilsson (6-0 forward); Sophomores — Matt Strout (6-2 forward/center), Evan Boston (5-4 guard).

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