Players to watch: Boothbay — Evan Hepburn (6-1 Sr. F), John Hepburn (6-3 Sr. F), Jacob Leonard (6-0 Soph. F), Julian Aponte (6-0 Sr. G); Dirigo — Riley Robinson (6-2 Jr, G/F), Clay Swett (6-2 Jr. F), Kaine Hutchins (6-2 Jr. F), Gavin Arsenault (6-2 Jr. F), Tyler Frost (5-8 Jr. G); Waynflete — Milo Belleau (6-1 Jr. G), Harry Baker-Connick (5-8 Sr. G), Tommy Silk (6-3 Jr. F); Winthrop — Ben Allen (6-2 Sr. F), Taylor Morang (5-7 Sr. G), Matt Sekerak (6-1 Sr. F); Madison — Derek LeBlanc (5-7 Sr. G), Ty Cowan (5-11 Sr. G), Nick Morales (5-9 Soph. G); Hall-Dale — Nat Crocker (5-9 Sr. G), Wesley LaPointe (6-4 Sr. F), Brian Allen (6-3 Sr. F); Old Orchard Beach — Evan Christensen (6-2 Soph. F), Bryan Roberts (6-0 Sr. F), Zac Hirst (6-0 Jr. F); Maranacook — Kent Mohlar (6-1 Jr. G), Cam Brochu (6-1 Sr. F), Levi Emery (6-4 Jr. F).

Favorites: Boothbay, Dirigo, Waynflete.

There were five top-flight teams in the MVC this season. The Seahawks may have been the most consistent from start to finish, and the Cougars arguably were the hottest at the end of the season.

The Hepburn brothers lead Boothbay, which runs opponents to exhaustion and gets to the rim with spirit-crushing frequency. Outside shooting isn’t the Seahawks’ forte, but they are capable.

Robinson is the best player in the tournament, if healthy. The Cougars have taken turns stepping up to help him in big spots all season long.

The Flyers are a defending champion with a different look this season, but they were no less effective as a guard-oriented group in the WMC. A win over Class B West top seed Yarmouth padded Waynflete’s credentials.

Dark horses: Winthrop, Maranacook.

The Ramblers were No. 1 for the first half of the season but struggled in big games against Dirigo and Boothbay down the stretch. They have the most experienced starting five in the draw, and their balance and athleticism make them difficult to defend. Winthrop also can count on huge fan support, as always, 10 miles from home at the civic center.

Maranacook may seem a curious choice at 8-11. The Black Bears’ resume: Four wins in the past five games, ample returning experience from last year’s run to the regional final, and an all-Class B schedule in the KVAC.

Facts and figures: At least one lower-seeded team has won a Class C West quarterfinal game in every odd-numbered year since 2007. The top four seeds have advanced each even-numbered year in that span … The last tournament without either Boothbay or Dirigo in the quarterfinals: 1994 … Last year’s No. 10 Hall-Dale team was the lowest seed to reach the semifinals since the Bulldogs accomplished the same feat in 1988 … Dirigo’s record in tournament games at ACC is 15-3 since 2009 … Dirigo beat Boothbay, Winthrop, Hall-Dale and Madison since Jan. 1, each with a second-half comeback … Maranacook played 12 of its 18 regular-season games against Class B tournament teams. The Black Bears were 0-10 in those contests before beating Spruce Mountain and Gardiner.

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