PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sr. C Christine Miller, Maranacook (16.4 ppg, 18 rpg), Sr. F Liz D’Angelo (9.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg); Sr. G Morgan Crocker, Boothbay (14.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Soph F Page Brown, Boothbay (12.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg); Sr. F Kelsey Hutchins, Dirigo (13 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Sr. F Jessica Conant (15.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg); Sr. F Abby Dubois (16.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg); Soph F Ashley Russell, Mountain Valley (9.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Soph F Liza White, Mountain Valley (8.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg); Sr. G Sidney Wilson, Monmouth (11.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 31 3’s), Fr. G Tia Day, Monmouth (7.1 ppg, 18 3’s); Jr. F Kayla Bess, Madison (10.3 ppg, 4 rpg), Soph F Madeline Wood (9.3 ppg); Sr. C Emma Pluntke, Carrabec (10.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg); Sr. G Mickayla Willette, Carrabec (10.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg)

FAVORITES

Maranacook, Boothbay

The Black Bears won the KVAC championship game, beating previously unbeaten Spruce Mountain. Maranacook has one of the top players in the field in Miller, a 1,000-point scorer who also averaged three assists, three steals, had 32 blocks and hit 23 3’s. She’s the two-time KVAC B Player of the Year. Though the Black Bears lost in the semis last year, Maranacook returns a more seasoned team. The Black Bears averaged 48 points and allowed just 39.

Boothbay handled most foes in the MVC, losing only to Oak Hill. The Seahawks have won nine straight and averaged 49 points and allowed just 31.6. In addition to Crocker and Brown, guard Sara Durgan is a spark (9.7 ppg). Boothbay went 7-0 against the rest of the Western C field.

DARKHORSE

Dirigo

The only losses for Dirigo came against Boothbay. The Cougars have a balanced attack with Conant and Hutchins in the post and Lauren Henderson (11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg) on the perimeter and guard Emma Lueders (5.8 apg) running the show. Dirigo has some depth and experience, having knocked off the top seed last year before losing in the semifinals. The Cougars averaged 56 points this year while allowing just 37. Dirigo also won its last seven games.

FUN FACTS

Last year’s quarterfinal win was the first for Maranacook since 2005. The Black Bears three losses were by an average of 11 points. … Boothbay has been one of the top two seeds twice in the last three years. … Dirigo has won 42 of its last 49 tournament games in Augusta and is the only program to win 11 straight regional titles. … Old Orchard Beach has won just one quarterfinal since 2001, that was in 2013. The Sea Gulls played just four teams that made the tourney in Western C and D (Gray-New Gloucester, Richmond, Buckfield, Waynflete). … Mountain Valley plays its first quarterfinal since 2010. The Falcons have won just three quarterfinals ever, in 1991, 2003 and 2009. The Falcons started the year 3-4 but won 10 of its last 11 games. … This is Monmouth’s second trip to the ACC since 2008. The Mustangs won six of its last eight regular season games and a prelim over Traip. … Madison has been to the regional final three times in the last four years. … Carrabec has won just one quarterfinal since 2002. That came last year on the Cobras’ way to a state title. Carrabec lost five of its first eight games but finished with nine wins in last 11, including a prelim victory over Hall-Dale.