Favorites: York, Greely

The traditional powers of Western B have taken over A South.

York has 11 players back from last year, including Todd, who will play at Northeastern next year. The Wildcats had only three games determined by 10 points or less and outscored opponents by an average of 23 points. York scored 63 points per game and allowed only 40. Coach Rick Clark is in his 34th year and is retiring after this season. His teams have missed the playoffs just twice in that span.

Two of Greely’s losses came against York, 78-64 and 69-66. Greely may be the best, and only, team to challenge the Wildcats in the tourney. The Rangers have a prolific shooting team that averaged 58 points per game this season and ended the year with six straight wins. Greely has a balanced and experienced team. If York stumbles, Greely is certain capable of taking advantage.

Darkhorse: Fryeburg

The Raiders returned five starters from last year and have only lost to York (twice) and Greely this season. Fryeburg has allowed opponents to score just 34 points per game. The Raiders have had some close battles with seven games being determined by 10 or less. The Raiders aren’t as tourney-seasoned as Greely or York, but Fryeburg could be an experienced team to watch.

Fun Facts: York went 18-0 in 1979, 2001, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011 but only won a state title 2010. … Greely has been to the regional final four times in the last seven years and lost three of them, two against York. … Fryeburg had 13 games in which it held opponents under 40 points. … Brunswick started the year 0-4 but then won eight straight before finishing the season 3-3. … Leavitt started the year 2-4 but won four of its last six games. … Marshwood allowed the most points in the field, averaging 45 points per game.

Overview: The top three teams should be tough to beat. Leavitt draws Fryeburg in the first round and lost to the Raiders twice, 42-38 and 50-28. Brunswick played a challenging KVAC schedule with many AA North teams and has a team that reached the semifinals last year.

But York and Greely may be above the rest of the field. Between a group of veteran players, including four returning starters, that lost in the quarterfinals last year and Coach Clark retiring after this season, there’s no lack of motivation or inspiration for York. The Wildcats went 8-0 against A South tourney teams. Greely is certainly experienced and talented enough to challenge York, but this just may be the Wildcats’ year.

Prediction: York

#Tourney16

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