Oxford Hills 2016 baseball preview

Coach: Shane Slicer (14th year)

Conference: KVAC Class: A North

Last year’s record: 9-8, lost in regional quarterfinals

Returning players: Seniors — Matt Smith (C), Blake Slicer (P/LF), Bailey West (P/OF), Jake Spinhirn (SS), Jake Beauchesne (OF), Tyler Curtis (1B); Junior — Brayden Bean (2B); Sophomore — Troy Johnson (3B).

Key losses: Brady LaFrance (OF), Will Frank (P), Aiden Heikkinen (P/OF), Chris Burns (P).

Promising newcomers: Senior — Andrew Fleming (P); Sophomores — Hunter LaBossiere (OF), Emery Chickering (P/IF); Freshmen — Colton Carson (P), Cameron Slicer (OF).

Season outlook: The Vikings got off to a hot start in 2015 and cooled considerably in the second half as the schedule grew tougher and the pitching staff got thinner. That experience should help this spring. The infield returns intact. Smith, a three-year starter behind the plate, is the receiver for an experienced one-two punch of West and Slicer. University of Maine baseball recruit Fleming’s return to the diamond won’t hurt the staff, either. While Bangor, Edward Little and Brewer are the consensus top three in the KVAC and Class A North, don’t be surprised if Oxford Hills crashes the party and is a tough team to knock out at playoff time.