Players to watch: Jr. G Tia Day, Monmouth; Jr. F Abbey Allen, Monmouth; Jr. F Hannah Anderson, Monmouth; Soph. G Abby Ferland, Monmouth; Soph. G Franceska Halloran, Hebron; Jr. G/F Maddy New, Hebron; Fr. G Aaliyah Wilson-Falcone, Winthrop; Fr. G Kena Souza, Winthrop; Sr. F Shie Smith, Winthrop; Soph. G Summer Ross, Mt. Abram; Jr. G Lindsay Huff, Mt. Abram; Sr. F Chloe Dwinell, St. Dom’s; Jr. G Caroline Gastonguay, St. Dom’s.
Favorites: Richmond, Boothbay, Monmouth.
Richmond, the top seed, is undefeated, but it hasn’t been duking it out with the other Class C South powers throughout the season, as Boothbay Monmouth have. The Bobcats’ defense is legit, though, and Sydney Underhill-Tilton is is a true post.
Second-seed Boothbay’s only loss was to Monmouth, but that was during the stretch when the Seahawks were without Faith Blethen.
No. 3 Monmouth has the most depth, but doesn’t match up size-wise with Boothbay and Richmond. But the Mustangs’ versatile attack creates tough matchups for the Seahawks and Bobcats.
Darkhorse: Madison.
The fifth-seed Bulldogs went 0-3 against Monmouth and Boothbay this season. But, as the fourth seed last year, they advanced to the regional championship game. It was their fourth regional final in seven seasons, so they have some tradition in the tournament.
Overview: This should be one of the most interesting regional tournaments in the state. Richmond, Boothbay, Monmouth and Madison have a chance to take the region.
Boothbay and Monmouth seem like the most likely champions, but their matchup, if it happens, will be in the semifinals. They are an excellent clash of styles, Boothbay with the twin towers (Brown and Blethen) and Monmouth with its versatility and depth.
The Mustangs have a dangerous prelim at home against Searsport on Tuesday. The Vikings knocked out Richmond last year en route to the C South semis as an eighth seed.
Quirky Heal points changes on the final day moved Old Orchard Beach up to the fourth seed, despite the Seagulls ending the season with losses to St. Dom’s and Traip.
Winthrop continues its progression from JV two years ago, and is now a postseason team, led by a mix of seniors and underclassmen. The Ramblers, along with another potential upstart, Hebron, will be looking to make a mark in the tourney, as will St. Dom’s, Mt. Abram and Wayneflete.
Prediction: Boothbay
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