Playing a predominantly Class D schedule makes it tough for Buckfield to get its foot in the Class C tournament door.

“If we can find a way to get a prelim game, that would be a big get for us,” Buckfield second-year coach Kyle Rines said.

The Bucks have the talent to pile up wins in the East-West Conference this year. The question is whether those victories will be valuable enough in Heal points to get them back in the tournament for the first time since 2012.

Senior forwards Ethan Jackson and Zack Grover return as team leaders. The athletic Jackson helps the Bucks hold their own on the boards even though they don’t have a lot of size. Grover is their go-to scorer, but also a floor general who can create for others.

Junior guard Noah Wylie and sophomore forward Tyler Gammon are also capable scorers. Rines is hoping the quartet can learn to work together more on both ends of the floor.

Coach: Kyle Rines (second year)

Conference: EWC; Class: C South

Last year’s results: 6-12

Returning players: Seniors — Ethan Jackson (6-0 forward), Zack Grover (6-0 forward), Tobias Worthley (6-0 guard), Dakota Waterman (5-9 guard), Mason Barker (5-10 guard); Juniors — Noah Wiley (5-8 guard), Jacob Toomey (6-0 forward), Hunter White (6-0 forward); Sophomores — Daniel Perry (5-11 guard), Tyler Gammon (6-1 forward).

Key losses: Jacob Kraske, Derek Salisbury.

Promising newcomers: Junior — Abram Cormier (5-10 forward); Sophomore — Victor Verrill (5-6 guard); Freshman — Rick Kraske (5-8 guard).

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