The transfer of  Matt Fleming to Bangor during the off-season put a damper on Oxford Hills’ hopes of improving on last year’s regional semifinal appearance.

The Vikings will still be athletic and play tough defense, and still have an experienced nucleus. But the biggest of the multiple voids left by the talented junior forward’s departure won’t be hard to figure out.

“We’re going to have to figure out how we’re going to score. That’s a work in progress,” Vikings coach Scott Graffam said. “We’ll have to spread it around a little more.”

Senior guard Chris St. Pierre will be their top perimeter threat but will also have to take on more ball-handling responsibilities with the loss of Fleming and graduated point guard Cole Verrier. Juniors Janek Lukska, Spencer Strong and Garrett Record were part of the backcourt rotation last year and will take on more scoring and playmaking duties.

Senior Atreyu Keniston and junior Colton Carson will anchor the paint and should give the Vikings some second-chance points on the offensive boards.

Coach: Scott Graffam (19th year)

Conference: KVAC; Class: AA North

Last year’s results: 13-7 (lost in AA North semifinals).

Returning players: Seniors — Chris St. Pierre (6-1 guard), Trevor Goodrich (6-1 forward), Atreyu Keniston (6-3 center); Junior — Colton Carson (6-5 forward), Janek Luksza (5-10 guard); Spencer Strong (5-10 guard), Garrett Record (5-9 guard).

Key losses: Cole Verrier, Matt Fleming.

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Jacob Ajayi  forward), Hunter LaBossiere (guard), James Doucette (guard); Junior — Will Dietrich (forward).

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