2022-23 girls basketball preview capsules

BUCKFIELD BUCKS
Coaches: Kim Kangas-Smith and James Doucette (first years)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 1-14, lost play-in game.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Hailey Litchfield (G/F), Chloe Gordon (F); Junior — Addison Stevens-Belanger (G); Sophomores — Kianna Finnegan (G/F), Carley Coffman (G/F).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Chloee Bennett (G), Paige Bly (F), Sarae Devoe (G/F), Emma Hooper (G), Jillian Muller (G/F), Kaydence Edwards (G).
Season outlook: The Bucks have a strong freshman group to mix in with returning players, according to first-year co-coach Kim Kangas-Smith. They hope to surprise some teams in the MVC this season. The focus in the preseason was bonding as a team, as well as installing new plays and acclimating to new coaching styles.

DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Reggie Weston (fourth year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 10-9, lost in round of 16.
Returning players: Seniors — Jayce Brophy (PG), Grace Robbins (G/F), Kallie Errington (F); Sophomores — Diana Cayer (G/F), Loretta Woodhead (F), Sylvia Hodsdon (G/F), Emily Woods (G).
Key losses: Abby Stevens (G), Megan Fletcher (C), Alyvia Perreault (G/F), Destiny LeClerc (F).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Ninny Makrudthong (G); Junior — Jaycie Holmquist (F); Sophomore — Raeleigh Virgin (F); Freshmen — Madison Knowles, Lana Waite (G/F), Keira Reny (G), Braylee Tracy.
Season outlook: Weston said that after losing four key players — who brought height, outside shooting and defense — from last year’s team, the Cougars have some work to do this season. But the players seem up to the challenge, he added. The Cougars have experienced guards to bring the ball up on offense, and they are working hard to incorporate the younger players into Weston’s system. Dirigo is looking to be in the thick of things in the MVC and surprise some teams with its play.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Kristina Blais (first year)
Class: AA North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 2-17, lost in preliminary round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Olivia Coachman (C), Judith Ross (G); Juniors — Tess Robbins (C), Saphryn Humason (G), Savannah Green (G), Jennifer Chaput (PF); Sophomores — Rachel Penny (G), Layla Facchiano (G).
Key losses: Nikki Clark, Madisyn Turcotte.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Aiwen Maiwen (PF), Masya Way (PF); Junior — Kayla Therriault (G); Sophomores — Violet Vincent (G), Aleiha Ward (G); Freshman — Favour Monday (G).
Season outlook: The Red Eddies are excited to see what they can accomplish together under new head coach Kristina Blais, the former Lewiston and CMCC standout. Blais said she has already seen improvement in skill sets, knowledge and overall basketball abilities from the summer and preseason. She added that the team has the “buy-in mindset” and key pieces to make a solid run in Class AA North.

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Mike Andreasen (12th year)
Class: A South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 13-7, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Caitlin Taylor (C), Amber Fortin (F), Skye Chandler (F), Isa Ross (F), Haley Deschenes (G), Alyssa Howard (C); Juniors — Ali Portas (G), Ellie Steele (F); Sophomore — Izzie Morelli (F).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Laney Farrar (PG); Freshman — Ella Kenney (G).
Season outlook: The Patriots have three returning starters back, in Taylor, Fortin and Morelli, as well as a host of other returners, particularly in the frontcourt. They did lose their top two point guards from last year, so a new primary ball-handler will have to step up. As always, Andreasen expects the team to play solid defense.

LEAVITT HORNETS
Coach: Chris Marston (third year)
Class: B South; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 1-16, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Jill Pelletier (F), Jazzlyn Clark (F); Junior — Kayla Smith (F); Sophomore — Caitlyn McCoy (G).
Key losses: Emma Chiasson (G), Katie Blouin (G).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Leni Buetler (C); Sophomore — Katie Sirois (G); Freshmen — Gabby Smith (G), Jordan Boulay (G).
Season outlook: The Hornets have a good mix of size and good, young guards, and Marston thinks that could help the team be competitive in a conference that experienced a lot of turnover due to graduation. Marston said McCoy should ascend to one of the top guards in the KVAC as a sophomore.

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Craig Jipson (third year)
Class: AA North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 8-11, lost in regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Senior — Skye Daniels (G); Juniors — Natalie Beaudoin (G), Koral Morin (G), Skylar Gaudette (G), Gabby Roman (C).
Key losses: Masya Way, Aiwen Maiwen, Ellie Legare, Abigail Beaucage, Kaura Lawrence.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Jasmarie Wood (F), Mackenzie Wood (G), Nasteho Barow (F); Freshmen — Ella Beaudoin (G), Ayanay Holloman (F), Bailey Tardif-Mockler (F).
Season outlook: Jipson is overseeing a young and inexperienced Blue Devils squad that will be facing an admittedly “brutal” schedule this season, and he said the team will need to bring its best game every night to be competitive. The Blue Devils will be led by three-year starter Natalie Beaudoin and returning point guard Koral Morin.

LISBON GREYHOUNDS
Coach: Jeremy Williams (third year)
Last year’s results: JV schedule
Returning athletes: Senior — Emily Libby (C); Junior — Emily Westland (F), Deanna Adams (G), Alivia Field (G); Sophomores — Avia Russo (G), Hayleigh Perron G), Delaney McGrath F).
Key loss: Maddy Ramsey (G).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Kasie Booker (G), Mackenzie Eaton (G), Aubriana Bright (G/F).
Season outlook: The Greyhounds remain a junior varsity program, but Williams sees much promise for the future. With growth from the past two seasons and a group of incoming freshmen to go along with young returners, the Greyhounds are looking to build a solid foundation for the program. Williams said the JV schedule will have the team playing both MVC and non-conference opponents, which will help the Greyhounds gain valuable experience.

MONMOUTH MUSTANGS
Coach: Molly Menice (second year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 3-11, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Holly Hunt (G), Grace Levesque (C); Juniors — Abigail Atwood (G), Reese Beaudoin (G), June Foyt (F), Hailey Rooney (G); Sophomore — Rileigh Chase (G).
Key losses: Alexa Allen (G), Taylor Truman (F).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Morgan Lacasse (F); Freshmen — Kaitlyn Frost (G), Maeve Burgess (F), Addison Beaudoin (G).
Season outlook: The Mustangs will be looking to build off what they started in Menice’s first year at the helm as they begin Year 2. Menice sees an energetic team that wants to be competitive in the Mountain Valley Conference this season.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Ryley Flynn (first year)
Class: B South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 7-11, lost in round of 16
Returning athletes: Senior — Emma Clukey (G); Juniors — Brooke Bennett (G), Malorie Bourret (G), Brooke Brown (F), Maisy Chase (C), Ella Young (F); Sophomore — Madison Dow (G).
Key losses: Autumn Freeman, Alana Young, Emily Richard.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Layce Boucher (F), Alianna Mazza (G), Alyvia Theriault (G).
Season outlook: Ryley Flynn takes over the program and said the team will have a new identity and completely new offensive philosophy. He added that every player on the team will have a new and bigger role this season.

MT. ABRAM ROADRUNNERS
Coach: Lanie Roy (second year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 2-12, no postseason
Returning athletes: Abi Wilcox (PG), Josey Arms (F), Jaidyn Stuart (G), Kharlie Turner (C), Bailea Haines (F), McKenzie Contreas (G).
Key losses: Hailey Bate (G), Emily Marden (Center).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Jenna Osgood (PG), Sakari Savage (C), Autum Emery (F).
Season outlook: The Roadrunners are excited for a new season and the young additions to the team. They are hoping to bring their game to the next level.

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Zac Conlogue (fourth year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 8-12, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — KK Daggett (G), Caitlin Burke (F); Juniors — Bailey Farnham (G), Chloe Roberts (F), Maia Macisaac; Sophomores — Kara Daggett (F), Bree Griffin (G), Jordan Dunham (G).
Key losses: Eva Stevens, Lindsay Arsenault, Hannah Wilbur, Eryn Parlin.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Allison Casavant (G), Kylee Blodgett (G); Freshmen — Kensley Malcore (G), Lily Huntley (G).
Season outlook: The Cougars will be going through a youth movement this season after graduating four seniors — who were each among the team’s top six scorers — and returning only four upperclassmen, but they are eager to return to the Augusta Civic Center for the tournament. It will be points-by-committee, according to Conlogue. Some of the added pieces to this season’s roster should help create some offense.

OAK HILL RAIDERS
Coach: Chuck Cullins (first year)
Class: B South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 9-10, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Ari Thibeault, Payton Gonya; Junior — Aubrey McElhaney; Sophomores — Kendall Theriault, Michaela Pontbriand, Marielle Bean.
Key losses: Emily Dillman, Briana Dumais, Gabrielle Chessie, Paige Gonya, Amara Denis.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Lilly Nadeau; Sophomore — Carlee Austin; Freshman — Aikaterini Karamousadakis.
Season outlook: Cullins inherits a young team that is looking to improve throughout the season. Thibeault, Gonya and McElhaney will be looked upon to lead the Raiders.

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Nate Pelletier (18th year)
Class: AA North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 18-3, reached regional final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Sierra Carson (G), Molly Corbett (G), Ashley Richardson (G), Maddy Stack (F); Juniors — Maddy Miller (F), Tristen Derenburger (G), Milo Seams (G); Sophomores — Ella Pelletier (F), Gabrielle Tibbetts (G).
Key losses: Brooklyn Alexander, Chloe Estes, Katie Hallee, Sydni Smith.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Maddy Herrick (F), Madalyn Oliveira (G), Sophie Estes (F).
Season outlook: The goal remains the same for the Vikings: make a deep run in the playoffs. Oxford Hills returns some experienced players who understand the hard work it takes to be successful, according to longtime coach Nate Pelletier. Adding in some younger players, the Vikings hope to be playing their best in February. Pelletier said to expect a high-paced, exciting game from Oxford Hills.

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Jake Webb (third year)
Class: B South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 4-14, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Juniors — Thea Thornton, Gretchyn Paradis, Maya Balkir, Alyssa Hart, Ava Anderson.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Breanna Bartlett; Sophomores — Laney Paradis, Ruby Taylor; Freshman — Alaina Hamlin.
Season outlook: After graduating seven seniors, the Knights are looking to continue to build on their commitment to defense, according to Webb. Alyssa Hart is the leader of the defense with a relentless effort, while Thea Thornton leads the offense. Webb said every game will take a true team effort. He added that the Knights will outwork their opponents on both ends of the floor.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
Coach: Zach Keene (sixth year)
Class: B South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 14-6, reached regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Mariyah Fournier (F), Emily Dubord (SG), Lanie Walton (C); Juniors — Jaydn Pingree (G), Jazmine Pingree (F), Aubrey Kachnovich (G), Liz Grondin (F), Olivia Mastine (G), Brooklyn Fournier (G), Mary Hamblin (G); Sophomores — Avery Bessey (G), Miley Fournier (G), Riley Small (F).
Key loss: Summer Chretien
Promising newcomer: Freshman — Grace Cuthbertson (G).
Season outlook: Keene looks at the Phoenix as a talented, versatile group that should be in a good spot come tournament time. Their depth and experience should make for a dangerous offense and force an aggressive, high-paced style. Keene said the team should expect to compete for a conference championship and a high seed for the B South tournament.

ST. DOM’S SAINTS
Coach: Lexy Grondin (third year)
Class: C South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 5-12, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Senior — Ava Apodaca (SF); Juniors — Anna Geyer-Shaheen (F), Avery Gravel (PF); Sophomore — Charli Apodaca (PG/SG).
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Brookelyn Whited (PF), Jordynn Bilodeau (F); Eighth-graders — Chloe LaPrell (SG/PG), Piper Croteau (F), Chloe Croteau (PG/F).
Season outlook: Grondin sees a lot of potential in this young team, which has shown during the preseason that it can work well together as a unit. She expects that there will be learning moments from both bad and good games and moments. The Saints will have a good season if they continue to work as hard as they have been, Grondin said.

TELSTAR REBELS
Coach: Alec Newell (first year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 4-13, lost in round of 16.
Returning athletes: Juniors — Morgan Zetts (F), Makenzie Eliot (G), Karen Marshall (F).
Key losses: Nicole Cox, Katie Evans, Leah Kimball.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Violet Howe (G/F); Junior — Kyra Rose-Espinoza (G); Sophomores — Rylee Cooper (G), Hayley Smith (F), Maylyn Hastings (F); Freshmen — Vivienne Charette (G), Taejah Lego (F), Cady Campbell (G).
Season outlook: Newell, who was the Telstar boys coach from 2003-06, looks to keep the Rebels on the right course. Telstar didn’t field a girls team two years ago and rostered just six players last season. Now the program is up to 11 players. Newell said that several of the newcomers bring athleticism from playing other sports, and that gaining basketball experience will be key for this year’s team.

WINTHROP RAMBLERS
Coach: John Baehr (second year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 13-4, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Rhyan Sawlivich (F), Bella Littler (G); Junior — Haley Williams (G); Sophomores — Ella Rice (G), Morgan Fichthorn (F/G), Madeline Wagner (F/G), Caroline Corgan (F).
Promising newcomers: Junior — Awil Ring (F); Freshmen — Grace Drown (G), Sara True (G), Brynn Stubbert (F/G).
Season outlook: The Ramblers are looking to build on Baehr’s first season leading the program, when they won 13 games and advanced in the playoffs. Baehr is hoping the team, which is young, can compete in every game, and he wants the players to get better as a group and individually every time they step on the court.