2023 baseball preview capsules

DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Gavin Arsenault (first year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 9-8, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Charlie Houghton (P), Trent Holman (P), Dakota Tompkins (C), Trenton Hutchinson (P), Austin Adams (P), Dylen Packard (C); Juniors — Anthony Smith (IF), Travis Wright (IF).
Key losses: Drew Collins, Curtis Errington and Wyatt Smith.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Giovanni Pitts (OF), Airick Richards (P); Sophomore — Nathaniel Wainwright (OF); Freshmen — Trevor Crosby (P), Ethan Olsen (C).
Season outlook: The Cougars’ success will be reliant on pitching and defense, according to Arsenault, a 2016 Dirigo graduate. As they chase victories this season, the senior-heavy Cougars also need to work to bring along the underclassmen. The seniors have had success in basketball (winning state titles the past two seasons) and football, and this spring, Arsenault said, “The goal the coaching staff and the athletes have is to bring a gold glove back to title town.” Dirigo last won a state title 10 years ago, when Arsenault was a freshman.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Dave Jordan (eighth year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 11-9, reached regional final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Caleb Albert (OF), Brennan Anthoine (2B/P), Campbell Cassidy (OF/P), Gage Ducharme (C/UT), Brody Keefe (C/P), Gavin Levesque (3B/P), Brady Vincent (1B/P); Juniors — Brayden Bashaw (C/1B), Peyton Dyer (2B/OF/P), Kade Masselli (IF/P), Drew Smith (P/1B); Sophomore — TJ Kramarz (IF/P).
Key losses: Patrick Anthoine, Aiden Gonzalez, Kamden Masselli, Braden Paradie, Ben Forbush.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Brooks Hefty (IF), Eli St. Laurent (OF/P), Owen Scott (OF/P); Sophomores — Ben DuBois (OF), Elliott Hill (IF/C), Bode Kunas (SS/P), Joey Samson (P/IF); Freshmen — Blake Chamberlain (P/OF), Isaac Jalbert (C/OF), Breccan Albert (C/OF).
Season outlook: The returning pitchers handled nearly all of the innings last year for the Red Eddies, who, as a No. 7 seed made a surprise run to the A North final. Smith, Vincent and Cassidy were the starting pitchers, while Masselli, Kramarz and Keefe were the primary relievers. “We have good depth at all positions, creating competition for innings and at-bats,” Dave Jordan said. “They enjoy being together each day and giving the effort to improve as a team.”

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Seth Johnson (first year)
Class: B South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 4-13, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Ian Libby (P/1B), Drew Reynolds (P/LF), Max Kenney (SS/P), Abe Bouchard (P/3B), Colby Dehetre (2B); Juniors — Andrew Keddy (C), Nick Geer (P/RF), Jacob Maschino (3B/P).
Key losses: Austin Albert, Zach Winchester, Mike Sweeney, Anthony Prescott, Cam Cormier.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — David Black (OF/P), Alex Henry (OF); Juniors — Braeden Chute (P/SS), Bronson Aube (IF/P); Sophomores — Kaiden Chase (C), Kobi Conant (OF/P), Cole Thibodeau (CF); Freshmen — Jacob Mulry (P/IF), Carter Davis (IF/P).
Season outlook: The Patriots return a lot of dedicated players with varsity experience, and though Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff are in new roles, they all have been involved with the program for multiple years. Johnson said Gray-NG has been “honing our pitching and working on our bats and defensive fundamentals,” with a goal of competing for a playoff spot and postseason victories. “With a strong pitching rotation and one of the state’s best pitchers in Ian Libby,” Johnson said that Gray-NG “hopes to see low-scoring, hard-fought victories.”

LEAVITT HORNETS
Coach: Chris Cifelli (seventh year)
Class: B South; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 6-11, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Connor DeCoster (P/OF), Aidan Lind (P/IF), Jake Mellen (IF/OF), Braxton Rowe (OF); Juniors — Noah Carpenter (IF/P), Will Keach (P/IF), Colton Taylor (P/IF).
Key losses: Blake Springer, Brogan McCormick, Kaden Trenoweth, Ian Redstone.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Madoxx Taylor (OF); Juniors —Brandon Bilodeau (P/IF), Luke Gladu (C), Keagan Hawksley (OF/P), Kade Knight (P/IF), Reid Sibley (P/OF); Freshman — Morgan Folsom (P/IF)
Season outlook: The Hornets return seven players who played key varsity innings last year, including most of their starting pitchers. Cifelli said that they hope to see immediate impact from a talented group of newcomers, both in the field and at the plate.

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Chris Reed (second year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 6-12, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Michael Dymkoski, Brandon Farinas; Juniors — Ethan Blue, Daniel Pelletier, Dylan Blue; Sophomores — Michael Caron, Jeffrey Randall, Joseph Dube.
Key losses: Josh Murphy, Damon Bossie.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Payson Goyette; Sophomores — Lonnie Thomas, Dylan Whitlow.
Season outlook: The Blue Devils are a young group with a solid core of returners, and Reed said they have had a “good spring of preparation. The guys have been working hard and focused on getting better every day.” Lewiston hopes to be make the playoffs and be playing its best baseball in late May and June.

LISBON GREYHOUNDS
Coach: Randy Ridley (23rd year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 20-1, regional champion, reached state final.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Levi Tibbetts (P/3B), Aiden Parker (2B/P), Jack Ramich (P/IF); Junior — Jimmy Fitzsimmons (P/OF); Sophomores — Cody Osmond (P/IF), Gerek Theriault (C/IF), Jayden Camp (1B/P).
Key losses: Hunter Brissette, Mason Booker, Nick Ferrence, Ethan Brown, Caleb Philips, Riley Turner, Bryce Poulin.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Chris Lavallee; Sophomore — Aiden Golino; Freshmen — Keeghan Morrissette, Brayden Decato, Lincoln Matthews, Jacoby Tuplin.
Season outlook: Though the Greyhounds lost several key players from last spring’s state runner-up squad, Ridley said they return a good core of veteran leadership and have a lot of young players ready to step into starting positions.

MONMOUTH MUSTANGS
Coach: Eric Palleschi (18th year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 14-5, reached regional semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Isaac Oliveira (IF/P), Manny Calder (C/IF), Matt Marquis (1B/P), Owen Harding (IF/OF), Hunter Frost (OF), Alex Orne (OF); Juniors — Sam Calder (IF/P), Kyle Palleschi (IF/P), Luke Harmon (OF), Carter O’Connell (IF); Sophomores — Isaac Cote (IF/P), Sam Schultz (OF), Rory Shardlow (IF/P).
Key losses: Hayden Fletcher, Seth McKenney.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Brandon Smith (P/OF). Freshmen — Tyler Johnson (OF/C), Rory Foyt (OF/C), Kyle LePage (OF/P), Brady Hatch (IF/OF).
Season outlook: The Mustangs return a lot of experience and talent, players who were part of not only last year’s semifinalist but also key players on the 2021 state runner-up team. “If we can stay focused every day and work hard every day, this team could make a very deep run into the playoffs,” Eric Palleschi said. He added that the seniors’ leadership will be key to the Mustangs’ success this season.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Mason Corriveau (first year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 3-14, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Zach New (OF), Jakob Lapointe (OF) Leon Salmon (3B/P); Juniors — Seneca Jones (P/2B), Jake New (SS/P), Colby Frisbie (1B); Sophomores — Rilan Farnum (OF), Tanner Henry (OF/3B), Tyler Warren (P/2B), Julien Byam (1B), Bradley Sirois (C/OF).
Promising newcomers: Junior — Kaden Paaso (C/P); Freshmen — Zakai Salmon (OF), Nemo Deabler (C/OF).
Season outlook: Corriveau, who was recently hired to replace longtime Falcons coach Steve Lapointe, said that, with new coaches and a young team, Mountain Valley’s focus this season will be on establishing winning habits and building a culture of strong pitching and defense. “Overall,” he said, “try to be competitive within the conference and build momentum for the future.”

MT. ABRAM ROADRUNNERS
Coach: Jeff Pillsbury (sixth year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 15-3, lost in regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaden Pillsbury (SS/P), Tucker Plouffe (OF/1B), Trey Pease (OF); Juniors — Payton Mitchell (P/IF), Cam Grey (C), Bear Rollins (OF).
Key losses: Trevor Phelps, Adam Luce, Ian Allen, Wyatt Sieminski, Brendon Williamson.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Logan Dube (P/1B), Ash Rollins (OF), Andrew Rother (OF), Bryce Wilcox (P/C/IF); Freshmen — Killian Pillsbury, Kaden Longley.
Season outlook: The Roadrunners have lost several all-around standout players the past few seasons, including their pitching staff. “If we are going to compete with the top-tier teams,” Jeff Pillsbury said, “our inexperienced pitching staff will need to step up.” He added that though young, the team has a lot of potential and players who enjoy playing baseball.

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Rob Dippner (second year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 7-10, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Hayden Dippner (SS/P), Hayden Durrell (C), Jayden Meader (CF/P), Zak Koban (1B/P), Zach Poisson (UTL), Brody Walsh (3B/1B/P), Ike Wrigley (LF); Sophomore — Nolan Leso (RF/P).
Key loss: Evan Downing.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Warren Allen, Trent Beaudoin; Sophomores — Gage DeCarolis, Dane Cousineau, Aiden Wilkins, Thomas Cormier; Freshmen — Ben Wrigley, Gary Harkins, Carter Gentle.
Season outlook: Most of the Cougars have been varsity starters for the past two season, including three returning pitchers. This experience makes Rob Dippner believe that Mt. Blue is ready to compete this season. “We will need to rely on a few new pitchers this season and are hopeful our young guys will be up for the challenge,” Dippner said.

OAK HILL RAIDERS
Coach: Chad Stowell (seventh year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 11-7, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kyle Delano (P/INF), Ethan Vattaso (P/INF), Grayson Letourneau (C), Aaron Ridlon (INF), Jamison Bergeron (OF/C); Juniors — Trent Drouin (P/INF), Cooper Spencer (OF), Landon Bangs (P/INF), Landen Dennis (P/INF).
Key losses: Jackson Arbour, Isaac Morissette, Caden Thompson, Silas Dumont, Latrell Williams, Koby Lafata.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Zak Bean (1B); Juniors — Eli Gosselin (OF/C), David Hall (1B), Jack Caron (OF/P); Sophomores — Kaleb Langlois (OF/P), Logan Langlois (INF/P), Forrest St. Laurent (OF), Jordan Castonguay (OF).
Season outlook: Delano, Vattaso, Letourneau and Drouin all were All-MVC first-teamers last season. They are among nine returners who started at least one game in 2022. Along with that experience, Stowell said most of the Oak Hill players participated in summer and fall baseball since last season.

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Shane Slicer (20th year)
Class: A North; Conference: KVAC
Last year’s results: 14-3, lost in regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Eli Soehren (P/INF), Kolby Brown (P/3B/OF), Kaden Delano (P/1B); Juniors — Nick Binette (P/INF), Brady Truman (2B/P), Hunter Tardiff (OF).
Key losses: Andrew Merrill, Isaiah Oufiero, Wyatt Knightly, Matt Doucette, Dakota Grassi.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Connor Fitts (C), Patrick Hersey (1B); Sophomores — Carter Holbrook (OF), Gabe Damon (OF/P).
Season outlook: The Vikings lost some important players from last season, including Sun Journal Player of the Year Andrew Merrill, but bring back a promising group highlighted by a strong pitching staff. Slicer said staying healthy and the growth of younger players will be key this season. “We are confident that we will be in the mix come playoff time,” he added.

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Charlie Pray (seventh year)
Class: B South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 9-8, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Gene Grant (IF), Parker Hackett (2B/C), Aiden MacFawn (OF), Drew Sayler (IF/P); Juniors — Regan Cohen (C), Adam Gwarjanski (IF/P), Sam Paladino (OF/P).
Key losses: Hunter Gibson, Mitchell Bean.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Isaac Ramsdell, Travis West, Eagan Whitten; Sophomore — Johnny Bsullak; Freshmen — Landon Cooper, Alex Mains, Ryan Kelly.
Season outlook: The Knights will be led by MacFawn and Sayler, while the junior trio of Cohen, Gwarjanksi and Paladino look to step into more prominent roles. Young and inexperienced players will be integrated into the lineup to help replace the losses of Gibson and Bean. Pray said Poland will be aggressive and needs to limit its mistakes to be competitive in the conference.

RANGELEY LAKERS
Coach: Patrick Sullivan (first year)
Class: D South: Conference: East-West
Last year’s results: Did not play.
Returning athletes: N/A
Key losses: N/A
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Keaton Razik, Austin Hathaway, Nate Bliss; Juniors — Tucker Beaulieu, Barrett Quimby, Breezy Quimby, Lily Shaffer, Angelica Chavaree-Woodward, Sean Vachon; Sophomores — Zac Madrid, Jeremy Robishaw Jr., Ryder Sargent, Nichole Lemay; Freshman — Alex Hathaway; Eighth-grader — Sam Morrill.
Season outlook: The Lakers are playing baseball again this year after not having a team in 2022 due to a lack of players. Sullivan, the program’s new coach, will lead a roster that includes Rangeley softball players who do not have a team this season. Sullivan said the team’s aim is to constantly improve throughout the season. As the Lakers build for the future, the players will try multiple positions to find their best fits. “Execution of baseball fundamentals and teamwork are the keys to our success,” Sullivan said.

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
Coach: Jacob Bessey (second year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 12-6, reached regional quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Elie Timler (IF/P), Reece Davis (IF/P), Garrett Hunt (IF), Lucas Towers (OF), Nate Holland (IF/P), Logan Knight (OF), Jakobe Herrera (OF); Juniors — Griffin Achorn (IF/P), Connor Roy (OF), Laeton Ready (IF); Sophomores — Eli Moffett (C/P), Max Labonte (IF/OF/P).
Key losses: Isaac Parker, Jayden Perreault, TJ Espeaignnette.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Tyler Spugnardi (IF/P), Peyton Martin (OF); Junior — Tyler Gould (IF); Sophomores — Connor Foss (IF), Cole Richards (IF), Evan Nichols (IF/C); Freshmen — Kolby Cotton (IF/P), Blake Gemelli (IF/OF/P), Matthew Harding (OF), Evan Hamilton (IF).
Season outlook: The Phoenix bring back their entire starting infield and starting center fielder, so Bessey anticipates the team will be a step up from last year in limiting errors and base hits. He said that senior leadership will be key. “Our progress at the end of the year last year showed me that this group has it in them to take it to the next level and make that playoff run,” Bessey said.

ST. DOMINIC SAINTS
Coach: Bob Blackman (19th year)
Class: D South; Conference: WMC
Last year’s results: 10-8, regional champions and state champions.
Returning athletes: Senior — Miles Frenette (OF); Juniors — Ashton Hammond (P), Tim Ouellette (SS), Ethan Pelletier (1B), Ridge Dionne (C), Ryan Bussiere (3B), Tommy Casserly (OF), Jayden Lynn (OF), Kyle Reed (OF), Campbell Perryman (OF); Sophomores — Curtis Wheeler (2B), Mason LaFlamme (P).
Key loss: Tanner Berry-Hart.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Erik Jones (OF); Freshmen — Ben Dumais (P), Riley Daigle (P), Brady Blash (C).
Season outlook: The Saints won their sixth state title last year with no seniors and only one junior on the roster. They head into this spring with a roster loaded with juniors, including last year’s top pitchers, Hammond and Ouellette, and sophomores. St. Dom’s again faces a mostly Class C schedule, so its regular season record might hover around .500, but the Saints will already be tested by the time the postseason rolls around, and they should be a force in the D South playoffs.

TELSTAR REBELS
Coach: Scott Underhill (third year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 3-14, lost in preliminary round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Cameron Palmer (P/IF), Colby Hastings (OF), Evan Leach (P/1B/OF), Will Doyle (P/C/IF); Junior — Wyatt Lilly (OF); Sophomore — Brody Walker (P/IF).
Key losses: Francesco Campra, Andrew Leighton, Matt Dillon, Brayden Stevens.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Nick Zolad; Sophomores — Brody Morgan, Wylie Williamson, Grady Kellogg, Elliot Norton; Freshmen — Al Ballou, Connor Deprey, Jonathan Marshall, Landon Bryant, Camden Watrous, Michael Early.
Season outlook: Underhill said the Rebels are “determined to compete,” and that repetition will be key as they work on the basic fundamentals of baseball in an effort to become consistent and productive players.

WINTHROP RAMBLERS
Coach: John Novak (fifth year)
Class: C South; Conference: MVC
Last year’s results: 9-8, lost in first round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Matt Beck (IF/OF), Tyler Shumway (P/IF), Brayden Stubbert (CF), Andrew Fay (1B); Sophomores — Braiden Branagan, Carter Collin, Trent Collin, Carter Rivers, Cole Dufor, Finn Barrett, Jaxon August, Will Grant, Conor Williams.
Key losses: Andrew Foster, Logan Baird
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Brady Shuman, Evan Bilodeau, Crew Presti, Keenan Libby, Brock Dewar, Jackson O’Hearn, Brody Adams.
Season outlook: The Ramblers should have solid pitching this season, with Shumway and the Collin twins. Novak said he is looking forward to seeing the improvements that the team makes this season. Winthrop’s roster consists of four seniors with nine returning sophomores and seven freshmen. Novak said the sophomores have grown a lot and the freshman have looked good. “Although we are young, we will be competitive,” Novak said.