2024 baseball preview capsules

BUCKFIELD BUCKS
Coach: Kyle Rines (first year/fourth leading program)
Conference: East-West; Class: D
Last year’s results: No varsity team since 2021.
Returning athletes: Senior — Brayden Jack (C/OF); Juniors — Gabe White (P/1B); Jonas Culleton (SS/2B).
Promising newcomers: Senior — Mason Dumont (OF); Juniors — Seamus Keough (OF), Brady Tilton (OF); Freshmen — Krosby Harvey (SS/C), Brayden Monto (OF), Ryder Bragg (1B/OF), James Tyne (3B/P), Breydan Ridlon (P/3B), Colby Belanger (2B/OF).
Season outlook: This is the Bucks first varsity team since 2021, and, understandably, they are an young and inexperienced crew this season. Jack, White and Culleton are the only players with any high school experience. They will be looked to as leaders to guide a talented group of freshmen that makes up half of the roster. Four of those freshmen — Harvey, Ridlon, Bragg and Tyne — have led the middle school program the past few years and will be leaders on the high school team, according to Rines, who previously served as head coached from 2015-17. Hitting and base running will be strengths, and pitching development will be critical. “Once the young players get over the nerves and face some high school pitching, they will adjust and excel,” Rines said.

DIRIGO COUGARS
Coach: Gavin Arsenault (second year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: C
Last year’s results: 10-6, reached C South preliminary round.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Travis Wright (1B/P), Anthony Smith (3B); Sophomores — Trevor Crosby (P/SS), Colin Waugh (P), Ethan Olsen, Tanner Bradeen (OF/C/P).
Key losses: Trenton Hutchinson, Trent Holman, Charlie Houghton.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Hudson Lufkin (UTL), Leighton Waite (P), Kaeden Swan (C/P), Caden Hutchinson (OF).
Season outlook: The Cougars are young and inexperienced this season. The graduation of several long-entrenched starters will do that. “With not many seniors this year, will be good year to do a lot learning and gaining knowledge for the future,” Arsenault said. Pitching should be a strength, but several players will be trying out new positions.

EDWARD LITTLE RED EDDIES
Coach: Dave Jordan (ninth year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: 12-8, A North champion, Class A runner-up.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Peyton Dyer (2B/OF/P), Brooks Hefty (2B), Kade Masselli (IF/P), Eli St. Laurent (CF/P), Owen Scott (P/OF/1B), Drew Smith (P/DH); Junior — TJ Kramarz (IF/P).
Key losses: Caleb Albert, Brennan Anthoine, Campbell Cassidy, Gage Ducharme, Brody Keefe, Gavin Levesque, Brady Vincent.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Tyler Turcotte (OF); Juniors — Ben DuBois (OF), Owen Galway (OF), Elliott Hill (IF/C), Joey Samson (P/IF), Chase Scammon (P/IF); Sophomores — Breccan Albert (C/OF), Brooks Beaudry (OF), Blake Chamberlain (P/OF), Isaac Jalbert (2B/OF), Max Kimble (P/IF); Freshmen — Peyton Kelsea (C/P/OF), Adam Meserve (C/P/IF).
Season outlook: Several returners were part of last year’s squad that made a run from eighth seed to the state championship game — Smith, St. Laurent, Masselli and Kramarz were all key contributors, while Dyer, Scott, DuBois and Hill are all solid players who have been waiting their turn to shine. Joining those returners are several talented newcomers. “The team has great work ethic and keeps improving each day,” Jordan said. “We are looking forward to some new faces stepping into key roles for us and making an impact to support our veteran returning core.”

GRAY-NEW GLOUCESTER PATRIOTS
Coach: Seth Johnson (second year)
Conference: Western Maine; Class: B
Last year’s results: 3-13
Returning athletes: Seniors — Nick Geer (SP/1B, 3B), Jacob Maschino (3B/SS/P), Braeden Chute (P/SS/OF), Zach Pelletier (1B), Andrew Keddy (C/OF); Juniors — Isaac Ormberg (CF/P), Kaiden Chase (C).
Key losses: Ian Libby, Colby Dehetre, Abe Bouchard.
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Griffin Richmond (2B), Isaac Ormberg (CF/P), Kobi Conant (LF/P), Seth Espling (SP/IF), Jason Nevells (1B/P); Sophomore — Jake Mulry (SS/SP).
Season outlook: Johnson said the Patriots are excited heading into the 2024 season. They return many seasoned players with, Johnson said, “a drive and desire to have a successful season.” Gray-NG will have a strong pitching rotation that should help the team earn low-scoring, hard-fought victories. Johnson said the team’s preseason focus has been defensive fundamentals. “Our goal this year is to compete in every game, represent our school and community with pride and work towards getting playoff wins by getting better every week.”

LEAVITT HORNETS
Coach: Chris Cifelli (fifth year/10th leading program)
Conference: KVAC; Class: B South
Last year’s results: 9-9, reached B South quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Brandon Bilodeau (IF/P), Noah Carpenter (IF/P), Luke Gladu (C), Will Keach (IF/P), Kade Knight (IF/P), Jace Negley (IF/OF), Reid Sibley (OF/P), Colton Taylor (IF/P); Sophomore — Morgan Folsom (IF/P).
Key losses: Connor DeCoster, Braxton Rowe.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Nick Mellen (OF), John Oliver (OF/P); Freshmen — Trent Holst (IF/P), Randan Hutchinson (IF/C), Nathan Karkos (C/P/IF), Ryder Sawyer-Brown (IF/P).
Season outlook: The Hornets return an experienced and talented group, but Cifelli said they will need “underclassmen to step into some key roles throughout the season.” Pitching depth is a strength that Cifelli said will be tested in a “rigorous KVAC and out-of-conference schedule.”

LEWISTON BLUE DEVILS
Coach: Chris Reed (third year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: 4-12
Returning athletes: Seniors — Daniel Pelletier (OF/P), Ethan Blue (SS), Payson Goyette (IF), Dylan Blue (P/OF/1B); Juniors — Mike Caron (C/P), Lonnie Thomas (IF/P), Jeff Randall (1B/3B/P), Joe Dube (P/UTL).
Promising newcomers: Juniors — Brayden Beaule (OF), Matt Levasseur (OF), Gage Parent (1B); Freshmen — Grady Rowles (2B), Gabe Webster (IF/P).
Season outlook: Reed said the Blue Devils “are fortunate to have quality, experienced upperclassmen to lead us.” Many of the returning upperclassmen have had successful fall and/or winter seasons in other sports. The Devils lack depth due to low player numbers. Their goal is to reach the playoffs. “Getting contributions from everyone is going to be critical for us to be successful,” Reed said. “Keep it simple: throw strikes, defend and compete.”

LISBON GREYHOUNDS
Coach: Randy Ridley (25th year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: C
Last year’s results: 12-6, reached C South quarterfinals.
Returning players: Seniors — Jimmy Fitzsimmons (OF/P), Chris Lavalley (OF); Juniors — Cody Osmond (UTL/P), Gerek Theriault (OF/C), Jayden Camp (IF); Sophomores — Keeghan Morrissette (IF/P), Jacoby Tuplin (OF/C) Brayden Decato (IF/P)
Key losses: Levi Tibbetts, Aiden Parker, Jack Ramich.
Promising newcomers: Lincoln Matthews (IF/P), Jacob Fitzsimmons (OF/P).
Season outlook: The Greyhounds are inexperienced, and many of the young players will be counted on to step up and fill important roles. “The goal is to get better every game,” Ridley said.

MONMOUTH MUSTANGS
Coach: Eric Palleschi (19th year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: C
Last year’s results: 19-1, C South champion, Class C state champion.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Sammy Calder (P/IF), Luke Harmon (OF), Kyle Palleschi (IF/P), Carter O’Connell (IF/OF), Brandon Smith (OF), Richard Johnson (OF); Juniors — Isaac Cote (P/IF), Sam Schultz (OF); Sophomores — Rory Foyt (C/UTL), Tyler Johnson (UTL).
Key losses: Matt Marquis, Manny Calder, Isaac Oliveira, Hunter Frost, Owen Harding.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Dalton Comeau (OF); Juniors — Rory Shardlow (P), Logan Hall (P), Sophomores — Kyle LePage (P), Brady Hatch (IF); Freshmen — Levi Laverdiere (IF/P), Jake Harmon (UTL/P), Noah Schultz (C/UTL).
Season outlook: The defending state champion Mustangs lost five all-conference players, but they also return four all-conference players, including their top two pitchers, Sammy Calder and Kyle Palleschi. So a repeat is possible, but younger players will need to step up and fill large roles. “Leadership from our upperclassmen and dedication will determine the success of this team,” coach Eric Palleschi said. Many of the players were part of Monmouth’s soccer or basketball state championship teams, or both, in the fall and winter.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Mason Corriveau (second year)
Conference: MVC; Class: C
Last year’s results: 3-11
Returning athletes: Seniors — Jake New (SS), Seneca Jones (P/IF), Kaden Paaso (C), Colby Frisbie (1B); Juniors — Tyler Warren (P/3B), Bradley Sirois (P/2B), Julien Byam (1B), Rilan Farnum (OF), Tanner Banaciski (OF), Wyatt Lantieri (OF); Sophomores — Zakai Salmon (OF), Camron Harper (OF).
Key losses: Zach New (OF), Leon Salmon (3B).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Dylan Theriault (3B); Freshmen — Josh Pollis (3B/P), Sawyer Durant (UTL), Zach McLean (3B/OF), Jayden Richard-Gardner (OF), Braydan Hughes (OF), Landon Theriault (OF).
Season outlook: Last year, the Falcons went through some growing pains — including losing five games by one or two runs — but through that gained a lot of valuable experience. “We are confident we can flip some of those results this year,” Corriveau said. Many key players return, and they’ll be counted on to lead the talented newcomers. “It will start with our pitching and defense, and (we’ll) rely on timely hitting and aggressive base running to score runs,” Corriveau said.

MT. ABRAM ROADRUNNERS
Coach: Jeff Pilsbury (sixth season)
Conference: MVC; Class: C
Last year’s results: 13-5, reached C South quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Bear Rollins (OF), Payton Mitchell (IF/P/C), Cam Frost-Grey (C); Juniors — Logan Dube (P/1B), Ash Rollins (OF), Bryce Wilcox (P/C/IF); Sophomores — Kaden Longley (P/OF), Killian Pillsbury (IF/C).
Key losses: Kaden Pillsbury, Tucker Plouffe, Tre Pease.
Promising newcomers: Michael Wilkins, Owen Cook, Alden Pratt, Brennan Mitchell, Bryce Cote.
Season outlook: The Roadrunners’ roster is made up of athletic players who, coach Jeff Pilsbury said, “enjoy the game of baseball.” Many of those players won a soccer state title in the fall and came close to a regional title during the basketball season. Mt. Abram expects to be competitive against the top teams in the MVC and hopes to make another playoff run. “Keys to our success will be solid pitching and consistent defense,” Pilsbury said.

MT. BLUE COUGARS
Coach: Rob Dippner (third year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: 7-9
Returning athletes: Juniors — Nolan Leso (P/OF), Gage DeCarolis (IF).
Key losses: Hayden Dippner, Hayden Durrell, Jayden Meader, Brody Walsh, Ike Wrigley.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Trent Beaudoin (UTL/P), Warren Allen (1B/P); Juniors — Dane Cousineau (P/OF), Thomas Cormier (3B/P) Preston Ball; Sophomores — Ben Wrigley (C), Gary Harkins (OF); Freshmen — Oliver Cormier (IF/P) Jax Vienneau (1B/P).
Season outlook: Having graduated five players who are now playing college baseball, Leso will be counted on to lead this young group of Cougars. “We have a ton of young potential, especially on the mound,” coach Rob Dippner said. “We will continue to work hard to be prepared for the Class A North schedule.”

OAK HILL RAIDERS
Coach: Chad Stowell (eighth year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: B
Last year’s results: 14-4, reached C South semifinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Trent Drouin (SS/P), Landen Denis (1B/P), Landon Bangs (2B/P), Cooper Spencer (CF), Eli Gosselin (C), David Hall (1B); Juniors — Kaleb Langlois (OF/P), Jordan Castonguay (OF).
Key losses: Kyle Delano, Ethan Vattaso, Grayson Letourneau, Aaron Ridlon, Zak Bean.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Logan Langlois (3B/P); Sophomores — Braden Dubuc (INF/P), Braden New (OF/C).
Season outlook: The Raiders aim to improve throughout the regular season so they are playing their best baseball when the postseason rolls around. Drouin leads a talented and decorated group of returners. He has been a starter since he was a freshman and is a three-time MVC all-star. Denis, Bangs and Spencer have all received all-conference honors and in their third years as starters. “The offense has potential to be very deep, and the defense in the preseason has looked strong,” Stowell said.

OXFORD HILLS VIKINGS
Coach: Shane Slicer (21st year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: A
Last year’s results: 12-5, reached A North quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Brady Truman (IF/P), Nick Binette (IF/P), Hunter Tardiff (OF); Juniors — Carter Holbrook (OF), Gabe Damon (OF/1B/P), Carter Wyman (OF); Sophomores — Cam Pulkkinen (3B/P), Carson Stevens (OF/P), Colton Jendrick (IF/P), Ryder Kennison (1B/P), Dylan Truman (C/IF/P).
Key losses: Eli Soehren, Kolby Brown, Kaden Delano, Connor Fitts, Patrick Hersey.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Ross Campbell (P/OF), Hayden Farrell (P/OF), Logan Spencer (IF/OF); Sophomore — Wyatt Grover (C); Freshman — Gunner Truman (IF/P).
Season outlook: Experience gained throughout the season should lead to improvement for this relatively young squad. Defense and speed should be team strengths. “An inexperienced pitching staff will need to perform well for the team to compete at a high level,” Slicer said. “Our goal is to improve every day and be competitive every game.”

POLAND KNIGHTS
Coach: Charlie Pray (eighth year)
Conference: Western Maine; Class: B
Last year’s results: 6-10
Returning athletes: Seniors — Adam Gwarjanski (P/IF), Isaac Ramsdell (OF), Regan Cohen (C), Sam Paladino (OF/P), Travis West (IF/P); Junior — Johnny Bsullak (OF); Sophomores — Alex Mains (IF/P), Landon Cooper (IF/P).
Key losses: Aiden MacFawn, Drew Sayler, Gene Grant, Parker Hackett, Lagan O’Driscoll.
Promising newcomers: Seniors — Cailean MacEachen (OF), Tommy Gagnon (OF); Junior — Gavin Lenahan (IF); Sophomore — Cohen Demuth (OF); Freshmen — Aiden Bean (C), Eliot Rioux (P), Lucas Verill (IF), Shawn West (IF).
Season outlook: The Knights will be led by senior ace Gwarjanksi on the hill and Cohen, a four-year starter at catcher. Younger players will need to be integrated into key roles, Pray said, to help Poland remain competitive in the tough MWC. Pray added that the Knights “will need to rely on pitching and defense to win games.”

SPRUCE MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
Coach: Derek Bowen (first year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: C
Last year’s results: 7-11, reached C South quarterfinals.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Griffin Achorn (P/3B), Laeton Ready (OF); Juniors — Max Labonte (2B), Eli Moffett (SS/3B/P), Connor Foss (SS/OF/P), Cole Richards (3B); Sophomore — Kolby Cotton (1B/P).
Key losses: Elie Timler, Lucas Towers, Logan Knight, Garrett Hunt, Nate Holland, Tyler Spugnardi, Reece Davis, Payton Martin.
Promising newcomers: Senior — Brody Souther (OF/P); Junior — Evan Nichols (C/OF); Sophomores — Evan Hamilton (OF/1B), Blake Gemelli (OF/P); Freshmen — Trent Lovewell (SS,C/P), Jonathan Hines (OF/C), Cayden Ball (1B/3B/P), Levi Richards (OF/2B).
Season outlook: The Phoenix graduated eight players, so captains Achorn, Moffett and Labonte will be relied on to guide this young squad through the 2024 season. “It will take some time to find these new pieces and get acclimated to the new team,” first-year coach Derek Bowen said. But, he added, the Phoenix have bonded and developed chemistry during the preseason.

ST. DOM’S SAINTS
Coach: Bob Blackman (20th year)
Conference: Western Maine; Class: D
Last year’s results: 14-5, D South champion, Class D champion.
Returning athletes: Seniors — Ridge Dionne (C), Ashton Hammond (P/SS), Timothee Ouellette (P/SS), Ryan Bussiere (3B), Tom Casserly (OF), Ethan Pelletier (1B), Campbell Perryman (OF), Kyle Reed (OF); Juniors — Curtis Wheeler (2B), Mason LaFlamme (P/1B); Sophomores — Riley Daigle (OF/P), Ben Dumais (OF/P), Brady Blash (C/OF).
Key loss: Miles Frenette.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Joseph Adams (1B), Daniel Iwuanyanwu (OF); Freshmen — Alek St. Laurent (OF), Sebastian Caine (OF), Eddie Cobb (2B).
Season outlook: The Saints have won back-to-back state titles and return an experienced team that is back for more. “If we can stay healthy and focused, we’re hoping to compete for another state championship,” Blackman said.

TELSTAR REBELS
Coach: Scott Underhill (fourth year); assistant: Ryan Kimball (fourth year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: D
Last year’s results: 2-12
Returning athletes: Seniors — Anthony Conant (3B/P, .346 avg.), Wyatt Lilly (OF, .387 avg), Nick Zolad (IF/OF), Juniors — Brody Walker (P/IF, .344 avg.), Wylie Williamson (IF/OF), Brody Morgan (OF), Grady Kellogg (1B/C/DH), Nathan Clarey (P/OF); Sophomores — Connor Deprey (1B/P), AI Ballou (IF, .353 avg.), Landon Bryant (OF), Camden Johnston (OF), Freshmen — Brennan Walker (C/P/IF), Brayden Easterlin (P/OF), Carter Inman (C/OF).
Key losses: Wil Doyle, Colby Hastings, Cameron Palmer.
Promising newcomers: Brennan Walker, Brayden Easterlin.
Season outlook: The Rebels aim to build upon previous seasons with a nice-sized group of returning contributors that is highlighted by a strong pitching corps. “This year’s team looks very promising with three legitimate starting pitchers and three valuable relievers,” Underhill said. “We will be solid up the middle.”

WINTHROP RAMBLERS
Coach: John Novak (fifth year)
Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: C
Last year’s results: 10-7, reach C South preliminary round.
Returning athletes: Juniors — Braden Branagan, Carter Collin, Cole Dufour, Connor Williams, Evan Bilodeau, Finn Barrett, Jaxon August, Trent Collin, Will Grant; Sophomores — Keenan Libby, Jackson Ohearn, Brody Adams, Brady Shuman.
Key losses: Andrew Fay, Tyler Shumway, Brayden Stubbert, Matt Beck.
Promising newcomers: Freshmen — Aiden Hickey, Gianni Haefele, Josh Foster, Ross Fichthorn, Travis Donovan, Parker Mangin.
Season outlook: No seniors this season, but the Ramblers do have a large and skilled junior class that will lead the team as it continues to grow and improve. Pitching, led by Trent and Carter Collin, is again a strength. “Our goal this year is to take it one game at a time and see how everything unfolds,” Novak said.