Each week this spring, Varsity Maine is asking its reporters what they are most interested in seeing or learning about in the upcoming week? Here are some of their answers:

THINGS HEATING UP

The weather is going to heat up (mid-80s expected on Tuesday and Wednesday) and so does the schedule for the unbeaten South Portland baseball team. The Red Riots, ranked No. 1 in the Varsity Maine poll, feasted on weaker teams in Class A South in recent weeks but have two tough road games this week: at Gorham on Tuesday night and at Scarborough on Saturday morning. The game against Gorham could feature a pitching duel between South Portland senior Hudson Iacuessa, who has thrown two no-hitters this season, and Gorham junior Hunter Finck, who has committed to Alabama.

If you’re more of a lacrosse fan, head to Kennebunk on Tuesday for a girls game between the Rams and Windham. In its 9-0 start, Kennebunk had a plus-82 goals margin. The Rams will be looking for a bit of payback after being upset by Windham in last year’s Class A championship game.

— Steve Craig

VIKINGS TO BE TESTED

I’m interested in seeing if the Oxford Hills softball can maintain its undefeated record through next week. 

The Vikings (9-0) have established themselves as a frontrunner in Class A North, but a gauntlet awaits them. Their next two games are against the teams right behind them in the Heal point standings, No. 3 Edward Little on Monday and No. 2 Lewiston on Wednesday. They beat the Blue Devils 5-0 on May 11 but have yet to face the Red Eddies, whom they play twice in a nine-day span. All three squads are ranked in the Varsity Maine poll. 

Then, after hosting Messalonskee on Thursday, Oxford Hills plays at fourth-ranked Skowhegan on Friday.

Will Oxford Hills remain unbeaten through this week, or will any of those opponents pick up victories that could impact postseason seeding?

— Jimmy James

WHO’S GOT SECOND?

We all know Cheverus is the team to beat in Class A South softball. But while most seasons feature a crystalizing hierarchy by now, the No. 2 spot in the region is up for debate.

Gorham, a popular preseason pick as the No. 2 team in the region, looked shaky while blowing a 9-2 lead in a 15-9 loss to Bonny Eagle on May 8. Bonny Eagle has depth, but not shutdown pitching. The same goes for Windham. Scarborough and South Portland split against each other, and Westbrook lost to Gorham.

So I’m interested in seeing if this week starts to bring some clarity and separation to that second spot. Given that the No. 2 seed would avoid Cheverus until the regional final, it’s a coveted place to end up.

— Drew Bonifant