New players. New coaches. New classifications.

There will be plenty of changes this girls’ basketball season. Here’s how the 2007-2008 season is shaping up.

Class A

Cony and Messalonskee were clearly the favorites last year and lived up to that billing with a thriller in the Eastern A final. Both lost crucial talent which should make the KVAC a wide open endeavor. Cony, the defending champs, lost eight seniors but still has some pieces of the puzzle to make them a threat. The Eagles lost six seniors and are looking to rebuild. Lawrence, Skowhegan and Morse were all tourney teams that have the majority of their numbers back. The Shibuilders had just one senior. All three should be contenders now after a year of seasoning. Oxford Hills threw a scare into Cony in the semifinals last year and should be in the hunt again. The Vikings have enough talent, depth and grit to be a force. Mt. Blue and Edward Little lost key components but have enough returnees to put them in the playoff picture. Bangor and Nokomis could also be teams to watch.

Class B

Lake Region, Falmouth, Fryeburg and Greely should be the top four once again. All four have most of their teams back with ample experience. Lake Region is strong enough to repeat, but Falmouth could gain ground and overtake the Lakers. The Raiders and Rangers hope to take the next step this year. Lisbon and Mountain Valley should be two local squads in the hunt for playoff berths. The Greyounds lost in the quarterfinals and hope to make a return appearance. The Falcons lost in the prelims but could be an improved club with an eye on reaching Portland. In the KVAC East, Waterville is the favorite after a perfect season and state title last year.

Class C

Madison had just two seniors last year and should be the favorite in the MVC and Western C. The rest of the conference lost considerably more talent but should be balanced. Monmouth, Mt. Abram, Winthrop, Jay and Telstar return the most. Dirigo should still be a factor as well. In the WMC, Waynflete had just two seniors last year and should be in the hunt again. St. Dom’s lost significant talent but still has an athletic team with great promise. The playoff field could be interesting with 23 teams in Western C battling for spots, including the defending regional D champs from Hyde.

Class D

With teams like Gould, Hebron and Hyde moving to Class C, that limits the Western D field to just 14 teams. Buckfield has the most talent and experience in that field. Richmond, which also lost in the semifinals, should be a threat as well. Non-league teams like North Haven, Great Portland Christian and Seacoast Christian are typically in the Western D field but will still have a hard time against the better EWC teams. Younger clubs like Valley, Vinalhaven and Rangeley still could earn spots in the tourney as they improve during the year.