The Sun Journal’s coverage area features plenty of talent this winter.
Mike Mandell
Staff Writer
Mike Mandell came to the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel in April 2022 after spending five and a half years with The Ellsworth American in Hancock County, Maine. He came to Maine out of college after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism in 2016. He spent 2015 as the Mizzou football beat writer for the Columbia Missourian after previously covering high school sports and Mizzou women’s basketball for the newspaper. He lives just outside of downtown Waterville, less than a mile from the Morning Sentinel newsroom.
Posted inBoys Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Here are 5 western Maine boys basketball teams to watch in 2025-26
The area has a chance to produce multiple regional champions this season.
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Posted inGirls Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine
One of Maine’s largest schools played tiny Valley in girls basketball. Here’s how it happened.
In a homecoming for new Bangor coach Kristin Hermanson, the Rams took on the Cavaliers in a battle of schools from the state’s largest and smallest classifications.
Posted inBaseball, Boys Basketball, Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Softball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Maine’s smallest high schools worry about future of sports, impact on their communities
As the state’s rural communities get smaller, players, coaches and administrators in those places must adapt to survive.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Watch Varsity Maine’s takeaways from Class A and B football state finals
Reporters discuss the two championship games played at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
In magical season, Westbrook football completed the ultimate story
The Blue Blazes started the season as a feel-good story. By winning the Class B state championship, they became much more.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Westbrook football beats Cony to claim 1st state title
Quarterback Gio Staples has a big game, and the Blue Blazes intercept four passes to cement a Class B championship game victory.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
See how Cony, Westbrook football stack up ahead of Class B final
Preview: The Rams seek their second state championship and Blue Blazes their first Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Winslow football’s rushing attack ready for challenge of Winthrop defense
The Black Raiders have put up video-game numbers, but to win a Class D title, they must power through a defense better than any they’ve faced.
Posted inFootball, Sports, Varsity Maine
Five Maine high school football storylines to follow in Week 11
Two Gold Balls will be awarded in the eight-man ranks, while 11-man teams battle for berths in state title game.