Ashland girls look strong again in `D’

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After compiling a 32-4 regular-season record the last two seasons, making the Eastern Maine Class D Tournament as a No. 1 and No. 2 seed, and failing to win the EM girls championship both times, the Ashland Hornets will try not to end up in the same fashion this season.

Coach Bill Nemer’s Ashland girls are primed and ready to get back to the tournament this season after losing three players, only one a starter, from last season’s No. 1-seeded team.

With so many key players back this season, Nemer is optimistic about his team’s chances.

“We’ve got more flexibility than we’ve ever had,” said Nemer. “We can play both half-court offense and run-and-gun equally well. Same with defense, we can go zone or man-to-man.”

If the style of attack is left for him to decide, Nemer will turn his girls loose and the Hornets will run.

Senior center Amy Murphy (5-10) will be one of the key cogs in the black-and-orange machine this year. Murphy leads a talented and tall frontcourt including senior forward Jennifer Clark (5-11), junior forward-center Meredith Baker (6-0) and senior forward Shelly Belanger (5-9).

Although the backcourt can’t match the frontcourt depthwise, there isn’t much cause for worry, according to Nemer. Sophomore guards Diana Belskis (5-7) and Holly Carney (5-5) will start with Belskis as the shooting guard and Carney as the off-guard. Junior Nancy Theriault will spell both guards as she can play the point and the off-position equally well. Versatile sophomore Hope Carney (F-G, 5-5) will also provide help either in the front court or as a guard.

Juniors Tanya Clark (C-F, 5-10) and Elissa Chasse (G, 5-3) are also available for the Hornets when needed.

ASHLAND HORNETS

Last year’s finish: 17-2, 1st EM Class D, lost to East Grand in quarterfinals

Returning starters: 4

Key players: senior Amy Murphy (C, 5-10), senior Jennifer Clark (F, 5-11), senior Shelly Belanger (F, 5-9), junior Meredith Baker (C-F, 6-0), sophomore Diana Belskis (G, 5-7), sophomore Holly Carney (G, 5-5), sophomore Hope Carney (F-G, 5-5), junior Nancy Theriault (G, 5-1)

Coach/years: Bill Nemer, 6th

Outlook: The favorite in Class D. Hornets haven’t been beaten by Class D team in regular season in two years. Strong up front with lots of flexibility and depth. Experience, especially in the tournament, is another strength. Hornets really looking to “get over the hump” and win EM title after a near-miss and upset loss the last two years.

SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK WARRIORS

Last year’s finish: 9-10, 4th in EM Class D, lost to Washburn in quarterfinals

Returning starters: 3

Key players: senior Susan Russell (F, 5-5), junior Donna Grass (F, 5-5), freshman Jessica Walker (C, 5-7), junior Holly McGraw (G, 5-4), freshman Jill Mathers (G, 5-6), junior Jodi Corneil (F, 5-5), sophomore Tara Grant (C-F, 5-7)

Coach/years: Tom Berry, 5th

Outlook: With many key players back,the Warriors have a good shot at improving on last year’s record. Berry will go to his first seven players on a regular basis and try to make for team size with speed. Warriors will run whenever they can and play lots of full-court, pressure defense. May be one of top three teams in the conference.

CENTRAL AROOSTOOK PANTHERS

Last year’s finish: 12-10, 3rd EM Class D, lost state title to Buckfield

Returning starters: 1

Key players: senior Danielle Folsom (F, 5-6), sophomore Stori Shaw (G, 5-3), sophomore Melanie Clark (C, 5-10), senior Jenny Kinney (F, 5-8), junior Paula Boyce (G, 5-5)

Coach/years: Kevin Jackins, 2nd

Outlook: Last year’s EM champs lost five seniors. The lack of size and experience on this team may make it hard to return to tourney. Although only one starter returns, depth will be a plus as the team may go 9 players deep. Panthers will play an up-tempo offense and aggressive defense.

WASHBURN BEAVERS

Last year’s finish: 12-9, 5th EM Class D, lost to Central Aroostook in final

Returning starters: 0

Key players: senior Sonya Bouchey (C-F, 5-7), junior Kelly Fox (F-G, 5-6), junior Amie Lavway (C-F, 5-7), junior Sharman Clark (G, 5-0), junior Jenny Gagnon (G, 5-2), junior Jenny Young (F, 5-7)

Coach/years: Ron Ericson, 8th

Outlook: Beavers are going for their fifth gold ball in seven years. With no starters back, Ericson will rely heavily on first 8-9 players in rotation. Although team is short on players with starting experience, juniors and seniors have plenty of tournament experience. Will play half-court game more this year and stay with a zone-press or man-to-man defense. Look for Beavers to start slow and finish strong.

EASTON BEARS

Last year’s finish: 4-14, 13th EM Class D

Returning starters: 5

Key players: junior Heather Keep (F, 5-10), junior Toni Day (F, 5-10), junior Patti Driscoll (F, 5-6), sophomore Marcy Lamoreau (G, 5-5), sophomore Deedra Ireland (G, 5-3)

Coach/years: Sylvanus Pierce, 2nd

Outlook: After a season of re-organization, Pierce and the Bears are optimistic about this season. Plenty of height in the frontcourt, a much deeper roster, and the presence of some long-distance shooters make this team a good tourney candidate. Versatile Bears will run a lot on offense and play man-to-man defense, but have height to play half-court game effectively. Legitimate region dark-horse candidate.

WISDOM PIONEERS

Last year’s finish: 1-15, 12th EM Class D

Returning starters: 4

Key players: senior Treva Aldrete (F, 5-6), senior Paula Collins (C-F, 5-6), junior Amy Cyr (F, 5-7), sophomore Shannon Ouellette (G, 5-2), Tracy Daigle (G, 5-4), sophomore Becky Derosier (F, 5-6), senior Chantel Bourgoin (G, 5-4)

Coach/years: Mike Aldrete, 1st

Outlook: Legitimate threat to crack the top eight. Lost only one senior and looks fairly deep. Aldrete expects to go 9-10 deep. Pioneers going from deliberate half-court game to aggressive, fast-break style offense with man-to-man defense. Good size and excellent depth up front makes Wisdom good tourney bet.

EAST GRAND VIKINGS

Last year’s finish: 9-11, 8th EM Class D, lost to Washburn in semifinals Returning starters: 2

Key players: junior Julie Lee (G, 5-4), junior Michelle Frye (F, 5-9), freshman Michelle Page (C, 5-10), sophomore Tonya Hanscom (F-G), sophomore Wendy Hanington (G, 5-4), junior Samantha Gogan (G-F, 5-7)

Coach/years: Ardis Brackett, 2nd

Outlook: The seniorless Vikings will count on co-captains Lee and Frye to lead a team short on depth (only 9 players on the squad). The team’s strength is in its tall frontcourt. Vikings will go inside offensively, counting on their shooters to open up the lane, and primarily play zone defense.