The Class D ranks, once a place where a team or two could dominate the standings year-in and year-out, has changed.

The addition of three teams, traditionally decent Class C teams, coupled with some evenly matched returnees leads to a wide-open race for the nine post-season spots in the Eastern Maine Class D tournament this year.

From way up north, defending state champion Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook could defend their title, while Central Aroostook of Mars Hill, Easton, and Washburn will all be competitive.

Down East produces some decent teams in the likes of Machias, Jonesport-Beals, and Woodland.

And the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners and Katahdin Cougars of Sherman Station just add to the confusion.

“It’s getting scary for the lower-end teams,” said Joe Mesi, the 13th-year head coach of Deer Isle-Stonington. “When you’re talking about preseason favorites, Machias is mentioned a lot. But with Woodland or Katahdin, it’s wide open.”

“You can’t be too overly optimistic,” said Southern Aroostook’s boss, Greg Howes. “We’ve got a tough Class D this year.”

Topping the list seems to be the Bulldogs of Machias, under head coach Ron Brown.

The Bulldogs posted a 15-5 mark last season en route to a semifinal appearance. With the likes of Ryan Schoppee, Lucas Stuart, and Shannon Grange leading the way, the Bulldogs seem to be edging out the competition for the – quote, unquote – favorites role.

Meanwhile, also out of the Downeast Athletic Conference, comes Jonesport-Beals. If there is one thing coaches have learned over the quarter century, it is you can never count out an Ordie Alley team.

With a pair of Alleys – Braden and Darren – and a foursome of Crowleys – Toby, Ryan, Craig, and Chris – the Royals will be making another tourney run.

The Dragons of Woodland are dropping down from the Class C ranks, which has some “D” coaches worried. With 6-foot-6 senior center Corey McIver, who scored 505 points last year, leading the way, it’s not a wonder.

Meanwhile, at Deer Isle-Stonington, Joe Mesi has nine returnees from last year’s team, including top scorer David Joyce, top rebounder Darrell Brown, and the 6-6 Harry Soucy.

The Katahdin Cougars, under seasoned coach Phil Faulkner, will look to key returnee Randy Cyr to lead the way.

Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook has to replace seven seniors, but has two good players to rebuild around in the likes of Ricki Shields and 1,000-point scorer Brett Russell.

Central Aroostook of Mars Hill will look to Derek Townsend to lead the way, while the Easton Bears will put their hopes on the shoulders of 6-6 senior center Craig Smith.