Top teams in EM Class D

Central Aroostook

Coach – Steve Shaw, 3rd year

Last year’s record – 13-8, 2nd seed, lost to Jonesport-Beals in EM D final

Key returnees – F Randy Libby, 6-2, Jr.; F Tim Brewer, 6-2, Jr.; G Matt Townsend, 6-1, Soph.; C Ben Allen, 6-2, Soph.; G Lee Shaw, 6-1, Jr.; G Mitch Orser, 5-10, Soph.

Top newcomers – F-C Frank Kearney, 6-2, Sr.; C Seth Locke, 6-3, Soph.; G-F Brady Mahan, 6-0, Soph.; G Chad Boyd, 5-11, Soph.

Outlook – Although he graduated three starters, Shaw has two starters back in Brewer and Libby, who averaged 15-16 points apiece last season. They can score from anywhere. Allen provides them with some good inside scoring and Townsend, Shaw, and Mahan can light it up outside. This is an exceptional passing team and an unselfish one. They play effective man-to-man defense. The question mark for the Panthers is rebounding. They have a bunch of 6-foot-2 players, but that’s as tall as they go. They don’t have a dominant pivot man, so they will have to compensate by boxing out and having everybody involved in the rebounding. They have depth.

Jonesport-Beals

Coach – Ordie Alley, 26th year

Last year’s record – 19-3, Eastern Maine and State D champs

Key returnees – F Billy Look, 6-1, Sr; F Chris Crowley, 6-4, Sr.; C Tony Beal, 6-2, Sr.; G Jared Fagonde, 6-0, Jr.; G Ryan Crowley, 5-8, Sr.; G Elliott Peabody, 5-11, Jr.; F Sonny Beal, 6-0, Sr.; G Derek Alley, 5-11, Jr.; G Steve Bean, 5-11, Soph.

Top newcomers – G Phillip Dobbins, 5-10, Sr.; G Ryan Libby, 5-11, Jr.; G Mike Kenny, 5-11, Jr.; G Danny Beal, 6-0, Sr.

Outlook – The Royals will be imposing inside with veterans Crowley, Look, and Beal creating havoc in the paint. All three averaged 10-11 points per game a year ago, and they are quality rebounders. The key will be the play of the guards and their ability to handle pressure and to get the ball inside. They graduated three top-notch guards in the Harmon twins (James and Jason) and leading scorer Mike King. Peabody saw a lot of point guard duty a year ago. Ryan Crowley and Fagonde will also play important roles. “If we get into major foul trouble at the point guard post, we’ll be a hurting unit,” said Alley.The Royals aren’t as fast as they were a year ago, so they will use more zone instead of man-to-man. Alley doesn’t expect this team to be nearly as good defensively as last year’s team, but they should put up plenty of points.

Machias

Coach – Tobin Slaven, 1st year

Last year’s record – 9-10, lost to Katahdin in EM D quarterfinals

Key returnees – F Tim Manchester, 6-1, Jr.; G Aaron Coffin, 5-11, Jr.; G Joe Cherry, 6-0, Jr.; F Darren Richards, 5-9, Jr.; F-G Troy Dennison, 5-8, Sr.; G Adam Kilton, 5-7, Soph.; C Clint Phipps, 6-2, Jr.; G Steve Dube, 6-1, Soph.

Top newcomers – G-F Justin Hayward, 5-10, Soph.; G Josh Look, 5-8, Soph.; F Justin Look, 6-0, Jr.; G Gary Shurn, 5-7, Jr.

Outlook – Manchester and Coffin were productive starters a year ago and Dube, Cherry, and Dennison saw a lot of playing time off the bench. Manchester averaged more than 10 points per game. Machias is young, but its athleticism should make up for its youth. Manchester and Dube should do a lot of the scoring and Coffin should also chip in. The Bulldogs are quick and will cause their opponents problems. Dube has been slowed by an Achilles tendon problem. New coach Slaven is stressing defense and is bringing his team along slowly as it makes the transition to him. This is a team that could be a threat come tournament time. Depth could be a problem.

Players to watch: C Shirl Penney, Shead, 6-1, Sr.; F Ryan Caron, Ashland, 6-2, Sr.; F-C Peter Dolinsky, Van Buren, 6-3, Jr.; F Chris Hallett, Washburn, 6-2, Sr.; G-F Mike Burgess, Greenville, 5-10, Soph.; F Jamie Guerrette, Wisdom, 6-1, Sr.; C-F Kyle Fox, Southern Aroostook, 6-2, Sr.; G Ryan Beaulieu, Van Buren, 6-0, Jr.; C Nate Campbell, Temple Christian, 6-2, Sr.; G Matt Burtt, Easton, 5-10, Sr.