Where’s the power in Eastern Maine Class A boys? Apparently it’s spread around. From three teams in the Big East Conference to maybe three or four teams in the Kennebec Valley Conference.

It obviously begins in Brunswick where the Dragons return NEWS All-Maine Schoolboy team member Ralph Mims. The 6-3 junior guard recently scored 41 points in a preseason game and is ready to help the Dragons pick up where they left off after going 23-0 and winning the Class A state championship.

But a few teams are likely to challenge Brunswick and while conceding that the Dragons are a talented group, no one is quite ready to concede the season to them.

Bangor returns second-team NEWS All-Maine Schoolboy player Zac Ray.

Coach Roger Reed, while acknowledging that the Rams, who lost to Brunswick in the quarterfinals last year will likely be a good team, said much of their success will hinge on establishing post players.

“We’re still trying to find the right combinations. We have a lot of inexperienced inside players. We have four sophomores on the team and we are trying to establish our inside game. We’re trying to find out who’s going to provide that for us,” Reed said.

The Rams are counting on 6-3 junior Matt Cassidy, 6-3 Tyler Weymouth, 6-4 junior Kevin Flynn and 6-2 senior Robert Flynn to work inside.

Ray is Mr. Outside. The senior can play with either hand and is extremely quick to the basket.

“Zac is a nice player,” Reed said. “He works hard and has a great attitude.”

While trying to fit the pieces together at this early stage, Reed has found out something about his team that pleases him.

“This group has a great attitude. They are a fun team to coach. I think this is going to be a fun year,” Reed said.

Across the river in Brewer, another Reed is getting the Witches ready for the season. Roger’s son, Mark, is in his third season as Brewer’s head coach. Only this year something different is in the air. There are real expectations for the Witches to do well.

The Witches welcome back 5-11, senior point guard Matt Sargent but will have to begin the season without him. Sargent is working his way back from a severe ankle sprain.

Jon Bell, a 6-2 senior plays one of the wings where Reed said that he is a “good defender.” Seniors J.T. Breinde (6-5) and Chad Gomm (6-4) hope to close up the middle for the Witches.

Of course, the addition of Calais transfer Andy Frost is the cherry on top. The 6-0 junior not only brings his talent but the experience of having played in a state championship game last March with the Blue Devils.

Still, Reed cautions, the Witches haven’t proven anything yet. “Realistically you’re looking at a team that hasn’t won a big game yet. We haven’t won a playoff game yet… If we can develop something that’s consistent, that would be great. I don’t want to be a one-hit wonder,” Reed said.

Nokomis of Newport also has high expectations for the season and why not. The Warriors return a pair of All-Big East performers from a year ago including the dynamic Ryan McLellan.

The 5-11 senior can play all over the floor and coach Jim DiFrederico is not shy about singing his praises. “He brings a lot. Without question he’s one of the top five players in the state. He brings instant offense. He can catch and shoot and he can basically break the press by himself,” DiFrederico said.

The Warriors also have a tough inside man in 6-5 senior Luke Hayden. The Big East all-star averaged 18 points per game and nine rebounds last year.

John Bapst of Bangor coach Jason Mills is hopeful that his team will be one of 13 teams that qualify for post-season play. He’s counting on 6-1 senior guards David Bromley and Justin Irsh to bring leadership to a team that includes such talent as 6-2 junior Dan Myerowitz and 6-3 junior Alex Means.

Old Town coach Marty Clark is for a mix of seniors and juniors to improve over last season’s 5-10 record. The Indians will look to 5-7 senior Kevin Emerson to direct things from the point. Junior Tyler Tracewski gives the team some size at 6-3 and 6-5 senior Ryan Bjorn and his 250-pound frame could clog up the middle.

With seven sophomores and freshmen Presque Isle coach Tim Prescott is one of many coaches that are looking at a youth movement. The Wildcats will look for leadership from All-Aroostook player Fred Bird. Bird, a 6-1 senior, is the lone returning starter. Prescott is hoping to find someone to help Bird out offensively.

Hampden Academy coach Andy Frace has an inexperienced lineup but he has good size. The Broncos feature a pair of senior guards in 6-4 Kyle Dalton and 6-3 Ben Keller. They are also introducing 6-8 freshman Jordan Cook to high school basketball.

Mike McGee says that his Lawrence Bulldogs should be a top 10 Eastern Maine team. Middleman Travis Dorsey should provide some punch. McGee said the 6-7 senior is being recruited by several Division II and III schools.

The Waterville Purple Panthers return first team All-KVAC selection Ryan Lockard. The 5-11 senior will be starting for the third year and is coming off a season in which he averaged 22 ppg and was a first-team All-KVAC selection.

Skowhegan features 5-11 guard Derek Holt and a solid core of juniors and seniors with experience.