Wide open Class C boys’ tournament will generate excitement as to who’s No. a

Here’s a few shards of information to help you figure out who’s going to emerge as the 2004 Eastern Maine Class C boys basketball champion.

On a recent Friday night, Stearns of Millinocket edged Schenck of East Millinocket in overtime. Three nights later, Houlton topped Stearns by two points. Two nights after that, Schenck defeated Houlton by 10.

Washington Academy of East Machias, throughout the season ranked among the top four in the division, recently went through a week when it fell from the unbeaten ranks with an overtime loss at East Grand of Danforth, remained once-beaten by outlasting Narraguagus of Harrington in overtime, then lost at Jonesport-Beals by a single point.

Penquis of Milo and Piscataquis of Guilford renewed their annual rivalry twice during the regular season. PCHS won the first meeting by 23 points; Penquis won the rematch by 26.

So now it’s clear, isn’t it?

To pick the winner, your best bet is to take the names of all the teams in the division, put them in your best cowboy hat, cross your fingers, and pull out your selection.

It’s that up in the air.

“Anyone in the top 12 could win it,” said George Stevens of Blue Hill coach Dwayne Carter. “I think it’s that wide open.”

GSA, the defending state Class C champion, is the perfect example of the unpredictable nature of Eastern C.

The Eagles, with a new head coach and a new roster gleaned largely from last year’s junior varsity ranks, got off to a 1-6 start, but by late January the Eagles were one of the region’s hotter teams, with wins over Stearns and Narraguagus and Class B Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island helping them rise to contend for a preliminary-round bye.

The truth is that while the regular season lasts only two months, 18 games is a long time, with many variables that can affect a team’s effectiveness. Illness and injury, midterm exams, even weather issues can play havoc with team consistency.

“It’s hard to maintain that focus for the entire season,” said Penquis coach Tony Hamlin, whose Patriots have bounced back from a three-game losing streak to rank among the top teams in the region. “You’re often going to have a dip for one reason or another. You just have to fight through it.”

A look at some of the top Eastern C teams heading into postseason play finds veteran combinations leading the way.

Houlton looks to versatile 6-foot-6 frontcourt standouts Mark Socoby and Leif O’Connell. Washington Academy has the experienced backcourt duo of seniors Whitney Stevens and Jared Gray. Penquis boasts brothers Justin and Jordan Allen in the backcourt, as well as talented forward Devin Perkins. Stearns has the inside-outside combo of guard Derek DiFrederico and center Matt LeGassey.

Dexter, which reached the Eastern C final behind 1,500-point scorer Travis Patterson a year ago, has taken a more balanced approach in its quest to return to the Bangor Auditorium floor this year.

Calais, Narraguagus, Piscataquis, George Stevens, Schenck, Sumner of East Sullivan and Searsport are other teams that entered preliminary-round play with title aspirations.

And with the balance throughout the division, who’s to say any of those teams lack the right stuff to make a championship run.

“Class C is this way every year,” said Washington Academy coach Chad Fitzsimmons. “Most of the games probably will come down to defense and making free throws. Those are always big keys at the tournament.”

“I think defense is going to be the key,” added Carter. “The team that plays the toughest defense is going to win the tournament.”