One year after losing in the Eastern Maine Class B semifinals, the Waterville girls basketball team has set itself up for a deep tournament run this season.

The Panthers, who will likely head into the postseason a strong No. 1 seed and with an 18-0 record in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference, will face challenges from some of the same teams that survived last year. That includes a team they probably don’t want to see again – 2006 EM runner-up John Bapst of Bangor, which knocked off Waterville in the semis last year.

But if the seeds follow through, Waterville could match up with the Crusaders in the Eastern Maine final. In fact, any number of teams could end up vying for the regional crown in a crowded field of contenders from both the KVAC and Big East.

“There are teams such as ourselves, or MCI, or Belfast, that can play with them,” said Camden Hills coach Jay Carlsen, whose Windjammers are again in the top four of the standings this year. “But [Waterville] has more of a purpose. From last season, getting knocked off, they seem like they’re on more of a mission.”

Waterville is led offensively by 5-foot-11 sophomore Morgan Frame and junior guard Sarah Given, while contributions from senior guard Liz Bell and sophomore guard Paige Gardiner make for a well-rounded team.

The Panthers have averaged about 63 points per game while allowing just 40.

“They play good defense and they run the floor,” Carlsen said. “They’re definitely the team to beat. They’ve beaten everyone on their floor and on your floor.”

Bapst has one of the top inside duos in Class B with forward Lauren Nichols and center Hillary Laferriere who combine for about 25 points per game – Nichols and Laferriere are also first and second, respectively, in field goal percentage in the Big East – with the rest spread out among guards Samantha Maquillan, Eve Jordan, and Christina Andrle. Erin McGuan has been the Crusaders’ top backup player.

It’s not a lot of offense, but the Crusaders have played sharp defense and rebounded well to make up for it. Laferriere has led the Big East with about 9.5 rebounds per game, while Nichols gets about 6 rpg.

The Windjammers, who have been one of the most consistent Class B programs over the years, had another fine regular season thanks to guards Allie Parent, Kayla Gushee, and forward Kristen Tedford, who account for most of the scoring. Gushee is one of the top 3-point threats in the KVAC, but the 5-3 senior is just as effective with her penetration.

Camden Hills isn’t as deep as in past years, so the Windjammers have been finding more success in half-court sets rather than the transition game.

“We’re not going to be as effective in the full court, but if we can hold our own in the half court and do well rebounding, we’ll hold our own,” Carlsen said.

Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln has exploited a balanced offense to a stellar season – the Lynx’s second since moving up from Class C – with both of its losses coming against Bapst. MA, which has no seniors, is led by sisters Bree Hanscom, a 5-9 junior forward, and Brooke Hanscom, a freshman guard, combine to average about 28 ppg. Junior guard Michelle Paul chips in with about 13.5 ppg.

MA’s two losses have come against Bapst.

Lurking in the 5-9 seeds are MDI, which picked up its only three losses of the season to John Bapst and a split against Presque Isle; KVAC squads Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield and Belfast, and defending state champion Presque Isle.

Presque Isle had a strong start to the regular season but struggled late and will need to find offense from the rest of its lineup to make a playoff run.

The Wildcats will likely clinch the No. 8 seed. Forward Angela Norsworthy leads the Big East Conference with around 22 ppg, while guard Sarah Porter has been averaging around 11 ppg.