Narraguagus

Coach/Years: Mike Kelley, 2nd.

Last season: 14-4, No. 1 in Eastern Maine Class C; lost in semifinals to Washington Academy.

Key players returning: G-F Morrill Worcester, 6-2, So.; G Ryan Huntley, 6-0, Sr.; F-C Bub Look, 6-2, Sr.; F-C Peter Roeber, 6-3, Sr.; F Jason Lyford, 6-1, Jr.; G Peter Joyce, 5-9, Jr.; G Todd Benner, 5-10, Sr.

Key newcomers: F Keegan Beal, 6-3, Jr.; F-C Chris Chipman, 6-4, Jr.

Outlook: The Knights lost one starter to graduation, but suffered a greater loss during the soccer season when guard Dan Curtis was felled with a broken leg. He’s out for the season. Still, Narraguagus returns enough talent, depth and overall height to make them a contender in the EM “C” ranks. The guards will play a key role in terms of handling pressure from its DAC opponents while also handling the Knights’ run-it-up-the-floor attack.

Schenck

Coach/Years: Steve Levasseur, 3rd

Last season: 16-4, No. 2 in Eastern Maine Class C; lost in semifinals to Limestone.

Key players returning: C Mark Farmer, 6-5, Sr; F Chris Hale, 6-1, Sr.; G Jeremy Deveau, 6-2, Sr.; F Greg Currier, 6-1, Jr.; G Tommy Jamo, 6-0, So.; F Lucas Pelkey, 6-4, Sr.

Key newcomers: G Jared Stanley, G Shawn Brown.

Outlook: The Wolverines lost one starter plus their sixth man from a year ago, so Levasseur is hoping for some more success this season. Schenck has a good mixture of height and speed, plus Jamo is a year better and a year smarter at point guard. Levasseur says there is one catch, however, to how far the Wolverines could go. To quote the quoteable coach: “Defense and intensity are going to be key. I’ve basically got some pretty mellow kids. As intense as I am, it doesn’t seem to generate a whole lot with them.”

Hodgdon

Coach/Years: Jason Tarr, 1st

Last season: 12-5; No. 6, Eastern Maine Class C, lost to Limestone in quarterfinals.

Key players returning: G-F Jered Stewart, 6-3, Sr.; F-C Roman Karnes, 6-2, Jr.; F-C Justin Gricus, 6-3, Jr.; F-G Jeremy Sjoberg, 6-0, Sr.; G Chris Quint, 5-10, Sr.; G Jeremy Bell, 5-9, Sr.; G Glenn Cole, 5-8, Sr.; C Sam Henderson, 6-3, So.

Key newcomers: C James Folsom, 6-4; G-F Jeremy White, 6-0, So.; C Adam Carter, 6-4, Fr.

Outlook: Three returning starters return from last year’s Hodgdon team, which nearly pulled off a quarterfinal upset of Eastern Maine champ Limestone before losing in overtime. Coincidentally, Tarr was coaching Limestone last season. The Hawks had depth last year, which should pay off this season. Stewart could be one of the top talents in Eastern Maine this season.

Players to Watch

John Clavette, Madawaska, 6-3, G-F, Sr.; Ed Marshall, Madawaska, 5-10, So., G; Kam Kimball, Piscataquis Community, 5-10, G, Sr.; Willie Rivera, Central-EC, 5-11, G, Sr.; Kirk DeMerchant, Fort Fairfield, 5-10, G, Sr.; James Mitchell, Katahdin, 6-2, Sr.; Roy Sockabasin, Lee Academy, 6-5, C, Sr.; Jim Wirkala, 6-5 1/2, C, Sr.; Dallas Quarles, Washington Academy, 6-3, Jr.; Paris Calor, Washington Academy, 6-2, Sr.