BRUNSWICK — The 2017/18 girls high school basketball season provided plenty of excitement for fans of area teams. Brunswick and Freeport made deep postseason runs, Morse lost a close preliminary game, while Richmond once again made the trip to Augusta.

Mt. Ararat, Lisbon and Wiscasset each had seasons where each team improved and will look to use those experiences as stepping blocks heading into the 2018/19 season.

Both Freeport and Wiscasset have new coaches, and with crossover games highlighting the schedules, the slates are daunting as teams make a run at the postseason.

Brunswick

With only three graduating seniors from last year, the Dragons return a talented squad that went 18-0 during the regular season before falling to eventual state champion Greely in the Class A South final.

One of those losses was Sabrina Armstrong (first-team KVAC South), along with center MacKenzie Burrows and forward Holly Black.

Head coach Sam Farrell will rely on his strong group of returning players to fill that void.

“We’re definitely a different looking team on offense this year. We’ve got five seniors with a ton of experience and all of our younger kids have matured too,” Farrell said. “Playing 44 countable games the last two seasons, add in the summer work they put in together plus preseason games, these young ladies have played a lot of basketball together. That is invaluable.”

His five returning seniors are Marley Groat, Emily Larochelle, Charlotte MacMillan, Rian Sachs and Rosalie White. MacMillan garnered KVAC first-team honors, winning the conference’s player of the year, while Groat also earned a first-team selection. Farrell expects the combination of his experienced players along with some of his youthful talent to propel the Dragons to their goals.

“Our team has the same ultimate goal as the last few years. They understand the work that needs to be done and are willing to commit to it,” the coach said. “I don’t think they feel any pressure, they continuously increase their expectations for themselves, each other, and all of us coaches.

“They know that if they prepare well, work hard as a team, the games take care of themselves.”

As is the case every season, the KVAC games will be tough for the Dragons. Add in some Class AA crossovers and Greely, “every night’s a big one,” according to Farrell.

Brunswick plays seven of its first 10 games at home, including Morse tonight (5 p.m.), Mt. Ararat on Tuesday, Falmouth (Dec. 14), Biddeford (Dec. 21), Camden Hills (Jan. 2), Lincoln Academy (Jan. 10) and Leavitt (Jan. 10). The only three road games during that span are at Lewiston (Dec. 18), a rematch with Greely (Dec. 28) and a visit to Cape Elizabeth (Jan. 4).

After an away game at Lawrence (Jan. 15) and a home contest with Messalonskee (Jan. 17), the Dragons play their next five out of six away from BHS to close out the regular season. The lone home game is against Edward Little (Feb. 5), with bus rides to Leavitt (Jan. 19), Morse (Jan. 21), Medomak Valley (Jan. 25), Lincoln Academy (Jan. 29) and “Battle of the Bridge” foe Mt. Ararat (Feb. 7) to close out the regular season.

“We have to keep getting better every day,” Farrell said. “We have a few young kids that should contribute this year and it will take some time to gel with our great group of seniors. Once that happens, we should really start rolling.”

Mt. Ararat

The Eagles graduated only two seniors from a year ago and a number of returning players, including three starters, has coach Andy Morris looking forward to the upcoming season.

“The girls are excited. Our roster is intact with a lot of veteran players,” Morris said. “While I say they’re veterans, they’re still relatively young.”

The roster still only has three seniors — Ainsley Bryant, Abby Sirois and Grace Liedman. Four juniors — Kyla Greenleaf, Theresa Breed, Alexa Eaton and Kassidy Dixon — and three sophomores — Jaden Lohr, Lauren Magno and Eliza Libby — return to the roster.

Freshmen Kaylee Bergeron, Elsa Daulerio and Morgan Ruff all made the varsity roster and will add depth to a team that went 4-14 a year ago.

After another year of varsity experience and a summer of playing basketball together, Morris is pleased with where his team is at.

“A number of girls have been working really hard, not just on the court, but in their strength and agility,” Morris said. “We played summer ball in the Gardiner league and attended the St. Joe’s summer camp together as a team. Our enthusiasm is up and we hope to build on the success we had this summer.”

After opening the season at home tonight against Leavitt, the Eagles will take on Brunswick on Tuesday and travel to Kennebunk (Dec. 14) and Edward Little (Dec. 18). Home contests with Lincoln Academy (Dec. 21) and Biddeford (Dec. 28) close out the month. Following a pair of road games to begin January, the Eagles host Morse (Jan. 8), travel to Camden Hills (Jan. 10) and come back home for a game with Freeport on Jan. 12.

“We’re excited for the first game,” Morris added.

Morse

The Shipbuilders went 3-15 last season, but key wins earned the team a preliminary game where they fell at home to Falmouth, 58-54.

Using that experience of a playoff game, Morse is looking forward to what the 2018/19 season brings.

“The team is ready to play this year. They are having fun and working hard to improve,” coach Jan Veinot said. “We lost four key players and are now a very young team.”

Veinot will look to seniors Marija Medencia and Sydney Hollingsworth to be the team leaders.

“Both are post players and we will look to get the ball inside to them,” the coach said.

Guards Dory Kulis (Jr.) and Julia Goddard (So.) will get some key playing time this year after swinging between varsity and jayvee last year.

“Our goal is to improve each game and be ready for a playoff spot in the end,” added Veinot.

Following tonight’s opener at Brunswick, after a home contest on Tuesday against Lincoln Academy, the Shipbuilders play five of the next six games away from home. Road games at Westbrook (Dec. 14), Medomak Valley (Dec. 18), Freeport (Dec. 21), Leavitt (Jan. 2) and Mt. Ararat (Jan. 8) will test the ‘Builders early.

All of the road games early means a lot of dates at home to end the regular season. York (Jan. 15), Medomak Valley (Jan. 17), Mt. Ararat (Jan. 19), Brunswick (Jan. 21) and Leavitt (Feb. 1) are home dates, before closing out the season at Cony (Feb. 5) and at home against Camden Hills (Feb. 7).

Freeport

A historic run that propelled the 14-4 Falcons to the Class B South regional final a year ago did a lot for the program, and the players returning from that team will use that momentum.

Gone from that team to graduation are Jessie Driscoll, Joanna Bogue-Marlowe, Megan Cormier, Taylor Rinaldi, Allie Goodman and Taylor Dostie.

Seth Farrington replaces Mike Hart on the sidelines after Hart led the Falcons for four seasons. Farrington, who coached the boys varsity team at Wiscasset High School last season, appreciates the momentum, but this current edition of the Falcons want to create their own identity.

“We had some time in the summer to build relationships, not just the X’s and O’s,” Farrington said. “It’s been an exciting, fun preseason, we’re looking forward to that first game on December 7th against Sacopee Valley.”

With over 30 kids in the program, Farrington has a lot of talented athletes to fill the holes left by the graduating seniors. Without any seniors on the roster, the Falcons are young, led by junior captain Caroline Smith, who returns at the guard position and who Farrington calls “one of the most versatile players” he’s coached.

“She gets it out there, her awareness is outstanding,” Farrington said. “She’s a leader on the floor as she’s already shown that in practices.”

Along with Smith, juniors Cat Gould, Annika Thomas, Lindsay Routhier, Hannah Spaulding and Abby Brier will see increased minutes this season. Sophomores Hannah Groves and Rachel Wall return with a year of varsity basketball under their belts, while freshman Mason Baker rounds out the roster.

The team has played some scrimmages already this preseason and Farrington likes what he sees.

“We’re building a foundation with great athletes,” Farrington said. “Everyone here has been supportive, really looking forward to the season.”

Freeport will again compete in the WMC, playing tough road games that include at Yarmouth (Dec. 11), Gray-New Gloucester (Dec. 13), Cape Elizabeth (Jan. 15), Fryeburg Academy (Jan. 25) and Wells (Feb. 5). After the home opener on Friday, Freeport will host a crossover game against Morse (Dec. 21) and does not return home again until facing Poland (Jan. 8). Other home games include Greely (Jan. 10), Waynflete (Jan. 22), Lake Region (Jan. 31) and the regular season finale against G-NG (Feb. 7).

Lisbon

Leadership from the seniors and juniors will be key for the Greyhounds’ success this season.

With starting junior guard Giana Russo out with an injury sustained at the end of the soccer season, coach Julie Petrie will turn to her upperclassmen with varsity experience for leadership and other intangibles Russo brings to the floor every night.

“With the loss of Giana we will have to find a balanced scoring attack and use our defense to create offense with an up-tempo style of play,” Petrie said.

Quick and athletic Charlee Cox will provide a strong presence underneath and the junior will be looked upon to score. Senior guards Mallory Fairbanks and Valerie Doucette, along with junior Kiley Merritt, will handle the ball for the Greyhounds. Merritt will also contribute some offensive punch for Lisbon. Senior Carly Drischler is a versatile player that will play all positions for Petrie.

“We will need her to play sound defense and provide scoring,” the coach said.

Sydney Plourde and Siara Martin will also add to the scoring on offense and depth on defense.

The Greyhounds finished 6-12 last season in the tough MVC and missed out on the Class B South tournament.

“The girls’ energy is up and they are working hard and are eager to learn,” Petrie said. “A goal is to come together and be playing our best basketball into late February.”

With the exception of a couple of dates in late January and early February, the Greyhounds will play every other game on the schedule either away or home. Road battles to begin the slate start with tonight’s game at Winthrop, at Mt. Abram (Dec. 17) and Dirigo (Dec. 21). Telstar (Jan. 2), Carrabec (Jan. 8), Madison (Jan. 12) and Oak Hill (Jan. 18) take the ‘Hounds towards the end of the month in January.

Home dates begin with Boothbay on Tuesday, Monmouth (Dec. 19), Richmond (Dec. 29), Wiscasset (Jan. 4), Hall-Dale (Jan. 10), Mountain Valley (Jan. 16), Spruce Mountain (Jan. 22) and Telstar (Jan. 24). After a pair of games at Mountain Valley (Jan. 30) and Boothbay (Feb. 1), the Greyhounds return home to close out the regular season against Oak Hill (Feb. 5).

Richmond

In their first season in the MVC, the Bobcats enjoyed a 13-5 campaign and success in the Class C South tournament in February.

With the loss of captains Sydney Underhill-Tilton to graduation and Ashley Abbott to a transfer, they will look within their roster for some of their athletes to step up. With most of the athletes already playing together in soccer, the squad is close and ready for the long season.

“The young ladies are in great overall shape as the majority of them just finished up soccer season,” coach Mike Ladner said.

And with a year of varsity experience for the returnees, Ladner expects his players to be just fine.

“The girls are going to be more prepared and less nervous going into each game,” Ladner added.

While the coach expects everyone on the roster to contribute, whether it’s scoring more, rebounding or playing great help-side defense, the team will run through senior captain Caitlin Kendrick.

“We will need her to run our offense, score more and set the tone on defense,” Ladner said.

Junior captains Bryanne Lancaster and Lindsie Irish also return to the starting lineup. Lancaster provides outside shooting, while Irish will be expected to do more on floor.

“Bryanne’s a great outside shooter who will be asked to rebound more and take on a leadership role,” Ladner said. “Lindsie is a solid all-around player who will be expected to score and rebound more this season.”

Richmond opens the season Saturday evening at Madison (7 p.m.) and will begin the home schedule on Tuesday against Mountain Valley (7 p.m.). Other games in December feature at Oak Hill (Dec. 13), Spruce Mountain (Dec. 17), Boothbay (Dec. 21) and at Lisbon (Dec. 29).

The Bobcats begin the new calendar year hosting Mt. Abram (Jan. 2), at Monmouth (Jan. 4) and Dirigo (Jan. 8). Other notable games are Wiscasset (Jan. 16), at Carrabec (Jan. 18), Monmouth (Jan. 24), at Hall-Dale (Feb. 1) and wrap up the regular season at home against Winthrop (Feb. 5).

“I expect us to be able to compete within the Mountain Valley Conference this season,” Ladner said.”Our goal as a team is to make the tournament and play at the Augusta Civic Center in February.”

Pine Tree Academy

With only a pair of graduating seniors from last year’s team that qualified for postseason play in the Class D South tourney, PTA’s goals and expectations are high.

“Our goal is to have fun and work hard,” coach Josh Dayen said. “We are excited and planning to make a deep run in the playoffs. We have played in Augusta for the past five seasons and will be there again.”

The roster is deep for Dayen with a group of returning and experienced players.

“Our team is incredibly deep this year for a team in Class D. They are seasoned with several players having played games in Augusta during the postseason,” Dayen said. “They are confident and yet are still able to identify and work on weaknesses.”

Adriana DePalma returns to the starting lineup for the Breakers. The 5-foot-3 guard has been playing with the team since her eighth-grade year.

“She’s a quick, tough defender that can shoot from anywhere as she controls the pace,” Dayen said.

Emily Schlisner is back at the guard position. The 5-foot-6 senior is a team-motivator that sees the court and can also control the pace of play according to Dayen. Seniors Renee Pickard, shooter Jordan Milano and junior forward Natalie Marden will bring energy and depth to the roster. Dayen adds that Pickard is a “tough defender that helps create space for others on offense from the forward position.”

The team is ready to start playing, working hard in the preseason to achieve its goals.

“Our energy is palpable, the seniority and leadership is super pumped to get into it,” Dayen said. “We have focused on conditioning and creating an atmosphere of intense effort. They are responding well.”

The Breakers get started Thursday with a game at Forest Hills. In fact, the next five games are on the road, not playing at home until Jan. 8 against Hebron Academy. Road games at Seacoast Christian School (Dec. 17), North Haven Community School (Dec. 18), Rangeley (Jan. 2) and a pair with Vinalhaven (Jan. 3 and 4) will start the season for the Breakers.

Home dates with North Haven (Jan. 10 and 11), Kents Hill (Jan. 12) Forest Hills (Jan. 15) and Rangeley (Jan. 22) combined with road battles at Valley (Jan. 17), Kents Hill (Jan. 26), Hebron (Jan. 28) and Rangeley (Jan. 30) close out a busy month.

The Breakers host Temple (Feb. 2) and Seacoast Christian (Feb. 5) to finish out the regular season schedule.

Wiscasset 

Tom Philbrick will be on the sidelines for the Wolverines this winter, replacing Ben Clark as the head coach.

The Orono native brings many years of basketball experience, having played in high school and college at Husson and is the son of Gil, former University of Maine men’s basketball coach from 1968-71.

The younger Philbrick has coached at both the junior high and high school level recently that includes Orono, Rangeley, Mt. Blue, Rockland and Camden.

“I’m working on trying to change the thinking,” Philbrick said after the Wolverines went 0-18 last year. “I’m asking for more commitment from them. I’m old school and want them to want to be there.”

Returning to the squad with another year of varsity experience behind them are Jade Rego (Jr.), Sydnie Thayer (Sr.), Alice Yokabaskas (Sr.) and Kathleen Trask (Jr.). Philbrick will rely on his upperclassmen for leadership as they compete in the MVC.

“We’re working on our mindset, these are great kids in Wiscasset with a lot of character and are buying in,” Philbrick said. “They’re learning my process and mindset on offense and defense, it’s a work in progress.”

Also looking to contribute and adding depth to the team this season are sophomores Paige Davenport and Zoe Waltz.

Philbrick notes that part of the commitment he expects of his athletes comes not just from their high school basketball duties, but their efforts in the community.

“They have put a lot of work in on Saturday’s working with our grade school-aged kids,” the coach said. “I try to get them to see the bigger picture, that it’s more than just basketball. I try to find things in the game that they can take with them into life.”

Wiscasset travels to Carrabec tonight to take on the Cobras in the season opener. Some other road contests include Madison (Dec. 13), Oak Hill (Dec. 19), Lisbon (Jan. 4), Monmouth (Jan. 10), Boothbay (Jan. 24) and Mt. Abram (Feb. 5). The Wolverines begin the home slate on Tuesday against Hall-Dale. They will also host Mountain Valley (Dec. 17), Spruce Mountain (Dec. 21), Boothbay (Jan. 2), Telstar (Jan. 18), Richmond (Jan. 26) and Monmouth (Jan. 30).

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