Scarborough’s boys’ basketball team celebrated its first-ever regional title a year ago, but fell just short of the Gold Ball. This year’s team hopes to finish the job.
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BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Coach: Phil Conley (third year, 24-18 overall record)
2017-18 record: 17-5 (Lost, 41-36, to Edward Little in Class AA state final)
Top returning players: Nick Fiorillo (Senior), Brian Austin (Junior)
Pivotal games: Dec. 11 FALMOUTH, Dec. 18 SOUTH PORTLAND, Dec. 21 @ Gorham, Dec. 28 @ Edward Little, Jan. 8 DEERING, Jan. 10 GORHAM, Jan. 12 @ Portland, Jan. 25 @ Kennebunk, Feb. 5 @ Thornton Academy
Coach’s comment: “We had a good run last year. The program is heading in the right direction. We have just two starters returning, so we’re a young group. We’ll get better as the season goes along. That’s what we always want to do. We’re pretty big. I can mix things up. We have an athletic group. It’s a very, very balanced league. I believe the SMAA is the best league in the state. Every year, we want to get to the Civic Center and play well there, like we did last year.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough is coming off easily the finest year in program history, but the Red Storm aren’t satisfied after falling agonizingly short in the state final. While graduation took its toll, Scarborough returns a transcendent player, as well as a strong supporting cast, suggesting it could get another shot at a Gold Ball if all goes well.
Fiorillo was a first-team league all-star last winter and is getting plenty of attention from college coaches. He stands 6-foot-7-inches, can bury shots from beyond the 3-point stripe and is very difficult to contain in the paint. His length makes him a strong defender as well. He’ll get the lions’ share of attention from the opposition, but few teams will be able to slow him down. Austin, an All-Rookie team selection a year ago, showed a propensity for knocking down long, clutch shots as a sophomore and he’ll play an even bigger role this season. Senior Tyler Gobeil will be the point guard. Senior Paul Kirk will be a force in the post. Senior Alex Austin will get a chance to play a key role at guard. Junior Luke Stovall, a transfer from Cheverus, and junior Owen Cascio, along with freshman Rowan MacDonald, will bolster the backcourt. Freshman Jack Simonton, who stands 6-6, will have an opportunity to quickly become a household name.
The pieces are in place, even if they’re raw. Scarborough has arrived as a program that will compete for hardware every single year. Fiorillo will lead the Red Storm a long way. If the newer players can produce with regularity, Scarborough will get to the Civic Center and will once again play in the biggest games.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Coach: Mike Giordano (sixth year, 57-42 overall record)
2017-18 record: 17-4 (Lost, 47-28, to Gorham in Class AA South Final)
Top returning players: Josie Couture (Senior), Madison Blanche (Junior), Bella Dickinson (Junior), Julia Freeman (Junior)
Pivotal games: Dec. 18 @ South Portland, Dec. 21 @ Gorham, Dec. 28 EDWARD LITTLE, Jan. 8 @ Deering, Jan. 10 GORHAM
Coach’s comment: “We’re a work in progress. We’re looking for someone to fill Sophie (Glidden)’s shoes. We’re not very big, but we have a lot of interchangeable parts. There’s work to be done and some teams in our way, but the kids have been through the battles. We need to play up-tempo and make it a track meet. We play better that way. We’d like to make it to the next step.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough is coming off another strong campaign which didn’t end until the regional final. The Red Storm will miss graduated standout Sophie Glidden, but a solid, veteran core is back looking to try and dethrone Gorham in the region.
Blanche was a third-team league all-star last winter. She’ll be a top scoring threat at guard. Freeman, a member of the league’s All-Rookie team in 2017-18, is back for her third varsity season at guard, as is Dickinson. Couture is a four-year varsity player. She can play every position from point guard to center. Sophomore forward Kayla Conley could be in for a breakout season. Standing 5-foot-10, Conley brings size and skill to the paint. Several other players will also get an opportunity to step up and contribute.
While Gorham is again, deservedly, the favorite and South Portland remains very strong, Scarborough believes it will be right in the hunt yet again. If this group can generate consistent offense, it will be dangerous. Look for another deep postseason run to be the end result.
BOYS’ HOCKEY
Coach: Jake Brown (second year)
2017-18 record: 3-15 (no postseason)
Top returning players: Cal Berry (Senior), Patrick Clonan (Senior), Jacob Brown (Junior), Cam Budway (Junior), Ethan Jasa (Junior), Nolan Matthews (Junior), Zach Chaisson (Sophomore)
Pivotal games: Dec. 15 @ Falmouth, Jan. 2 @ St. Dom’s, Jan. 12 YARMOUTH, Jan. 26 @ Biddeford, Feb. 2 @ South Portland, Feb. 7 @ Cheverus, Feb. 16 SOUTH PORTLAND, Feb. 18 PORTLAND/DEERING, Feb. 21 @ Portland/Deering
Coach’s comment: “Last year, we had 14 players play varsity for the first time. Those players trusted the process, were committed to getting better and put in a lot of work during the offseason. We return a lot of our players and they’re one year older and come in this year with a lot of confidence. We still want to focus on good defense, but we expect to play a more aggressive game this year. We have a lot of guys competing for spots right now at all positions and that is what will make us better over the season. We still have a lot of work to do, but so far we have had some really great practices. ”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough had a rare down year last winter, failing to post a winning record for the first time since 2010-11, but that was an aberration and you can expect the Red Storm, who are playing home games in Gorham instead of Lewiston this year, to bounce back.
Jasa made the all-state team a year ago and is a top defender, along with Berry. Scarborough figures to jump-start its offense this winter behind Brown, Budway, Chaisson, Clonan and Matthews. Four newcomers, sophomore Collin Wallace and freshmen Jack Matthews, Nate Needle and Sam Rumelhart, add offensive depth. Junior Caleb Sellinger and sophomore Peter O’Brien were vying to replace Brandon Wasser for the starting goalie position at press time.
The Red Storm will still have their hands full against a tough schedule, but there’s reason for optimism that not only will Scarborough improve its record, but be a factor when the postseason arrives.
GIRLS’ HOCKEY
Coach: Caitlin Jordan (second year)
2017-18 results: 9-10-1 (Lost, 4-0, to Cheverus in South Region semifinals)
Top returning players: Courtney Brochu (Senior), Taylor Veilleux (Senior), Hannah Martin (Junior), Carrie Timpson (Junior), Kathleen Murphy (Sophomore)
Pivotal games: Dec. 12 @ Lewiston, Dec. 22 @ Portland/Deering, Jan. 2 ST. DOM’S, Jan. 4 PORTLAND/DEERING, Jan. 15 CAPE/WAYNFLETE/SP, Jan. 19 LEWISTON, Jan. 21 @ Falmouth, Jan. 31 @ Cheverus
Coach’s comment: “We have a talented group of incoming freshmen to join our strong returning players. We hope to have a competitive season and that it takes us into the playoffs.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough is off to a strong start this winter, winning all four of its games so far, downing Cape Elizabeth/Waynflete/South Portland (4-3), Gorham (8-1), Brunswick (7-3) and defending state champion Greely (8-0). The Red Storm might be sneaking up on some teams, but there’s a lot of internal confidence that this could be a special year.
Brochu made the All-Conference team last season and is a defensive anchor, who can also put the puck in the net. Murphy and freshman Maya Sellinger are other defenders to watch. Junior Grace Carriero and freshman A.J. Swett will see time in goal. Offensively, Freshman Evelyn Broadman has made an immediate impact, scoring in all four games thus far, tallying seven goals in all. Freshman Calynn Gendreau (four goals) is also quickly becoming a household name. Martin (three goals, three assists), Timpson (four assists) and Veilleux (three goals, three assists) are veteran scorers.
The pieces are in place for Scarborough to continue to be successful. The South Region appears to be up for grabs and if the Red Storm continue to improve, they’ll have a great shot to make a deep playoff run.
INDOOR TRACK
Boys’ coach: Derek Veilleux (15th year, eight state championships)
Girls’ coach: Ron Kelly (23rd year, 11 state championships)
2017-18 results:
(Boys) Class A state champions
(Girls) Class A state co-champions
Top returners:
(Boys) Anthony Clavettte (Senior), Noah Drapeau (Senior), Brian Farino (Senior), Nolan Lamontagne (Senior), Harrison Osborne (Senior), Connor Coffin (Junior), Tristram Coffin (Junior), Salvator DeBenedetto (Junior), Jarret Flaker (Junior), Ian Gott (Junior), Ben Hatch (Junior), Nate Mars (Junior), Alex Callahan (Sophomore), Aidan Joyce (Sophomore), Erik LoSacco (Sophomore), Ben O’Shea (Sophomore)
(Girls) Ryanne Cox (Junior), Anna Gardner (Junior), Emily Labbe (Junior), Madison Marinko (Junior)
Coach Veilleux’s comment: “We’ve got our largest team in school history, with a good mix of inexperienced and experienced athletes. Our goal will be to progress throughout the season and compete at our highest level in the championship meets. If we stay healthy, we can compete with the best teams in the state. Bringing home a state title is always our goal.”
Coach Kelly’s comment: “We’re a young team with potential. Finishing in the top five at states is our goal. Bonny Eagle, Cheverus and Thornton Academy look like the top teams.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: After sweeping Class A a year ago, Scarborough is back for more hardware this winter.
The boys have left the state in their wake three years running and have captured eight of the past 10 titles. There’s every reason to think that the 2018-19 season will be more of the same. For starters, a 30-point state meet scorer is back. Flaker, who holds the state record in both the 55 and the 200, and is also the defending champion in the 400, will have all eyes on him as he adds the latest chapter to his legend. Clavette is also a reigning champion in the high jump and hopes to repeat (Clavette additionally finished fourth in the triple jump last season). Joining Flaker in the sprints will be DeBenedetto, Hatch (fourth in the 55 at last year’s state meet), Joyce, Lamontagne, O’Shea and new junior Zach Alofs. Callahan and Clavette look to score in the hurdles. They’re joined this winter by freshman Jayden Flaker. After winning a cross country title this fall, several members of that team bolster the distance contingent. Connor Coffin (fifth in the mile last winter), Tristram Coffin (third in the mile), Drapeau, Farino, LoSacco and Osborne, along with freshman Zach Barry, figure to score a lot of points. On the field side, joining Clavette in the jumps will be Callahan, DeBenedetto, Gott, Hatch (seventh in the long jump last February), Joyce, Lamontagne, Jayden Flaker and new senior David Undlin. Mars is the top thrower (he was fourth in the shot put last year). Scarborough will be a powerhouse throughout the regular season and if it stays healthy, will be the favorite to bring home another championship in February.
On the girls’ side, after sharing a title with Cheverus last season, the Red Storm would love to win it outright this season, but after some key graduation losses, nothing will come easily. Labbe is a top returner. She’ll look to build on last year’s runner-up finish in the 55 hurdles and sixth-place showing in the 200 and will be a top sprinter and hurdler. Marinko was third in the 55 hurdles last season and is another top scoring threat. Cox is a distance runner to watch. On the field side, Gardner was runner-up in the pole vault last season and would love to take the top spot. She’ll also compete in the high jump. Marinko (seventh in the long jump last winter) is another jumper of note. Several other athletes look to move up this year and score points. Scarborough should be at its best in February and will again be one of the last teams standing.
SWIMMING
Coach: Eric French (ninth year)
2017-18 results:
(Boys) 12th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) 2nd @ Class A state meet
Top returners:
(Boys) Gavin McLeod (Sophomore)
(Girls) Mackenzie Charest (Senior)
Coach’s comment: “We have a very young team this year. A lot of new kids to work with. I’m not sure where we’ll finish, but we’ll be working hard to make up some gaps.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough had a very good year in the pool last winter, but graduation took its toll on the program.
The girls were runners-up last season. Charest, who was part of a scoring medley relay team a year ago, will look to lead the way in the butterfly and individual medley. Scarborough won’t be at the top of the heap this winter, but the Red Storm will show steady improvement and can’t be overlooked in February.
The boys’ team is led by McLeod, who was runner-up in the 500 freestyle and came in fifth in the 100 fly last season. He’ll be one of the best swimmers in Class A again. If he gets some support, Scarborough could move into the top 10 at the state meet.
WRESTLING
Coach: Shane Stephenson and Andrew Morische (first year)
2017-18 results: 16th @ Class A state meet
Top returners: Addison Boisvert (Senior), Elijah Holbrook (Senior)
Coach’s comment: “We don’t have a big team, but we do have a few studs. We want to have some kids crush it and others pick it up as the season goes along.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: Scarborough welcomes Stephenson back as the coach. He spent a few years with the program earlier this decade. He’ll take over a small squad that features some wrestlers to watch.
Boiswert will be a force in the heavyweight division. Holbrook (152 or 160 pounds) will be one of the team’s top talents. Freshman Cameron Freedman (145) hopes to step right in and make an impact.
The Red Storm won’t be able to score a lot of points because they don’t cover that many weight classes, but a few individuals figure to make noise and could be among the best in the region.
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.
Senior Nick Fiorillo is coming off a sensational campaign. He’ll be one of the state’s best players this winter.
Brian Austin, an SMAA All-Rookie team selection a year ago, has a deadly shot.
Senior Paul Kirk will play a bigger role this winter.
Senior Josie Couture is a top returner for a Scarborough girls’ basketball team which got to the regional final a year ago.
A solid multi-sport athlete, junior Madison Blanche will play a big role in Scarborough’s success this season.
Junior Bella Dickinson, best known for her softball exploits, is very good on the basketball floor as well.
Julia Freeman is another seasoned veteran for the Red Storm.
Junior Nolan Matthews looks to put the puck in the net for a Scarborough boys’ hockey team looking to bounce back into contention this winter.
Junior Jarett Flaker looks to win more hardware and set more records this winter as Scarborough’s boys’ indoor track team eyes another championship.
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