BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Coach: Richie Ashley (third year, 23-16 overall record)

2022-23 results: 14-6 (Lost, 66-60, to Oxford Hills in Class AA North semifinals)

Top returning players: Gio St. Onge (Senior), Maddik Weisberg (Senior), Leo McNabb (Junior), Sammy Nzeyimana (Junior)

Pivotal games: Dec. 12 SOUTH PORTLAND, Dec. 15 OXFORD HILLS, Dec. 19 @ Thornton Academy, Dec. 21 @ Portland, Jan. 2 @ Windham, Jan. 4 @ Oxford Hills, Jan. 9 GORHAM, Jan. 12 @ Edward Little, Jan. 25 EDWARD LITTLE, Jan. 30 WINDHAM, Feb. 8 PORTLAND

Coach’s comment: “We did well in the preseason and we have four of our five starters back. We’re still a young team but several kids have a lot of experience. Sammy and Gio are three-year starters and Leo and Maddik are two-year starters. We’ve gotten a lot bigger. We’re deeper than we’ve been in the past. The league is solid up and down this year. I don’t see any weak teams. I like our potential. I hope we can keep making strides. It all depends on how we’re playing at the end.

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus suffered a frustrating loss to Oxford Hills in last year’s playoffs, then had to say goodbye to standout Silvano Ismail, last year’s league leading scorer and the reigning Class AA North Player of the Year, but the Stags return plenty of talent and add some very promising (and tall) newcomers, which makes them in the minds of many, the favorite in a balanced Class AA North this season.

McNabb and St. Onge were honorable mention all-stars in 2022-23 and are key veterans. McNabb (9.2 points per game in 2022-23) is a shooting guard and St. Onge (9.7 ppg) can score from the forward position. Nzeyimana (4.8 points per game and 2.2 assists) is the point guard, who can get to the rim and set up his teammates for open shots. Weisberg (who averaged 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 points last year) is a forward who can get the job done on defense and on the boards. The size comes courtesy 6-foot-5 sophomore center Jameson Fitzpatrick, 6-6 junior center Rocco DePatsy, 6-3 freshman wing player Quinton Eason and 6-3 freshman Nicola Plalum. Senior Shema Rwaganje and junior Aaron Goodman will see time in the frontcourt as well.

It all adds up to a very promising squad. The Stags will be tested night-in, night-out by a daunting schedule, but they can play with anybody. That slate will make them even stronger come February, when they’ll be on the short list of teams to beat. Cheverus hasn’t reached a regional or state final in 13 years. If everything comes together, that drought might just come to an end.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Coach: Billy Goodman (fifth year, 56-15 overall record, one state championship)

2022-23 results: 18-3 (Lost, 68-63, in double-overtime, to eventual champion Oxford Hills in Class AA North Final)

Top returning players: Ruth Boles (Senior), Megan Dearborn (Senior), Maddie Fitzpatrick (Senior), Anna Goodman (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Dec. 15 @ Oxford Hills. Dec. 19 THORNTON ACADEMY, Jan. 2 WINDHAM, Jan. 4 OXFORD HILLS, Jan. 6 @ Bangor, Jan. 9 @ Lewiston, Jan. 19 @ Thornton Academy, Jan. 23 LEWISTON, Jan. 30 @ Windham, Feb. 2 BANGOR

Coach’s comment: “We were so close last year and we know what we have to do to get better. We have a lot of new kids this year and we’re trying to get them up to speed. We’ll have a different look and a different style. We have to cut down on our turnovers and execute better in the halfcourt. When you have Maddie Fitzpatrick, you always hope to contend. She can affect the game in so many ways. She’s such a great leader..”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus let a double-digit second half lead slip away in an agonizing loss to eventual champion Oxford Hills in last year’s regional final as its quest for a repeat state title fell just short. This year’s team returns a few familiar faces, including the state’s best player, but there are a lot of holes to fill, including a big void left by Emma Lizotte, the post standout, who transferred to Thornton Academy. It might take some time, but rest assured that the Stags will figure things out as the season progresses.

Fitzpatrick has committed to staying in state and playing for Amy Vachon at the University of Maine, but first, she has some unfinished business. Fitzpatrick, who won the Gatorade Player of the Year last season and was also named Cheverus Winter Athlete of the Year by The Forecaster after averaging 17.7 points (second in Class AA North), 9.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game, will put up lofty numbers again. Fitzpatrick, who has been itching to return to the court since the moment last season ended, can score with abandon but never hesitates to set up her teammates. She will handle the ball, play down low, on the wing, anywhere she can help the cause. Good luck slowing her down. Boles, who will play at Springfield College next winter, also boasts myriad skills and will look to score from either the guard or forward spot (she averaged 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season). Boles was an honorable mention all-star last winter and will be one of the league’s better players again this year. Dearborn and Goodman are veterans at the guard position who can knock down outside shots. After that, there’s several girls waiting to step in and make an impact. In the backcourt, junior Rachel Feeley (who was injured a year ago), sophomore Rachel LaSalle and freshman Sierrah McKenzie can shoot. Freshman Addison Jordan and Abby Kelly can play guard or forward. Seniors Olivia Conroy and Abby Marshall could be a presence in the frontcourt.

Cheverus doesn’t have the onus of being the favorite, but is still clearly one of the elite teams. There are few easy games on the schedule this winter meaning the Stags will be tested from start to finish, but that’s only going to make them battle tested when the games matter most in February. After being denied a Gold Ball a year ago, Fitzpatrick is going to do everything in her power to restore the Stags to the pinnacle. It won’t be easy, but never write this team off.

BOYS’ HOCKEY (co-op with Yarmouth)

Coach: Dave St. Pierre (13th year, 121-93-12 overall record)

2022-23 record: 11-7-2 (Lost, 7-2, to eventual champion Cape Elizabeth in Class B South semifinals)

Top returning players: Andrew Cheever (Senior), Ian O’Connor (Senior), Lucas Soutuyo (Senior), David Swift (Senior)

Pivotal games: Dec. 9 LEAVITT, Dec. 16 GREELY, Dec. 23 @ Leavitt, Jan. 6 BRUNSWICK, Jan. 11 @ Cape Elizabeth, Jan. 20 @ York, Jan. 25 THORNTON ACADEMY, Jan. 27 @ Edward Little, Feb. 8 CAPE ELIZABETH, Feb. 15 YORK, Feb. 17 @ Brunswick, Feb. 21 @ Greely

Coach’s comment: “I’m excited about this group. This is first year that all the kids know nothing but the co-op. We have strong leadership. Our seniors bring a lot to the table. The young guys have stepped up. The guys like each other and support each other. We have a lot of depth. We can easily roll three lines. We have to stay healthy and develop the young guys. Every night will be a battle, but we hope to be a top team at the end.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus/Yarmouth has lost to the eventual state champion two years running and could make the fair argument that it was the second best team in the state on both occasions. This winter, Cheverus/Yarmouth returns some talented players and has others ready to step in and make an immediate impact for a squad that will be very much in the hunt in a deep and balanced region.

Offensively, Cheever and Soutuyo will each play center on their respective line. They’ll be joined as potential goal scorers by senior Evan Hankins, juniors Quinn McCoy and Owen Walsh and freshman Owen Cheever. Cheverus/Yarmouth will be formidable on the blue line, as Swift (a second-team league all-star a year ago after leading the team in scoring) leads the way, along with O’Connor, junior Johnathan Weinrich and sophomore Colby Carnes. Junior John Wallace and sophomore Ethan Tucker were vying for the goalkeeping spot at press time.

Cheverus/Yarmouth figures to be tested night-in, night-out by the likes of reigning state champion Cape Elizabeth, perennial contenders Greely and York, the Leavitt co-op team and Brunswick/Freeport, as well as some Class A foes. This group may struggle at times early, but it has great potential. Come late February and into March, Cheverus/Yarmouth might just be the best team in the region and the state.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

Coach: Scott Rousseau (eighth year, 98-31-2 overall record, two state championships)

2022-23 results: 18-3 (Beat Yarmouth/Freeport, 3-2, to win state title)

Top returning players: Maddy Doherty (Senior), Lily Johnson (Senior), Ella Lemieux (Senior), Brynn McKenney (Senior), Charlotte Miller (Senior), Mikayla Talbot (Senior), Lucy Johnson (Junior), Ellie Skolnekovich (Sophomore)

Pivotal games: Dec. 9 YARMOUTH/FREEPORT, Dec. 14 @ Cape Elizabeth, Dec. 20 @ Gorham, Jan. 4 PENOBSCOT, Jan. 13 @ Yarmouth/Freeport, Jan. 20 @ Penobscot, Jan. 25 CAPE ELIZABETH, Feb. 1 GORHAM

Coach’s comment: “We lack depth, but we return eight of the nine skaters that took the ice in the playoffs last year and both goaltenders. Team defense is still our identity, with a 1.43 (goals against average) last year. Lemieux is arguably the state’s top keeper and McKenney and Lily Johnson are veterans that log big minutes with one of them always on the ice. Offensively, Charlotte is a tremendous two-way center that anchors one line with underrated Maddie Doherty, while Talbot and Lucy Johnson combine once again to pace our offense. (Freshman Caroline) Rousseau adds a new dynamic this year and will most likely see time with both duos. We have a very challenging schedule, with games with out-of-state powers and several prep games augmenting our difficult state games. We hope to be tested and prepared for another potential championship run come February if we can remain healthy.  Our varsity roster tallies 19 total state championships  These are tough kids that know how to perform in big moments.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus, which also includes a couple players from Windham, rode its talented roster to the pinnacle a year ago and return most of its top players, suggesting another title run is in store.

Great teams are formidable at the defensive end and the Stags are stout, thanks to goalies Lemieux (10-1 a year ago with a goals against average of 1.4 during an all-state campaign) and Skolnekovich (All-Conference last season after filling in ably while Lemieux was sidelined with injury), along with defenders like McKenney (all-state last season after scoring eight goals and adding 15 assists) and Lily Johnson (seven points in 2022-23), who was just named Miss Maine Field Hockey. Cheverus will dazzle offensively behind Lucy Johnson (26 goals last year, including three in the state final and an all-state selection after producing 50 points), Miller (All-Conference last winter after scoring eight goals and adding 16 assists) and Talbot (all-state, after scoring 22 times with 25 assists a year ago). If that’s enough to give opposing defenses and coaches nightmares, add in Doherty (All-Conference in 2022-23) and freshman Caroline Rousseau, who had a breakout field hockey season and due to being around ice hockey her whole life thanks to her Dad, is poised to light the lamp with regularity this winter (Rousseau had five goals and four assists in the season’s first three games, including a hat trick versus St. Dom’s).

Cheverus opened with decisive wins over Falmouth, York (Scott Rousseau’s 100th with the program) and St. Dom’s by a composite 26-0 margin. The bar is set extremely high and the road will get tougher, but this group of athletes welcomes the challenge. Providing good health, the Stags will be a serious title contender and it’s quite likely that this accomplished group will wind up earning another trophy to raise in triumph.

INDOOR TRACK

Coach: John Wilkinson (fifth year, one state championship)

2022-23 results:
(Boys) 15th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) tie-16th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) Dominic Cortez (Senior), Brendan Rogers (Senior), Elijah Timlin (Senior)
(Girls) Finley Brown (Junior), Annie Vigue (Junior), Alaina Holmes (Sophomore), Lucy Olson (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “This is a very young girls’ team with a huge upside. We have outdoor track returning state meet scorers along with some transfers and newcomers that will boost our chances of being a team to look out for by February. We cover every event so it will be a matter of putting it all together by championship meet time. Led by two very talented and seasoned captains in Brendan Rogers and Dominic Cortez, the boys’ team will definitely improve throughout the season. Rogers and Cortez should battle for individual state championships in their respective events. Our goal is to pull other team members to PR (personal record) in their events each week.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus has some very talented athletes to watch on the track this winter and both teams will be contention throughout.

The girls’ squad returns  Vigue, who was second last year in the 800 and will be near the top again in that event, as well as the 400. Brown will contend in the hurdles and 400, Holmes is a sprinter to watch and Olson is a top distance threat. Newcomers of note include junior Evelyn Rush (shot put), sophomores Grace Alexander (distance), Amelia Dedekian (pole vault), Stella Hang (jumps and hurdles) and freshmen Allie Schmitt (distance) and Macey Weisberg (spring and jumps).

On the boys’ side, Frank Morang’s points will be missed, but there is talent in reserve. Rogers is a top sprinter. He came in seventh in the 400 last season. Cortez (pole vault) and Timlin (jumps) are other veterans. New junior George Kabongo will look to score in the jumps.

SWIMMING

Coach: Lia Langeveld (first year)

2022-23 results:
(Boys) no score @ Class A state meet
(Girls) 14th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) Arman Gurcan (Sophomore), Peter Jones (Sophomore)
(Girls) Reese Belanger (Senior), Hannah Derrig (Junior), Kali McCarthy (Sophomore)

Coach’s comment: “We are small, but mighty. We are in a building year, though practices have been going very well. We are looking forward to our first meet.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus’ swim teams boast some solid individuals this season and under a new coach, the Stags look to climb the standings at the big meets.

The girls’ squad graduated state meet scorer Sarah Agren, but it returns some talent. Cheverus will be led by Belanger (individual medley and breaststroke), Derrig (sprint freestyle) and McCarthy (backstroke, distance freestyle), who all scored in the 400 freestyle relay at states a year ago. Freshman Anica Hickey is a top newcomer. She’ll compete in the distance freestyle and butterfly.

The boys’ team is young, but has promise. Gurcan can compete in the sprint freestyle and breaststroke and Jones will be heard from in the fly and sprint freestyle. Freshman Devrim Gurcan will also compete in the sprint freestyle races. After failing to score at states last season for the first time in a half-century, expect the Stags to return to form.

ALPINE SKIING

Coach: John Stamaris (fourth year)

2022-23 results:

(Boys) 14th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) 9th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) Will Ray (Senior), Reis Stamaris (Junior)

Coach’s comment: “Unfortunately, we do not have a girls’ team this season and are competing with only five boys.  We are an older team with three seniors, one junior and one sophomore. My goal is to see continuous improvement, high team spirit, a bunch of fun and one or two athletes compete for a spot on the state team.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus’ Alpine team is low on numbers this winter, but there is some individual talent.

Stamaris was a league all-star last year and also earned a spot on the Maine state team after coming in ninth at states in the giant slalom. He’ll be a top skier again and is joined by Ray, who also has top 10 aspirations. Sophomore Andrew Pollini joins the team after transferring in from a school in Connecticut. He has a solid upside. The Stags will make the most of their limited numbers and be strong from start to finish.

NORDIC SKIING (co-op with Deering and Portland)

Coach: George Aponte-Clarke (sixth year)

2022-23 results:
(Boys) 9th @ Class A state meet
(Girls) 6th @ Class A state meet

Top returners:

(Boys) Logan Whitmarsh (Junior)
(Girls) Roxie van Oostrum (Senior), Delaney Whitmarsh (Senior)

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus has a few top skiers to watch this winter.

The girls graduated Annabelle Brooks, who won the classic and freestyle a year ago. This year’s team features van Oostrum and Whitmarsh. Freshman Brooke Stratos is a newcomer to watch.

Logan Whitmarsh leads the boys’ team. If some other skiers can step up, the Stags will hold their own from start to finish.

WRESTLING (Co-op with Falmouth)

Coach: Jason Barriault (11th year)

2022-23 results: 20th @ Class A state meet

Top returners: Indi Backman (Junior), Liam Backman (Junior), Jack Fenton (Junior)

Coach’s comment: “This is the second year of the Cheverus/Falmouth co-op and our participation from Falmouth athletes has increased significantly. Our varsity lineup will consist of a balance between both schools. We have a large junior class that has been with the program for a few years and I expect them to be competitive with the top tier in their respective weight classes. We have quite a few athletes new to the sport from all of the grade levels that will slot in to help fill our lineup. If we can keep everyone healthy and fill the weights, I expect us to be a competitive dual meet team. We always put an emphasis on qualifying for the dual state tournament as we navigate the regular season schedule and that won’t change this year. When the individual postseason begins, the goal will be to put a handful of athletes through to the state tournament and compete to bring back some hardware.”

The Forecaster’s forecast: Cheverus/Falmouth has several wrestlers to watch in the weeks to come.

Indi Backman (190 pounds), Liam Backman (175) and Fenton (126) are veterans. Sophomore Evan Metivier (215) and freshman Sam Seymour (138) are newcomers to keep an eye on.

While Cheverus/Falmouth isn’t at the level of the traditional powers in the region, it will be formidable during the regular season and could produce some top performances at the championship meets.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. For game updates and links to game stories, follow him on Threads: @foresports2023

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