Bates
Last year: 13-13
Players to watch: Sr. G Mark Brust (11.9 ppg), Sr. C Ed Bogdanovich (10 ppg), Jr. G Luke Matarazzo (8.1 ppg).
Overview: The Bobcats have three of their top five scorers back and could improve upon last year. Sophomore guard Cam Kaubris, a former Mountain Valley standout, could step into a larger role in his second season.
Bowdoin
Last year: 17-8, lost in NESCAC quarterfinals.
Players to watch: Sr. C Max Staiger, Soph G Bryan Hurley, Sr. G Andrew Madlinger.
Overview: Bowdoin has three returning starters from last year’s club.
Colby
Last year: 7-17
Players to watch: Soph G Connor O’Neil, Jr. G Jonathan Kalin, Sr. G Nick Rimsa
Overview: Colby graduated three of its top four scorers and has just three seniors on the club.
Husson
Last year: 15-13
Players to watch: Sr. G Daeshawn McMorrin (10.2 ppg), Marc Zarharchuk (12.4 ppg), Sr. G Eric Modica (11.4 ppg), Jr. G Phil Leighton 9.5 ppg)
Overview: Husson returns 11 players from last year’s club, including eight upperclassmen.
Maine Maritime
Last year: 2-22
Players to watch: Sr. G Ben Russell, Jr. F Andy Ball, Sr. G Paul Campbell
Overview: Sophomore G Tyler Chaisson from Dirigo, and freshman guard Zach Radcliffe, from Mountain Valley, have joined the Mariners roster this season.
Thomas
Last year: 14-11
Players to watch: Sr. G Ray Bernier, Jr. G Franklin Salvador (17.2 ppg), Jr. F Marquis Pollard, Jr. G Stanley Greene.
Overview: Thomas returns eight players from last year’s squad, including three starters.
University of Maine at Farmington
Last year: 16-11, lost in NAC semifinal
Players to watch: Jr. C Ben Johnson (16 ppg, 10.6 rpg), Jr. Yusuf Iman (6.7 ppg), Jr. F Nate Carson, Sr. G Zach Keene.
Overview: UMF was picked to finish fourth in the NAC in the preseason poll. Among the freshmen are locals Logan Nichols (Poland), Nick Hilton (Mt. Blue), Deric Hanscom (Oxford Hills) and Dustin Zamboni (Mt. Blue).
University of New England
Last year: 6-19
Players to watch: Jr. G Charles Fenner (19.4 ppg), Soph G Jordan Ferreira (6.9 ppg), Soph. F Conner Michalak.
Overview: UNE has a new coach in Ed Silva and looks to build off last year’s record. Former Mt. Abram guard Sam Simpson, a senior, is also among the returnees.
University of Southern Maine
Last year: 11-14
Players to watch: Sr. Mike Poulin (10.3 ppg), Sr. G Alex Kee (10.5 ppg), Jr. G Brandon Tomah (11 ppg)
Overview: The Huskies were picked to finish eighth in the Little East Conference preseason poll.
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