The Western B field should have a familiar look to it this winter.

Traditional powers like Lake Region, York and Greely should be among the top Western Maine Conference teams challenging for tourney spots. With the exception of Leavitt, those three teams have ruled the roost in Western B over the last decade.

One team that hopes to change that is Spruce Mountain. The Phoenix earned the fourth seed last year and had no seniors. Spruce Mountain went 18-0 and won the MVC title before losing to Wells in the quarterfinals. The Phoenix should be a force out of the MVC again and will hope to give the top WMC teams a battle.

“We have set some lofty goals for this season,” Spruce Mountain coach Gavin Kane said. “We have experienced players now and we want to set the standard high. What this group needs to do to reach a new level of success is to consistently give the effort that’s needed defensively as a group. We have improved in that area but it still has room for improvement. Offensively, we’re looking to become more disciplined and that will be a key for us as well.”

The Phoenix were without forward Victoria Ouellette in the tourney last year, and she was a key loss. She’s back along with seniors Ladesta Tracy and Samantha Richards. The junior class of Nicole Hamblin, Kailee, Newcomb, Amanda Castonguay, Amia Pelletier, Vanese Barnes and Emily Keene are all proven at the varsity level. Sophomore guard Emily Hogan also returns for Spruce Mountain.

Leavitt has been a regular in the tourney, coming out of the KVAC. The Hornets have a new coach and have a young team with just four seniors and a roster full of sophomores. There’s still a number of players that saw time last year.

Megan Dow, Tasha Cloutier, Sierra Santomango and Kendra Gilbert are the only seniors back for the Hornets. Forward Chantel Eells was a regular last year and leads a promising group of sophomores.

“West B and East B are very competitive,” said Leavitt coach Dave Gerrish, who coached both the Dirigo and Mountain Valley boys’ teams. “Our goals are to defend, rebound and push the ball and improve our overall play through the year.”

Gray-New Gloucester lost to Wells in the prelims last year and have five returning players that were regulars. The Patriots lost three starters but could still challenge for a playoff spot.

“After losing three starters from a year ago, the team will need to find some stability, particularly in the backcourt,” Gray-NG coach Mike Andreasen said.

Seniors Maria Valente, Julia Martell, Grace Ferguson and junior Zoe Adams are all returning regulars. Senior center Stephanie Greaton is also back but currently out with an injury.

Oak Hill also lost in the prelims. The Raiders return four starters and have a solid group of juniors that could make Oak Hill a balanced and formidable team in the MVC. Kelsey Collins and Lauren Beganny are the only seniors. Leading scorer Sadie Goulet leads a solid group of juniors.

Of the 12 players back, that includes four starters and the top four players off the bench.

“Several different players led us in scoring last year and all are back,” Oak Hill coach Tom Morong said. “We expect to play up-tempo and use a lot of players.”

Poland missed the tourney last year but should be after a spot this year. The Knights have six returning players, many of which saw starting time last year. Poland has enough talent and experience to improve upon last year and compete for a tourney berth.

Emily Bolduc was an all-conference guard while fellow senior Lindsay Theriault is also back. Junior starter Michaela Arsenault also returns in the post.

“We return a majority of our scoring from last season,” said Poland coach Darren Littlefield. “The players moving up into new roles are improving daily. We hope to be able to compete in every game in a tough Western Maine Conference.”

Copy the Story Link