The Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference scrapped its North/South division alignment this year, but don’t try to convince the conference’s coaches that has tipped the balance of power in the conference.
The list of contenders in Eastern A is once again dominated by teams from what used to be the North. No one dares overlook Messalonskee anymore after the Eagles won the past two regional titles as a fourth and sixth seed. It’s unlikely they’ll have to defend their title from that deep in the bracket this year.
During last year’s title run, Messalonskee upset the top three seeds, Bangor, Hampden and Oxford Hills. All three have the talent to avenge those losses this year. Cony and Brunswick, with new coach Luke Potter, the former Lewiston star, also hope to end the Eagles’ run.
Seven seniors return for defending KVAC champion and Eastern A runner-up Oxford Hills. The Vikings still have the pitching and defense to contend. Dalton Rice, Riley Chickering and Walter Feeney have been mainstays in the pitching staff for three and four years. A little more consistent run support could get the Vikings to the next step.
Like many teams in Eastern A, Lewiston returns its ace, Eddie Emerson. What separates the preseason favorites is their proven depth. The Blue Devils are hoping to develop that depth from a promising group of underclassmen. Those juniors and sophomores also have the athleticism and hitting ability to put pressure on the defense and perhaps steal a few wins against good pitching.
Hitting was a major topic for Edward Little in preseason. If a couple of young arms can contribute, the Red Eddies should have the pitching to vie for a playoff spot with a solid 1-2 of Nate Pushard and Mike Hammond returning. Pushard, Hammond and Lew Jensen lead a lineup hoping to be more productive in 2014.
Mt. Blue played better than its 5-11 record last year and did so with its ace, Cam Abbott, limited to a handful of appearances while recovering from a knee injury. Abbott is ready to return for a full season on the mound and gives the Cougars the chance to win any game he’s toeing the rubber. They also have more depth to back him up. The question is how much the offense has improved. The Cougars will have to get used to riding the bus early in the season thanks to the endless winter.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
