Eastern A
Local players to watch: Edward Little: Sarah Hammond, Jr. P, Emmy Lashua, Fr. C, Jordyn Reynolds, Jr. 1b; Oxford Hills: Anna Winslow, Sr. 1b, Annika Kahkonen, Sr. 2b, Shannon Fillebrown, Sr., OF, Erika Whitman, Jr. P/3b, Cody Akers Jr. P/3b.
Favorites: Messalonskee is the top seed and has finished strong. Teams will have to go through Oakland to win it all. Bangor has been solid all year, despite two losses to Cony and EL to finish the year. The Rams are a seasoned club with one of the top pitchers in the field in Arika Brochu. They’ll have to win on the road beyond the quarterfinals but Cony has been one of the hottest teams.
Darkhorses: The quarterfinal between Oxford Hills and EL could go either way. The winner has proven it can beat anybody. The Vikinigs beat Messalonskee earlier in the season. So if the Vikings or Red Eddies advance to play the Eagles, either could make a run at the upset. Don’t count out Skowhegan. Beating Cony in Augusta will be tough, but if the Indians get past that hurdle, look out.
Prediction: Cony
Western B
Local players to watch: Leavitt: Kaitlyn DeBlois, Jr. 1b, Livie Gilbert Sr. C, Abby Robertson So. P, Angela Daigle Jr. P, Ashley Kelley Jr. OF; Gray-New Gloucester: Maria Valente Sr. SS, Sara Carder Sr. 2b, Nicole Lowell Sr. 3b. Ali Martell Fr. P; Poland: Haley Whitworth Sr. OF, Kylie Martin Sr. P, Michaella Arsenault Sr. 2b, Kelsey DeBurra, Sr. C.
Favorites: Greely has consistently been one of the top teams in the WMC in recent years, this spring included. The Rangers lost some games early but other than a loss to Gray-New Gloucester, Greely is poised to be a favorite. York’s pitching and defense has been superb and could be the best in the tourney. The Wildcats beat all comers, except Greely, this spring and could be a team aiming for a rematch.
Darkhorses: Leavitt has some offensive pop and could survive a tough quarterfinal at Yarmouth. The Hornets finished the season
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