Reclassification didn’t make life easier for either of the local representatives in what is now Class A boys’ basketball.
Mt. Blue stayed in Class A North after winning a total of only four games the past three seasons. In addition to state champion Hampden and Central Maine powers Messalonskee, Cony and Lawrence staying put, KVAC Class B giants Medomak Valley, Oceanside, Camden Hills and Gardiner all move up.
“This year we play several teams that are new to us.” Mt. Blue coach Kevin Main said. “We’re looking forward to these new matchups.”
Leavitt was in Class A when Mike Hathaway took over the program eight years ago, and the Hornets are back after narrowly missing out on a Class B South playoff berth a year ago.
Brunswick and Mt. Ararat are regular-season opponents joining Leavitt in Class A South. Among the other teams the Hornets could meet if they are fortunate enough to make it to Portland Expo in February: Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Greely, York, Marshwood and Biddeford.
“The schedule looks really tough moving up to A, especially drawing Oxford Hills twice as our AA crossover,” Hathaway said.
Mt. Blue has its most experienced roster in recent years. Nine returnees are familiar with second-year coach Main’s system.
The Cougars have the potential of a potent inside-out game, led by junior Zack Mittlestadt down low and seniors Evan Backus, Devon Hoyt and Ryan Pratt in the backcourt.
“Our team is guard-oriented,” Main said. “We will look to push the ball up the floor in transition. The team is working hard in preseason to improve its intensity on defense and to limit turnovers on offense.”
Learning to win is part of the equation for the Cougars, as well, who haven’t been close to the tournament since reaching the regional final in 2012.
Main is the first Cougars’ coach to return for a second season since Jim Bessey retired after that game.
“The goal we have for this year is to be competitive in each game and to put ourselves in a position to win games at the end,” Main said. “We also have spent a lot of practice time focusing on the fundamentals and encouraging team work through unselfish play.”
Leavitt looks forward to some athletic reinforcements. Football players Max Green, Levi Craig and Billy Bedard all return to varsity hoops after sitting out their junior season.
Green started as a sophomore and made the KVAC all-rookie team. He should combine with incumbent starters Eli Calder and D’Andre James to give the Hornets athleticism and scoring punch.
“We gain some athleticism and competitiveness with Green, Bedard and Craig back,” Hathaway said. “We will play a 10-man rotation with pretty good athleticism and depth. We have good overall size but are not huge in the post. Max is the tallest at 6-foot-3.”
Calder averaged double figures both his freshman and sophomore seasons. James is tough as a shot blocker and rebounder, and the Hornets expect him to step up his offense, as well.
“We do have good athletes who are competitive and tough minded, as well as some role players who will play smart and tough,” Hathaway said. “If we are going to win, we need to develop the chemistry to work together to be a smart, tough defensive team that can get out in transition as well as move the ball to get good shots in the half court on offense.”
With all five starters back, led by point guard Nick Gilpin, Hampden is a prohibitive favorite to defend its Class A title. Cape Elizabeth edged Medomak with a buzzer-beater for the Class B crown a year ago.
koakes@sunjournal.com
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