Gray-New Gloucester was on of the most improved teams in Class B last year, improving from two to 10 victories.

The Patriots hope to continue being upwardly mobile with four returning starters, 10 returning varsity players overall and the kind of depth and balance coaches crave.

“We like our mix of guards, wings and size/post players,” Patriots coach Ryan Deschenes said.

Deschenes has one of the best shooters in Class B in Martin, a Western Maine Conference all-star who averaged 17.5 ppg as a sophomore. Rottari can also stretch a defense from long range, which should create more space for big men such as senior forward Zac Brady and junior center Hunter Colby to operate inside.

Coach: Ryan Deschenes (sixth year)

Conference: WMC; Class: B South

Last year’s results: 10-10

Returning players: Seniors — Josiah Rottari (5-9 guard), Zac Brady (6-6 forward/center), Oliver Grant (5-9 guard), Cooper Chamberland (5-11 guard); Juniors — John Martin (6-2 guard), Hunter Colby (6-5 center), Wyatt Edwards 6-2 guard), Josh Magno (5-11 guard), Connor Myatt (6-1 forward); Sophomore — Ryan Lachance (6-4 forward).

Key losses: John Henry Villanueva, Tanner Mann.

Promising newcomers: Junior — Zack Pomerleau (6-1 guard); Sophomores — Nick Pelletier (6-0 guard), Matt Johnson (6-2 guard).

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