Favorites are starting to emerge in northern Maine high school boys’ basketball, as we’re now two weeks into the season and have enough games to gauge teams’ performance. Some teams are meeting expectations, while others are causing surprises for coaches and fans.
In Classes AA and B, clear frontrunners are becoming evident in northern Maine, but Class A remains a bit uncertain. In Class AA North, teams from the southern part of the region have been dominant so far. Teams like Portland, Cheverus, and Windham are still unbeaten and have handed defeats to Bangor, Oxford Hills, and Lewiston, who are yet to secure a win.
Portland, led by Jeissey Khamis and Kevin Rugabirwa, the reigning regional champions, have secured victories over Bangor, Bonny Eagle, and Edward Little. Meanwhile, Cheverus has defeated Oxford Hills and state champs South Portland. Windham, considered a dark horse candidate, has also impressed by beating Lewiston, Scarborough, and Bangor.
In Class A North, which was initially considered a two-horse race between Hampden and Messalonskee, it now appears that even these teams are facing stiff competition. For instance, Hampden defeated reigning state champions Brewer but then lost to Skowhegan and Nokomis. Mt. Blue, ranked sixth in the coaches’ preseason poll, is the only undefeated team in Class A North, with notable wins over Nokomis and Messalonskee.
In Class B, last year’s strong teams like Orono, Old Town, and Ellsworth are performing well. Orono, led by Pierce Walston and the Francis brothers, has won all four of their games convincingly. Old Town, too, remains unbeaten, with solid performances against Presque Isle, John Bapst, and Caribou. The team’s camaraderie and leadership have been standout qualities so far.
As the season progresses, it’s becoming clear that there may be unexpected outcomes, and predicting game results could be challenging, with potential upsets along the way.
Reimagined By Digi Girl
DISCLAIMER: Author is under many pen names. This article was rewritten based on these links: Favorites are already emerging in northern Maine high school boys basketball (bangordailynews.com)
