No other division in New Hampshire has two separate regions of the state combining and ultimately competing for one crown.

 For years, the North Country teams (everyone north of Plymouth) and the southern teams (the Lakes Region and below) have competed for the Division IV title, and the results weren't always close.

 From 1997 (Colebrook’s first title) through 2008 (Colebrook’s third title and the first year of this website), it was all North Country teams in the winners' circle as Groveton (five titles in six seasons), Lisbon (three titles), Colebrook (3) and Profile (one title) dominated for a decade.

 The North Country has kept its advantage in the fourteen years since, but the results have leveled out a bit.

 Moultonborough and Epping have won two titles, while Wilton-Lyndeborough and Pittsfield won championships behind Jordan Litts and Cam Darrah.

 Groveton and Lisbon have won two titles since 2008, while Littleton won the 2016 title over Portsmouth Christian on Ethan Ellingwood’s game-winner.

 That brings us to the Woodsville Engineers.

 Jamie Walker’s team will look to win their fourth consecutive championship, and the two top contenders looking to end their ride are their neighbors in the north.

 If you were wagering on North vs. South in 2024, the North is the heavy favorite to produce the last team standing.

 Today, in our second of eight pre-season basketball previews, we take a deep-dive look at Division IV, where twenty-four teams (Lisbon will play a JV-only schedule this season) look to be crowned champions in March.

 Our preview and coverage of all the North Country Schools is brought to you by our longtime partners at White Mountains Community College!

 

 Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

1. Woodsville

2. Littleton

3. Profile

4. Derryfield

5. Farmington

6. Portsmouth Christian

7. Groveton

8. Newmarket

9. Colebrook

10. Gorham

 Lurking outside the Top 10: Holy Family, Mascenic Regional, Hinsdale, Epping, Concord Christian, and Franklin.

  Groveton's four straight championships run under Mark Collins from 1998 to 2001 was the last time a Division IV school won four consecutive titles, an accomplishment Jamie Walker's Woodsville Engineers will try to achieve this season.

 Four starters return from last year's champion, but all-state forward Cam Davidson is a more significant loss than just his 16.4 points per game. "Cam brought an attitude that rubbed off on his teammates," said Walker. "He would get after his teammates, but he also would get after our opponents, and his work ethic & confidence will be missed."

 Landon Kingsbury returns to the forward position after an all-state season as a junior. "He has been playing better here in the pre-season. He's going to score for us; what we need from Landon is toughness and rebounding," said Walker.

 Jack Boudreault came up huge in the post-season run, averaging a team-high 17.8 ppg after scoring 8.7 a game during the regular season.

 If Boudreault can step into a more prominent scoring role, it will ease the loss of Davidson. "We want to see him build off of what he was able to do in the tournament," said Walker. "Jack is a kid who loves to compete, and in the biggest moments last season, he was a player we knew we could really rely on."

 Connor Houston will draw the defensive assignment on scorers like Josh Robie and Kayden Hoskins. The 5'10 guard added a corner-three jumper to his repertoire, scoring 15 points in a quarterfinal win over Profile.

 Walker sees Houston as the player who will become the Engineer's new vocal leader on the floor. "Connor will get us in line on the floor, and like Jack, he loves to compete."

 "Connor needs to improve his ability to take the ball off the dribble and get to the rim," said Walker. "Last year in the championship game, Holy Family closed out on him every time he got the ball in a position to shoot on the perimeter, and he went scoreless. So that's an area where he needs to improve."

 "His defense and ability to handle the ball make him a huge asset for us."

 Sophomore point guard Ryan Walker navigated Littleton's pressure defense in the semifinals and looks poised to become a more significant scoring threat in his second year as a starter. "He can score more, but it will come in the flow of the offense," said Walker. "He's gotten bigger and improved his ball handling over the off-season."

 The X-factor may be guard Connor Newcomb, who can knock down shots from anywhere but has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons. "Connor is a good player and can help us," said Walker. "We want to get him into the flow of our offense, and once he gets there, he can be a scoring threat for us."

 6'4 center Mike Hogan, an all-state pitcher in baseball, played a key role off the bench a year ago and will again contribute right away along with Colby Youngman, Jacob Putnam, and Cowan Kimball.

 "It's not only about building depth; we will have really good depth. It's about getting everyone on the same page," said Walker.

"The strength of our offense is that no one forces it and looks for their own shot. We preach taking shots in the flow of the offense, and when one player holds the ball, it throws off the rhythm of the other four guys on the floor."

 "It will take us some time to come together, but it's a good group who enjoys playing together."

 Trevor Howard's Littleton Crusaders return four starters from a 17-1 team that lost to eventual champion Woodsville in the semifinals.

 Replacing leading rebounder Carmicheal Lopez's production will be critical, as will the health of several starters coming back from injuries, but make no mistake, Littleton will be there again in March.

 "We have a lot of speed but very little size," said Howard. "We may pick up our tempo even more than usual because my concern is that bigger teams will hurt us on the glass."

 Kayden Hoskins returns after an all-state season that saw him finish eighth in scoring at 20.6 points per game.

"Kayden has looked very good in the pre-season," said Howard. "He can shoot it, but to become a tougher player to guard, he needs to finish better through contact at the rim. This is a season where defenses will focus on him, and he needs to be prepared for all that attention."

 Dre Akines was the Crusaders' best player in the semifinal loss to Woodsville, scoring a game-high 18 points. He returns as one of the best point guards in the division and will be handed the keys to the offense from day one.

 "Very few players in the division can stay in front of Dre when he has the ball. He has worked hard over the summer to improve his outside shooting," said Howard. "When he is knocking down shots from the outside, that makes our spacing that much better."

 Grady Hadlock finished third on the team in scoring last season and returns ready to make an even more significant contribution this season. "When Grady knocked down shots from the outside, we became a very tough team to guard," said Howard. "I expect him to build off what he did a year ago. He can shoot it, but he's also an underrated passer."

 Landon Lord missed the semifinals with an injury and is now battling injuries from soccer season. "He's an important part of our team. I'm just not sure when he will be 100% healthy," said Howard. "He was one of our most improved players last season."

 Sophomore Sam Reagey and senior Cam Cook are expected to contribute immediately, along with talented freshman Mike Rodrigues, who has shown flashes in the preseason.

 "We need leaders to step up and to build depth as well," said Howard. "What we lack in size, we make up for in speed, so we may have to press more than usual."

 "I like our group, but we have questions like everyone else between injuries and inexperience at some key spots."

  While you were at the beach, traveling, golfing, and relaxing this summer, the Profile Patriots were playing basketball.

 "We dedicated ourselves to getting better, and the best way to do that is to play all over the state against bigger teams," said Mitchell Roy. "We played in leagues from the Lakes Region to Nashua all summer and fall."

 A lot of basketball.

 After falling to eventual champion Woodsville in the quarterfinals, the Patriots return all five starters, including the all-state duo of Josh Robie (a Division IV leading 27.4 ppg) and Alex Leslie (18.6).

 The Patriots want to be the team that ends Woodsvile's three-year run as champions and look poised to take the next step this season.

 "We want to play different styles of basketball than we have in the past; that's why we needed to play as much as possible over the off-season," said Roy. 

 "We have to get tougher as a team. People look at us as a team that just runs and shoots a lot of threes. Well, we need to rebound and defend better as well. I thought Woodsville sometimes pushed us around (in the playoff loss), and our focus is for all of that to change this season."

 Robie, a 2022 NHsportspage underclassman team member, can run the point or play off the ball. He also happens to be one of the best shooters in the state. "He has improved both his ball handling and ability to get to the rim," said Roy. "He works as hard as any player I've ever seen and is set to have a terrific senior season."

 Alex Leslie gives the Patriots an excellent forward at getting into the lane and to the rim. 

 An improved jumper should make the all-state standout an even tougher player to guard in 2024. "His ability to score down low opens up the offense for everyone else on the floor," said Roy. "I know I'm biased, but I don't think there is a better forward in our division."

 Karsen Robie has improved over the off-season and gives his team a combo guard who can handle the ball and knock down shots. "At times last season, I thought his conditioning hurt him in that he wasn't able to create shooting opportunities because he wasn't moving enough without the ball. That has improved, and I think Karsen will play a significant role for us."

 Jackson Clough fills the all-important glue guy role for the Patriots and has added a 15-foot jumper to keep defenses honest. "Jackson has had a good off-season. He does whatever the team needs him to do, and you win with players like that," said Roy.

 Cayden Wakeham is an underrated scorer who will keep defenses from sending two players each at Robie and Leslie. "He has a very well-rounded game and has improved his ability to take guys off the dribble," said Roy.

 Riley Plante, Danny Burnell, and sophomore Daryloin Faustin are all expected to contribute right away for a team looking to win the school's first boys' basketball title since 2004.

 "We battled Woodsville and Littleton last season, but we couldn't get over the hump (Profile went 0-5 against the two North Country powers)," acknowledged Roy.

 "We are deeper this year, more versatile, and hopefully tougher. We know you have to go through those two teams, and the players are excited to compete."

 It has been five years since Derryfield advanced to the final four, but in what may be their last season in Division IV, the Cougars have the look of a team who are going to be in the mix all the way to March.

 Ed Meade’s team returns four of their top six scorers, led by a forward who will compete all season for player of the year honors.

 Jack Krasnof returns after finishing fifth in Division IV, scoring 21.6 points per game last season, and whose position can officially be listed at C/F/G.

“ We are going to play Jack all over the place,” said head coach Ed Meade. “ You may see him taking the ball up, or you could see him down on the baseline.”

 “ I’ve never coached a player who works harder at his game than Jack, and he’s also a great kid.”

 6’2 forward Zach Martin will step into a more significant role this season at the forward spot. “ Zach can score, and he will be someone we rely on to rebound for us.”

 Alex Comire may have been the team’s most improved player a season ago and will again start in the backcourt. “Alex has an attitude that rubs off on his teammates. He plays with a lot of effort and intensity, which we need. We are going to play some tough and physical teams, and we need to be able to match that.”

 6’5 Alex Drake came off the bench last season but will start from day one at center and play alongside fellow returner Nick Ferrari. “ Alex has really improved over the summer,” said Meade. “ Nick is going to contribute right away. He is a good defender and gives us another rebounder on the glass.”

 Sophomore Sam Fazelat is expected to provide shooting depth along with Krishna Katragadda.

 “ I’m not making any bold predictions, but I’m very optimistic,” said Meade. “ We have ten seniors, good chemistry, and goals to go beyond the quarterfinals (where Derryfield was eliminated by Concord Christian last season).”

 “ We have had a good pre-season, and now it’s about carrying that over to the regular season.”

 You could produce an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on the roller coaster ride that was the Farmington Tigers post-season. 

 The Tigers benefited from a missed call at the end of regulation in the first round against Lin Wood (the officials missed a made three-pointer and called it a two) and then battled Holy Family to the final seconds in front of a packed crowd in the quarterfinals. Falling to the Griffins 69-67.

 All-state center Jordan Berko (now playing at Great Bay CC) and second-leading scorer Brian Boisvert have graduated from last season's 16-2 team.

 Still, with eight players returning, head coach Adam Thurston enters his 10th season with a lot of confidence.

 "This is the best group of basketball players I've had as a head coach," said Thurston. "In the past, you have baseball and soccer players, good athletes who help your team. This is a team full of players dedicated to basketball, so that is exciting to work with."

 Berko (16.3 ppg) leaves big shoes to fill, but Tigers forward Shawn Murphy looks poised for a breakout season after having a starting role a year ago. "He has really put the work in to become a better player," said Thurston. "Where he was just a threat as a shooter in the past, he can now get to the rim and finish through contact."

 "I think he will have a very strong season for us."

 Aiden Place returns and can handle the basketball or play on the wing, while Cody Brazee will be one of the team's best defenders and bring energy to the floor. "Aiden is a tough player and allows us to switch up who brings the ball up the floor."

 Demery Hadges gives Farmington another slasher who can get to the rim ("He will help us right away," said Thurston), while 6'5 Dylan Zappala will also play a more significant role as a big man who can step out on the perimeter and knock down shots.

 Preston Berko should play a significant role in the Tigers' success in addition to guard Noah Elwell.

 "I like this group a lot," said Thurston. "We were one step away from the final four last season, and while we have a lot of production to replace, we feel like we can pick up where we left off once we get everyone settled into their roles."

  Derek Summers’ Portsmouth Christian Eagles may be the sleeper team in the southern part of the division.

 Six of the team’s top seven scorers return from a 9-9 team that made the tournament after playing one of the toughest schedules in the division.

 “ We have a lot of experience back, and you can see the improvement we have made in the last year,” said head coach Derek Summers. “Does that translate into more wins? We’ll have to see, but this is a good group to practice with every day.”

 6’3 Connor Hickey is poised for an all-state season after averaging 16.2 ppg last season. “ He’s looked very good in the pre-season, and that’s good because we are going to be very reliant on him,” joked Summers.

“ He is our best scorer, best defender, and leads the rest of the group.”

 Sophomore Cai Summers is also set to play a pivotal role for the Eagles but has battled an arm injury since the summer. “ He has been able to play with it and has shot the ball well. He will have to adjust to team’s game planning for him more this season.”

 Yohan Koshy is a smart, effective guard who can handle the ball, while Isaac Kohl and Wade Michaud return to the rotation after playing key roles last season.

 Harrison Cai also returns to the rotation after being a key contributor last season.

“ There is a chemistry with this group that you don't see that often,” said Summers. “ These are the most intense practices I’ve seen in my time here, and everyone is focused on the team and not themselves.”

 With a lack of size on the roster, Groveton Hall of Fame head coach Mark Collins experimented with a faster pace this summer. The results might mean the move and the increase in pace stays permanent.

 “ We pushed the ball in transition this summer more than we have in the past few seasons, and the results have been pretty good,” said Collins. “ We are going to try to get out and create some good looks pushing the ball up the floor.”

 Kaden Cloutier has been on varsity since he was an eighth grader and looks poised for a breakout season as a senior. “ He has gotten better,” said Collins. “ We’re going to go as he goes, but we also want him to play within the flow of the offense.”

 “ If he can get to the rim and compliment his shooting, he is going to have a very good season for us.”

 Luke Shannon will step into a more prominent role this season (“He has shot the ball well. He just needs to keep gaining confidence,” said Collins), while Brody Platt will also be a significant contributor right away after coming off the bench last season.

 The x-factor will be sophomore Ashton Kenison, who had a season-high 20 points last season against Newmarket and 16 in a road game at Lin Wood.

 If Kenison evolves into the Eagles' second scoring threat, Groveton has a chance to be a factor into March.

 “ Ashton can really help us. He has that potential,” said Collins. “ It’s just about being consistent. He shows it in flashes and sometimes struggles to finish contested shots at the rim.”

 “ He can play a big role for us.”

 Dylan Simino will apply defensive pressure and help handle the ball for a team looking to play at a faster pace this season.

 “ We had a pretty good summer,” said Collins. “ You have a lot of good teams in the north this season. We will have to improve as the season goes along to be in that mix.”

 Nick Farrer takes over at Newmarket after serving five years as an assistant coach under former head coach Jamie Hayes.

 “ I moved out west where I became a head coach in Washington, and now I’m happy to be back with the program,” said Farrer.

 The Mules will need to replace all-state forward Baris Fortier, who left for prep school, but have a solid returning nucleus led by baseball standout Parker Sweitzer and Jaron Labranche.

 “ They have both stepped into a leadership role from day one, and the energy at practices has been terrific,” said Farrer.

 Sweitzer, who scored 19 points in a playoff loss to Concord Christian, gives Farrer an athletic forward who loves to compete.

“ Parker is someone I would describe as calm, cool, and collected,” said his head coach. “ He can score and defend. We are going to rely on him quite a bit this season.”

 Labranche may see time at point guard as he enters his third season in the starting lineup.“ Jaron has shown the ability to be a good playmaker for us and has the experience to handle the ball in key situations.”

 Matt Napoletano will pressure the ball defensively and fill the glue guy role, while football standout LJ Boyd and Melkato Swanson will also contribute immediately.

 “ My philosophy is in line with Jamie’s: defense first, and we will improve offensively as the season progresses. You have to have good athletes to play that style, and we have them,” said Farrer.

 “ We have twenty-eight players in the program, so the future is bright, and we’re excited to get started.”

 The Colebrook Mohawks return four starters from a tournament team last season. Like Groveton, they lack size, so speeding teams up and taking care of the basketball themselves will determine if they are hosting a playoff game this season rather than going on the road again.

 “ We are going to be a better offense this season; I’ve already seen signs of that early on,” said head coach Ryan Call, who begins his third season after taking over for Hall of Famer Buddy Trask.

 “ We are a good team when we get out in transition, and we tend to struggle in the halfcourt,” said Call. “ Because of that, pace is very important. We want to push it, and we want to control it.”

 Shooting guard Kolten Dowse returns after finishing sixth amongst Division IV scorers at 21.3 ppg last season.

“ He is one of the most talented players in our division, and there are times in games when he is unstoppable,” said Call. “ He is going to be our best scorer, rebounder, and best defender, so we rely on Kolten quite a bit.”

 Keenan Hurlbert returns after averaging 13.3 points a game last season. Consistency was a word that came up often when Call described his talented shooting guard.

 Last season Hurlbert scored 26 points against evenual champion Woodsville but only 3 points in a loss to Profile.

 If Hurlbert can become a consistent #2 scorer behind Dowse, the Mohawks have a chance to be the surprise team in the North Country.

“Keenan is more than capable,” said Call. “ He is a senior, so this is his last opportunity, and we expect him to make the most of it. That’s only going to make us a better basketball team.”

 Jackson Weir will play a more prominent role this season after working on his jumper over the summer (“He will defend and rebound for us,” Call), while 6’3 Dart Cauller and Jack Kyller will also contribute immediately.

 “ Jack moved here and had never played basketball before last season. He was a hockey player,” said Call. “ He worked very hard and improved during the season.”

 “ He’s going to help us again this year.”

 Balin LaPerle, Bryson Fogg, and Vinny Santamaria, whom Call calls smart and hard-working, will all get an opportunity to play immediately.

 “ The goal is to earn a top 8 seed and a home playoff game,” said Call.

 “ It will take a lot of work to get there, but we have a lot of experience and one of the top players in the division. We feel like we should be in that mix this season.”

 Dylan Haynes takes over at Gorham after Dave Morrissette stepped down to accept the principal’s position at the high school.

 The team he left behind might be the sleeper team in the North Country, and Haynes is excited to get started.

 “ It’s a group of kids who understand how to compete, play multiple sports, and are open to coaching,” said Haynes. “ As a first-year coach, you can't ask for more than that.”

 Guard Isaac Langlois returns after averaging 16.4 ppg last season as a sophomore, ranking 16th in the division.

 Langlois opened up eyes across the division when he went for 29 points in a first-round loss to Littleton, a game that Gorham made the Crusaders sweat out all the way to the finish.

 His new coach sees only bigger and better things ahead for his star guard.

“ Isaac sees the game really well, and when I explain something to him, he picks it up right away,” said Haynes. “ He looks ready to have a great season for us.”

 Brothers Brendan and Jack Saladino, along with center Max Grondin, are expected to contribute immediately.

“ Brendan and Jack are going to help us on both ends of the floor,” said Haynes. “Max has improved over the off-season and should help us on the glass.”

 “ Dave did a great job with this group, so I’m just trying to pick up where he left off,” said Haynes. “ I want us to get our team defense concept down, and then we can work on transition basketball because we have the athletes to get up and down the floor.”

 “ They are willing to learn and work hard. We’re happy to get going next week.”

  It didn’t take the Holy Family Griffins much time to adjust to life in Division IV; in fact, it took no time at all.

 Keith Lacasse’s team has advanced to the final four in each of its three seasons of varsity basketball, culminating in a championship game loss to Woodsville last season.

 Four starters off that team have graduated, including all-state point guard and final-four hero Yves Mugiraneza.

 The Griffins will look to players in the program to step into more prominent roles if they have a chance to contend for a fourth consecutive semifinal appearance.

 “ The pre-season has been a bit of a challenge,” said Lacasse. “ We are battling a couple of injuries and down two starters, but the chemistry and attitude in practices have been great. We have players who came off the bench last season, and now they get their opportunity to play a bigger role.”

 All-state guard Gabe Lacasse returns after averaging a team-high 18.9 points per game last season.

 Lacasse, who is only 27 points away from his 1,000th career point, has been battling an injury going back to soccer season and may miss time at the beginning of the season. “ We are going to take our time with it, because he tried to rush back for soccer,” said his head coach/father. “ We want him back healthy and not for this to be something he is dealing with all season long.”

 Joe DePuydt will step into the starting lineup after a strong off-season, and his ability to handle the ball should allow Lacasse to play off it. “Joe brings a lot of intensity and great effort. He has the speed to get us up the floor and into our offense.”

 6’3 Enzo Yonkeau looks ready to step into a prominent role after coming off the bench as a freshman last season. “He’s improved and continues to be a big factor for us on the glass.”

 He will be joined in the starting lineup by 6’3 Patrick Gillis (“He might have the best court vision on our team,” said Lacasse.) and 6’1 forward Jeremiah Guerrero, who also saw playing time last season.

 6’3 forward Danny Henry is expected to contribute right away for the Griffins.

 “ The chemistry of this group is off the charts; it’s just been great,” said Lacasse. “ These have been the loudest practices I have ever been a part of.”

 “ We might start a little slow because of the injuries, but we have good balance on this team, and the kids are working together very well,” said Lacasse. “ They are excited to compete.”

  With four of their five starters from last season graduating, the Mascenic Vikings will embrace the youth movement under first-year head coach Nick Tzannos, who joins the program after serving as Bow’s JV coach last season.

 “ We are a very young team, but we have a lot of potential,” said Tzannos. “ I’m finding right away that this is a basketball town, and we have a lot of players who love to play and just want to get better.”

 Tyler Lowe is the team’s lone returning starter after averaging 7.6 ppg last season. “ He’s gotten bigger and has emerged as a team leader for us,” said Tzannos. “ He is a good catch & shoot guard who can also get to the rim. He will be a significant part of our team’s success.”

 Lucas Lerouz is expected to start in the backcourt right away (“He has a great pull-up jumper and gets out in transition fast,” said Tzannos.) and will be joined by Mike Koukkari, who Tzannos expects to contribute right away. “ He has a ton of potential. He makes smart decisions with the ball and gets better every practice.”

 Sophomore Wes Derosiers gives the Vikings size in the front court, while fellow sophomore Chuck Phillips will also get an opportunity to contribute immediately.

 “ It’s a bit of a different dynamic with this group where you have seniors and a big group of underclassmen all trying to get on the same page,” said Tzannos. “ We want to get out in transition and do it with the ball hitting the floor as infrequently as possible.”

 “ The kids are invested. We are a team that expects to improve every week, and they are excited to get going.”

 It will be a young nucleus led by an all-state forward for the Hinsdale Pacers.

 Carl Anderson’s team, who plays their home games in the Carl Anderson Dome, wants to take another step forward after falling in the playoffs to Holy Family last season.

“ We had a good off-season,” said Anderson. “ This is the most depth we have had, and we feel like we have a player in Brayden (Eastman) capable of a first-team all-state season.”

 Eastman finished 12th in Division IV, scoring at 17.1 points per game a season ago, and has taken on more of a leadership role as a senior. “He’s been great in helping the younger guys get up to speed,” said Anderson. “ He is only 59 points away from 1,000 career points, so he has individual and team goals he wants to accomplish before he graduates.”

 The Pacers will feature seven sophomores and six freshmen as players compete for minutes in the pre-season.

 6’2 Hunter Dingman will step in and contribute immediately after not playing last season. “ He shoots the ball well, and we are happy to have him back,” said Anderson.

 John Winters returns to the rotation and will provide good on-the-ball defense, while Trace Tetreault and Grady Jutrus should compete for spots in the starting lineup. “ This is the most depth I’ve had in my time as head coach, so that’s resulted in some good competition in practices.”

 Freshman Connor Dixon is one of the newcomers who will get a chance to play immediately. “ He is a hard-working, quiet id who just goes his job,” said Anderson. “ The more confidence he gets, the better he will become as a player.”

 “ Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and win a game in the tournament,” said Anderson. “With the amount of players we have, we should have players battling for minutes all season.”

 The Epping Blue Devils hope to carry over the momentum of their boys' soccer championship into the winter as Chris Goldsack takes over as head coach for longtime coach Nick Fiset.

“ This is a very athletic group, and we will have a strong group of seniors leading us,” said Goldsack. “ We don't have the size we had last season, but we’ll look to counter that by getting up on teams defensively.”

 Henry Hodgkins returns after averaging 12.1 ppg last season and will move from point guard to shooting guard this season. “ He had a really good summer, so he is comfortable playing on the wing,” said Goldsack.

“ We feel like it will give him more opportunities to score. He’s excited about the move.”

 Blake Snyder will take over point guard duties after showing potential last season. “ He might be our most improved player,” said Goldsack. “He can handle the ball and apply pressure on the ball defensively. Everything you want from your point guard.”

 Brady Dwyer will fill the always valuable glue guy role (“ He plays hard and brings a lot of energy to the lineup,” said Goldsack), while Dylan Cummings gives the Blue Devils a wing who can defend and knock down shots.

 Jacob Twombley returns after averaging seven points a game last season and a fall in which he was the Division IV soccer player of the year. “ Jacob has been outstanding regarding his leadership and buy-in,” said Goldsack. “ He is a great teammate and will help us in a lot of different ways. I can't say enough good things about Jacob.”

 Cam Cavanaugh, a lefty who can play on the baseline, and Grayson Davis are expected to contribute right away for a team looking to get back to the playoffs after not qualifying (against what might have been the toughest schedule in the division) last season.

 “ I love the energy we have at practice,” said Goldsack. “ We have the talent to compete every night; it's just about defining roles and coming together as a unit.”

 The Franklin Golden Tornadoes earned a play-in berth a year ago behind the play of their all-state point guard Zeke McCoy, who finished sixth in scoring in the division with 21.3 points ppg.

 To return to the post-season, David Bedard’s team will again lean on their standout guard to lead nine returning players. “ I am as optimistic going into the season as I have been in my five years as head coach,” said Bedard. “ It’s been said a million times that you win with guard play, and we feel like we have one of the best in the division.”

 McCoy is a three-year starter at point guard, and after an off-season working on his game, he looks the part of a player who can win a game for you late. “He has not only matured both as a person and as a player, but he has played for me for four years. He understands exactly what we’re trying to run.”

 Harrison Kaplan will step into a more significant scoring role and be joined at the forward spot by 6’4 Cole Johnson and 6’2 Jack Van Polen.

 “ Harrison has improved, and the more confidence he builds, the better he will get,” said Bedard. “ Cole has worked hard over the off-season, and at 6’4, he can step out and knock down shots.”

 “ Jack is a glue guy for us,” said Bedard. “ He defends well and does all the little things that help you win games.”

 Sophomore Nate Holmes will immediately step into the rotation, where he can handle the ball and allow McCoy to play off the ball from time to time. Freshman Vinny Tilton will get an opportunity to contribute right away.

 “ If our defense can continue to improve, we have a chance to have a good season,” said Bedard. “ There is a good vibe in practice, and the kids want to build on last season. We’re ready to get started.”

 This season, Concord Christian will have a new look after losing its top five scorers from last year’s semifinal team. In addition to the changes in the lineup, Greg Farland takes over as head coach for the Kingsmen.

 “ It will take a little bit of time for us to come together, but I couldn't be happier with the effort and attitude of the team,” said Farland. “ This is a very tight-knit group, and they are excited to compete.”

 Isaac Bowers returns after coming off the bench a year ago (“He has had a great attitude in the pre-season,” said Farland) and will be joined in the rotation by fellow senior Noah Lockhart.

 Logan Duffy will see time at point guard, while TJ Charbono will be featured on the wing for the Kingsmen.

 “ We don't have a star player like this team did a year ago with Brode (Frink), but we have good players who don’t hesitate to move the ball and look for the best shot,” said Farland.

“ We are going to play hard and build good habits as the season progresses. I’m excited for the season to start.”

 It will be a rebuilding year for Jay Darrah and the Pittsfield Panthers after an 11-7 record and a tournament appearance last season. “ We are struggling with numbers and have some key players we need to replace,” said Darrah, whose 2018 team won the Division IV title.

 “ We have five freshmen on the team, so it’s about learning the game and developing good practice habits.”

 Brayden Pelletier returns to the starting lineup after averaging 7 points per game last season. “He has worked to improve and is someone we really are going to rely on,” said Darrah. “He missed half of last season with an injury, so we are happy to have him healthy again.”

 Justin Rivera gives the Panthers an athletic guard who can handle the ball or play on the wing, while Mike Casey will step in and contribute right away when he returns from injury, hopefully sometime in January.

 Cam Witham, Jared Landry, and Elias Gates will all step into more significant roles for a team that will improve week to week in the hopes of returning to the postseason.

 “ Right now, it is about improving and players earning playing time and defining their roles,” said Darrah. “ We are going to struggle early, but it's about getting better as the season goes along. That’s the focus.”

 The Lin Wood Lumberjacks season ended in heartbreaking fashion after an official incorrectly ruled a Cam Clermont game-tying three-pointer a two-point field goal in what would be a 49-48 loss at Farmington.

 The all-state duo of Clermont and Jake Avery graduated, taking 42 points a game with them, along with starters Cam Manning and Brady Morris.

 Matt Manning’s team begins the rebuild, flipping from an offense-first mentality to a defense-first unit. “ We are going to struggle to score, so we have to slow the pace, defend at a high level, and grind out games,” said Manning. “ We lost 90% of our scoring from last season.”

 Liam Manning will take on a more prominent role this season after being in last season's rotation. “ We want to play Liam off the ball, “ said Manning. “ Where he was a pass-first player last season, we will ask him to score for us this year.”

 Colt Sothard will handle the ball at the guard spot and be joined by Mason Clark, one of the best defensive players on the team, and 6’4 forwards Kamari Smith and Dylan Blood.

 “ We have some size, but we need them to get experience,” said Manning. “ So there will be some growing pains.”

 “ We are an inexperienced team; our starters didn't leave the floor very often last season,” said Manning. “ It will be back to basics and about getting better every week.”

  Pittsburg-Canaan will look to get back to the tournament this season after just missing out on a second straight post-season berth.

 “ We have a lot of returning players but a lot of improvements to make,” said first-year head coach Josiah Riley. “ We have potential, but it will be about coming together as a team.”

 The Yellow Jackets will be led by 6’3 Caleb Umlah, who returns after averaging 13.1 points per game last season. “ He’s a good shooter, and I’ve been impressed with his ability to defend as well,” said Riley.

 Griffin Hurlbert averaged 9.6 ppg and gives the team a scorer on the baseline who could be a significant factor on the glass. “ As a team, offensive rebounding and converting those opportunities is a big focus this pre-season,” said Riley.

 Daemon James is expected to step up into a more prominent role this season (“He has good court vision and can handle defensive pressure with the basketball.”) along with returning forward Caleb Hailey.

 “ This group needs a fresh start this season, and we must be more disciplined,” said Riley. “ We had too many issues last season, and you can’t improve as a team with that many distractions.”

 “ The effort has been good, and if we improve as the season goes along, I think we have a good chance to get back to the tournament,” said Riley. “ Right now, it is about putting the work in to make that happen.”

 Three starters return for a Mount Royal team looking to bounce back from a 1-15 season.

 First-year head coach Brandon Crummer will rely on that experience to lead a team of fourteen players. “ We are still defining roles and seeing who meshes well with who on the court, but the effort level has been very good,” said Crummer.

 Peter Hogan returns at the forward spot after leading the team in scoring a season ago. “ Peter is very athletic and can get to the rim,” said Crummer. “ Athletically, there aren't too many forwards better than he is. I think he will have a very strong season for us.”

 Luke Moorehouse returns to the starting lineup and serves as the team’s vocal leader, while Harry LaRose may be the team’s most improved player.

 “ We are focusing on our man-to-man defense. That’s what we want to have as a strength of our team,” said Crummer. “ Good defense leads to good offense, as the saying goes, and if we can lock teams down on one end of the floor, we have a chance to be very competitive this season.

 

 First Team All-State (Pre-Season)

 Jack Krasnof of Derryfield

 Josh Robie of Profile

 Gabe Lacasse of Holy Family

 Kayden Hoskins of Littleton

 Alex Leslie of Profile
 

 Second Team All-State

 Connor Hickey of Portsmouth Christian

 Landon Kingsbury of Woodsville

 Kolten Dowse of Colebrook

 Dre Akines of Littleton

 Zeke McCoy of Franklin
 

With apologies to: Jack Boudreault & Ryan Walker of Woodsville, Brayden Eastman of Hinsdale, Isaac Langlois of Gorham, Kaden Cloutier of Groveton, Shawn Murphy of Farmington, Parker Sweitzer of Newmarket, Henry Hodgkins of Epping and Tyler Lowe of Mascenic 

 

 Coming Next Week: Division III