When Jalen Reese was announced in the starting lineup for Hamilton College on November 18th (scoring 12 points in his college debut against SUNY Morrisville), it began his collegiate career and put a cap on one of the best high school runs in New Hampshire boys basketball history.

 The 2023 player of the year finished his career at Gilford with a record of 74-3, winning three championships and sharing another after the 2020 championship game with Mascenic was canceled eight hours before tip-off.

 Reese, his younger brother Isaiah, and teammate Sam Cheek never lost a playoff game in their high school careers.

 Not that there weren’t some extremely close calls along the way, the last of which was Reese’s elbow jumper that beat Conant at the buzzer in the quarterfinals last March.

 Every player from that Conant returns this season, meaning there is a new team to beat for the first time in five seasons.

 Today, we’ll examine the division in our fourth of eight pre-season previews, where there are multiple teams capable of taking Gilford's place and a defending champion who isn't going to give it away without a fight.

 Our preview and coverage of the Lakes Region all year long is brought to you by our great friend and partner, Kevin Shaw, at Roche Realty.

 

 Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

1. Conant

2. St Thomas

3. Mascoma

4. Gilford

5. Hopkinton

6. Campbell

7. White Mountains

8. Belmont

9. Stevens

10. Monadnock

 Lurking outside the Top 10: Kearsarge, Winnisquam, Inter-Lakes, and Raymond.

 No team has won more championships in Division III than the Conant Orioles.

 Twelve times, last in 2019, the Orioles have been the last team standing, and five of those championship teams were coached by Eric Saucier.

 Saucier makes no bold predictions about the 2023-24 season, but he really likes the team he comes to practice with every day. “ It’s a great group of kids and a veteran group,” said Saucier. “We have thirteen players on the roster this year, whereas we only had nine last season.”

 “ That makes practices more effective and the daily competition even better.”

 Conant finished as the 8-seed a year ago against one of the toughest schedules in the division and took eventual champion Gilford to the wire in the quarterfinals until player of the year Jalen Reese drilled an elbow jumper to earn a 54-52 victory.

 “ We got down big early in that game, partly due to nerves and largely because Gilford was so good,” said Saucier. “ Then we just settled down and played as if we had nothing to lose. That got us right back into the game all the way until Jalen hit a great shot to beat us.”

 “ We want to pick up where we left off.”

 Conant returns every player from that team and adds several newcomers who have an opportunity to contribute. That makes them the favorite heading into the season.

 Manny Hodgson is a four-year starter who had an all-state season as a junior. He returns to the point guard spot and, once again, will have the keys to the Orioles' offense.

“ I know I can depend on Manny to put us in the right position on both ends of the floor,” said Saucier. “ I expect him to take on a bigger scoring role this season, but he is all about the team and getting everyone involved.”

 6’2 forward Jordan Nagle is set for another all-state-level season. “He has improved defensively as well as in his ability to get to the rim,” Saucier said.

 Ben Sawyer is one of the team’s best athletes and has improved his ability to knock down jumpers, while Jared Nagle led the team in scoring last season at 12.8 points per game and gives the Orioles a dangerous shooter on the wing.

“ He really came on for us last season and has only improved. His shooting opens up the floor for us.”

 Lane LeClair returns after averaging seven points a game last season, along with 6’3 forward Dylan Adams. “ We expect a lot from both Lane and Dylan,” said Saucier. “ It’s all about playing more confidently and finding their role.”

 6’1 Marcus Somero returns to the team after sitting out last season. “We are very happy to have Marcus back,” said Saucier. “ He might be our most versatile player. He runs the floor very well and can guard any position on the floor.”

 The combination of an experienced team and one of the best coaches in New Hampshire will have the Orioles competing for banner thirteen.

 “ We will push the pace and get up on you defensively,” said Saucier. “We were one shot away from the final four a year ago; now it is about taking the next step.”

 “ I don't know where we will end up, but this is a great group. They’re working extremely hard, doing everything that is asked of them, and we are excited to get the season started.”

 You could say that Dave Morissette’s first season as St Thomas’s head coach couldn’t have gone much better.

 The Saints finished 16-1, Morissette won coach of the year, and St Thomas advanced to the final four for the first time since 2019.

 The season ended abruptly when Mascoma jumped on them early in their semifinal match-up and cruised to a 62-49 victory, but the foundation has been built, and the Saints will be right back in the mix again this season.

 “ We lose some very good players from last season, including (all-state performers) Brady Rogers (now at Exeter) and AJ Reinertson (prep school), but I love the group we have in the gym every day,” said Morissette.

 All-state forward Will Mollica returns after averaging 10.4 points per game as a junior. Look for that number to nearly double as a senior.

 “ Will looks like a different player,” said Morissette. “ He put in the work in the weight room and has been a great leader for us. He is going to have a terrific season for us.”

 James Allen, whose father is a UNH men’s basketball assistant coach, will step into the starting lineup from day one. “ He shoots the ball well and can also get to the rim. His focus is on the team. It’s about ball movement, rotating defensively, and making the right play. You can see he is the son of a coach.”

 Guard Anthony Settineri saw a steady increase in minutes as the season went along and will start in the backcourt this season for the Saints. “ I can’t say enough good things about Anthony,” said Morissette.

“He has put the work in, he has improved, and he’s going to be an important part of our team again.”

 6’4 forward Carson Couperthwait returns to the rotation after being a key reserve a year ago. Guard Finn De Tolla will join him. “ Finn is an outstanding athlete, while Carson has gotten bigger and will be a factor for us on the glass.”

 Declan Healy and Joe Mollica are expected to step up into more significant roles this season, while freshman Cole McClure gives the Saints a sharpshooter at point guard and could be the replacement for the production Reinertson gave the Saints (“He might be our best shooter,” said Morissette) last season.

 “ The focus is on team goals and not individual. The ball movement has been better than we saw last season, and we want that to continue all season,” said Morissette.

“ We have a good group of seniors and three freshmen who may see minutes for us, so it’s about coming together as a group.”

 The Mascoma Royals return four starters from their runner-up team that lost to Gilford at Keene State College. That makes Silas Ayres’ team a good bet to be a factor in the end, but the starter they need to replace was no ordinary contributor.

 All-state point guard Zach Thompson, now playing at Castleton State, leaves a big void and a lot of roles to be defined.

“He leaves some tough shoes to fill,” said Ayres. “ We have a lot of talent back, but still a lot of room for improvement.”

 James Thomas was second on the team in scoring last season and looks poised for a breakout season as a senior. “ James is one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached,” said Ayres. “ He works extremely hard, and his ceiling as a player is very high.”

 Tanner Moulton can handle the ball, run the offense, and might be the Royals’ best player on defense. “ He has an incredibly high motor,” said Ayres. “ He never stops moving, and that kind of effort rubs off on other players.”

 Aidan Smith returns after averaging 7.7 points a game last season and will play a major role again. “ He is unselfish and one of those players that wins you games with all the little things he does,” said Ayres.

 TJ Mardin was a member of our All-Glue guy team (you always need glue guys to win..) and will be one of the players stepping into Thompson’s team leadership role. “ TJ is our vocal leader on the floor and one of our best rebounders. When he lets the game come to him, he is also a valuable scorer for us.”

 Ayres has been impressed with the play of sophomore Brayden Pierce (“He’s going to surprise some people this season.”) while Bryce Ballou gives Ayres another guard who can handle the ball and contribute in the backcourt.

 Colin Meyers, a 6’5 center, continues to improve and will get an opportunity to play immediately. “ His ability to change shots at the rim and rebound can help us this season,” said Ayres.

 “ We have a lot of talent back, but it may take some time for us to come together as a unit,” said Ayres.

 “That’s on me to get taken care of. When we do, we have a chance to have another very good season.”

 Few runs in the history of Division III (formerly Class M) can match what Gilford has done over the past four seasons.

 Rick Acquilano’s Golden Eagles went 17-1 during the 2019-20 season and advanced to the championship game before the season was abruptly canceled due to Covid.

 Gilford then won the title in 2021, going 16-1 during the Covid year, beating Hopkinton in a terrific championship game 41-40.

 In 2022, Gilford went 17-1 (all-state guard Jalen Reese was suspended for their lone loss) and defeated Kearsarge 46-38.

 The Golden Eagles ran the table a year ago, finishing undefeated after a 69-43 win over Mascoma in the title game. Becoming the first team to win four straight titles since Conant did it from 2006 to 2010.

 Three starters, Sam Cheek and Jalen & Isaiah Reese, have departed, with Jalen playing for Hamilton College and Isaiah for Phillips Exeter Prep.

 That means there will be a new favorite in the division, but don't throw dirt on the champ's graves yet. "We are certainly not the team to beat going into the season, but we have a good group," said Acquilano.

 "We are still going to do what we do; we are going to push the pace, play our match-up zone, and with our size and athleticism, we should be tough on boards."

 Junior point guard Brendan Baldi, now 6’2, returns to the starting lineup along with 6’2 forward Logan Grant.

 “ Brendan is taking the next step and will be our primary ball-handler,” said Acquilano. “ He’s always been a capable scorer; now he will have more opportunities.”

 “ Logan is a good defender, runs the floor very well (Grant was the leading receiver in Division II football this fall), and has proven he can knock down jumpers. He helps us in a variety of ways, and he has a lot of big game experience.”

 Henry Sleeper showed flashes last year as a freshman and will step into the starting lineup from day one this season. “ Henry is crafty. He understands how to get his shot off in traffic,” said Acquilano. “ Where last year he was more of a spot-up shooter, this year he’s going to prove to be more versatile.”

 6’3 Cooper Perkins could be a breakout player for the Golden Eagles this season, with his ability to score in the paint, defend, and rebound. “Cooper has worked extremely hard at his game and added a good jumper as well,” said Acquilano. “ He’s going to surprise some people.”

 Acquilano likes the depth he has, as Carter Gelo (“He is building off a good JV season last year.”), Cam Bushnell, Gavin Clark, Jackson Gelo, and Mark Vicker will all have an opportunity to compete for minutes.

 “ I love this group. It’s a process, and we have a long way to go, but we have the chance to be a better perimeter team this season, and we have four starters 6’2 or taller in our lineup,” said Acquilano.

 “ I like the chemistry of this group, and it’s been a good pre-season watching players make the most of their opportunities to play and compete.”

 The Hopkinton Hawks have advanced to the final four in two of the last three seasons and will look for a return trip in 2024 under second-year head coach Matt Miller.

 “ We lost three starters from a year ago, and some really productive players, but our depth has a chance to be even better this year,” said Miller.

 “The key for us, and I’m sure a lot of teams in our division, is how players perform in bigger roles than they had last season.”

 6’7 center (yes, that position still exists) Abram Standefor returns after averaging ten points per game as a junior. His head coach expects a big year and more scoring from his big man.

 “ He has come into this season looking great and ready to lead us,” said Miller. “ Last year, we had two primary scorers, and both have moved on, so we want him more involved offensively.”

 “ His ability to block and alter shots at the back end of our defense is a huge asset for us.”

 If Standefor is the primary Hawks defender on the defense's back end, Noah Aframe will be the disruptor upfront. The 5-8 guard is one of the best on-the-ball defenders in the division and sets the tone for Miller’s defense.

 “ He’s going to run the point for us this year, and I’m going to lean pretty heavily on him,” said Miller. “ I don't think there is a better guard defensively.”

 Vinny Louca, a combo guard who shoots the ball well, Will Chehade (“He shoots the ball well and is going to have a big role for us,” said Miler), and Colby Boissy will all step into more prominent roles this season.

 “ We got the bulk of our scoring (52 points per game) from our starters last season. This year, I anticipate the scoring being more balanced one through eight in our rotation,” said Miller. “ So we need everyone contributing across the board on both ends of the floor.”

 Brayden Crawford, Nolan Staples Roy, and freshman Jackson Westover, who Miller describes as a bruiser who sets a defensive tone, will step in and contribute immediately.

 “ We had a good JV team a year ago (Hopkinton coach Liam McNicholas was named Division III JV coach of the year), so we have confidence in the new players.”

 “ We have the same goals in place, and that is to be in the mix again in March.”

 The Campbell Cougars return two starters from a 12-4 team that lost in the quarterfinals to Hopkinton in March.

 For fourth-year head coach Justin DiBenedetto’s team to take the next steps in March, they’ll need to build depth and rely on a promising group of underclassmen.

 “We feel like we have a strong group returning, but several players are stepping into much larger roles than they had a year ago,” said DiBenedetto.

 “How those players improve as the season goes along will tell you a lot about the kind of season we will have.”

 One player the Cougars can bank on is Austin McHugh, who returns after averaging 15.5 points per game last season.

“He has improved his offensive game over the off-season,” said DiBenedetto. “ Teams are going to game plan for him this year with Colton (Martel) graduating, and he will need to be more versatile as a scorer.”

 “ He’s a great kid and has certainly put the work in.”

 Jayshawn Hawkins returns after cracking the starting lineup as a sophomore and might be the team’s best player on defense. “ His ability to defend at a high level is a big difference maker for us,” said DiBenedetto.

 Tucker Matthews will step in and contribute immediately, giving the Cougars a shooter who can spread the floor. Jack Kidwell, an all-state baseball player, gives the Cougars a very good athlete who can defend, rebound, and provide leadership.

“ Jack plays extremely hard and sets a great tone for the rest of our team.”

 Jack Breton has played well in the pre-season, while DiBenedetto sees junior Logan Rice having a breakout season as a junior. “ He is going to surprise some people this season,” said DiBenedetto. “ I’m excited to see how he continues to develop.”

 Matthew Haley is another underclassman who will step into a more prominent role for the Cougars from day one. “ Matthew is a very smart player who handles the ball for us,” said DiBenedetto. “ He is part of a group anxious to prove itself.”

 “ We may not have the depth we had a year ago, but there is a good balance across the board. I see several different players leading us night to night,” said DiBenedetto.

 White Mountains returns all five starters from a team that qualified for the tournament a year ago.

 In addition, second-year head coach Eli Vincent has had an off-season with the team after taking the job only weeks before last season. “ It’s been nice to have time to implement some new things and work one-on-one with the guys,” said Vincent.

“ This is a good group, and with everybody back, we have set high expectations of ourselves.”

 6’4 center Avery Woodburn returns after averaging 14 points per game last season. “ I’ve been impressed with how hard he has worked at his game,” said Vincent. “ He knows, being a senior, that this is his last go around, and he wants to make the most of it.”

 Trevor Armstrong returns to the starting lineup and gives the Spartans a forward who can get to the rim and defend at a high level. “ Trevor is talented and just steady for us,” said Vincent. “ He’s going to be a big part of what we do this season.”

 Robert Breault will be one of the team’s primary ball-handlers again after averaging 8 points a game last season. “ Rob is the player you can assign to the other team’s best scorer,” said Vincent. “ We have a few different players who can run the offense, but he will spend a lot of time at the point.”

 Aiden Whipple gives the Spartans another guard who can play with the basketball or on the wing, while Noah Covell can knock down shots and brings toughness defensively with his ability to draw charges.

 “ Both Noah and Aiden were put in the rotation as sophomores a year ago, and they made the most of their opportunity,” said Vincent. “ They both have improved quite a bit.”

 A player to watch is freshman Kasen Smith, who may crack the rotation in his first varsity season.

 In addition, Deagan Stover, Carson Mallette, George Welch, Ian St Cyr, Shayne Farrell, and Ethan Heng are all expected to battle for playing time.

 “ It’s a big difference, as far as where we were as a team a year ago to today,” said Vincent. “It’s been a good pre-season, and the team looks forward to getting started.”

 The Belmont Red Raiders will feature a new mascot (I’m pretty sure it's a fox) and one of the best frontcourts in the division.

 Going into Tony Martinez’s second season as head coach, the question is, who will take over in a new-look backcourt?

 “ We have a lot of changes to our backcourt, but I’m also very confident in our group,” said Martinez. “ We have players who are working hard and understand our system, so I see that group (the guards) becoming a strength as the season progresses.”

 All-state forward Keegan Martinez returns after averaging 15.7 ppg last season.

“Keegan has looked great and worked very hard on his game over the summer,” said Martinez. “ The big focus with Keegan is improving his range, to make him a better scorer, and being able to finish through contact at the rim. He’s improved in both areas.”

 6’6 center Anakin Underhill returns after playing quarterback for the Gilford-Belmont football team in the fall.

“He’s a monster,” said Martinez of his junior big man. “ There are not a lot of teams in the division who can match up with him on the low block. He can have a dominant season for us, and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to develop his game.”

 Sophomore Wyatt Carroll will take over for Treshawn Ray at point guard. “ He has been practicing at this level for three years, even as an eighth grader, who he is accustomed to the speed of the game.”

 Joining him in the backcourt will be Michael Collette, a good defender who will fill the all-important glue guy role, and talented freshman Brody Ennis, whose father, Scott, was an all-state guard for the Red Raiders.

 “ Brody is super athletic and has come in and mixed it up with the upperclassman,” said Martinez. “ It will take him some time to develop, but he has a very bright future in the program.”

 Senior Hutch Haskins, another standout football player, is back with the team after not playing last season and will add depth to the new-look backcourt along with sophomore Brady Fish.

 “ I couldn’t be more excited to get going,” said Martinez. “ It’s been a different feel going into year two as the head coach. I can add more wrinkles to our offense, and the players know what to expect from me and our coaches.”

 Matt Dancosee takes over at Stevens, where the Cardinals will look to replace two of their top four scorers from last year's tournament team.

 “We are off to a good start, but it will take some time adjusting to a new system and a new culture we are trying to create,” said Dancosee, who was the point guard on the Cardinals 2009 final-four team, which featured future Arizona standout Kaleb Tarczewski.

 Lucas Belisle gives Dancosee a returning starter at forward and a glue guy to depend on. “Every coach would love to have a kid like Lucas on their team,” said Dancosee. “ He rebounds, defends, and sets a tone for the rest of the guys with his effort level.”

 Devante Thompson will be a key part of the Cardinals' offense (“We are looking for him to play a big role for us. He’s really improved his skill set.”) along with lefty Mason Ferland. “ Mason does a nice job getting to the rim and finds ways to get good looks,” said Dancosee.

 Jacob Davis was one of the hardest workers in the program over the off-season and will get an opportunity to contribute.

 Pat Prive, Nevin Marsh, Cullen Neachawk, and Logan Minkler will also have a chance to play right away.

 “We have an athletic team; I’ve been impressed with this group in the pre-season,” said Dancosee. “The players have been bought in and open to coaching.”

 “ We will be able to score, but I’d like us to evolve into a strong defensive team. That’s an area we need to improve in. We may have to grind out some wins, and the ability to get stops is something we need to develop and hang our hats on.”

 To get back to the tournament, the Monadnock Huskies will need to replace three of their top four scorers from an 8-10 team last season.

 “ We are really inexperienced,” said head coach Jim Hill. “ At the same time, we have players ready to step into more significant roles for us. The goal is to return to the tournament and play our best basketball in March.”

 Ben Dean, who will pitch at Division I Dayton after he graduates, returns to the starting lineup and gives Hill a dependable leader. “ Ben helps us on the boards and has really become a great leader for us,” said Hill. “ He’s just a terrific athlete, and he will help us in a number of ways.”

 Gavin Gomario is one of the team’s most improved players and is expected to contribute immediately. “ Gavin plays with a lot of effort and intensity; he’s also improved as a shooter,” said Hill.

 6’3 forward Brady LeClair gives the Huskies both size and shooting, while Tanner Ayotte returns to the team after not playing last season. “I’ve been impressed with Tanner’s rebounding here in the pre-season,” said Hill. “ He will help us this season.”

 Koby Kidney looks poised for a breakout season after being a part of the rotation as a freshman last season. At the same time, Tucker Johns and Carter Hillock are expected to contribute immediately, along with brothers Mikey and Mateo Clinton.

 Hill is excited about the development of two freshmen, Jack Colbert and Liam Hart, whose brothers both played for the Huskies. “ Jack is a great kid who is mature for a freshman,” said Hill. “ He’s coming along quickly.”

 “ Liam is another player we are anxious to see develop, so the future is very bright,” said Hill.

 “ We need to be more physical this season. I thought teams like Campbell pushed us around at times, and we need to be better in that area and on the glass.”

 “ We have good quickness, and the kids have been working hard. Now it’s about bringing it all together.”

 The Raymond Rams snuck into the playoffs a year ago after White Mountains was ruled ineligible for the tournament. This season, they hope to take the mystery out of their destination much sooner than the last day of the regular season.

 “ We were fortunate to get into the playoffs last season, and I think we will benefit from that experience,” said second-year head coach Jim Gallagher. “ We had a good summer as a group, which was as important for me as a coach as many of the kids.”

 Gallagher was named the head coach after Jaryd Piecuch accepted the same role at Londonderry last fall.

 This gave the first-year head coach little time to prepare for the season. “We are already ahead of where we were a year ago at this time,” said Gallagher.

 Leading the way will be all-state point guard Drezell Duffaut, who averaged 15 points a game last season. “ Drezell works on his game all year long, and you can see his improvement,” said Gallagher. 

 “ He will run the offense, and in transition, there are few guards better than he is,” said Gallagher. “ He doesn't have to force it. We feel like we have a group around him ready to step into bigger roles.”

 Trey Donahue returns to the starting lineup and gives the Rams defense and rebounding. “ Trey is a terrific athlete and a very hard worker,” said Gallagher. “ He’s just a great kid. He does whatever the team needs, and the coaches ask of him.”

 Caden averaged six points a game last season and may be the team’s best defender. “ When we play top scorers in the division, Caden gets the defensive assignment.”

 6’5 Aidan York should give the Rams size at the forward spot, while Logan Brien, Jackson Nersesian, and Ryan Santino will all get an opportunity to produce immediately.

 “ We should have three to four different players scoring in double figures every night,” said Gallagher. “ It is a group that has worked hard over the off-season and is excited to get going.”

 A year after losing in the Division III championship game to Gilford, the Kearsarge Cougars took a stumble down the standings after the loss of nine seniors.

 The good news for Nate Camp’s team is that guard Noah Whipple returns after missing the entire 2022-23 season due to an injury, as do several players who cracked the rotation last season.

 “ I’m really happy with the summer this group had and how they have come into the pre-season,” said Camp. “ They’re focused and working hard.”

 “ Last season, we did not execute well enough; we were sloppy at times, which is the focus now. To clean up those issues and become a better basketball team.”

 Whipple will step in and produce right away at the point guard spot. “I’m just so happy for him that he is back on the court,” said Camp. “He has a very high basketball IQ and will be a scorer/distributor for us.”

 Eddie Kinzer may be one of the best defenders on the team, while Parker Goin returns to the rotation and will provide rebounding and effort. “Parker really gets after it, and that sets a tone as a team,” said Camp.

 Austin Needham can space the defense with his ability to knock down shots, while 6’2 Andrew Huff will take on a more significant role and can handle point guard duties when Whipple plays off the ball.

 “ We will look to push the tempo a bit this year,” said Camp. “ To do that, we need to be better defensively.”

 Ajay Tremblay was the team’s most improved player a season ago and steps back into the starting lineup for a Cougars team looking to return to the postseason.

 “ We are coming along; the kids are bought in,” said Camp. “ We start with a very tough Campbell team; from there, it’s about defining roles and getting better every week.”

 With the graduation of first-team all-state forward Anthony Boomer, the 6’3 forward takes more than just his 21.5 points per game. “ We are going to be a small team this season,” said Winnisquam head coach Kevin Dame.

 “Anthony was our best rebounder and a player who could get you a basket anytime you needed to curb the other team’s momentum.”

 “ That is what we need to replace this season.”

 The Bears return a core group that saw time in the rotation a year ago, led by senior point guard Alex Nichols, who averaged 7.5 points per game last season.

 “Alex is going to have a good year for us, and I expect him to score more,” said Dame. “ If we can get stops and rebound well, that will lead to transition opportunities. That’s an area that can be a strength for us.”

 Caleb Robdeau was the team’s second-leading scorer last season and will join Nichols in the backcourt along with Chris Biancardi.

“Both Caleb and Chris played important roles for us last season,” said Dame. “ For them and the team as a whole, it’s about how we create good scoring opportunities without a go-to guy like Anthony.”

 “I expect that to develop as the season goes along.”

 Frankie McComiskey has shown flashes of being a good scoring option for the Bears and will play alongside soccer standout Zach St Onge and guard Ethan Poole.

 “ It’s a good group, and they are working hard,” said Dame. “ We need to focus on pressuring the basketball and getting teams out of rhythm. We’ll also need rebound as a team and knock down shots.”

 “We have the players to do it. It’s just about getting better every day right now,” said Dame.

 The Somersworth Hilltoppers will have a new look this season as all five starters from last year’s tournament team graduated. “ We lost six seniors last year, so it’s an opportunity for players to step into more prominent roles,” said head coach Leon Shaw.

 “ We have a lot of players who thought they should have played more last season, so they are ready to contribute.”

 Alex Brown will handle point guard duties (“He can handle the ball and sees the floor very well,” said Shaw) and will be joined in the backcourt by shooting guard Cam Brown. “ Cam can knock down shots. He has the green light when he is open,” said Shaw.

 Frankie Paradis-Collins gives the Hilltoppers another shooter on the wing, while Tommy Rees should be one of the team’s best defenders and rebounders after being a part of the school’s championship football team this fall.

 “ Tommy is athletic and not afraid to mix it up. He’s undersized for a forward but will help us on the glass.”

 Logan Perreault will also step in and contribute immediately for a team still defining roles in the pre-season.

“There has been really good energy at practices,” said Shaw. “ We do not have a lot of size, but this group has grown up playing together. They have chemistry as a team.”

 “ We must focus on becoming a better defensive team than a year ago. Last year, we averaged 60 points a game, but we gave up 70. You can't win like that, so the focus is on being a better team defensively.”

 It will be a new look Berlin team this season as Jesse Arsenault’s Mountaineers return just two players from last year’s team.

 “ It’s a whole new team, but what has been fun about that is starting with a clean slate and setting the right practices and expectations from day one,” said Arsenault. “ I love the attitude and effort level of this group.”

 Haden Poulin returns after averaging 11.7 ppg last season and will be called upon to lead the group of newcomers. “ Haden is going to score for us and can guard any position as well,” said Arsenault.

 “ He is our best player, and yet he’s the guy hustling like he is battling for minutes,” said Arsenault. “ That is the kind of leadership every coach hopes to have.”

 Jonah Huot is the Mountaineers' other returning starter and has played well in the pre-season after battling injuries a year ago. “ He is back at 100% and will be a big part of our team this season.”

 A group of newcomers, including a pair of freshmen, Bryce Bartlett and Hadon Bickford, are expected to impact Arsenault’s team immediately.

 “ The players have been showing up to 6 am workouts and really bought into making us a better team,” said Arsenault. “ I’m not sure what to expect as the season begins, but we have a good group, and I expect us to develop as a unit as the season progresses.”

 Nate Haskell takes over as head coach at Fall Mountain after serving as the school’s JV coach for the past four seasons, including a 13-4 campaign a year ago.

 “I’m excited for the opportunity to coach this team and work with players I either coached last season or worked with this fall during football,” said Haskell, who serves as an assistant under Orion Binney on the football team.

 The Wildcats should have a good frontcourt as 6’3 Tyson Patch will play alongside 6’5 Josh Towne. “ Tyson will play a much bigger role for us this season,” said Haskell. “ He’s been tough in the paint here in the pre-season and rebounds the ball well.”

 Owen Riendeau returns to the rotation, can handle the ball, and play on the wing. “ He works extremely hard and will contribute for us right away,” said Haskell.

 Luke St Pierre and Ledger Willette give Haskell a pair of shooters on the wing, while Evan Patch can handle the ball and run the offense. “He has a lot of potential; he just needs game experience,” said Haskell. “I’m expecting him to make an impact for us.”

 Eric Franklin and Charlie Dussault, both standouts on the football team, will provide depth and contribute immediately.

 “ My focus right now is on us becoming a good team defensively,” said Haskell. “ We have the athletes, and they are making the effort needed to improve. It’s about communication on the floor, good habits in practice, and coming together as a team.”

 

 First Team All-State (Pre-Season)

  Will Mollica of St Thomas

  Manny Hodgson of Conant

  Austin McHugh of Campbell

  Drezell Duffaut of Raymond

  Keegan Martinez of Belmont

 

   Second Team All-State

   Abram Standefor of Hopkinton

   Avery Woodburn of White Mountains

   Tanner Moulton of Mascoma

   Jared Nagle of Conant

   James Allen of St Thomas

  

 With apologies to: Logan Grant & Brendan Baldi of Gilford, Owen Brown of Inter-Lakes, Anakin Underhill of Belmont, James Thomas of Mascoma, Cole McClure of St Thomas, Noah Aframe of Hopkinton, Noah Whipple of Kearsarge, Haden Poulin of Berlin and Jayshawn Hawkins of Campbell.

 

 Coming next week: Division II