When Aiden O’Connell took the Division I championship plaque from his head coach Frank Moreno at center court of Lundholm Gymnasium, it felt like the Bedford Bulldogs had climbed to the peak of the mountain after winning the first boys basketball title in school history.

 You also got the feeling, watching the celebration of students, parents, and coaches, that they were in no rush to climb back down.

 With as much talent at the varsity level as anyone and the youth leagues stacked from grade school on, Bedford is not going away anytime soon.

 So, with five new head coaches, last season’s player of the year off to prep school, and all twenty two teams with a realistic shot at playing in the tournament, we take a look at Division I.

 Our eighth and final preview takes a 9,000-word deep dive look at every team after speaking with all twenty-two coaches.

 Today's Division I preview is brought to you by our friends and partners at Exeter Hospital!

 Core Orthopedics and Exeter Hospital’s Sports Medicine Team has a wide range of specialists to help your high school athlete recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and work with athletic trainers to get back in the game. Find them at coreorthoaandsportsmed.com

 

 Pre-Season Top 15 Rankings

1. Bedford

2. Pinkerton Academy

3. Nashua North

4. Portsmouth

5. Nashua South

6. Alvirne

7. Windham

8. Exeter

9. Trinity

10.  Londonderry

11.  Merrimack

12.  Winnacunnet

13.  Salem

14.  Concord

15.  Goffstown

 Lurking outside the Top 15: Manchester Memorial, Spaulding, Keene, Dover, Bishop Guertin, Manchester Central, and Timberlane

 Bedford High School won thirteen championships across all sports in the 2022-23 school year, and Frank Moreno’s Bulldogs added to the haul.

 All the winning means that not only is Corey Parker about to run out of room for all the banners on the gym walls, but Bedford is everyone’s team to beat going in the 2023-24 season.

 “ We understand we have a target on our back, and you have to embrace that as a team,” said Moreno. “ Hopefully, that makes us a better team by the time the tournament rolls around.”

 Three starters from last eyar’s 17-1 team graduated, including first team all-state forward Aiden O’Connell, but the Bulldogs have two all-state guards returning and as much depth as any team in the state.

 “ We are a completely different team in my mind,” said Moreno. “ We are bigger and maybe just as deep. At the same time, we lost some seniors who were integral to our success. So we are starting out 0-0 just like everyone else.”

 Luke Soden, a member of our NHsportspage underclassman team last season, led all of Division I in scoring at 27.8 points per game and returns to try to win another title on the hardwood after winning a football championship last month.

 “ Luke is a three-level scorer who does so many things at a high level,” said Moreno. “ He has extended his range as a shooter and plays above the rim now. He’s going to be playing at the next level next season, so his focus has been on becoming elite defensively.”

 Brady O’Connell, also a member of our NHsportspage underclassman team, looks poised for a breakout season as a junior after averaging 10.9 ppg last season.

 “ Brady has put in a ton of work over the off-season. He’s faster, has more agility, and has improved his three-point jumper,” said Moreno. “He’s going to have a great year for us.”

 Senior forward Austin Kasyjanski has been in the rotation since he was a sophomore but has battled injuries. His impact this season will be scoring at the forward spot, his ability to score in transition, and rebounding.

“ Austin helps us in a number of different ways,” said Moreno. “ He’s been in our system for years, and when he is at 100%, he is a difference maker.”

 One player who has not been in the system is all-state football standout Spencer Henrichon, who joins the team. “ He hasn’t played since he was a freshman, but he has fit in perfectly,” said Moreno. “Spencer can rebound, defend the low block, and score in the paint.”

 Niko Badoin and Thomas Braga are players who would have been starters last season on a number of teams in the division.

 They are both expected to contribute right away, along with Dylan Soden (“He is really going to help us in the paint,” said Moreno), Logan O’Connell, Landon Ellsmore, and Danny Black, last seen quarterbacking the football team to a title.

 “ Adding Spencer and Danny has been a huge boost for us. They have both embraced their roles and just want to win.”

 “ Logan and Landon both saw some time as swing players last year (between JV and varsity) and are ready to step into more significant roles for us.”

 “ The benefit of depth is having very competitive practices,” said Moreno. “ As players define what role they are going to play, we will hopefully become a team capable of being there again in the end.”

 Pinkerton Academy fell just short of a Division I championship last March, falling to Bedford 66-56 on a Sunday afternoon at UNH.

 The Astros will need a lot of new faces to step up into bigger roles after the loss of four starters, but led by a pair of all-state standouts, the Astros are a good bet to be playing deep into March again.

 Mike Dunham takes over as head coach for Dave Chase, who stepped down right before the season.

 Dunham served as an assistant coach last season for the Astros and was Nate Stanton’s longtime right-hand man at Londonderry.

“ I’m extremely excited for the opportunity,” said Dunham. “ I played here and watched my brother (a 1,000 point-scorer) play in this gym. In many ways, I grew up here, so coaching this team is really exciting. It just feels right.”

 Jackson Marshall, a member of the NHsportspage underclassman team, returns after averaging 23.4 points per game last season, third best in the division.

  On a team with questions going into the season, the 6’7 Marshall is a pretty definitive answer.

 “ I think he is the best player in the state,” said Dunham. “ He can shoot the ball extremely well, has great hands and footwork, and he is an underrated passer.”

 “ He is a beast on the low block, but when you send multiple players at him, Jackson is going to make the right pass and find the open man.”

 Drew Brander was a standout freshman two years ago for the Astros before moving on to prep school. His return gives Marshall the second end of a prominent one-two punch.

 “ Drew is the most athletic player I have ever coached,” said Dunham.

 “ It’s great to have him back. Coming back for your senior year can be a difficult transition for anyone, so we want to ease him into the mix and allow him time to adapt.”

 “ I'm already seeing him fitting in great with his teammates and getting more comfortable.”

 Drew’s brother Cristian is one of the best shooters on the team and will allow the Astros to space the floor with his long-range ability.

“His game has come a long way,” said Dunham. “ It’s been great to see his hard work paying off. He is going to be a big part of our team this year.”

 James Wallace gives the Astros a 6’3 wing who can knock down shots and defend, while Parker Bienvenue-Cernuda will take over at point guard for graduated all-state guard Tyrone Chinn.

 “ Parker is a terrific on-the-ball defender and does a great job getting us into our offense,” said Dunham.

 “ We want to get out and go. Get the rebound, get a good outlet up the sideline, and look for good opportunities,” said Dunham.

 “ We will focus on being very good defensively, and we will rebound as a team; if there is a good open shot, the players know they have the green light.”

 Connor Dempsey will back up Bienvenue-Cernuda at the point while several newcomers are still competing for a spot in the rotation.

 “ They are great kids, and although we are early here in the season, I love the effort and attitude,” said Dunham. “ It has been a smooth transition for me, and we are ready to get started.”

 Steve Lane is not the type who is going to dwell on what could have been, so let’s do it for him.

 His Nashua North Titans were the only team to beat Bedford during the regular season last year and finished the regular season 16-1.

 Unfortunately, a season-ending injury to all-state forward Trevor Labrecque proved too difficult to overcome as the Titans fell to Pinkerton Academy in the semifinals.

 Four starters from that team have graduated, but a talented group of underclassman who saw important minutes a year ago are ready for their opportunity.

 Add to that a key addition from one exit away, and Lane’s Titans look like a team that will be there in the end again.

 “ We have a good group, but injuries have really slowed down our progress here in the pre-season,” said Lane. “I love the attitude of the kids and our group, but it’s going to take some time to get to where we want to be.”

 Parth Miglani looks poised for a breakout season after averaging a team-high 15.0 points per game during the tournament last season. “Parth will play a much bigger role, and he’s looked great during the off-season,” said Lane.

 Guard Adrian Lazo played a key role as a reserve last season and will start in the backcourt alongside point guard Jaden Pena. “ Adrian is a very good athlete,” said Lane. “ When he plays under control, he is a big asset for us. He helps us on both ends of the floor.”

 “ Jaden has the ability to attack the rim and run our offense; all he lacks is experience,” said Lane.

 Guard Alize Roig Cortes moves over from Nashua South and will step into the starting lineup from day one after averaging nine points a game last season.

“ Alize has been great to have on the team,” said Lane. “ He defends at a very high level and handles the ball well. He’s my kind of player.”

 6’6 center Robinson Rodriguez also looks ready for a breakout season (“He is leaps and bounds better than he was a year ago,” said Lane) while Luke Peters returns to the rotation after an all-state football season in the fall.

 “ Luke is always going to give you maximum effort and is another player who can handle the ball for us,” said Lane. “ Where Jayden (Montgomery) had the ball primarily in his hands last season, we have a few different players who can get us out in transition.”

 “We want to play at the same pace we did a year ago. We lost two big-time players, so we are going to have to adjust, but this is a really good group to come to the gym with every day.”

 Tyrece Gibbs takes over at Portsmouth after head coach John Mulvey took a one-year leave.

 The Clippers might have the best team on the seacoast and have impressed their new head coach early on. “ It’s a good group, and they are working hard,” said Gibbs. “I applied for the job because I saw this as an opportunity to compete right away.”

 “ John has done a great job here and helped me get acclimated. I’m adding my own wrinkles, and the kids have really responded well,”

 Miles De Iongh returns after averaging 12.9 points per game as a junior. “ He has bulked up and is showing an ability to get to the rim and finish through contact,” said Gibbs. “ He is a very good shooter and someone we want to get touches in the flow of the offense.”

 Sophomore Isaiah Reis joins the Clippers after averaging 15.6 ppg for Division II Sanborn last season. “ I’ve been impressed with how quickly Isaiah is picking up our system,” said Gibbs.

“ He loves the game. He's tough and very smart. He will run the point for us and has the ability to shoot it well and get his teammates involved.”

 Jackson Jones is a good athlete who will defend and rebound, while 6’3 sophomore Ryan Swartz will contribute immediately. “ Ryan is a very good athlete and just working his way back now from an injury,” said Gibbs.

“ He has the length to be a good defender, and his potential is very high. He’s going to play a key role for us this season.”

 Zaivier Lampert is another sophomore expected to step into the rotation and will be joined by Princeton Daniel, who may be one of the Clippers' best defensive players.

 “We have a group that we are building toward the tournament, hoping we can come together and be playing our best basketball of the season,” said Gibbs.

 “ I like this group a lot. Now it's about working hard to turn potential into results.”

 The Nashua South Purple Panthers will need a group of newcomers to come together alongside their all-state backcourt if they are going to make another run to the final four this season.

 “ We have a lot of new faces who will be filling pretty significant roles for us this season,” said head coach Nate Mazerolle. “ In a lot of ways, we have gone back to square one to implement what we are looking to do defensively and who goes where offensively.”

 Josh Caruso and Zac Castonguay were both members of the NHsportspage underclassman team a year ago, and both have shown the ability to take over and win games late.

 “ They have their own unique style of play, but what they have in common is how competitive they both are,” said Mazerolle. “They each want to win every game, every play, every kind of competition, and that rubs off on their teammates. It makes them really strong leaders.”

 The term ‘knockdown shooter’ gets thrown around a little too much these days. Well, Josh Caruso IS a knockdown shooter.

 Caruso averaged 17.7 points per game last season, good for eighth in the division, and gives the Purple Panthers a closer on the perimeter and at the free throw line. “ Josh works as hard at his game as any player I have ever coached,” said Mazerolle.

“ He has developed an ability to get to the rim and finish through contact. Add that to a player who has range beyond the three-point line, and you have a very difficult player to try to cover.”

 Castonguay is one of the best point guards in the state and will be tasked with getting everyone on the same page offensively.

 “Zac is going to have to control our pace and call out different looks for us when the offense isn't clicking,” said Mazerollle. “He’s a terrific passer and a very good scorer. In addition, he will be vital in getting the three new starters and all the players in our rotation up to speed.”

 Josh Tripp is an elite athlete who will be asked to do a little bit of everything at the forward spot. “Josh has come into basketball seasons trying to get over injuries from football season, so having him healthy and ready to go is a huge plus for us,” said Mazerolle. “ We need him to rebound, and when he gets out in transition, he is very good.”

 Samson Akotey has the ability to be one of the team’s better defenders on the wing, while big man Daniel Karavanic gives South a banger on the low block.

“ His first assignment in the pre-season was covering (Pinkerton all-state forward) Jackson Marshall in the paint,” said Mazerolle with a laugh. “ I thought he did a good job against maybe the toughest player to guard in the state.”

 Isaac Ndubusi and Ayden Clough are a pair of talented underclassmen who will get an opportunity to contribute right away.

“ Building depth will be crucial for us,” said Mazerolle. “ We start from a really good place with a backcourt as good as any in the state. We are focused on becoming cohesive on the floor and I am confident we will get there and have another strong season.”

 The Alvirne Broncos were the playoff team last season that always seemed a year away.

 Leo Gershgorin’s team featured four freshmen/sophomores in the rotation and as much young talent as any team in the division. So the goal is in 2024 has moved past the first round of the tournament.

 “ Our goal is to be playing our best basketball in March and to be a real threat to do some damage once we get there,” said Gershgorin. “ We’re going to pressure the ball, push the pace…we’re going to come at teams.”

 Sam DeWitt returns after an all-state campaign as a sophomore.

 A season that included a five-game stretch in January when he averaged 27.0 points a game, including 37 in a win over Londonderry.

 “Sammy has really evolved into our leader,” said Gershgorin. “ He is a proven scorer but also underrated as a passer. He has great court vision and is set to have a  big season for us.”

 Garrett Hall looks poised for a breakout season as a sophomore.

 At 6’5, Hall can bang down low or take you off the dribble on the perimeter. “ Garrett is 6’5 with guard skills,” said Gershgorin. “ That’s a unique combination. He is versatile and wants to prove himself as an elite, all-state level player this season.”

 Coming off an all-state football season, Aiden Mills will spend time at the point guard spot and is one of the team’s best defenders. “ Aiden has looked really strong in the pre-season."

 Evan Bettencourt is a team captain who will draw the defensive assignment on the top guards in the division. “ Evan has worked extremely hard and earned more minutes as last season went along,” said Gershgorin. “ He steps into an even more prominent role this season.”

 Forward Sean Chipfunde is battling an injury and hopes to be back by mid-January after showing promise last year as a freshman.

 6’4 Charlie Crawford, who is back after a football injury, and Gabe Conrow are both expected to contribute immediately for a Broncos team that will look to push the pace on both ends.

 “ I’m excited about this group,” said Gershgorin. “They have grinded, put the work in, and now it is about taking that next step and becoming one of those programs that are in the mix every year.”

 Former Providence Friar standout Carson Desrosiers takes over a Windham Jaguar team that returns four of their top six scorers from last year’s 12-6 team that lost to Pinkerton in the quarterfinals.

 “ Having grown up in Windham (Desrosiers played his high school basketball at Central Catholic (MA)), I have always kept track of the program, so when there was an opportunity to coach here, I was thankful for the opportunity,” said Desrosiers.

 Jack Koutrobis returns at the point guard spot after being one of the most improved players in the division last season. “ Jack is terrific to have. A lot of teams don't have a true point guard who you know can run the offense and get everyone on the same page,” said Desrosiers.

 “Jack does all of that for us and more. He can get to the paint any time he wants and is a tenacious defender.”

 Desrosiers describes 6 '3 forward Jack Begley as a ‘glue guy who can score in bunches,’ which sounds like a pretty valuable asset to any team.

“ He will score, rebound, and may lead us in steals. He’s a big part of our lineup.”

 Jack Murphy is one of the best athletes on a team loaded with good ones (“If he gets out in front in transition, he’s dunking it,” said Desrosiers ), while Ben Roy and Will Collins will step into more prominent roles this season.

 “ We have the players to be very good offensively,” said Desrosiers. “What my focus has been, and our focus as a team, is defense and rebounding. Defense is what I’d like to see us hang our hat on.”

 Matt Desmarais, Caden Bouchard (“He’s underrated as a passer,” said Desrosiers), and Andrew Hennessy will all have an opportunity to contribute this season.

 Tyler Jordan gives the Jaguars shooting on the wing while freshman Sam Rondeleus will also get the opportunity to play right away.

 “I’m fortunate to take over a team that is ready to compete with the best teams in the division,” said Desrosiers. “ We are excited and ready to get started.”

 The Exeter Blue Hawks graduated their top five scorers from a quarterfinal team last season (the Blue Hawks have advanced to the quarterfinals every season since 2016), but head coach Jeff Holmes likes the pieces he has in place for another playoff run.

 “We have a good group that is working hard, but we are also a work in progress,” said Holmes. “I have a lot of confidence in our ability to come together, but we are not there yet. It’s going to take some time.”

 Nate McNeff will take over point guard duties from graduated all-state guard Ryan Luper. “ Nate is shifty,” said Holmes. “ He has an ability to get past the defense and finish at the rim. He’s going to play a major role for us this season.”

 Joining McNeff in the backcourt will be Dylan Whelan, who suffered an ankle injury in the pre-season and may miss the beginning of the season. “ Dylan has really improved and does a lot of things that help you become a better team,” said Holmes.

 6’7 Jack Thibadeau and 6’4 Billy Hilliesen will play right away and give the Blue Hawks rebounding and rim protection while Nick Greco steps into the starting lineup after cracking the rotation last season. 

 Brady Rogers will step into the starting lineup after an all-state season at Division III St Thomas last year. “ Brady is adjusting to our system, but he’s looked very good in the pre-season,” said Holmes. “ He had a strong scrimmage last week, and you can see he will help us a lot this season.”

 Jack Cartwright will contribute right away to a team with a lot of new faces this season.

 “We have a lot of players stepping into much more significant roles,” said Holmes. “That will take time, but I like the progress I’m seeing already.”

 The Trinity Pioneers defended their 2022 title until the very end. Taking Bedford to the wire before losing an instant classic 93-91 in overtime.

 Player of the Year Tyler Bike scored 39 points in that quarterfinal game, his last at the school before moving on this year to Phillips Exeter Academy.

 New head coach Ray Farmer returns three starters, and several rotation players from that team, but the loss of Bike is sort of like One Direction touring without Harry Styles.

 “ It’s an adjustment because Tyler made everyone around him better,” said Farmer. “ At the same time, we have sophomores and juniors who have played in huge games. Played in environments that will make you a better player going forward.”

 Leading the way will be an all-state guard and three-year starter Devohn Ellis, who has not only played in some huge games but has won most of them.

“ When I came on board, it was crucial to have someone like Devohn buy-in and lead the way,” said Farmer. “ He has been great and helped me tremendously.”

 “ Devohn can handle the ball, score on the wing, and might be one of the best rebounding guards in our division. He does a little bit of everything for us.”

 Evan Dunker returns to the rotation and will play an even more prominent role this season. “Evan is tough when he is taking the ball to the basket,” said Farmer.

“ We want to go downhill, pushing the pace and not just settling for the first open jumper we see. Evan is a big part of our approach to attack the paint.”

 Derek Erilla takes over the point guard spot. “ Derek is very smart and a high-character kid,” said Farmer. “ He is a pass-first point guard who is also a good defender. He’s really taken to the roll.”

 Shawn O’Neill showed flashes a year ago, including a 12-point game on the road against Winnacunnet, and will again be an important piece of the Pioneers' rotation. “ Shawn has come on of late and bought into what we are doing. He has the ability to help us in a number of ways.”

 Connor Bishop (“I love the effort he plays with,” said Farmer) and Kevin Doherty, who as a freshman scored a season-high 18 points in a win over Bishop Guertin, will both step in and contribute immediately.

 “ We have a really strong sophomore group, and they are ready to play more significant roles this season,” said Farmer.

 “We can score. My focus is on rebounding because we do not have a lot of size. Boxing out has become a bit of a lost art, and it's been something we work on as a group every practice.”

 “It is a quick pre-season, so it has been a bit of a challenge getting everything in as a new coach, but the kids have been great and very coachable,” said Farmer. “ Players are eager to step into bigger roles and prove themselves.”

 Jaryd Piecuch’s first year as Londonderry’s head coach was a roller coaster in more ways than one.

 Piecuch wasn’t named to replace Nate Stanton (who left to take an administrative position at Trinity High School) until late in the fall.

 Add to that the fact that with a lot of new faces in the program, the Lancers began the season 1-10.

 “ That was very tough for all of us to go through,” said Piecuch. “ We weren’t only 1-10, but we were losing nearly every game by double digits.”

 Piecuch, who led Division III Raymond to the final four in 2021, stayed with it, and so did his players. The Lancers won five of their last seven games to sneak into the tournament and turn their season around.

 The plan for 2024 is not to have to sprint to the finish line.

“Everything feels different. The players know me. We have had time together, an off-season to work out the kinks, and the energy has been terrific in practices.”

 Junior forward Mason Paquette, who has been battling an injury in the pre-season, returns after averaging 16.3 ppg last season. “ We run a lot of our offense through Mason,” said Piecuch.

 “I thought at times we leaned on him a little too heavily last season. He’s a terrific player and the goal this season is to actually take more off of his plate and get contributions from a group of players.”

 A big addition (horrible pun not intended) will be the return of all-state football standout Ty Miles, who, at 6’5 290, gives the Lancers a post-presence few teams can match. “ He’s been outstanding; we couldn't be happier to have Ty back (after he missed last season with an injury).”

 “ He’s a very smart player, and his size and athletic ability are strengths other teams are going to have a hard time replicating in practice when they get ready to play us.”

 Jameson Seamon returns at point guard after playing the position last year as a sophomore. “We kind of threw Jameson to the wolves last year, but he battled through it and has come out a better player,” said Piecuch. “ I saw significant improvement over the course of last season.”

 Matt Luongo and Ryan Williams will both contribute right away on the wing. “ Matt has really made the leap and is going to be a big part of our team,” said Piecuch. “ Ryan is going to be one of our main scorers. He’s a very good shooter.”

 Piecuch likes his team's depth and will look to Matt Doyle, Kiet Totten, and Cam Madden to contribute immediately.

 “ We have good size and an identity as a team,” said Piecuch. “ We understand what we are as a group and what we are trying to accomplish. It’s a completely different feel from a year ago when I was just trying to get to know each of them.”

 The Merrimack Tomahawks hope the formula of balance on offense and toughness in the paint takes them a step beyond a playoff berth this season.

“We were a tournament team again last season, and with a good group of upperclassmen, we have the potential to be a pretty good basketball team,” said head coach Austin Denton. “ This is probably the best group I’ve had since I took over as head coach.”

 David Roy returns after leading the team in scoring a year ago at 11.5 ppg. “David just sets such a great tone for the rest of the team,” said Denton. “ Just a great kid and is a big part of any success we have.”

 Jackson Rosa will play alongside him in the backcourt after averaging 10.5 points per game last season (“Jackson might be our most consistent player,” said Denton), while Jenson Monroe has impressed his head coach in the pre-season.

 “ I love it when he is driving the ball to the basket because he is tough to stop,” said Denton.

 Sophomore Nate Johnson will play point guard for the Tomahawks (“Nate brings an old school style of play that fits in pretty well at Merrimack,” said Denton) while 6’9 center Matt Schmitt has worked his way into the starting lineup.

 “ He has worked very hard to improve his game,” said Denton. “ He is playing like a senior. He understands this is his last year, and he, like a lot of his teammates, wants to make the most of it.”

 Mike Flerra can spread the offense with his ability to knock down shots, while Logan Day, Zach Rezaoni and Drew McCarthy will all have an opportunity to contribute right away.

 “We lack an elite scorer, so a concern is who is stepping up in crunch time?” said Denton.

 “At the same time, we have a veteran group that shares the ball and has a lot of confidence in each other. I think you will see different players stepping up for us night to night.”

 To win in basketball, it helps to have strong play at point guard and in the low post. The Winnacunet Warriors feature both; in 2024, it will be how the group around them comes together.

 “ We feel like we have one of the best point guards in Tyson,” said head coach Jay McKenna. “ I love our size and ability on the block, and effort will not be an issue with this group.”

 “ It’ll come down to how well we come together as a unit, and I like what I’ve seen here in the pre-season.”

 Tyson Khalil, a member of the NHsportspage underclassman team last season, returns after averaging 9.6 points per game last season.

 Expect that number to increase this season. “ He’s a highly skilled player who has improved his shooting over the off-season,” said McKenna. “ This is his team to lead now, and he has taken on that role for us.”

 6’7 center Andrew Simmons has had a strong pre-season and is also expected to step up into a larger scoring role this season. “ He’s looked really good and has had some big games for us over the off-season,” said McKenna. “ I’m excited about his development as a player.”

 Tim Kollmorgen will provide shooting on the wing (“Tim is a very good soccer player and understands the effort it takes to play at a high level,” said McKenna), while Mason McDonald can play on the wing or handle the ball, allowing Khalil to play off it.

 6’4 Christian Chartier will see time in the rotation after a strong pre-season. “ Christian has been impressive,” said McKenna. “ He can shoot it and get to the rim. He plays a lot of basketball, and his game has really come along as a result.”

 Braedan Nowack and Anthony Jaylin are also expected to contribute right away.

 “ Love the effort, love the attitude,” said McKenna. “It may take us some time to come together, but we feel like we have the pieces to be a good team again this season.”

 The Salem Blue Devils graduated their top two scorers from a season ago, but a young nucleus will look to get back to the post-season again in 2024.

 “ We will be a young team; we only have two seniors on the roster, but I love the energy of this group, and they’re improving quickly,” said head coach Rob McLaughlin.

 Brady Gaudet returns to the starting lineup and fills McLaughlin's team's all-important glue guy role. “ Brady is a great leader and provides rebounding as well as being one of our better defensive players.”

 Ryan Morse looks poised for a breakout season after averaging 6.4 ppg a year ago. “ He looks ready to make a huge leap this season,” said McLaughlin. “ He can score, handle the ball and defend.”

 Zach Sangermano will take over at point guard, while Cooper Keenan and Cayden DeLeon will step in and play immediately.

“ We should have a good eight to nine-man rotation,” said McLaughlin. “We have a group that can play with pace. As long as we rebound and defend, we will give them the freedom to get out in transition.”

 Calen Smith gives the Blue Devils a lefty shooter on the wing, while Felix Gonzalez, coming off a strong football season, will also contribute right away. “ We really like the sophomore and junior classes we have, so there is a lot of potential with this group,” said McLaughlin.

 Brock James will space the floor with his ability to knock down shots as the Blue Devils look to continue their streak of playoff appearances.

 “ We are going to mix and match who is on the floor based off of who is hot,” said McLaughlin.

 “It’s a quick pre-season for everyone so it will take us a little time, but I’m confident in this group and love the attitude they are bringing to practice every day.”

 Concord head coach Tim Latorra knows the transfer portal jokes are coming. “Just make sure people know it wasn’t really a transfer portal,” said Latorra with a laugh.

 Four new players from three different schools join the Tide as they look to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

  Cade Weaver and Emmanuel Boko were two of Bishop Brady’s top three scorers last season and will immediately step into the Concord rotation.

 “ Cade is a big, strong kid who helps us in the paint,” said Latorra. “ He can score down low and defend bigs.”

 “ Emmanuel is a slasher who can score at the rim, and he has also been a great addition.”

  Chase Lawler played at Hopkinton last season, while JP Donovan also joined the program.

 “ It is a unique situation for sure,” said Latorra. “ So building chemistry is vital for us to have any success this season.”

 Sammy Aranzi is an athletic sophomore who will also contribute right away, while Concord’s top three scorers from a year ago all return.

“We have the depth that we haven’t had here in a long time,” said Latorra. “ That gives us some pretty good options as far as mixing and matching different lineups.”

 Japhet Nduwayo returns after averaging 15.3 points per game last season. “ He has really improved his game and become a vocal leader for us,” said Latorra. “ Last year, I’d say ten of his fifteen points every night were on effort alone.”

 Brett Tuttle looks poised for a breakout season after averaging 11.3 points a game a year ago.

 “ Brett is our rock,” said Latorra. “ He is the voice you hear most often out on the floor, and he has been crucial in getting the new players up to speed.”

 Sharpshooter Logan Perkins showed flashes a year ago, including a season-high 20-point effort against Windham.” With a lot of good new players, that should really open up the floor for Logan to knock down shots,” said Latorra.

 Triple long jump champion Alian Twite returns to the rotation and will be joined by Sam Pfitzenmayer.

 “ We lost our point guard Eli Bahuma (to a season-ending football injury), so that is a tough blow, but we have a group that is in competition for roles and minutes. That has led to some very competitive practices.”

 “ We made a late run at the playoffs last season,” said Latorra. “Our goal this season is not only to get there but also to try to take the next step.”

 The Goffstown Grizzlies will try to return to the tournament again behind a rotation that is going to need a strong sophomore class to step up and contribute.

 “ We only have four returning players (from an 8-10 team last season), so there is a lot of work ahead of us,” said head coach Ryan Cowette, who will serve as the NHsportspage senior team head coach in March.

 “ We are not very big, so we are going to have to be creative with our defenses, our pace, and, of course, on the glass.”

 Cam Hujsak returns after averaging 12.6 ppg last season. “ Cam is just so steady. He sets a good tone for the rest of the team,” said Cowette. “He’s going to need to affect the game in a number of different ways because of our inexperience going into the season.”

 Colin Malley will step into the rotation (“He plays with a lot of aggression and rebounds well for a guard,” said Cowette) alongside Josh Calhoun, whom Cowette calls one of the team’s best defensive players.

 Noah Durham averaged 7.9 points a game last season and should increase that production this season. “ Noah is going to have an even bigger role for us this season,” said Cowette. “ He’s improved his game.”

 Sophomore Geo Santos will get an opportunity to contribute right away. “ His court vision is tremendous,” said Cowette. “ He’s a lefty, and that can sometimes throw off a defense as well.”

 Fellow sophomore Xander McBournie can knock down shots on the perimeter and has shown a willingness to take charges in the paint.

 Tyler Dionne is another sophomore who is going to get his shot at being in the rotation right away.

“Tyler has good instincts and has played well for us,” said Cowette. “What the group (of sophomores) has in common is that they all have high basketball IQs.”

 “ They have picked up what we are trying to do quickly.”

 All of which means the short term has some question marks, but the future looks bright for the Grizzlies. “Defense is our focus now as it will take some time for our offense to find its rhythm,” said Cowette.

 Manchester Memorial is coming off of a 5-13 season and looking to get back to the tournament behind a good young nucleus.

 “ We won four games in a row at one point last season and felt really good about where we were,” said head coach Danny Bryson. “ Then we lost several key players, and we just couldn't recover from that.”

 Devin Lavalee returns at the point guard spot and should be more of a scoring threat this season. “Devin does a nice job running the offense and is our best ball handler,” said Bryson. “ He has the ability to score so I expect to see an increase in his (scoring) average this year.”

 Bory Bory looks poised for an all-state season after averaging eight points per game last season. “ He has shown an ability to get to the rim and finish,” said Bryson. “He’s been our vocal leader on the floor, which has been great to see.”

 Christian Bilolo might be the best athlete in the Crusaders lineup (“He is very explosive,” said Bryson. “ Someone who can score in bunches.”) and will be joined by Kellen Kay. “ Kellen is our three & D guy,” said Bryson. “ He will get the assignment on scoring guards.”

 Bryson likes the depth he has and expects Malachi Koita and 6’3 freshman Joel Gomez to contribute immediately, along with Aaron Gallagher and Jackson Philbrick.

 “ This is a junior (class) heavy group, so while we are still young, we don't lack experience,” said Bryson.

 “We felt like we got knocked back last season when we were just starting to gel as a team, so the attitude is, let’s finish the job this season.”

 It has been a rough few years for Lorne Lucas and the Spaulding Red Raiders, but indications are the tide is about to turn.

 Spaulding finished 1-17 last season but did so with a group of freshmen playing big minutes. “As a Division I coach, it’s tough to go to battle with underclassmen, but we love the group's potential, and they earned their playing time,” said Lucas.

 The Red Raiders should be back in the playoff mix this season as three of their top five scorers return. “ Our goal is to compete for a playoff spot,” said Lucas. “ We want to get back to the post-season and keep building the program up.”

 Sophomore Marcel Rose averaged 10 points per game last season as a freshman and has the potential to be an all-state performer this season.

“ He is one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached,” said Lucas. “ He can score, handle the ball and is unselfish. Just a great kid with an attitude that rubs off on his teammates.”

 Paul Butler returns as a three-year starter and might be the team’s best defender. “ Paul is very consistent and has worked hard over the off-season,” said Lucas. “ This is his senior year, and he is tired of us being out of the playoffs. He’s been a real leader for us here in the pre-season.”

 Coming off an all-state football campaign, Hunter Trueman gives the Red Raiders rebounding and athleticism at the forward spot alongside 6’4 Kyran Jean Pierre. “ Rebounding will be crucial, and we feel like both players will help us in that area,” said Lucas.

 Lucas is also excited about the development of Nate Devine. “ Nate is an excellent soccer player,” said Lucas. “ Anytime you add a good athlete who understands what it takes to get better, that’s only going to help your team.”

 Talented young core members who are expected to contribute immediately include Sanchez Martinez, Brayden Crittenden, and Camden Carleton.

 “ The attitude and the vibe at practice have been terrific, a one-eighty from where we have been in the past,” said Lucas. “ These players have put the work in and are determined to push for the playoffs.”

 “ The communication on defense has been good; the ball is moving better. We are really excited to compete.”

 As soon as the Keene Blackbirds finished up a 5-13 season last March, they got to work on 2023-24. “ The buy-in was immediate,” said head coach Ray Boulay.

 “We made the decision that we were willing to put in the work to become a better team. We missed out on the playoffs by a game last season, and we do not want that to be the case again this season.”

 Thirteen players returned from last season’s roster, and many of them spent the summer competing in summer leagues in both Manchester and Brattleboro, Vermont. “ This was my first off-season with the team, so we come into this season way ahead of where we were a year ago,” said Boulay.

 6’6 forward Andrew Prock looks poised for a breakout year after showing flashes a year ago, including a 20-point effort against Dover. “Andrew is a great kid who has worked extremely hard this off-season,” said Boulay.

 “ We battled injuries pretty much all season a year ago, so we are excited to see him healthy. He’s going to surprise some people.”

 Fitch Hennessy has the ability to run the point or play off the ball and, at 6’2, gives the Blackbirds size across the lineup. “ We will have lineups where every player on the floor is 6’2 or taller,” said Boulay.

 Forward Javon Messiah will step into a bigger role this season, a forward who can get to the rim, rebound, and defend multiple positions.

“He has taken a big leap,” said Boulay. “ He’s very smooth as a scorer, and when we get him out in transition, he is hard to stop. He’s going to have a very good season for us.”

 Kasen Abbott is expected to contribute right away after quarterbacking the football team to the playoffs, while Sawyer Lepple, Evan Spindler, Jamal Stanley, and 6’5 big man Will Fontaine are all expected to be in the Blackbirds rotation.

 “ We have improved after playing over forty games this summer (Keene won the Manchester summer league title), and our depth is going to be a huge asset for us,” said Boulay.

 “ We don't have a superstar; we have a number of different players who can beat you night to night. Now it’s about seeing all the work pay off.”

 The Dover Green Wave will look to get back to the post-season after a 5-13 record a year ago.

 “We have six seniors on the roster, so there is a positive sense of urgency to this season,” said head coach Matt Fennessy. “Each of them has worked hard to lead this group, and I’ve been very happy with their energy and attitude so far.”

  Dylan Jabre returns to the starting lineup after averaging 14.6 ppg last season. “ Dylan works extremely hard; he doesn't take a play off,” said Fennessy. “ He is a proven scorer and rebounds well for a guard. He’s obviously a big part of whatever success we have this season.”

 6’3 forward Sam Grube has the ability to rebound and guard multiple positions. “ His defensive versatility is a big asset for us,” said Fennessy. “ If there is a guard who getting going, Sam is the guy we will assign to guard him.”

 John Arakelian fills Dover's all-important glue guy role (“John is a very smart player and does a lot of the little things that help us win games,” said Fennessy), while Bryce Carberry is expected to give the team scoring in the paint.

 Three players who will have an opportunity to contribute right away are Cal Dearborn, David Cady, and Ryan Sullivan. “ We are going to try and play with more pace this season, and all three will help us in that area,” said Fennessy.

 Yavier Morales saw time off the bench a year ago but looks poised for a more significant role. “He has worked very hard at his game,” said Fennessy. “ He gets to the rim and does a nice job finishing with either hand.”

 “We had so many new players in the rotation last season that it felt like we were starting over at times,” said Fennessy.

“ The group we have now understands what we are running and has six seniors to lead them. We are in a better place than we were at this time last season.”

 It’ll be a quick rebuild at Bishop Guertin, where Will Horne takes over for John Fisher, who stepped down after helping to lead the Cardinals to a championship in 2021.

 “We graduated eleven seniors, so that opens up a lot of spots on the roster,” said Horne, who has served under Fisher as an assistant.

 “We have four seniors on the team this year, and three didn't play basketball last season. So we are looking for them to lead a promising young group.”

 At 3.2 points per game, Logan Lowney is the team’s top returning scorer.

 Expect that number to go up.

 “ Logan is ready for the opportunity. He’s been very good here in the pre-season,” said Horne. “He is a shot maker and a player who went to every off-season workout we held.”

 6’4 forward Eli Youssef can protect the rim or guard out on the perimeter, while Connor McGowan will take over for Tyler Mackey at point guard.

 “Connor has put a lot of work in. He played behind the seniors last season, and they took it to him in practice every night,” said Horne.

 “ That has made him a better player and prepared him for the in-game pressure he will see running our offense.”

 Alex Dumont is an all-state lacrosse player who will play at the next level in college. “Alex is not only a terrific athlete, but he understands the work ethic it takes to get there,” said Horne. “ He has fit right in with the team.”

 Luca Fabrizio and 6’5 Jeremiah Figaro are part of the Cardinals youth movement and should make an immediate impact as underclassmen. “They are both ready to contribute,” said Horne. “High motor and poise is how I would describe them.”

 “ I see us looking a lot different in the second half of the season,” said Horne. “ We understand there will be growing pains but are ready to compete.”

 "It’s a good group. I love the energy they bring every day.”

 After Manchester Central fell just short of a playoff berth last season, head coach Sudi Lett could step back and recognize his young team's progress.

 “ When you’re in the middle of the season, you’re trying to win every game, and every loss stings,” said Lett. “ But when I was able to assess it all after the season, we were in a lot of close games.”

“It was a play here or a play there. It was not executing at the crucial moments, and that’s something you’re going to go through with a young team.”

 Lett is correct. The Little Green, who finished 5-13, lost six games by six points or less, and a seventh loss to Londonderry late in the season was by just seven.

 “ We have what I would call a veteran team, and the vibe in practice is different,” said Lett. “This group is excited to compete, and I am right there with them. I can't wait to get going.”

 Combo guard Mohammed Mohammed returns for the Little Green and may be the best defensive player on the team.

“Mohammed is a very good two-way guard,” said Lett. “I expect him to score more than he did last season, and he will draw the defensive assignment on the top-scoring guards in our division.”

 “He is a player who embraces that challenge.”

 Wesley Olmeda came on strong at the end of the 2022-23 season, averaging 16 points per game in the final four games, including a season-high 21 against Londonderry.

“Wesley is going to have a strong season for us,” said Lett. “ He is playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

 Asher Zegno will again start from day one (he led the team with 16 points in a late-season win over Spaulding), while 6’4 freshman Miles Mara will step in and contribute immediately.

 “ We scrimmaged a prep team and were able to out-rebound them, even though we were giving up a lot of size at several positions,” said Lett. “ I took that as a very good sign for the season.”

 “ The experience we gained last season should pay off for us. The goal is to be there in the playoffs at the end of the season, and I feel really good about our chances.”

 With four starters graduating from a Timberlane Owls team that nearly made the playoffs a year ago, head coach Jeff Baumann, who will serve as the head coach of the NHsportspage underclassman team in March, hopes a young nucleus comes together quickly.

 “ We are younger this season,” said Baumann. “ The focus is on getting better by the week, finding out what players fit together best on the floor, and hopefully competing again for a spot in the playoffs.”

 Gary Shivell gives the Owls a glue guy who sets a good example for the younger players. “ Gary is one of our best defenders and a smart player,” said Baumann.

 Jeremy Milocek, who quarterbacked the football team in the fall, will jump into the starting lineup after being a key reserve last season.

“Jeremy was a kid who just kept earning more and more minutes as the season went along,” said Baumann. “ He’s a very good athlete who can score at multiple levels.”

 Liam Kelley will also step into a key role for the Owls (”Liam is going to score for us; he is crafty,” said Baumann.) along with Mark Genest.

 John Pagliuse will play point guard for the Owls, while Ty Merrill will play on the low block. “ John is ready to step in and play right away,” said Baumann. “ There will be some tough nights, but we have a lot of confidence in him.”

 “ Ty has grown and gives us rebounding, which we are really going to need to do as a team as we don't have a ton of size,”

 Sophomore Matt Fitzgerald will also get an opportunity to contribute immediately. “ Matt has really come along; the game is beginning to slow down for him a bit,” said Baumann.

 “There are a lot of opportunities for players to earn minutes,” said Baumann. “ Which is usually the case when you need to replace four starters.”

 “ The kids have been great in practice, and I’m confident they will pick up what we are trying to do quickly.”

 

First Team All-State (Pre-Season)

 Luke Soden of Bedford

 Jackson Marshall of Pinkerton

 Josh Caruso of Nashua South

 Sam DeWitt of Alvirne

 Zac Castonguay of Nashua South

 

 Second Team 

 Brady O'Connell of Bedford

 Parth Miglani of Nashua North

 Drew Brander of Pinkerton

 Jack Koutrobis of Windham

 Miles De Iongh of Portsmouth

 

 With apologies to: Devohn Ellis of Trinity, Tyson Khalil of Winnacunnet, Garrett Hall of Alvirne, Isaiah Reis of Portsmouth, Dylan Jabre of Dover, Ryan Morse of Salem, Mason Paquette and Ty Miles of Londonderry, Bory Bory of Manchester Memorial, Nate McNeff & Brady Rogers of Exeter, Cam Hujsak of Goffstown, Robinson Rodriguez & Alize Roig-Cortes of Nashua North, Marcel Rose of Spaulding, Japhet Nduwayo & Brett Tuttle of Concord and Javon Massiah of Keene