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The Nashua Community College Division II Boys Basketball Preview

By Dave Haley, 12/14/24, 6:15AM EST

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Andrew Fitzgerald and Pembroke Academy come in at #1 (Photos by Chip)

 Division II enters the season with the most questions of the four divisions, which will probably take a month or even more to answer.

 What does a dialed-up defense Bow Falcons team look like under new head coach Eric Saucier?

 Pembroke has been to the finals and semifinals the past two seasons. Is this the season that they are the last team standing?

 Sanborn has all the offense it takes to win a title. Do they have the defense?

 Can the Pelham Pythons three-peat with an almost entirely new cast?

 Leo Gershgorin turned Con Val around quickly five years ago. Can he do the same at Milford?

 You could go on and on, making for an entertaining division in 2025.

 Today, in the last of eight pre-season previews, we take a look at Division II, where twenty teams begin the season hoping to finish where Pelham did nine months ago.

 Our preview is brought to you by our longtime friends and partners at Nashua Community College, which is hosting an Open House on January 13th!

 

Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

 1.  Pembroke Academy

 2.  Bow

 3.  Sanborn

 4.  Merrimack Valley

 5.  Pelham

 6.  Souhegan

 7.  Coe Brown

 8.  Hanover

 9.  Oyster River

10. Milford

Lurking outside the Top 10: Kennett, Hollis-Brookline, Manchester West, Con Val, John Stark, Kingswood, and Laconia. 

 

 The Pembroke Academy Spartans have been knocking on the door the past three seasons under head coach Mike Donnell, advancing to the quarterfinals, championship game, and semifinals.

 The plan in 2025 is to finally knock the door down.

“ Our goal is a championship,” said Donnell. “ We have to take that next step.”

 Leading the way will be arguably the best backcourt in the division, as Evan Berkley, Devin Riel, and Andrew Fitzgerald are each capable of having all-state seasons.

“Evan has become a complete player,” said Donnell. “ He can affect the game in various ways and is a very good teammate.”

“ Devin was always a good offensive player, but his defense has dramatically improved the past two seasons,” said Donnell. “ He may be our most vocal leader, and he understands, along with the other seniors, that this is his last go around.”

 Fitzgerald is the younger brother of our 2024 Player of the Year, Joe Fitzgerald, and looks poised for a breakout season as a sophomore. “As last season went along, it became more difficult to keep him out of the lineup,” said Donnell. “ He wants to make a name for himself and is almost like a coach on the floor for us.”

 Donnell raves about forward Javien Sinclair (“I am really excited about the season he is about to have,” said Donnell. “ He is going to be a big contributor for us.”), while Brady Boisvert, Connor Craig, and Zack Bemis will play a more significant role in 2025.

 Newcomer Jackson Tanguay gives the Spartans another productive forward who steps right into the rotation.

“ This is a very close-knit team, and a lot of them have been playing together since they were little kids,” said Donnell. “ We are focusing game to game, but the goal is to be there again.”

  Eric Saucier brings his championship resume to Bow, where the Falcons will look to take a big step forward after making the quarterfinals last season.

"It's always going to be an adjustment when a new coach comes in with a new system and ways of doing things, and those adjustments can take time," said Saucier, who served as the head coach at Conant for fifteen years, winning five titles.

"Our focus is on playing hard all the time and supporting each other. It's about defense, rebounding, getting back on defense, being out in transition, and all of it. It's about a mindset we need to develop because that's how you win."

 All-state forward Jake Reardon averaged 19.9 points per game last season and was a member of the NHsportspage underclassmen team. "Jake has bought in and is becoming a real leader for this team," said Saucier. "He's our best player, so he needs to be our hardest worker as well."

 6'4 center Peyton Larrabee is a three-sport standout who looks poised for a breakout season as a junior. "Peyton is coming along nicely. His size and athletic ability will be a problem for a lot of opposing teams," said Saucier. "We want to utilize his strengths."

 Brendan O'Keeffe will run the point for the Falcons after averaging twelve points a game last season. "Brendan is very skilled; he knows what we need from him at the (point guard) position and knows he has to step up and work hard," said Saucier. "He has all the ability to be a very good player for us."

 Keenan Hubbard fills the all-important glue guy role ("Keenan does a nice job for us and embraces his role," said Saucier) while Connor Eno is the team's best on-the-ball defender.

"This is a new system on both ends of the floor, so it will take us time to get where we need to be. I'm confident we will get where we want to go."

 Chase Royal has played well off the bench for the Falcons and impressed his new head coach. "Chase took two charges in the jamboree against Trinity," said Saucier. "That made a real impression on me."

 Freshmen Ben Reardon is improving as the pre-season comes to a close and is expected to contribute this season.

"We are nowhere near as good as we can be, and I'm fine with that; it's a long season," said Saucier. "There is a lot of competition for playing time, and our rotation will change as the season progresses. I'm excited to keep working toward being the best team possible."

 With five starters back and year two under head coach Wayne Souther off to a good start, Sanborn looks to take the next step after a quarterfinal loss at eventual champion Pelham last season.

"We have unfinished business after falling short a year ago. The guys are bought in and working extremely hard to have a memorable season," said Souther. "They want to be the first team in school history to win the basketball championship."

 A pair of all-state forwards will lead the way as Chase Frizzell (19.8 ppg) and Dylan Rego (21.4) return to the lineup.

 "Chase is driven to win. He's a senior and the all-state, and scoring totals is second to him behind winning a title," said Souther. "He has been great as a leader and does it all for us."

 6'4 forward Dylan Rego suffered a foot injury early on against Plymouth in the tournament's first round. Sidelining him for the rest of the playoffs and most of the summer.

 "He's back, fully healthy and ready to have a huge season for us," said Souther. "He's a phenomenal shooter who is difficult to stop at the rim."

 Sophomore Jesse Cavallo worked his way into the rotation last season and will start at point guard from day one this season. He will be joined in the rotation by Robbie Comtois, Brandon Sarette, and glue guy Dillon Simes.

 "Dillon has a goal of being the division's defensive player of the year," said Souther. "He brings a ton of energy on the floor, and the other guys feed off it."

 Julien Brogna and Brian Nadeau, two of the top JV players from a year ago, will join the rotation.

 "We are looking to be a little more patient on offense and much better defensively," said Souther. "We feel like we have good depth and balance across any five we put on the floor and two of the best players in the division. Now it's about going out and getting it done."

 The buzz around the Merrimack Valley Pride has built throughout the pre-season as first-year head coach Kelly O'Brien takes over the program his father built in the 1980s and 1990s.

 " I grew up in and around this program and never dreamed of becoming the head coach myself," said O'Brien, whose father, Kevin O'Brien, coached the team for decades.
 
 "It feels like we are in fast-forward mode with the shortened pre-season, and that's tough when you are putting in a new system," said O'Brien.

 " I'm also the middle school assistant principal, so I've known many of these players as they came through middle school. I'm excited to be coaching them."

 The Pride will look to three returning starters and several promising newcomers from last season's 17-1 JV team.

 Aiden Gray averaged 16.1 points per game last season before being injured for the remainder of the regular season.

 Gray returned for the playoffs and scored 16 points in a first-round upset of Laconia. 

 Nine months later, fully healthy, he looks to pick up where he left off. " He is a pure scorer, and he can do it at all three levels," said O'Brien. 

 " He's a strong kid and can finish through contact or knock down jumpers from the perimeter. He's set to have a very strong season for us."

 6'6 "center Boston Bradicich flashed his potential last season in an 18-point performance against Oyster River. In 2024-25, he will start from day one. " He has really improved, and his ability in the paint and defensively at the rim will be a strength for us."

 Nick Oglesby looks poised for an all-state-level season at the guard spot. "Great kid, very good athlete, and has a real nose for the ball," said O'Brien. " Whether it is a loose ball or rebound, he takes it."

 Four sophomores from the aforementioned 17-1 JV team will contribute immediately.

 Point guard Thatcher Stearn, Brady Smith, Ethan Dukette, and Rodier Phaneuf will all play immediately.

 " The fact that they have played so much together and weren't split up last year is to our advantage this season," said O'Brien. " I'm excited about our underclassmen and what they'll bring to the table this year."

 " It will take us some time to look like a finished product, but the kids have really gotten after it, and they believe they have something to prove," said O'Brien. "They have been an enjoyable group to practice with every day."

 When you are coming off back-to-back titles but entering the season with a new cast of characters, you better have your message ready from day one, and lucky for the Pelham Pythons, head coach Joe Morin has one.

 “It’s all about doing the work and taking the next steps,” said Morin of his team, which will try to become the first Division II team to win three straight titles since Bishop Brady in 1966.

“ This is a new group, so it will take time, but I’m very happy with what I’ve seen so far.”

 Brady Hegan is the only player on the roster who averaged more than two points a game last season (he averaged 6.8). 

 Hegan now steps into a much more significant role along with point guard Justin Bowlan and forward Shawn Bodenrader.

“ Brady is ready for a bigger role and has come into the season playing well,” said Morin of the junior who had 13 rebounds in the jamboree against Londonderry. “Justin will run our offense and will be particularly good when he is in transition.”

“ We are going to pressure the ball, get out, and run as often as possible.”

 David Lindell and Logan Hastie fill the all-important glue guy roles and will play right away, while 6’1 Luke Estell led the team in scoring against Londonderry and could be the team’s x-factor.

“ Luke is extremely smart, always seems to know where to be,” said Morin.

“ He gives us someone who can really be effective in the paint. He will help us in a number of ways.”

 Look for Brady O’Connor, who had a strong season for the JV team, to be an immediate contributor as well.

“ I don’t look at who we had; I look at who we have,” said Morin. “ We had a terrific run with Dom (Herrling) and Zach (James) and that crew, but it’s a new season. I like the way we have focused on getting better early on.”

  The Souhegan Sabers return seven players and three starters from a 9-9 tournament team from a year ago. 

Longtime head coach Peter Pierce feels his team has a chance to be good defensively, but the offense is still a work in progress.

"We are searching for an identity as a team, like a lot of teams this time of year," said Pierce. "We have the experience and the athletes to be very tough defensively, and as the offense comes along, that will need to be our strength."

 Coming off a championship football season, Weston Hickman returns after leading the team in scoring last season at 13.8 ppg. "Weston is a proven scorer and does a nice job on the glass for us," said Pierce. "We will need him to score."

 Senior Drew Bushey will run the Sabers's offense from the point guard spot ("Drew does a nice job handling pressure and is a good passer for us," said Pierce) and will will be backed up by Evan Bernasconi, whose older brother Joe won a title for Pierce in 2022.

 Max Hayes may lead the Sabers' defensive identity as the senior forward begins his third year in the rotation. "Max is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions," said Pierce. "He's a very consistent player you can count on. He's going to have another good season for us."

 Drew Reagan, who averaged seven points a game last season, gives the Sabers shooting to spread the floor. Ryland Raudelunas, an all-state running back, Lincoln Wilkins, an all-state defensive player, and Owen Keough will all be able to contribute immediately.

 "It's a good group, and they are working hard," said Pierce. "We finished strong last season but couldn't carry it over to the playoffs (Souhegan lost to Bow in the first round in a game we covered). We are looking forward to getting started."

 The Coe-Brown Bears will look to compete for a Top-8 seed after the graduation of three starters from last season's final four team.

 "We lost some very valuable seniors but have a good group coming back," said Hall of Fame head coach David Smith, whose team lost an overtime semifinal game to eventual champion Pelham.

 6'3 Jack Matson was second on the team in scoring last season at 12.8 ppg and now steps into a lead role as a senior. "He improved by the week last season and has stepped into a leadership role for us," said Smith. "He is a very strong rebounder and defender. His scoring will increase as we are going to lean on him quite a bit."

 Point guard Ryan Kouchoukus returns to the starting lineup ("He has had a good pre-season and shot the ball well," said Smith) and will be joined by James McKane and Casey Colby, who are both expected to contribute immediately.

 Matt Flanagan averaged 3.8 ppg as a part-time starter a year ago and is joined up front by Bruce Lapierre and Jackson Dufresne. "Our defense should be better this season," said Smith. "We aren't as big, so we are going  to rely on speed and quickness."

 A trio of underclassmen, freshman Grady Mulligan and sophomores Grant Hayes and Colby Taylor, have played well in the pre-season and will get their opportunities to crack the rotation.

 "With a shortened pre-season, we are still working to find our identity as a team," said Smith. Once we do, we should be competitive again this season. It's a great group of kids and a fun group to work with."

 In last season's preview, I had the Hanover Bears as my sleeper team, picking them #4 in the pre-season after a five-win season in 2022-23, and still somehow undersold how good they would become.

 Ben Davis's team went 17-1 in 2024 and advanced to UNH before losing the Division II championship game to Pelham.

 Nine months later, the Bears have a very different look.

 Davis left Hanover to become the athletic director at nearby Lebanon. All-state guard and NHsportspage underclassmen team member Ryan McLaughlin is attending prep school, and second-leading scorer/all-state forward Jaysen Oriol moved to North Carolina.

 Head coach Denver Greene was an assistant on the team last season, which should make the transition much smoother. "We have seen a lot of changes, no doubt about it," said Greene. "We also have eight players back and four or five who played significant minutes last season, so it's not like we are starting over."

 Roy Lucas returns to the starting backcourt ("Roy is so solid and consistent, nothing rattles him," said Greene) and will be joined by point guard Beckett Sobol. "Beckett will play a big role for us this season," said Greene. "He's become a vocal leader."

 David Frechette is coming off an all-state football season and is poised to be one of the best defensive players in the division. " He will lead our defense and guard the best forward/scorer," said Greene. " He has set a goal to be an all-defensive player in the division, and he is more than capable of achieving that."

 Wyatt Daigle earned more playing time as last season went along and stepped into the rotation from day one, along with forward Allie Muirhead.

 Jack Lobb is expected to be a key contributor off the bench along with three-sport athlete Sam Bagatelle. Freshmen Collin McGlaughlin, Ryan's younger brother, will also get an opportunity to contribute.

"Defense will be our bread and butter," said Greene. We will struggle to score at times, but our defense and rebounding should keep us in games as we develop a rhythm on offense."

"We'll be a more up-tempo offense. We are taking it day by day as it is a mostly new group. We are excited to get started."

 Zach Lewis takes over at his alma mater, Oyster River, with a team that looks ready to make a big leap up the standings after finishing 7-11 a year ago.

 "It's been a pretty fast transition to head coach," said Lewis, who was hired five weeks before the season after 'The Big Smooth' Lewis Atkins and his family moved to Florida. 

 "This team has been through some ups & downs but carries itself with a lot of confidence. They want to get back to the final four."

 The confidence begins with all-state guard Matthew Jernigan, who averaged fourteen points a game as a sophomore. "He has made the leap, and I expect a big year from him," said Jernigan. "His play seems to have finally caught up with his 6'4 body, and he has looked very good for us in the pre-season."

 Joining Jernigan in the backcourt will be point guard Owen Jacques, the backup one a year ago. "Owen sees the floor very well and has become a vocal leader for us," said Lewis. "We want to play at a faster pace this season, and he is a big part of that."

 Three-and-D guy Brendan Kirby returns and will play a more prominent role for the Bobcats this season. "Brendan is another vocal leader and an improved shooter," said Lewis. "He may be the best athlete on the team and helps us in a number of ways."

 Cole Dulac is a good defender who will play right away along with Will Clough, Tommy Aldridge (the Oyster River guard, not Whitesnake's drummer), and Eamon O'Quinn.

 Sophomore Evan Clift has played well in the pre-season and will have an opportunity to contribute right away.

"We have a good mix of senior leadership and underclassmen who want to earn their opportunity," said Lewis. "We are excited to compete."

 Leo Gershgorin takes over the Milford Spartans, and the new head coach could not be happier with how the move back to Division II has fit.

 " These are my kinds of kids; they are dawgs. They love competing and want to get better every day."

 Will O'Connell looks poised for a breakout season after averaging 14.9 points per game last season. " To me, he is one of the best players in our division," said Gershgorin. " He can do it all. Will is a three-level scorer and just a bucket-getter. "

 " We have pushed him hard to be the guy, and he looks great here in the pre-season."

 Guard Ethan Szopa gives the Spartans a good on-the-ball defender who can apply pressure in the backcourt, while Tyler Constable is one of a group of newcomers who will get their opportunity immediately.

 " I couldn't ask more from these kids; they have really worked hard," said Gershgorin. " They did not make the tournament last year and are focused on proving themselves."

 Hollis-Brookline's four wins last season may not have caught your attention, but it was an encouraging season for those paying closer attention.

 The Cavaliers won only three games combined during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and entered the season with one of the youngest starting lineups in the division under first-year head coach Ryan Kelley.

 "We has some players who saw major minutes as freshmen and sophomores; that's a difficult adjustment from the middle school level," said Kelley. 

 "They kept at it, though, had a great work ethic, and now we see the benefits. We would be in games for three quarters a year ago before we wore down late. I don't see that happening again," said Kelley. "We are deeper and a better team this season."

 6'4 forward Alton Williams looks poised for a breakout season after averaging 9.6 ppg last season. "Alton has greatly improved," said Kelley. "He dunks with ease and gives us a true rim protector. He is going to have a very big season for us."

 Kelley describes 6'2 forward James Arthur as a gym rat who will also step in and produce immediately along with point guard Y-Arie Ramos.  "Y'Arie has no fear," said Kelley. "He gives us a floor general who defends, gets us out in transition, and is a good passer."

 Sophomore Dylan Kelley averaged a team-high 12.2 ppg, including a 27-point effort against Con Val in February. "Dylan knew he needed to get stronger, and to his credit, he has put in the time in the weight room," said Kelley.

 After not playing last season, three seniors have joined the team, and Kelley raves about what they bring to the table as a trio. 

 Paul Guerin, Collin Majersky, and Jean-Paul are all multi-sport athletes whose work ethic is rubbing off on the team's underclassmen. "They are tone-setters, and it has been great having them back in the program," said Kelley. "They are all very good athletes and will contribute right away."

 "We went from twenty-three players at tryouts to forty in a year, so we are definitely headed in the right direction," said Kelley. "Our goal is the playoffs first, and there are goals we can achieve after we attain that."

 "Depth won't be an issue this year, and the underclassmen are a year older and wiser. We are excited to get started."

 The present looks uncertain, but the future is bright at Manchester West, where head coach Rich Otis will look to replace six of its top seven scorers from last season.

 "We lost seven seniors, so it is a bit of a re-set, but I love our group and the attitude they bring to practice every day," said Otis.

 Point guard Tevin Edmunds is an all-state level guard and the lone returning starter. " Tevin will lead us. He does everything for us," said Otis. " He was an all-defensive team player last season and looks even better here in the pre-season."

 The Blue Knights were dealt a blow when 6'5 center Germain Gonzalazes was lost for the season with an injury suffered last week in a scrimmage against Manchester Central. " That's a big loss," said Otis. " We lack size, so we will dial up the pressure and push the pace."

 Max Houde returns after breaking into the rotation last season and will be joined in the lineup by four transfer newcomers: Charlie Mejia, Trevon Cannon, Luis Alcantara, and Brayden Marino.

 " All four of them will play, and they've added a ton of depth to our lineup," said Otis.

 Tyree Torres and Isael Cruz are two returners who will also have the opportunity to contribute immediately.

 " We don't have a go-to guy, but we have great balance across the five guys we'll have on the floor," said Otis. " We will score by committee and do it by forcing a faster pace and causing turnovers."

 "We want to be a team that no one looks forward to facing. I'm excited about this group, and we have a strong freshman class coming in," said Otis. "The future looks good."

 The Con Val Cougars struggled through a one-win season in 2024 but should be back in tournament contention with one of the best backcourts in the division.

 " The kids are excited and anxious to get started," head coach Jay Starr said. " Last year was rough, and they feel like they have a lot to prove."

 All-state guard Ryan Close returns after averaging 15.3 ppg last season and will be joined in the backcourt by Max Cail, who averaged 9.8 ppg while battling injuries last season.

 " Ryan is a great leader and has put the work in over the off-season," said Starr. " We know what we will get him every night; it's about building depth and balance around him."

 " Max has had a great pre-season. I'm really excited for him because he has been frustrated dealing with injuries limiting him at times," said Starr. " He's going to have a big season for us."

 Zach Collins returns to the starting lineup after averaging 7.2 ppg last season. " Zach played a lot of basketball over the summer and has improved as a shooter," said Starr.

 Sam Davis is an all-state football standout who will be able to defend five positions on the floor ("He can really cause havoc defensively," said Starr. " He's such a good athlete."), while 6'3 "sophomore Keith Whitney will step into a bigger role this season.

 Anthony Gutwein showed flashes of his potential off the bench last season and will also step into a more significant role this season. "Anthony is ready to make a big step up in production," said Starr. We have a lot of confidence in him."

 With all five starters back, the Cougars look like a good bet to return to the post-season after a one-year absence.

 " They really want to be better, and I've seen the work they have put in," said Starr. 

 The Laconia Sachems push the re-set button after the graduation of five seniors, including former Player of the Year Keaton Beck. "We are going to be very young this season, but I'm excited about this group and the future," said head coach Steve McDonough.

 He isn't lying. The Sachems will feature six sophomores on the roster as they look to adjust to playing without a 6'6 center in the middle of the paint. "We had Keaton for four years and his older brother Demarco (former all-state center DeMarco McKissic) before him, so we have been a little spoiled. We will need to rebound as a team," said McDonough.

 Caden Tucker is the team's leading returning scorer at 7.2 ppg and will be joined by fellow returner Brady Stevens at the forward spot. "Caden is the heartbeat of our team," said McDonough. "He will help us in a number of different ways. He can score on the low block, so we will look to utilize him there this season."

 "Brady was forced to play out of position at guard last season because of injuries, so it is good for him to be back at the forward spot," said McDonough. "He has a high basketball IQ and is willing to do all the little things that help you win."

 Matt Robinson gives the Sachems a shooter who can spread the floor, while Carter Jones is a good athlete who will immediately contribute on both ends.

 6'6 "Tristan Parker will man the middle, while football standouts Ryan Walsh and Jake Tryon will have their opportunity to contribute immediately.

 Brendan Dee, Wady Minaya, Sean O'Sullivan, and Kyle Cameron lead a strong sophomore class. "The sophomore group is coming off a strong JV season and ready to contribute for us," said McDonough. "There are a lot of positions up for grabs, and they will be in the mix."

 "It will take us some time, and we will have growing pains, but this is a good group, and they are excited to get started."

 The John Stark Generals were in the playoff mix all the way to the regular season finale and hope to eliminate any mystery surrounding their playoff chances ahead of time this season.  

"We have seven players returning, and it's a good group," said longtime head coach Mike Smith. 

"We have the athletes, and they are putting the work in; it's just about improving week to week because this is going to be a deep division this season."

 Hayden Pond has been on varsity for four years and returns to the Generals' backcourt. "He has taken his game to another level," said Smith. "He has put the work in and will be more of a scorer for us this season."

 Aiden Harris returns after averaging 9.8 ppg last season and will be joined in the starting lineup by all-state football standout Joey Dykstra. "Joey is tough as nails and a very good athlete," said Smith. "He is one of those glue guys that helps you win games."

 Sophomore Carter Geaumont has had a strong pre-season ("His basketball IQ is off the charts," said Smith) and will be joined in the rotation by senior Cam Carpenter.

 A pair of seniors, Noah Redman and Cedar Beaupre, are also expected to contribute immediately.

"We fell just short of the tournament a year ago, and like it always does, it came down to one possession here and one missed assignment there," said Smith. "We have an experienced group that should compete for the post-season again."

 The Kingswood Knights will look to follow their all-state guard back to the post-season with a roster of two—and three-sport standout athletes.

 " We have a good group of athletes, including two new football team players," said head coach Joe Faragher. " We'll go as Brady goes; he does everything for us."

 Brady is all-state guard Brady Moulton, who returns after averaging 17.8 points per game last season. " Brady is a coach's dream, and his competitiveness rubs off on his teammates," said Faragher.

 "He wants to win everything from the game down to the sprints at practice."

 Kolby Brown is a standout baseball player who steps into a prominent role at the forward spot. " At 6'4" and with his athleticism, he has the ability to really help us this season," said Faragher.

 Thomas Benker is a shooting guard who can space the floor with his ability to knock down shots, while Noah Leighton will also step into a more significant role from day one.

 Two all-state football players, Garrett Burke and Tyrese Ryder, give the Knights size and speed to compliment a deep and talented backcourt.

 " We have a lot of production to replace, but I have confidence in this group. We are excited to get started."

 The Plymouth Bobcats must replace four of their top five scorers and their head coach from last season's tournament team.

 After serving as a top assistant last season, Gavin Brickley takes over for Ben Cronin (who stepped away to spend more time with an expanding family).

 "We have a lot of key pieces that need to be replaced, but that has brought a lot of intensity to our practices," said Brickley. "There are a lot of opportunities, and the kids are working hard to earn theirs."

 Turner Oldenberg averaged 7.2 ppg last season and looks poised for a breakout season as a junior. "He has had a good off-season and played well here in the pre-season," said Brickley. "He is a complete player, and we will rely on him to score for us."

 Luke Legacy returns to the rotation and will be joined in the starting lineup by point guard Kyle Dodge. "Both can really pressure the ball and help disrupt the other team's offense," said Brickley. "Kyle may be our hardest worker. He's just a really coachable kid."

 6'2 "forward Jake Sanborn will step into a more significant role this season ("Jake shoots it really well and will help us right away," said Brickley). Additionally, Eddie Pope and Peyton Long both shoot the ball well and are expected to contribute immediately.

 Isaac Benton is a forward who will also step in and play immediately.

 "We have a solid amount of juniors and seniors but not a ton of experience at the varsity level," said Brickley. "I'm optimistic we will come together; it's a good group to work with every day."

 The Lebanon Raiders look to take another step forward with a good mix of senior leadership and talent amongst the underclassmen.

 " We have a group that has played a lot of basketball but not at the varsity level," said second-year head coach Blendon Salls. " It's about teaching good habits, and we'll work to get better by the week."

 Miles Saunders worked his way into the rotation last season but will play a significant role from day one this season. " He has worked his way back from injury and will be huge for us," said Salls. 

 " He helps us in a number of different ways and is set to have a very good season."

 Point guard Myles Nolan will be handed the keys to the Raiders offense and brings senior leadership, while Ethan Gray and Tyler Rainey are expected to contribute immediately.

 Nehemiah Billings returns to the starting lineup as one of the team's best defensive players. " Nehemiah has the ability to guard all five positions on the floor for us," said Salls. He will play a big role for us."

 

  Pre-Season First Team All-State   (*Pre-season Player of the Year)

  Jake Reardon of Bow *

  Evan Berkley of Pembroke Academy

  Chase Frizzell of Sanborn

  Matthew Jernigan of Oyster River

  Dylan Rego of Sanborn

 

  Second Team

  Brady Moulton of Kingswood

  Will O'Connell of Milford

  Aiden Gray of Merrimack Valley

  Devin Riel of Pembroke Academy

  Weston Hickman of Souhegan

 

  With apologies to: Jack Matson of Coe Brown, Ryan Close & Max Cail of Con ValDaven Bailey of Kennett, Peyton Larrabee & Brendan O'Keeffe of Bow, Alton Williams & Dylan Kelley of Hollis-Brookline, Andrew Fitzgerald of Pembroke, Trevin Edmunds of Manchester West, Turner Oldenberg of Plymouth, Nick Oglesby of Merrimack Valley and Brady Hegan of Pelham. 

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