When Jamie Walker's Woodsville Engineers won their fourth title in six seasons with a 51-48 overtime win over rival Littleton, they entered rarefied air in Division IV basketball history.

 No team had accomplished the feat since Mark Collins' Groveton Eagles won five titles in six seasons between 1998 and 2003. 

 In fact, it ranks behind only those Groveton teams as the best-run in the past 65 years. 

 For Woodsville to match it, they'll need to do it with a lot of new faces.

 Player of the year Ryan Walker returns, but is the lone starter after the graduation of three starters and a season-ending injury to Cowan Kimball during soccer season.

 Additionally, their head coach during the dynasty, Jamie Walker, stepped down to take over the girls' program, where his daughter, Makalya, is an all-state point guard.

 What it leaves us with is a defending champion who is a contender, but certainly not the team to beat.

 Today, in the second of our eight pre-season previews, we take a deep dive into Division IV, where 22 teams begin the season aiming to achieve what the Engineers accomplished at Colby-Sawyer College last March.

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

 Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

 1. Littleton

 2. Portsmouth Christian

 3. Newmarket

 4. Woodsville

 5. Groveton

 6. Hinsdale

 7. Moultonborough

 8. Farmington

 9. Concord Christian

10. Profile

Lurking outside the Top 10: Holy Family, Mascenic Regional, Epping, Nute, Pittsburg-Canaan, Franklin, and Gorham.

  As the Littleton Crusaders retreated on defense and Woodsville all-state point guard Ryan Walker waited for his teammates to get in position as he slowly dribbled the ball up the floor, Trevor Howard realized what his players were probably too busy to think about.

 Littleton, up by two, was fifteen seconds and one stop away from the state championship.

 A team that was in a 'rebuilding year' was about to knock off the team that had won three of the last four titles. All they needed was one stop.

 Walker, as he had for the entirety of the tournament and most of his career, got a step on his defender, broke down the Littleton defense, and found Ethan Fenn for an uncontested lay-up and overtime.

 Littleton's leading scorer, Sam Reagey, would foul out in overtime, and the Engineers would prevail, 51-48.

 Eight months later, the Engineers have lost four starters while Littleton returns four.

 The Crusaders have taken over the role of favorites.

"We've been the underdog the past two seasons when we made it to the final," said Howard. "I told the boys in practice, it's time to flip the script and carry ourselves like the favorites. They were all there, fifteen seconds away, and so they understand how difficult this will be, but they are embracing the challenge."

 All-state forward Sam Reagey returns after averaging 14.9 points per game, but it was his 29-point performance against Concord Christian in the semifinals that may have been a harbinger of things to come.

"Sam does everything for us. He rebounds, defends, scores, and is a leader," said Howard. "He made the decision this fall to be in the gym every day, shooting jumpers, and is set to have a very good season for us."

 Younger brother Daven started as a freshman and averaged 11.1 ppg. "He's bigger and gotten stronger," said Howard. "We want to see him be more consistent, and we expect that now that he's in his second year in the lineup."

 Point guard Marcus Hampson may be the Crusaders' X-factor, a point guard who can handle pressure, run the offense, and knock down shots. "We are really going to depend on him, and he has come in playing great here in the pre-season," said Howard. "He's much improved from last season, when he finished strong for us."

 6'3 forward Ryan Mahy gives the Crusaders size, rebounding, and defense in the paint. At the same time, Connor Roy, who scored 10 points against Woodsville in the title game, is fully healthy after battling an injury last season.

 Mason Allaire, Whalen Lemire, and Lucas White will provide depth for a Crusaders team looking to win their first title since 2016.

"The attitude and the effort level have been excellent in practice," said Howard. "We play a very good Portsmouth Christian team right off the bat, so we need to be ready. The boys are excited to get started."

 The Portsmouth Christian Eagles were beaten on their home floor, 67-61, by 11-seed Holy Family in the first round of the Division IV tournament.

 That disappointment quickly turned to a focus that finds PCA, with all five starters and their six leading scorers back, as a bona fide title contender heading into the 2025-26 season.

"Last season, there were a few games we lost because we just weren't ready yet; we didn't have enough experience," said longtime head coach Derek Summers. "We were so young last season, and getting knocked out in the first round really hurt, but these kids have come back working harder, and it began in the summer."

"It's a really fun team to come to practice with every day."

 All-state guard Cai Summers ranked seventh in Division IV scoring with 18.4 ppg. What he gives the Eagles is an elite athlete: a crunch-time scorer and a player who has seen it all as a four-year starter.

"He's added muscle and is very dedicated to improving his game," said his father/head coach. "What has impressed me the most about Cai is his leadership. He is taking the younger players under his wing and encouraging them. He holds the line, and it's been great to see."

 Zealand Marquis averaged 11.6 ppg last season and gives the Eagles another reliable scorer in crunch time. "Zealand has improved, and his defense is critical to our success," said Summers.

 Senior guard Josiah Ludwig has impressed his head coach in the pre-season ("His motor has been something to watch, just a ton of effort," said Summers. "I love how he's playing.”) while point guard Jackson Malone has improved his ball handling and court vision after averaging 7.6 ppg last season as a sophomore.

 Truman Smith gives PCA another shooter on the wing, while 6'6 Zach Beal has improved and will provide rebounding and depth, along with sophomore guard Sam Monahan.

"If we can become an elite team defensively and rebound the ball well, we are going to have a very good season," said Summers. "The offense, I feel good about, the focus has been and should be on rebounding and defense."

"We take care of those two aspects of the game, and we should have a pretty good year."

 The Newmarket Mules were on the doorstep of the Final Four in Nick Farrer's second season as head coach before losing a tough quarterfinal 39-35 to Gorham.

 All-state forward Jaron Labranche (17.3 ppg) has graduated and is playing for NHTI, but a solid core returns to one of the best defensive teams in the division. "We will hang our hat on our defense again, but there is a different look to this group," said Farrer. "We are flying around and using our athleticism."

 Matt Napoletano returns as the Mules leader/glue guy and is joined by returning starter Jackie Prompadit and guard Mark Vincent. "Mark gives us a play-maker out top," said Farrer.

"Jackie is one of the top defensive players in the division. He's getting the assignment against the other team's top scorer, and we know we can rely on him."

 A player to watch is sophomore Nick Minutelli, who showed flashes last season when he averaged 8.2 points per game as a freshman. 

 Farrer expects his shooting guard to take a big step forward in 2026. "Nick is going to make an impact and has put in the work to become an all-state level player," said Farrer. "It will be an adjustment for him as the team's key on him more than they did last season, but as he develops, he is going to have a very good season for us."

 Farrer calls Jefferson Folsom one of the team's most improved players and expects the Mules to have enough depth to press for thirty-two minutes. "We will look to pick up 84 feet," said Farrer. "The kids understand the system, and it is allowing us to play faster."

 The Mules have a team that can get to the Final Four. What needs to be identified is who replaces Labranche as the go-to guy when they need buckets late in games.

"We'll score by committee early and look to force turnovers and transition opportunities," said Farrer. "I see a lot of potential go-to players late in games and feel good about our potential as a team."

 The Woodsville Engineers will replace four starters, including head coach Jamie Walker, as they look to defend their title behind player of the year Ryan Walker.

 Former all-state point guard Derek Maccini takes over after serving as an assistant coach for the past five seasons. 

"It feels great to lead the program," said Maccini. "It has not been a difficult adjustment because we had a very unique coaching dynamic. I was given the freedom to run drills and even some practices, so I was very fortunate. It prepared me for being a head coach."

 Ryan Walker returns after averaging 16.9 ppg. in pursuit of a third Division IV title. "Ryan sees the floor at a coach's level," said Maccini. "At this point, after coaching him for three seasons, we can communicate pretty effortlessly when he's on the floor."

"His focus is on getting everyone involved and helping the other four players on the floor be at their best for the team."

 Returning starter Cowan Kimball was lost for the season after suffering an injury during soccer season, meaning the leading returning scorer after Walker totaled nine points last season.

 Brady Fish will step into a more prominent role as a starter in the backcourt and has his head coach's complete confidence. "Brady can handle the basketball and makes good decisions with it," said Maccini. "I feel like we are going to have a strong backcourt."

 Connor Ross and Cody Raymond will have the opportunity to produce right away at the forward spots as the new-look Engineers come together. "Connor will help us on the glass; he's a good athlete," said Maccini.

"Cody is a very good passer and really understands spacing on the floor."

"We are focusing on development, and the way I look at it is we have three months to come together," said Maccini. "We will have some struggles early, but we want to be playing our best basketball in February. That's when it really counts."

 Mark Collins’ Groveton Eagles will feature one of the best frontcourts in the division and a backcourt by committee as it looks to return to the final four.

“ We lost four of our top seven rotation players, but with the return of Ashton and Hunter, we return our two top scorers,” said the Hall of Fame coach.

 Parks averaged 16.4 points per game last season as a sophomore and gives Groveton a low-post finisher who can also step outside and knock down shots in the mid-range. “ He’s developed a jumper,” said Collins. “ We see a lot of zone up north, and he needs to be able to knock down mid-range and elbow jumpers.”

“ He’s a physical player and gives us good production in the paint.”

 Ashton Kenison averaged 12.1 ppg and had a game-high 26 in a first-round win over Epping. His head coach sees a more focused player as Kenison begins his senior season.

“ He has been no nonse from day one and very focused on making an impact,” said Collins. “ We had to have him handle the ball at the point last summer, out of necessity. That’s not what we want; we need him on the baseline, where he is a tough match-up for teams.”

 Rownen Perkins, Ian Kennett, and Landon Cloutier, who is back after sitting out last season, all will have an opportunity to run the Groveton offense. “If we can handle pressure and run our offense, we have a chance to be competitive,” said Collins.

 Guard Gage Collins is the resident Glue Guy who defends, is active on the glass, and makes the extra pass. “ Gage does a lot to help you win games,” said Collins. “ He’s physical, and we need more of that.”

“ If we can develop our backcourt, we have a chance to compete,” said Collins. 

 The Hinsdale Pacers, who play their home games in the Carl Anderson Dome, return four starters from the 10-8 team that was beaten in the first round of the tournament.

 Anderson has a team that not only will get back to the playoffs but also has the potential to make some noise once they arrive.

“ We have been able to pick up where we left off last season,” said Anderson. “ This is a hungry group. We had the best summer as a team in as long as I can remember, and we have started strong in the pre-season.”

 All-state forward Connor Dixon returns after finishing second in scoring in the division at 20.2 ppg and has taken on a leadership role as a senior.

“He’s a joy to coach, just a great kid,” said Anderson. “ He can take you off the dribble or come off screens and knock down jumpers.” 

“ He’s set to have a big season for us.”

 Chris Colon returns at point guard (“He’s got bigger and quicker,” said Anderson. “ He’s made that sophomore to junior season leap in ability.”) and will be joined in the lineup by shooting guard Trevor Corey, Caden Steever-Kilelee, and Elijah Colon.

“ We feel like we can go nine to ten players deep,” said Anderson. “ We have eight players back who started games for us last season. It’s rare to have that level of experience coming back.”

 Senior Grady Jutrus is expected to contribute immediately, along with glue guy Hunter Taylor and forward Jack Clark.

“ We lost a valuable player in John Winter, so you have players moving into different roles, but I feel great about where we are at,” said Anderson. “ We want to win a playoff game and see where that takes us after that. The kids are confident and excited to get started.”

 The Moultonborough Panthers snuck in the playoffs at 7-10 last season before being eliminated at Littleton in the first round.

 With an all-state guard and a good nucleus returning, head coach Rob Stokes expects to be back in the playoffs, and the goal is for their opponent to come to the Lakes Region.

"We have made consecutive trips to Litleton in the tournament. That's not a recipe for playoff success," joked Stokes.

"We have rotation players back and eight seniors on the roster, so this is a group I'm really excited about."

 All-state guard Brody Bacon returns to the backcourt and has the complete confidence of his head coach. "Brody is the catalyst for everything we do on offense," said Stokes. "Offensively, he can shoot it or get to the rim. The focus has been on his defense, and he is working to improve there."

 Stokes describes point guard Matt Driscoll as 'tough as nails' while 6'4 center Brett Johnson is expected to contribute immediately. "Brett can guard four positions on the floor and shoots the ball well," said Stokes. "He's a box score filler for us. Does a little bit of everything."

 Junior Landon Hoyt is a good athlete who gives the Panthers another ball-handler and shooter on the wing, while Matthew Kelley is a three & D guy who will step right into the rotation.

"We have had this core together for three years, and when you have seniors who understand it's their last time around, you come into a season with a lot of focus," said Stokes.

"The long-term goal is to earn a home playoff game, which hasn't happened here in quite a long time. From there, anything can happen," said Stokes. "Today the focus is on getting better every day."

 The Concord Christian Kingmen rolled to an undefeated regular season before being knocked off by Littleton in the final four.

 If Greg Farland's team is going to get back to the semifinals in 2026, they'll do it behind their all-state guard and a lot of players stepping up into more prominent roles.

 " We had quite a bit of turnover," said Farland. " We lost four seniors to graduation and three other players left for other schools."

 " It will take some time, but we are coming along, and the kids are working hard."

 Luke Farland returns after averaging 13.3 points per game as a sophomore. The all-state shooting guard gives Concord Christian a closer at the end of games and experience in the backcourt.

 " Luke is very intelligent and a hard-working kid," said his head coach/father. " He's taken on a leadership role, and it's been good to see him working with the new starters around him."

 Jonas Blackwood gives the Kingsmen quickness in the backcourt and defense, while 6'4 big man Daniel Center will provide rebounding and defense in the paint. " We have players who were on the team last season and are anxious for their chance to contribute."

 Cam Fortin is one of those players. A shooting guard who came off the bench last season but will play a more significant role this season.

 Point guard Anthony Owens will also contribute right away. " Anthony has good court vision and has really improved his ball-handling," said Farland.

 " We feel good about the group, we just lack the experience we had last season when we were able to hit the ground running," said Farland. " We'll look to improve by the week."

 It will be a young nucleus for Tim Clough’s Profile Patriots, with the graduation of five seniors, but with a talented group of underclassmen and even a few freshmen who will contribute right away. The goal is to get back to the playoffs and maybe make a little noise once they arrive.

“ This is a very young team but a group that really loves the game,” said Clough, entering his second season as head coach. “ There is a good energy in the gym, and this is the kind of team that I see making progress every week.”

 Daryion Faustin returns to the lineup after averaging 9.3 points per game last season. “ He’s a three-level scorer now and has really put in the work,” said Clough. “ He might be our most improved player.”

 Faustin will be joined in the lineup by all-state baseball player Tanner Schmarr, Braden Gignac (“He has shot the ball well and might be our hardest worker,” said Clough), and Carter Clough.

 Freshman Miles Constantine is expected to make an impact immediately, along with fellow freshman Baylor Harold.

“ Miles has come in right away, ready to contribute. He is set to have a very good career here,” said Clough. “ Baylor has a lot of potential as well. They’ll both be in the rotation for us.”

 Joining them will be brothers Trent and Trey Laleme, as well as senior Bryce Dimarzio.

“ The goal is to make the tournament and win a playoff game. As a young team, you want that experience, and the focus is on getting after it every day.”

 After a quarterfinal appearance under first-year head coach Samy Abdalla, the Holy Family Griffins will look to their all-state forward to lead them back in 2026.

 " We lost three starters from last season, so we'll rely on underclassmen to step into more significant roles," said Abdalla. " But it begins with Enzo."

 Enzo Yonkeau is an all-state forward who averaged 17.1 ppg last season and is the Griffins' only returner to average over five points a game.

 " Enzo can shoot the ball and has really improved on his ability to facilitate," said Abdalla. " There is going to be more on his plate this year because we need him to produce for us."

 Forward Owen Jackson should be one of the team's better defenders, along with Elian Gonzalez. " We will need our defense to keep us in games and create transition opportunities," said Abdalla.

 Max Williams returns to the rotation and will be joined by freshmen Jose and Elijah Pontacelli.

 " It will take some time, but the effort level has been good, and we expect to compete again with any team in the division."

 The Mascenic Vikings will need to replace the scoring of Lucas Leroux (fourth in Division IV scoring at 19.8 ppg), but they have a senior-heavy lineup ready to pick up where they left off last season.

 "We have five seniors, and it's a group that loves playing basketball," said head coach Matt Hagar. "We are ahead of where we were a year ago, so I'm encouraged by our progress."

 Chuck Phillips (10.1 ppg) and Brody Shaw return to the backcourt, while TJ Edgar and Wesley Derosiers are expected to contribute right away again.

"Brody is really coming into his own as a player," said Hagar. "TJ and Edgar should provide rebounding for us, and Chuck will handle the ball and be a key playmaker for us in the backcourt." 

 Parker Ketola and Colin Koukkari will both get an opportunity to contribute immediately for a team looking to return to the post-season after going 9-9 a year ago.

"We lost our leading scorer, and that's an adjustment," said Hagar. "If players try to take on that role themselves, we'll struggle. If we play team basketball, develop our rhythm and chemistry, we have a chance to compete with anyone in our division."

"We are building the program back up. We have a talented freshman group coming in and a lot of potential. I'm excited to see what we can become as a team."

 There will be a lot of new faces stepping into more prominent roles for the Epping Blue Devils, but led by all-state point guard Blake Snyder (14.5 ppg), there's no reason not to expect them back in the tournament again in 2026.

 "We'll be younger and smaller, but there is good chemistry with this group and real potential," said head coach Chris Goldsack. "Having an all-state player leading them doesn't hurt either."

 Blake Snyder returns after leading the Blue Devils to a 9-9 season a year ago. "He's a tremendous athlete, and there are very few players who can stay in front of him off the dribble," said Goldsack. "He will handle pressure defenses and get everyone involved while looking to score."

 6'2 forward Artemio Grigorjevs will be joined in the frontcourt by Benny Follansbee, last seen winning the Division IV baseball title, and newcomer Andrew Ayotte.

 "Benny is a captain for us and someone we can rely on," said Goldsack. "Artemio rebounds the ball well; he has very good instincts and has really improved over the off-season."

 "Andrew (who played JV at Sanborn last season) has been a great addition and someone who will help us immediately."

 Freshman Kosta Machos will have an opportunity to contribute as well, along with talented sophomore Jaquari Chase.

 Joining the rotation will be a trio of athletes, Brett Hynds, Jack Vigliotte, and Aidan Maclean, coming off a strong football season.

 "We had twenty-nine players come out, so that is the sign of a strong program," said Goldsack. "We have to identify what our strength will be as a team, and that is something that develops over the course of a season."

 "We have the pieces and are excited to see what we can become as a team."

 Nute will look to make a playoff push behind one of the top guards in the division and a returning core ready to surprise some teams in 2026.

 " We have had this group together since freshman year," said fourth-year head coach Steven Pires. " It's a very athletic group with nine seniors, so we expect to be a tournament team this season."

 Shooting guard Adrian Huff looks poised for a breakout season for the Rams after leading the team in scoring last season. " He's worked extremely hard and come in better than he was a year ago," said Pires. " He's stepped into a leadership role and is set to have a very good season for us."

 Brody Lehman and Ethan Burrows were standouts on the Rams quarterfinal baseball team, and both are expected to contribute immediately.

 " Brody is a good passer and just an excellent athlete," said Pires. " Ethan is going to be one of our better defensive players, and the team feeds off of his intensity."

 Freshman Josh Johnson will contribute right away after leading Nute to a middle school championship last season ("I'm excited about his potential as a player," said Pires), while Brady Babin and Ethan Lousier give the Rams depth and shooters on the perimeter.

 " This is the deepest team I've had in my time here," said Pires. " We'll look to pressure defensively and create scoring opportunities."

 " It's a great group, and they are excited to get started."

  Code Richards takes over at Pittsburg-Canaan as the Yellow Jackets look to return to the playoffs behind their all-state point guard.

 Daemon Jaimes returns after averaging 19.6 points per game (5th in the division) for an 8-10 team that lost in the playoffs to Concord Christian.

“ Daemon is our leader and like a coach on the floor for me,” said Richards. “ He’s the first player in the gym and the last to leave, so he sets a great example for his teammates.”

 Jaimes is one of the best scoring guards in the division and will be joined in the lineup by fellow returners Aidan Gray and Austin Owen. “ Aidan and Austin have good experience; they were rotation players last season, but they are stepping into more significant roles with the graduation of Joey Cristiforo and Drew Petit.”

 Brayden Woodburn might be the team’s most improved player and is expected to make an immediate impact as a sophomore. “ He’s going to surprise some people,” said Richards. “ He’s really put the work in over the off-season.”

“ We’ll work on getting out in transition but will also run more half-court sets this season,” said Richards.

 Carson Cross and Darren Clogston will add depth for a Yellow Jackets team looking to get back to the postseason.

“ I’m excited about the group and happy with their attitude and effort level,” said Richards.

 Dylan Rowen takes over at Franklin, where the Golden Tornadoes' focus is on a return to the postseason. 

"We played a good half against Newmarket (in the first round) and just came out flat in the second half. That left a sour taste in our mouths," said Rowen, who has served as an assistant coach the previous two seasons.

"We are looking to finish stronger this season, and it begins with focusing on the fundamentals."

 Nate Holmes returns to the starting lineup after averaging 14.1 points per game last season and will be joined in the lineup by Cody Williams and Matt Carlson.

"Nate is a scorer and one of our top defenders," said Rowen. "Cody is a player who can score at all three levels, and Matt might be our hardest worker."

 Corbin Wyatt will be handed the keys to the offense after coming off the bench as a point guard last season. At the same time, Tommy Nason, Cai Charbono, Holden Douville, and Tucker Pope are all expected to contribute immediately.

"We should be able to go eight to ten players deep," said Rowen. "We are talking every day about a focus on toughness, pace, and being connected as a group. We have thirteen players, and it's going to take all of us to achieve our goals."

 Coming off a Final Four run, the Gorham Huskies will need to replace the leading scorer in the division, Isaac Langlois, who averaged 22.5 points per game, and a three-year starter at point guard Jack Saladino as they look to remain in the upper echelon of the division.

“ We lost our three leading scorers and a lot of experience,” said 3rd year head coach Dylan Haynes. “ There is a lot more teaching going on, and so it will take time, but we have good athletes and some experience returning.”

 Mason Roberge, who is coming off an injury during soccer season, and Max Grondin (10.4 ppg) return to the starting lineup and will assume more prominent roles offensively. “ Mason can be a three-and-D guy for us,” said Haynes.

“ Max really played well for us last season. We want him to be more aggressive offensively, and certainly he will get more opportunities,” said Haynes. “ His rebounding and ability to score down low will be key for us.”

 Evan Gilbert will be handed the keys to the offense, replacing Saladino at point guard. “ Evan is a pure point guard who can score as well,” said Haynes. “ His ability to beat you off the dribble and create scoring opportunities is going to help us.”

 Jaxon Vallee returns at guard and is expected to contribute right away, along with shooting guard Owen LaPointe.

“ We are undersized, so we’ll look to apply pressure and create transition opportunities,” said Haynes. “ We want to dictate pace, and this is a group capable of being disruptive on the defensive end.”

“ The kids have been working hard and are eager to get started.”    

 Max Leblanc becomes the latest in a long line of players we covered who then became head coaches, and at 22 years old, the youngest head coach in the division after taking over at Lin Wood for Matt Manning.

 “ I’m excited for the challenge,” said Leblance, who served as the school’s middle school coach the past three seasons. “ I coached these players coming up, so that makes it an easier transition.”

 Brodie Murray (9.2 ppg) is the lone returning starter from a 7-10 playoff team last season. “ He gives us a shooter to stretch defenses on the perimeter and experience in the backcourt,” said Leblanc.

 “ Evan Bujeaud and Spencer Arpin are expected to step into the starting lineup and will be joined in the rotation by freshmen Cam Anderson, Tyler Johanson (a future all-state baseball player who looks exactly like Wiley Wiggins from Dazed and Confused), Kyle Weadon, and Ollie Bujeaud.

 “ We lack size, but we are going to try and outwork every team we play,” said Leblanc. “ We have two seniors, one junior, and a lot of underclassmen. So we are gaining experience and working to get better every day.”

 The Colebrook Mohawks will need to replace 35 points per game after the graduation of Jackson Weir and Dart Caulier.

 Where will those points come from? Likely from their defense.

"We are going to struggle in the half-court, at least early on, as we gain experience," said head coach Ryan Call. "We have athletes and the ability to turn teams over defensively, and so we will lean on that early on."

 Vinny Sanatamaria gives Colebrook a good defender in the backcourt while Bryson Fogg (7.2 ppg) is the team's top returning scorer. "Bryson showed flashes last year," said Call. "We need to see it from him consistently now."

 Cam Dowse will take over at point guard after an off-season working with former head coach and Hall of Famer Buddy Trask. "Cam came on late for us and earned some minutes as an 8th-grader," said Call.

"He's creative and has good potential; he just needs to get stronger and gain experience."

 Cooper Weir gives the Mohawks a shooter on the perimeter. "We are going to lean on Cooper," said Call. "He has the potential to be a scorer like his brother."

"We lack any size, so rebounding will be an issue," said Call. "That has to be a focus on every possession. If we come together as a group, we have potential, but right now it's a work in progress."

 Jay Darrah will continue to work to rebuild the Pittsfield Panthers, one of the youngest rosters in the division, as they work to improve on last season’s 2-16 record.

“ We have a two-year plan for rebuilding to the point where we are competing for a spot in the tournament. Right now it’s about learning the basics and improving by the week.”

 Sophomore Mason Wheldon returns at point guard. “He’s put in the work and really improved,” said Darrah. “ He needs to get stronger, but the effort is there.”

 Braiden Elliott averaged 8.2 points per game last season and will be joined in the starting lineup by 6’3 forward Gavin Martin.

“ Braiden benefited from the experience he got last season; the game has slowed down for him,” said Darrah. “ He will be someone we look to as a scorer again this season.”

“Gavin is working on doing all the little things right and is someone who wants to develop as a back-to-basket low-post threat,” said Darrah.

“ We have a very young team and only nine high school players on the roster. The focus is on building up our experience as well as the youth levels in Pittsfield.”

 It will be a lonely bench for Mount Royal third-year head coach Brandon Crummer, as the team will have only seven players suiting up when they take the court Friday night against Franklin.

“ Conditioning is obviously a big focus because these kids are going to be playing a lot,” joked Crummer. “ It certainly brings some challenges, but the kids are working hard and focused.”

 Things got a lot more challenging when Blaise McMenaman, a two-year starter at point guard, was lost for the season with an injury. “ Blaise was a huge part of our offense, so that is going to require players stepping up into more significant roles.”

 Addison Kangas and Clayton Griffin are a pair of 6’2 forwards who will give Mount Royal some size in the frontcourt, while Jimmy McAndrew will handle the ball in the backcourt along with Kangas and Griffin.

 Nick Lavertue has had a strong pre-season and looks poised for a breakout season at forward.

“ We are gaining confidence as a group and improving by the day,” said Crummer.

 "The goal and focus of this team are to build a culture and take the program on an upward trajectory. If we focus on the fundamentals and that goal, we are going to be successful.”

 The Lisbon Panthers return to Division IV after playing a JV schedule the past two seasons. 

 “ It was a difficult decision to move the program from varsity to JV only, but it was the right decision,” said fourth-year head coach Mark Locke. “ We had a big freshman class and a small number of upperclassmen.”

“ We focused on development, were able to compete, and now are happy to return to the varsity level.” 

 The Panthers will be led by Dawson Himes, Lucas French, and sophomore point guard Hunter Berrios. “ Dawson is a good athlete who will contribute on both ends of the floor,” said Locke.

 “ We competed in the summer league, and the players have adjusted to the speed of the varsity game.”

 Tyler Leno and Tucker Holbrook should provide outside shooting and scoring on the perimeter for a team that resumes varsity play Friday night when they host defending champion Woodsville.

 “ The focus is on continuing to move the program forward,” said Locke. “ We have a slew of young players coming up in our system, and there is a nervous anticipation about getting started again.”

 

 Pre-Season First Team All-State

 Ryan Walker of Woodsville

 Cai Summers of Portsmouth Christian

 Sam Reagey of Littleton

 Luke Farland of Concord Christian

 Enzo Yonkeau of Holy Family

 

 Second Team

 Daemon Jaimes of Pittsburg Canaan

 Connor Dixon of Hinsdale

 Ashton Kenison of Groveton

 Blake Snyder of Epping

 Brody Bacon of Moultonborough

 

With apologies to: Hunter Parks of Groveton, Marcus Hampson & Daven Reagey of Littleton, Zealand Marquis of Portsmouth Christian, Nick Minutelli of Newmarket, Adrian Huff of Nute, Daryion Faustin of Profile, Chuck Phillips of Mascenic, Nate Holmes of Franklin , and Chris Colon of Hinsdale.

 

Coming next Week: Divisions I, II and III