In 2026, Division III will have a new look, as Belmont aims to defend their first-ever boys' basketball championship.

 Of the fifteen players named to our three NHsportspage All-State teams last March, thirteen have either graduated or moved on to prep school.

 The only returning players are guards Eli Whipple of Kearsarge and Bryce Ballou of Mascoma, who were second-team selections.

 This change means many players will be stepping into more significant roles, creating uncertainty across the division.

 Today, in our fourth of eight pre-season previews, we will analyze the race based on conversations with twenty of the twenty-two coaches in the division.

 Our preview is sponsored by our great friends and longtime partners at NHTI in Concord!

Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

 1. St Thomas

 2. Belmont

 3. Mascoma

 4. Gilford

 5. Kearsarge

 6. Fall Mountain

 7. Hopkinton

 8. Monadnock

 9. White Mountains

10. Newfound

Lurking outside the Top 10: Prospect Mountain, Derryfield, Stevens, Conant, Inter-Lakes, and Campbell.

 The St Thomas Saints are replacing their three best players from last season: player of the year Cole McClure (22.5 ppg, now playing for Phillips Exeter), Finn De Tolla, and Anthony Settineri.

 So, how is Dave Morissette’s team the pre-season #1?

 The Saints get the nod because they can legitimately go 10 deep, have scoring in the backcourt, a point guard ready for his moment, and size across the lineup. Plus, a former college head coach is leading them.

 “ We are very athletic, very big, and much improved,” said Morisette. “ We may not have a superstar, but we have a lot of players who really put in the work over the off-season and want their opportunity to show people they are better than people across the division think.”

 6’5 Brady Livas (“He has become a leader for us and looks poised for a breakout season,” said Morissette) and 6’5 Jack Brennan, coming off an all-state football season, will man the paint for the Saints.

 They’ll be joined in the rotation by returning starter Joe Mollica and newcomers Ives Miles ( “ Ives really gets after it on the defensive end,” said Morissette. “ He’s a hard-nosed player.”), 6’4 Becket Farrand and lefty Nathan Zmijewski. “ They all bring something to the table, and each will contribute immediately.”

 6’4 sophomore George Sorber has improved his game, while junior Kaveesh Sharma is a three-year varsity player.

 Replacing McClure and Settineri in the backcourt will be junior point guard Ryan Allard and sophomore Grant Baker, who hit two key three-pointers in a quarterfinal win at Campbell last season.

 “ Ryan has come so far from where he was a year ago,” said Morissette. “ He is in complete control of the offense and will turn some heads this season.”

 “ Grant was good as a freshman but ready to make the leap as a sophomore. He’s capable of knocking down shots, beating you off the dribble, and his defense is improving. He’s set to have a good season for us.”

 Nolan Salvatore is expected to contribute right away for a Saints team looking to win their second title in three seasons. 

 “ I love coaching this group. I find myself excited to get to the gym every day,” said Morissette. “ We have a lot of interchangeable parts and kids working to earn their roles. That has led to some very good practices.”

 “ They feel like they have a lot to prove and are excited to get started.”

 Typically, losing your top three players—especially three who had all-state seasons—would cause a defending champion to fall back to the middle of the Division III pack. However, the Belmont Red Raiders look poised to continue their title defense deep into March.

 With an all-state forward returning and one about to join them, Belmont has the talent, depth, and experience to be back in the winners' circle at Keene State College three months from now.

 " We lost our three best players, but we have a lot of players back who contributed to our winning a championship," said third-year head coach Tony Martinez. " This is a different team, but we have the same mindset, and that's to be there again in the end."

 6'4 forward Brody Ennis (5.6 ppg last season) steps into a lead role as a junior. The Red Raiders forward is one of the best defenders in the division and will get more scoring opportunities this season.

 " In my mind, he is the best defender in our division," said Martinez. " His offensive game has improved, and his basketball IQ and understanding of the game have grown as well."

 6'3 freshman Evan Martinez was a dominant player at the middle school level and is ready to step into the starting lineup from day one. " Evan works extremely hard at his game," said his father/head coach. " He may be new to the team, but he has played with this group for years, and it has been a seamless transition bringing him in."

 Wyatt Carroll takes over the point guard spot after coming off the bench last season. " Wyatt has a lot of experience and was a big part of our team last season," said Martinez. " He sacrificed a lot for that group. He also knocked down a couple of big shots against Newfound for us, and if he doesn't, we might not have won that game."

 Replacing 33 points and 18 rebounds a night from Keegan Martinez and Anakin Underhill is not only a challenge, but it's also not realistic. 

 Owen Viar, Kyle Bryant, and Cam Lemay are all 6'2 or taller, and each is expected to contribute right away. " I have a lot of confidence in the three of them," said Martinez. " They have worked hard over the off-season and are ready for their opportunity to contribute."

 Joining them in the frontcourt will be 6'3 Gino Montalto, who Martizes calls the surprise of the pre-season. " Gino did not play basketball last season, but he's big, a very good athlete, and has really put himself into the mix."

 Senior guard Brady Fysh fills the glue guy role ("Brady has come in focused and playing extremely hard," said Martinez) for a team that can go eight to nine players deep in the rotation.

 The loss of two 6'5 all-state big men and their all-state point guard, Treshawn Ray, is going to be challenging to replace, but with Ennis and Martinez capable of all-state seasons and experience with Carroll at point guard, they remain one of the teams to beat.

 " We know the focus is on us, and we will take that one game at a time," said Martinez. " But we are ready. We played all fall and summer to prepare, and we are ready to hit the ground running with this group."

 The Mascoma Royals will look to advance to their fourth consecutive final four under head coach Silas Ayres, behind eleven seniors and a pair of all-state standouts in the backcourt.

“ We have three starters back and a lot of experience across the program,” said Ayres, who was a 1,000-point scorer at the school. “ Players are stepping up into more prominent roles, so that is a focus aligned with building our depth.”

 All-state guard Brayden Pierce (18.7 ppg) was lost to a season-ending injury on February 21st against Newport. Doctors cleared Pierce, but he will need time getting up to speed as the Royals open the season Friday night.

“ He’s begun practicing, but we are going to take it slow,” said Ayres. “ We got a lot of shots up in the fall, but getting up to game speed will take time.”

 All-state point guard Bryce Ballou had a breakout season as a junior, averaging 17.2 ppg, and is more than capable of taking on the lead role for the Royals. “ Bryce is set to have a very good season for us,” said Ayres. “We are going to rely heavily on him, especially early on, and he is more than capable of leading the way.”

 Declan Lyons gives the Royals a good/physical defender, while brothers Connor & Aidan Hemmerling fill the glue guys (guys?) role. “ They do whatever you need to help you win games,” said Ayres. “They are big pieces to the team we are looking to become.”

 6’5 center Colin Meyers returns to the starting lineup and will be joined in the frontcourt by all-state football lineman 6’7 Kyle Rostron.

 Ayres is very high on the return of senior Dylan Cannon, who was dedicated to becoming a perimeter threat over the summer. “ Dylan has really put in the work,” said Ayres. “ He is a great kid and is shooting the ball very well.”

All of which makes Mascoma a good bet to be in the mix in March once again.

“ We hope to be playing our best basketball this season,” said Ayres.

  Gilford head coach Rick Acquilano had two words to describe his Golden Eagles as they began practice two weeks ago: " Banged up."

 Actually, three words: " Really banged up."

 The bruises came from Gilford's first-ever football championship win over arch-rival Laconia. As the Golden Eagles heal, they have the pieces to once again be in the mix after back-to-back quarterfinal runs, followed by three (and a half) straight Division III championships.

 " I usually have a pretty good feel for what a team will become by this point of the season, but it's difficult to know with this group," said Acquilano. " We have a good group that understands how to compete, and I really like the younger guys moving up for the JV level. That was a team of willing  passers, and when you add that to the mix, you're only going to get positives out of it."

 Senior Mark Uicker quarterbacked the football team to a title and returns at the forward spot after averaging 11.2 ppg last season. " Mark is a tough kid who loves to compete," said Acquilano. " He has an ability to get to the basket that opens up the offense around him."

 6'4 Henry Sleeper looks poised for a breakout season at the other forward spot after averaging 10.1 ppg last season. " Henry plays hard at both ends of the floor, and that's something I've always appreciated about him," said Acquilano. " He has shown scoring in flashes and if he can be consistent, is set to have a very good year for us."

 Sophomore point guard Owen Hawkins (4.6 ppg) earned his way into the rotation last season and now takes over the point guard spot vacated by the graduation of Brendan Baldi. " We are going to put more on his plate this season, and Owen looks ready for an increased role," said Acquilano.

 Defense and rebounding in the post will come from 6'4 Emmett Hughes, a key contributor on the football team, and 6'5 Ryan Folan, while Gavin Forrest will be one of the team's best defenders.

 Acquilano likes what he's seen from junior Owen Wolpin in the preseason, who is expected to contribute immediately.

 " We are getting a bit of a late start, and it will take this group some time to come together, but I am excited about our potential," said Acquilano. " If we can get healthy and work as a unit, we should be a solid team once again by the time the tournament rolls around."

 After the graduation of four starters from last year’s runner-up team, it might appear to outsiders that this is a rebuilding year for Nate Camp’s Kearsarge Cougars. 

 However, with the preseason player of the year and a strong core from a successful JV team, they are set to hit the ground running as they aim to make another deep run in March.

“We lost a special group of seniors, and that’s not something you’re going to replace overnight, but I really like the group we have coming to the gym, and they are focused on getting better every day,” said Camp.

 Junior guard Eli Whipple led the Cougars in scoring last season at 14.9 ppg, but it was his performances in the finals run that turned heads across the division. 

 Whipple scored a game-high 24 points in a semifinal win over Mascoma and led the Cougars with 15 points in the loss to Belmont.

“ I’d say he is stepping into a lead role for us this season, but the truth is he already did that in March,” said Camp. “ At some point last season, we all, the players and the coaches, realized Eli was our best scorer, and he took on that role and played great.”

 Joining Whipple in the backcourt will be point guard Blake Grieco and shooting guard Bragen Kinzer. “ Bragen can handle the ball or play on the wing off it,” said Camp.

“ Blake has really come along and will be running the point for us.”

 6’2  Davin Boehle returns at the forward spot after coming off the bench last season and will be joined in the rotation by junior point guard Ryland Fitzgerald, Quinn Cusick, Carter Wheeler, and a pair of talented freshmen, Hazen Weathers and Tanner Stafford.

“ We start the season working to build an identity for a new group, but I feel like we got off to a great start with that over the summer,” said Camp. “ I really enjoy coaching this group and am excited about their potential.”

 Former Merrimack head coach Tim Goodridge, one of my all-time favorites, had a mantra he repeated every few seasons on our preview calls, “ You win with seniors in March.”

 Fall Mountain head coach Nate Haskell may want to put that quote on a poster leading out of the Wildcats' locker room. Ten seniors will be on the roster of a team that advanced to the quarterfinals last season before falling to eventual champion Belmont.

"There is a different level of focus from seniors," said Haskell. "They got a taste of success last season, and they understand this is their last time around."

"We feel excellent about the group we have."

 The Wildcats return four starters from an 11-5 team but will need to replace leading scorer/all-state guard Ledger Willet and his 17.8 points per game. "You are not going to have a player replace that production, but as a group we feel like we have better depth than a year ago," said Haskell.

 Luke St. Pierre (15.7 ppg.) is coming off an all-state season and looks poised to take on the role of go-to guy late in games. "Luke has come back bigger and stronger," said Haskell. "He's improved his mid-range game, and I believe he will be a player of the year candidate."

 Zach Hearne (9.4 ppg) will step into a more significant scoring role and will be joined in the lineup by point guard Max Wyman and Evan Parker.

"Evan is coming off a good soccer season and has looked good in the pre-season."

"Zach can shoot the ball and gets to the rim."

"Max has put a ton of work in and has come in ready to run the offense."

 6'4 center Josh Town will provide defense and rebounding alongside 6'5 Lennon Doescher, while Quinn Mitchell is also expected to contribute right away. 

"We feel confident that we can go deep into the bench with little to no drop off, "said Haskell. "Beating Raymond (in the first round) was big for us last season, but it was a tough road having to go to Belmont in the quarterfinals."

"We want to earn an easier road and make some noise in March," said Haskell. "We couldn't be more excited to get going."

 It will be a new look Hopkinton Hawks squad this season as head coach Liam McNicholas welcomes eight new players to the roster.

“We have four returners and a whole new team after that,” said McNicholas.

“ Our size will be an advantage, and we want to be known as a good defensive team that dominated the glass.”

 6’3 guard Ben Normand returns after averaging 11.7 ppg last season and looks poised for a breakout season. 

 Normand came on strong at the end of the season, scoring 21 and 23 points in close losses to quarterfinal teams Fall Mountain and Newport. “ We saw what he was capable of at the end of last season, and he’s carried that over and improved, “ said McNicholas. “ He’s set to have a very good season for us.”

 6’6 forward Kristof Cauley returns to the starting lineup after averaging 5.7 ppg last season and will be joined by 6’8 newcomer, by way of Norway, Edvard Lienauff. “ Edvard is a great addition,” said McNicholas. “ This is only his third year playing basketball, but he has all the tools and ability to be a big factor for us on both ends of the floor.”

 Kyle Buelte takes over for the graduated Noah Aframe at point guard and will be joined in the rotation by forward Jackson Westover and 6’4 Nick Goddard.

“ It will take us some time to come together, especially with eight new players, but we are excited about the potential of this group,” said McNicholas.

 The Monadnock Huskies will look to get back to the tournament after a one-year absence behind one of the best sophomores in the division and a solid core of returners.

 It’s a program and a community still reeling from the loss of classmate Tucker Johns in October.

“ Tucker was our glue guy and a beloved teammate,” said head coach Jim Hill. “ We will miss him on the floor and spiritually. It’s been a very difficult time, and as a community, we are working to mourn his loss together.”

 Point guard Kobe Kidney returns after averaging 12.3 points last season and takes on a senior leadership role for the Huskies. “ He’s a leader coming off a strong football season and a championship in baseball,” said Hill. “ He’s improved as a passer and competes to win every night.”

 6’4 sophomore Sumner Hill-Goodell averaged 12.9 ppg as a freshman and looks poised for an even bigger season in year two. “ He’s a special player and someone who will be a tough act-up for teams on the block,” said Hill.

 Mateo Clinton gives the Huskies someone who can defend four positions on the floor, while 6’4 sophomore Curtis Steiner looks poised for a breakout season alongside Sumner Hill-Goodell.

 Guard Jack Colbert averaged 4.3 ppg last season and is set for an increased role this season.

“ This is a really fun group to coach, and what stands out is how well they get along off the court,” said Hill. “They have come together and come in focused for the season.”

 The White Mountains Spartans put a scare into Gilford in the first round of the tournament before falling on the road 57-46 to end their season.

 Nine months later, Eli Vincent has a team capable of making someone drive to Whitefield instead of the other way around. "We have five seniors and a very athletic group," said the Spartans' head coach. "We don't have size, we are going to push the pace and try to get out in translation. There's good chemistry in practice, and we feel good about where we are starting from."

 Junior guard Kasen Smith returns after finishing tenth among Division III scorers at 17.2 points per game. "The sky is the limit this season for Kasen," said Vincent. "He can play point for us, and will at times, but we like him off the ball where he can create on the wing."

"We want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible."

 6'1 Landon Foss returns at the forward spot along with four-year varsity member Deagan Stover and guard George Welch.

"George handles the ball well and is effective in the open court," said Vincent. "Defensively, we want to create as much chaos as possible, and we have the personnel to do it."

 Ryland Bennett is another athletic guard who will step in and play right away, along with Colden Szurley and Noah Marier.

"I've coached all three of them at the youth levels, so it's been great to have them back in the gym as a part of the varsity," said Vincent. "They are all coachable and athletic. I'm anticipating a lot of improvement over the course of the season."

"We want to earn a home playoff game this time around. This is a group with a lot of upside, and we are excited to get started."

 The Newfound Bears, who have not advanced to a final four since 1996, caught the attention of the rest of the division last season when they took eventual champion Belmont to the wire and then knocked off runner-up Kearsarge 57-47 on February 4th.

 With their all-state forward returning and a good nucleus back as well, Kurt McCandless' Bears are looking to not only get back to the tournament but make a little noise once they arrive.

"We want to build off of last season and take the next step as well," said McCandless. "Last year we learned that we could compete with the best teams in the divisions, the Belmonts, Kearsarge, and Gilford's. This year, we want to win those games and not just put a scare into people."

 Junior all-state forward Jayden Belyea returns and looks poised to make the jump in ability you see from many juniors. "He's a lefty shooter who has really worked to develop his game," said McCandless. "He's an improved passer and is someone who attacks the rim off the dribble."

"He is a huge part of what we will become as a team."

 McCandless calls 6'3 Connor Hemingway a good compliment to Belyea in the frontcourt, a slasher who can get to the rim and the foul line.

 Daniel Sherkanowski will take over the point guard duties after being the backup last season, while power forward Caiden Herbert has looked good in the pre-season.

"We have the pieces; it's now about playing at a high level consistently," said McCandless.

 McCandless is excited about the potential of freshman Miles Barney, while lefty Nate Arnold is also expected to contribute immediately.

"Developing depth is going to be crucial, but we feel good about this group," said McCandless. "We had a taste of success last season, and they are eager to take another step forward."

 Prospect Mountain will be competing for a top 8-seed and a home playoff game behind an all-state sophomore and a lot of new faces.

“ We are extremely young, but we have a lot of upside,” said third-year head coach Tyler Somers. “ How we develop is obviously the key, but I have a lot of confidence in this group.”

 Colby Whitehouse returns after finishing 13th in the division in scoring at 15.9 points per game as a freshman. “ He can play either guard spot and is ready to take the reins this year,” said Somers. “ He is an excellent athlete and has looked very good in the pre-season.”

 Wyatt Bubar will provide defense and three-point shooting for the Timberwolves alongside Heath Dunne and Bryce Lounsbury, while a pair of newcomers look poised to make an immediate impact.

 Freshman point guard Owen Bubar (“He’s an outstanding player who is going to help us right away,” said Somers) will join his brother Wyatt in the rotation along with 6’5 Colby Hall and Franklin transfer Vinny Tilton.

“ Vinny has been a great addition, and Colby has a ton of potential as a player,” said Somers.

“ We have a very coachable group that plays the game the right way,” said Somers. “ We only have three seniors on the roster, so there is a lot to be developed over the course of the season, but we expect to compete for a home playoff game this season.”

 Two years after leading Profile to the Division IV title and one season after leading Alvirne to a top 8-seed in Division I, Mitchell Roy takes over at Derryfield after a 2-16 season in their first season in Division III.

"I loved my time at Alvirne, but I had a career opportunity I couldn't pass up and am very happy to be at the Derryfield School," said Roy. "We return almost the entire team from last season. It's an athletic group that wants to get better. They're eager to prove themselves."

 Sam Fazelat returns at forward after averaging 10.5 points per game last season. "Sam has been a big help to me, just with his effort and attitude," said Roy. "He's added the ability to score from several levels on the floor and is going to have a very good year for us."

 Nate Boudreau and Jake Larson will each see time at point guard. "Nate competes his tail off and can shoot it," said Roy. "Jake is a good defender and a talented athlete."

"Nate and Jake might be the two best on the ball defenders I've ever coached," said Roy.

 They'll be joined in the rotation by Liam Caesar, Blake Moskov, and senior Logan O'Leary. 

 A pair of underclassmen, sophomore Obi Mousa and freshman Mitch Labbe, have impressed Roy in the pre-season and will get the opportunity to contribute immediately.

"We have focused on the fundamentals and the kids have been very receptive," said Roy. "They want to get better, and we are working at a goal of getting back to the tournament every day."

 The Stevens Cardinals gave Mascoma a scare for three quarters in the first round a year ago, and hope to get back to the postseason with three starters returning.

“ We have a group that can get up and down the floor, so that will be a focus this season,” said head coach Matt Dancosse. “ I believe we have a good chance to be a better team than we were a year ago.”

 The optimism begins with point guard Owen Wilkinson, who returns after an all-state year as a sophomore. “ He has come into this season bigger, stronger, and more confident,” said Dancosse.

 Junior guard Jacoby Robert scored 19 points in the playoff loss to Mascoma, and his head coach is confident he can carry that production into his senior season. “ Jacoby is very effective on the move, if we can get out in transition or trjn teams over, the better he is going to be for us,” said Dancosse.

 Forward Oliver Stone and Justin McGuire are expected to contribute right away, along with newcomer Tyson Dipaola, who started for Newport last season. “ Tyson is a very good athlete and a big addition for us,” said Dancosse. “ He will play point forward and will start right away.”

“ We have limitations offensively, but this is a team that can get after it defensively and on the glass,” said Dancosse. “ If we focus on those two areas of the game, we have a chance to have a good season.”

 The Conant Orioles will look to get back to the Division III tournament with four new starters after the graduation of three and the loss of Hunter Schultz to prep school.

"We are very young," said head coach Jimmy Peard. "We only have five upperclassmen on the roster, so having the returning players work with the newcomers is critical for us."

 Drey Seppala (6.6 ppg) returns at point guard and has led by example from day one. "Drey works extremely hard, and he has taken the new guys under his wing," said Peard. "He will guard anyone on the floor, runs our offense for us, and has been great here in the pre-season."

 Jaiden Nagle has also taken on a leadership role for the Orioles and will start this season after coming off the bench as a sophomore. "Jaiden does a little bit of everything for us to help us win games," said Peard.

 Peard describes Kaiden Charron as a 5'9 forward who plays like he's 6'4. He will also step into a starting role for a team working to find an identity.

"We have young talent on the roster, and it is a very coachable group. They are playing hard," said Peard. "But it is raw talent, and we need to pick up the offense and understand our reads. That will come, it will just take time."

"It's Conant, so the expectation is always to be in the tournament, and I believe we'll be there in March."

 Zach Swanson begins his second season as the Inter-Lakes Lakers head coach with four returning starters and a valuable year of experience. "You approach being the head coach in such a different way in your second season," said Swanson. "Although I had been an assistant coach for years, there's a big jump when you take over the program."

"I'm better equipped today to put the players in the best position possible to succeed."

 The Lakers look like a playoff team a season after missing the playoffs and will be led again by Jackson Downs (14.7 ppg), who is coming off an all-state season in football. "Jackson has stepped up his game from where people saw him at the end of last season," said Swanson. "He's a complete player, and the sky's the limit."

"He's a very good athlete and a great kid. I can't say enough good things about him."

 Also returning to the starting lineup are Jake Ambrose (10.8 ppg) and Riley Moher. "Jake was always a good shooter. We want to see him getting to the rim as well this season," said Swanson. "Riley has improved and gained confidence after a good football season."

 Tom Briody gives the Lakers another player who can affect the game on both ends of the floor, while former Gilford Golden Eagle Jackson Gelo has been a good addition. "Jackson loves the game and works hard," said Swanson. "Coming from Gilford, where he played for Rick Acquilano, he has a very good understanding of the game and the work ethic it takes to succeed."

 Kiernan Donnelly, Damien Adorno, and Landon Ambrose were all standouts on the football field for the Lakers and are expected to contribute again this winter.

"There were games last season where we played hard, but we just weren't ready to close them out," said Swanson. "We feel confident we are taking a big step forward this season. The goal is to get back to the tournament."

 It will be a rebuilding year at Campbell after all five starters graduated from a 15-2 team. "We lost a very good senior group, so it will take time to build back up with a new group," said head coach Justin DiBenedetto.

"It's a complete 180 from where we were last year with a senior-heavy, experienced roster."

 Junior Jayden Medina earned valuable minutes last season as one of the Cougars' top defensive players. He now ascends into a lead role for DiBenedetto. "Jayden is a very good defender and someone we have a lot of confidence in. His offensive game is developing, and we are excited about this potential."

 Sophomore Nate Federico will not only take over for graduated all-state guard Cayden Deleon at point guard, but the first-year assistant coach will also mentor him. "Cayden working with Nate has been terrific for us," said DiBenedetto. "Nate is already a good shooter, and now he is developing his game as a point guard."

 Juniors Jeremy Rafuse and Adam Correau will step into more significant roles and contribute right away, along with senior Nate Lencki, who is returning from injuries last season.

 Freshman Evan Denwiddie has played well in the pre-season and will get a chance to join the rotation.

"We want to build a defensive identity and focus on getting better by the week," said DiBenedetto. 

 After a 0-16 season a year ago, Kevin Dame’s Winnisquam Bears have the look of a tournament contender behind a talented young nucleus.

“  We knew last season was going to be a tough one, and it was rough not coming away with a win,” said Dame. “ This season has a completely different feel to it. We like the group we have, and you can see improvement across the board.”

 Sophomore Carter Lloyd returns after leading the team in scoring as a freshman. He will be joined in the lineup by Dio Katsigionnis and Isaac Singleton. “ Carter is a three-spot athlete who works extremely hard,” said Dame. “ Dio hit the weight room over the off-season and looks like a different player.”

 Travis Tibbets gives the Bears scoring on the perimeter, while freshman point guard Owen Poole will be handed the keys to the offense on day one. “ We saw Owen coming, how he played at the middle school level, and after seeing him with us all summer, we know he is ready to be a starter at this level,” said Dame.

 Sophomore TJ Akers is also expected to step into the rotation right away.

“We don’t have size, so we will look to become a very tough team defensively and get out in transition. We have the players & the athletes to be successful with it.”

“ I’m excited to get to the gym every day to work with this group, and they are excited to prove themselves.”

 The Somersworth Hilltoppers begin the season with heavy hearts after the loss of teammate Caleb Dipietro in early November.

“ Losing Caleb has been unthinkable and has hit close to home for a lot of us,” said second-year head coach Jeff Gregiore. “ We miss him every day and will try to honor his memory this season with our effort.”

 The Hilltoppers will look to replace four starters from a four-win team last season. “ We are learning to play together,” said Gregiore. “ We are undersized but very athletic.”

 Jackson Gregiore is the lone returning starter. A guard who fills the glue guy role for the Hilltoppers. “ Jackson is a blue-collar player who leads by example,” said his father/head coach. 

 Jeff Bruton will step into the starting lineup after he battled injuries last season. “ Jeff has looked good here in the pre-season,” said Gregiore. “ He can be elite defensively, and that’s a role we are looking for him to fill.”

 Sophomore Diamonte Pough may be the team’s most improved player and is expected to contribute immediately. “ He has played very well for us,” said Gregiore. “ The ball will go through him on offense, and he is ready for us to put more on his plate this season.”

 Shooting guard Jevera Politton and senior Eliel Amparo give the Hilltoppers scoring on the perimeter and rebounding for an undersized team looking to get out and run. 

“ We feel like we have a group that is going to be competitive night to night,” said Gregiore. “ The kids are buying in and working hard, so I expect us to look like a much different team in February than we do today.”

 Brothers and former all-state athletes, Ethan and Andrew Houde, take over a Newport Tigers team that reached the quarterfinals a year ago behind the all-state duo of Aaron Fellows and Christian Forsythe.

 Ethan and Andrew coached together at the middle school level before Ethan was Rob Clark's lead assistant a year ago. "I've come up through the system since leaving college, and we planned to take over when Rob stepped down," said Houde. "Coaching with Andrew has been great. The kids are learning so much from him, and it's gotten us off to a strong start in the pre-season."

 Tyson Dipaola is now at Stevens, leaving Adrian Sanchez (9.9 ppg) as the only returning player who averaged over four points a game last season. "Adrian was great for us on the glass; he might have averaged ten rebounds a game last season," said Houde.

"He is our most experienced player, he's a team captain and someone we are going to lean on heavily."

 Forward Aidan Couitt is an elite athlete who could also average double digits in rebounds. "Aidan has an ability to go and get the ball that not a lot of players possess," said Houde. "We are developing his game in the half-court, but he is a terrific athlete and will help us on both ends of the floor."

 Ayden Hodge and Cam Nerenburg have each improved over the offseason, while Brycen Flewelling and Connor Clark are expected to contribute right away in the Tigers' backcourt.

 Freshman Jaxson Lord, last seen quarterbacking the football team to a playoff berth, will also get a chance to crack the rotation right away.

"It's a lot of upperclassmen that don't have a ton of varsity experience, so this is a bit of a unique team," said Houde. "I feel good about the amount of athletes we have on the team and the fort level, so we'll work to take it day by day and learn to work as a team."

 It will be a brand-new lineup for Jim Gallagher and the Raymond Rams, who have one starter returning from a team that finished 12-6 a year ago.

“ We graduated six seniors (including NHsportspage Senior team member Drezell Duffaut) and lost our center Aidan York when he left for Berwick (ME) Academy,” said Gallagher. 

 Add to that a pair of football injuries, a season-ending injury to Jaiden St. Jean, and one to Ronnie Cordwell that could keep him out until January, and the Rams are looking at a complete rebuild.

“ We did not have a productive summer, so it leaves us a little behind to start the season.”

 6’5 Jack Jewett will step into the starting lineup alongside Tyler Brooks (“ Tyler is an outstanding athlete who works extremely hard,” said Gallagher), while Jackson Waterhouse, Michael Chirichiello, and freshman Jackson Wall are all expected to contribute immediately.

 Guard Jacobi Cumberbatch was the lone senior on the roster as the Rams began the pre-season.

“ We will work to get better every day by focusing on doing the little things right,” said Gallagher. “ We expect to be competitive; it just might take a little time for us to come together as a group.”

 

 Pre-Season First Team All-State

 Eli Whipple of Kearsarge

 Bryce Ballou of Mascoma

 Brody Ennis of Belmont

 Kasen Smith of White Mountains

 Ryan Allard of St Thomas

 

 Second Team

 Evan Martinez of Belmont

 Grant Baker of St Thomas

 Luke St. Pierre of Fall Mountain

 Ben Normand of Hopkinton

 Jayden Belyea of Newfound

 With apologies to: Brayden Pierce of Mascoma, Colby Whitehouse of Prospect Mountain, Sumner Hill-Goodell & Kobe Kidney of Monadnock, Zach Hearne of Fall Mountain, Henry Sleeper and Mark Uicker of Gilford, Owen Wilkinson of Stevens, Jackson Downs of Inter-Lakes, Edvard Lienauff & Kristof Cauley of Hopkinton.

 

Coming tomorrow: Division II