To begin last season, everyone knew that St. Thomas was the clear-cut favorite, and it showed in their dominant 37-point title-clinching game.

 This season feels different. With the teams that return, it is fair to say that there is no definite number one in this division. The sense that many coaches get is that every night will be a challenge, and the top ten could change on a nightly basis.

 Division III is interesting as always, but there will be a new wrinkle this year as we embark on a journey to Keene State College starting this Friday night.

 Today, in our third of eight pre-season previews, we take a deep dive into Division III.

 Brought to you by our friend and partner, Kevin Shaw of Sotheby's International Realty!

 

Pre-Season Top 10 Rankings

1. Fall Mountain

2. Prospect Mountain

3. White Mountains

4. Berlin

5. Hopkinton

6. St. Thomas Aquinas

7. Kearsarge

8. Monadnock

9. Gilford

10. Stevens

Lurking outside of the Top 10: Raymond, Belmont, Newport, Conant

 

 Fall Mountain returns an experienced core looking to make one last run together. “This is a group that we rolled a ball out for as freshmen and had them go play eventual champion Concord Christian and then Kearsarge as sophomores,” said head coach Matt Baird-Torney. “You start to understand the experience factor this year. My takeaway early on has been their attention to detail. They are now valuing the small things.”

 The Wildcats were able to make it to the title game last season, but a sour taste was left in their mouths after being routed by St. Thomas. With eight seniors returning, they feel they have a chance at redemption.

 The biggest loss will be the graduation of all-state forward Clara Stewart. “The one question mark for us is finding that player who sets the tone when we most need it,” said Baird-Torney. “Clara would be the one to score eight to ten points in the first quarter or give us a hustle play. That will be tough to replace.”

 A great place to start will be point guard Sophia Grillone, who has been running the show since she was a freshman.

 “Every year she has added something not just to her game, but also something that helps her teammates succeed,” said Baird-Torney. “She has taken another leap forward this year. I am excited to coach her, but even as a fan, I am excited to watch her play this year.”

 Grillone brings a high IQ to the Wildcat lineup and keeps her team within the flow of the game. Her slash and kick ability help this offense flourish.

 “Point guard at our level is so important,” said Baird-Torney. “She knows what we are doing. The girls trust her, and she is on the same page with me.”

 Abby Jarvis is a player who is intentional with everything she does. “If there is a rip through it will be textbook, if there is a rebound she corals it with effort,” said Baird-Torney. “I think she has the ability to be one of the best defenders and shooters in the division.”

 Jarvis is the defensive catalyst for this group and has been a reliable outside shooter who has worked on getting downhill over the offseason.

 “It is all levels with her now,” said Baird-Torney. “She has become the leader who can lead through her actions on the court and is always reminding the girls why they are here. She is the first one who reminds us we are doing this to have fun.” 

 Riley Beckwith has had her first healthy offseason in over a year after coming off ACL surgery coming into last season. 

 “Riley has come back stronger,” said Baird-Torney. “She can be a traditional back-to-the-basket big, or someone who can attack from the perimeter or on the baseline. We saw glimpses of that a lot last season.” 

 Her speed is a big factor for the Wildcats' ability to play at a fast pace and get out in transition at will.

 “She is someone who likes to get up and down,” said Baird-Torney. “I am just happy she is coming in comfortable and ready to play.”

 Kelsey Fillion is one of the many on this roster who could lead the team in scoring on any given night.

 “She does a great job of getting out in transition,” said Baird-Torney. “She brings a great level of intensity to the defensive end as well.”

 The same goes for Aubrey Thomas and Jenna Fillion. Thomas had many big shots over the course of last season and will continue to give the Wildcats an offensive spark.

 Jenna Fillion could not miss against White Mountains in the quarterfinals. Her shot-making has improved, and she should be in a similar role to the one she was in a season ago.

 “She is someone who continues to grow and flourish,” said Baird-Torney. “I feel like Jenna, Kelsey, and Aubrey could all lead us in scoring, steals, or deflections any night out.”

 Seniors Siera and Emma King give Fall Mountain great depth. “They came in to many games last year, and there was no drop off from our first unit,” said Baird-Torney. “They can play a couple of different positions and give us lineup flexibility.” 

 Juniors Lydia Vogel and McKailah Russell will see an uptick in minutes and solidify a rotation that goes 10 deep.

 “It is a luxury to have players like Lydia and McKailah,” said Baird-Torney. “We can continue to play the way we want to when they are out there.”

 Fall Mountain has hopes of returning to where they were a season ago and have been in years past, but they know it is a journey.

 “We were 15-1 last season and had a number of games that were within three to four points at halftime,” said Baird-Torney. “We have the ability to be a top-tier team, but we do it all together in different ways. We understand we won’t have it every night. How we make adjustments will be key. The way our locker room responded in the second half of last season let me know we were ready. The hope is we don’t get too high or too low and figure out what it takes to make another run.”

 Following an impressive regular season and run to the quarterfinals, Prospect Mountain returns a year more experienced and hungry for more.

 “We are still finding our footing,” said head coach Isiah Anderson. “If I can project, I think we should be just fine. I like our group.”

 Four starters return for the Timberwolves. Elena Munoz-Martin is the lone loss from that group, but the newest addition will be reigning Division IV Player of the Year Kourtney Kaplan, who transfers over from Franklin.

 “We will see how Division IV translates to Division III,” said Anderson. “I am expecting her to be on the floor quite a bit.”

 Kaplan eclipsed the 1,000-point mark last season for the Golden Tornadoes and brings immense scoring ability and unmatched athleticism to the Prospect Mountain lineup.

 She will pair nicely alongside leading scorer Madelyn Howlett. “I am interested to see how teams will guard us with the addition of Kourtney,” said Anderson. “Madeylyn got everyone’s best defender last year. She saw double teams. Having both of them on the floor gives us some advantages.”

 Howlett also made an impact on the defensive end to pair with her elite scoring ability, making it hard to take her off the floor.

 “Our scoring dipped when she was off,” said Anderson. “We have more options this season, so we will be able to keep her fresh.”

 Ava Foster will make the transition to the perimeter this season after sustaining a lot of wear and tear down low as the lone forward with height last season. The addition of softball first baseman Kylee Guptill will give the Timberwolves more stability and physicality inside.

 “Ave is a terrific scorer,” said Anderson. “She does a lot better faced up to the basket. Playing her on the perimeter will only help her get to her spots more.”

 Delaney Drolet should have an expanded role this winter. “I think she will surprise some people and give us depth,” said Anderson. “She had a great offseason.”

 Seniors Paige Harding and Madison Miller are impactful leaders. “They keep us organized,” said Anderson. “They are vocal and know what we like to do. Paige is like a coach on the floor for us.”

 Freshman Leah Gard will see full-time varsity minutes this season and could impact the point guard position for the Timberwolves.

 Last season, this group took many by surprise. This year, that is not the case. Expectations have risen, and this team is ready for the challenge.

 “We were a game out of being a top four seed last year,” said Anderson. “It isn’t unrealistic to say if we aren’t in the Final Four, it would be disappointing. The girls understand the task at hand.”

 White Mountains was pleased with the quarterfinal appearance they made last season, but they have aspirations of going another step forward this year. 

 The loss of Emma Simpson will not be an easy one to get around, but head coach Chris Foss has confidence in his team. 

 “We will pick up the pieces,” said Foss. “The core we return is still young but experienced. They have won 13 and 14 games the last two years, and they have won a playoff game. They have a lot of experience at a young age.

 Juniors Harper Rowe, Olivia Lorenz, and MacKenzie Foss have had an impact on this team since they were freshmen. “We want them to pick up where they left off last season,” said Foss.

 Rowe is a lethal scorer for the Spartans at all three levels and now takes over the ball-handling duties that Simpson had taken on over the last few seasons.

 “She is a phenomenal ball handler,” said Foss. “She can hit from long range, she can drive and finish. She is a complete package on that end.” 

 Lorenz will play down low, specifically on the backline of White Mountains' patented 1-3-1 defense.

 “Whether it is in zone or in man, she always draws the toughest assignment,” said. “She is a freak athlete. She bangs on the boards and does a great job of running out in transition and scoring easy points.”

 MacKenzie Foss has a great track background, along with Lorenz, so their speed is something the Spartans want to use at all times.

 “She will be at the top of our zone,” said coach Foss. “We want her to get out front and finish whenever possible.”

 Senior Kaya Nkwen-Tamo has a knack for the ball on the defensive side of the ball. “She is someone who causes a lot of problems for opponents,” said Foss. “With a good combination of defense and scoring from the other three, we will be in good shape.

 Laycee Engerson could round out the starting five after an impressive playoff performance as a freshman.

 “She really stepped up big time for us,” said Foss. “She has a knack for scoring and finishing around the rim. She is a lefty, so that gives us a different look. We will need her to step up.” 

 The Spartans have true depth for the first time in a long time, with Jenna Kenison, Reese Dubois, and freshman Alyana Whipple rounding out the rotation. 

 “They give us flexibility and optionality,” said Foss. “It will be nice to have options to work with.”

 With a division that feels wide open, the Spartans want to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them.

 “We have been knocking on the door of the Final Four,” said Foss. “They want to get over that hump, and I think we have the pieces to do that.”

 Following a 12-6 regular season and a top-eight finish, Berlin returns a core headlined by six seniors who are ready to go on a deep postseason run.  

 “That group has been committed to the program for four years,” said head coach Don Picard. “They understand what the expectations are.”

 Caitlin and McKenna Kelley have been integral to the Mountaineers' success over the last few seasons. 

 McKenna brings a sense of calmness and experience to the Berlin lineup. “She is our security blanket,” said Picard. “She has worked at her offensive game a ton. She can face up and also attack the basket off the dribble.”

 She has been in many big spots for the Mountaineers across multiple sports. She was an all-state goalie for the field hockey team, and became the starting pitcher for the softball team this past spring.

 “She is an imposing figure,” said Picard. She is a super unselfish player. I am optimistic about a good year for her.”

 Caitlin led the Mountaineers in scoring at 13.7 points per game last winter. After a strong AAU season, her offensive repertoire has expanded.

 “I look for her to score around the basket, but she has also added a 12 to 15 foot game as well,” said Picard. “If teams sag off, she can knock down that shot, which will help us a lot.”

 Olivia Richard and Emma Rancloes will share point guard duties. “Both are interchangeable whether on the ball or off it,” said Picard.

 Kennah Scott should see an expanded role this year. “She is a very good on-ball defender,” said Picard. “Her offense picked up to a point where she worked her way into a role where she played a lot more than expected. She has gained a lot of confidence.”

 All of these players were all-state honorees in field hockey. They played their way into the Final Four, and Picard hopes that experience will translate onto the hardwood. 

 “This is a very mature group,” said Picard. “They have experienced success in multiple sports. They want to have that same success in basketball this season.”

  Chloe Golden has been a standout in the preseason thus far. “She really worked at her game in the offseason,” said Picard. “She doesn’t play a fall sport, so she was in the gym with me three days a week, working. I am thrilled with where she is, at this point.”

 Amelia Jacques has worked her way back from a torn calf and is going at full speed already. 

 “She brings a strong interior presence,” said Picard. “She plays with contact and physicality. She was a player who had strong scoring outputs on a few occasions. I am hoping for more of the same from her.”

 Rose Kelly dealt with injuries throughout most of last season, but has made good progress towards carving out a rotation spot.

 Sophomores Reese Griffin and Brooke Laflamme bring athleticism and a hard-nosed mindset to the bench. “I love having them around,” said Picard. “They fit that tough and physical mold a lot of my boys’ teams had back in the day. They fit right in.” 

 An off-court addition to this group is the return of Pete Peare, who will be the lead assistant for Picard. “He hasn’t seen this group for a few years and is really impressed with their growth,” said Picard.

 Hosting a home playoff game was a big accomplishment for this program, but they have their sights set a bit higher this time around.

 “Do we have potential for a Final Four run? I think so,” said Picard. “They will have to work for it. I want to start by focusing on earning a home playoff win. They have seen it with our hockey team. There is a barrier with the glass. On the court, the fans are right there. I want them to have that experience and get a feel for what it is like.”

 Despite losing their top two scorers from a season ago, Hopkinton should be firmly in the mix this season.

 “I think there is a perception that we are going to be rebuilding or down from last year. I don’t feel that way,” said head coach Mike Mahoney. “I feel confident in this group. They are a group that wants to get better. They want to put in the work, they want to play.”

 Shaylee Murdough and Sydney Westover were prominent forces in all four years they played at the varsity level. Now, those role players around them will need to take another step forward.

 “The big thing will be everyone taking on a bigger role,” said Mahoney. “It will take time to see where those pieces fit.”

 Seniors Zoe Bishop, Helen Yeaton, and Paige Boudette are hungry to push the Hawks back towards contention.

 “They all had that run to the championship game,” said Mahoney. “That experience will help.”

  Bishop will help fill the void Westover leaves behind down low. “I am excited to see her take on that five-spot for us,” said Mahoney. “She brings good versatility as a defender and an option on offense. She is someone you will have to guard from 15 feet out.”

 Yeaton is the definition of “right place, right time”. “You look at the state sheet, and she has a good game,” said Mahoney. “She won’t score 20, but you will feel each stat line. She is an under-the-radar player, but she does a lot of positive things for us on the floor.” 

 Boudette brings a lot of athleticism to the Hawks’ lineup. “We want to get her out in transition, running the floor,” said Mahoney. “She is active defensively and has quick hands.” 

 The biggest addition to the lineup will be Lexi Korbet, who moves over from John Stark after leading the Generals in scoring last season.

 “She has been great,” said Mahoney. “Lexi is a fundamentally sound player who can do a little bit of everything for us. Her ability to handle, knock down the outside shot, and attack the basket will be key. It will be good to see her step in and take on a big role for us.”

 Korbet could be put into a lot of the same spots on offense that we saw Shaylee Murdough flourish in the past few seasons.

 “You can never replace a player like Shay, but she will help alleviate some of that loss,” said Mahoney. “The biggest thing I am telling her right now is to look to shoot and be aggressive. We need that from her.” 

 Ella-Mai Johnson had a lot of bright spots as a freshman, and in year two, she is in line to start at the two-guard spot.

 “She will take on a much larger role,” said Mahoney. “I want to get her shots. She has the ability to be one of the stronger three-point shooters in our division.”

 Ellie Collins has shown a lot of growth from last season to now. “She may be asked to handle the ball a little bit,” said Mahoney. “She will probably be asked to play every position on the floor. She is a basketball kid through and through.”

 Madi Belanger had a big developmental summer for the Hawks. “She has grown a lot and fine-tuned her jumpshot,” said Mahoney. “She is going from fighting for time last year to being a big part of what we want to do this year.”

 In a division that saw a lot of turnover, the Hawks see the opportunity in front of them to try and make another deep run.

 “I expect a home playoff game,” said Mahoney. “We have that ability. If we play to our potential, we can be a top-eight caliber team.”

 Reigning champion St. Thomas will have a different look both on the floor and on the sidelines with Zach Snow taking over as head coach.

 It was a dominant title run for the Saints, who were rarely challenged throughout the regular season, and even in the finals, where they walked away as 37-point winners.

 A majority of that roster has graduated, so a new mindset and game plan will have to be thought out by the Saints. 

 “We lack height but make up for that with skill and IQ,” said Snow. “Our motto for the season is ‘Talk and Box’. We need to rebound and make sure we are communicating.”

 Emma Toriello will be the number one scoring option for the Saints, and has put in the work to take her game up another level.

 “She is a phenomenal leader,” said Snow. “She is mature and can see the game from a different lens. She is great at coaching up the other players.” 

 Toriello may be the best slasher this division has to offer. Her first step is second to none, and her jumpshot is still something you have to worry about as well.

 Without the likes of Genna Bolduc and Emilie von der Linden beside her, opposing defenses will do their best to limit her as much as possible. 

 Freshman Molly Gaynor should make an immediate impact. “She has a great feel for the game,” said Snow. “She has played at a high level and is prepared to play against varsity-level talent.”

 Her height will be something the Saints take advantage of, but she still provides the ability to face up and attack the basket.

 Junior Julianne Stowell will take over the point guard role that Lila Anthony played so well the last two seasons. 

 “I think she is up for that challenge,” said Snow. “We need her to lead the offense and be an extension of the coach. Emma will still see time on the ball, but we want to get her off the ball when possible to utilize her skills.”

 The Saints were the presumed favorite last season, and played like so. With that, there were not many challenges this group had to face.

 “They didn’t have to overcome much adversity last season,” said Snow. “This year is going to be different. When we face challenges, will we react or respond? There is a difference between the two.”

 Even with the significant losses this roster has faced, they will still be among the teams in Division III that will be in the conversation late in February and March. 

 “This is just a great group of girls to coach,” said Snow. “We are ready to get to work and see what we can do.”

 Kearsarge hopes to keep heading in the right direction following an 8-10 regular season and a thrilling back-and-forth matchup with Monadnock in the first round last year.

 With the graduation of Ava Shapiro, Ociee Ilg becomes the senior leader for the Cougars. “She is ready to lead the team on and off the floor,” said head coach Steve Lavolpicelo. “She has stepped up her game on both sides of the ball.”

 Ilg has been a starter for three seasons and has always brought a strong defensive presence to the lineup. Her offensive game, especially from the perimeter, has taken a step forward in the last two seasons.

 Junior Naimah Wilson proved she could be an impact player as a sophomore and is primed for a breakout season.

 “She worked really hard in the offseason and continues to improve,” said Lavolpicelo. “She is a high-energy player. I think she is ready for a big year.”

 Wilson flourished down the stretch of last season and helped her team almost pull off a first-round upset. With an offseason of work behind her, Wilson is on an upward trajectory. 

 Sophomore Madden Huff had a lot of big moments as a freshman and returns as a full-time starter.

 “Her all-around skillset has improved greatly,” said Lavolpicelo. “Having a year of experience under her belt will be a huge help.”

 Fellow sophomore Kaelan Finnegan looks like a breakout candidate for the Cougars. “She was someone who gave us great minutes off the bench last year,” said Lavolpicelo. “She had a great summer getting stronger and maturing. Her skills are improving daily.”

 The pieces are still coming together, but if the Cougars can play as they did in the second half of last season, they have a great chance to be in the mix come playoff time.

 “We want to have a competitive season, and we want to continue improving every day,” said Lavolpicelo. “I think we can do that, but we will learn what that means as the season goes on.”

 Monadnock has a young roster after losing a core of seniors who were integral parts of the program the last four years.

 “We lost a lot of strong leadership from last year,” said head coach Eric Fazio. “It is a different group, but things are going well so far.”

 Marlee Carroll-Clough and Ella Santaw are the lone starters returning from last season's Final Four squad, and both will have more responsibility this season.

 Carroll-Clough can score in double figures on a nightly basis and brings stability from a ball-handling standpoint.

 “I think she is an all-state guard,” said Fazio. “Her ability to push, get to the rim, and shoot from long range are big. This year gives her more scoring responsibility. She has welcomed that role.”

 Distributing the ball will also be something Carroll-Clough will be tasked with, especially feeding the post and finding Santaw on the low block. 

 “Ella has been great,” said Fazio. “She is a great rebounder, has great footwork down low, and brings great hustle every night.”

 Santaw will be tasked with going up against other great bigs across the division, but Fazio feels she can hold her own. 

 “I think she will make a name for herself this year,” said Fazio.

 Harper Blood will see a lot more time this season and brings athleticism to the Husky lineup. “She runs the floor well and has great defensive instincts,” said Fazio. “She can rebound for us as well. She is a name to watch for sure.”

 Jezz Fusco provides the ability to shoot from the outside, and Charleigh Bohannon will be a solid rebounding and post option after missing last year with an injury.

 The sophomores and freshmen have made an impression in the preseason, and some may carve out roles for themselves as the season goes on.

 As always, it will come down to defense for the Huskies. “We have to stay with that staple,” said Fazio. “I am looking forward to continuing our reputation of being a strong defense team and one that causes chaos. If we do that, we can be a playoff-caliber team.”

 Scott Currier’s Gilford Golden Eagles will have a different look this winter after graduating five seniors, including four starters.

 “We are super young,” said Currier. “Normally, our team is made up of athletes who are field hockey, soccer, or lacrosse kids. This year, a majority of our roster are hoop kids. That is exciting.”

 Seniors Skye Maltais and Abby Watson will be thrust into leading roles. “They saw the most time out of anyone returning last year,” said Currier. “We will lean on them to be our leaders.”

 Junior Grace Scott saw some time at the five last season, and should have plenty more opportunities to show her talent this season.

 “She has had to figure out how to be assertive,” said Currier. “She is starting to come along in that area.”

 Freshman Addison Hodsdon, Penny Flanders, Penny Lewis, and Taylor Marsh have the potential to be impact players down the line.

 “They are a talented group,” said Currier. “How they adjust to this new environment will be what I am looking for. How they adjust and have that growth mindset to figure it all out will be key. It will be directly tied to how we do.” 

 Even with a new roster, the style of play remains the same for Gilford: pressure and get out in transition. 

 “The tenants of what we try to do won’t change much,” said Currier. “We tend to get athletic kids. Why would we not take advantage of that? It is fun to get out and run. We want to play tough in the halfcourt and find easy ways to score in transition.”

 It will take time for this team to gel and find its footing, but they have potential down the line to be a competitive bunch.

 “With our unknown, I am not sure where we land,” said Currier. “This year, there is such a range of where we could be. I think we will have some competitive games throughout the year.” 

 After a surprise run to the Final Four as the 14-seed, Stevens will try and carry that momentum into this season.

 “That run gave them confidence,” said head coach Gabe Ferland. “They see what they are capable of doing when they put their mind to it.”

 Ferland was new to the team last season, so there will not be an adjustment period early on this time around.

 “It also gave them confidence in me,” said Ferland. “We are a bit more on the same page this season.”

 Defense was the calling card last season, and no one was better than Bella Bovell and Payton Ferland on that end of the floor.

 With Bovell having graduated and Ferland having moved away, they will need to pick up the pieces on that side of the ball.

 The addition of Madelyn Chambers should help with that. After taking a year off, she is ready to return and make a lasting impact.

 “She brings that defensive mentality from the soccer field,” said Ferland. “Her toughness and speed will be a great addition.”

 Audrina Pelton has been a staple of the Cardinal lineup for the last few seasons. “She seems to be dialed in,” said Ferland. “She had a very successful soccer season in net and wants to carry over that success.”

 Pelton provides rebounding and scoring on the low block for the Cardinals and will work well alongside Chambers.

 Lily Eagan will take over the role of starting point guard. “She looks ready to go,” said Ferland. “She knows what we need from that position and understands the game.”

 Gabby Rheaume will provide quality minutes for the Cardinals, and the same goes for Grace Goss, who really improved over the summer.

 “Grace is one of the few players who solely play basketball,” said Ferland. “I think she will fill a bigger role this year.”

 Bailey Morin showed good scoring touch last season and should see more opportunities to attack this season.

 “We want to be ready to go off the bat this year,” said Ferland. “I definitely think we are capable of finishing higher this year. We have a tougher schedule, but the leadership and experience we have should be able to put us on the right side of those matchups.”

 Raymond returns more depth and experience after a seven-win regular season last year. 

 Meadow-Miah Mitchell was a do-it-all player for the Rams as a junior. “She was our leading scorer and rebounder,” said head coach Tom Bourdeau. “She did everything for us. She was the only junior on the roster last season. This year, we will have three more seniors to go along with her.”

 Gianna Gott missed all of last year with a bad knee injury. After a healthy and successful soccer season, she returns alongside fellow seniors Claire Michalak and Sophie Huynh, who both played as underclassmen but took last season off. 

 “Clarie and Sophie both give me some height to work with,” said Bourdeau. “All three of them have earned starting spots.”

 Annette Darling started as a freshman and a sophomore, but will now take on a bench role that will still see her getting plenty of minutes.

 Joining that strengthened bench unit will be Isabella Gott and Avery Dean, who both started as freshmen.

 “It is not often you take three starters from a season ago and move them to the bench, but that is where they fit best,” said Bourdeau. “All three of them are going to have a large impact on our success and give us some stability off the bench.”

 Maddy Alfonso and Jemma Berard return as juniors after being away at private school last year. “They both will add more experience to our roster,” said Bourdeau. 

 The Rams were able to sneak into the playoffs last year, and this time around, they will try to solidify their spot with a tougher regular-season schedule to get through.

 “It will be interesting to see what happens,” said Bourdeau. “If we repeat our record from last season or improve on it, it could be a great season.”

 Belmont is looking to put the pieces together after losing five seniors from last season's 9-9 team.

 “That group all contributed at various points during last season,” said head coach Roger Carroll. “The underclassmen coming in are talented and should help us remain competitive.”

 Bailey Perkins proved to be a capable scorer last season and should see a lot of touches in the backcourt alongside Lyla McSheffrey.

 “Bailey is a great shooter and ball handler,” said Carroll. “Bailey and Lyla have played a lot of basketball. I feel good about our backcourt.”

 Sami O’Connor and Amelia Smith will control the paint for the Red Raiders. “They are both bigs who can score around the rim and rebound,” said Carroll. 

 Newcomer Olivia Nedobity will bring physicality and toughness to the lineup, while sophomores Gabriella O’Hara and Charlie Ekberg have both taken steps forward in their progression. “We need that group to help us defend, rebound, and get stops,” said Carroll.

 Freshman Payton Ellis should step in and make an immediate impact for Belmont, and sophomore Jenna Laramie got valuable reps last season and should see more floor time this winter.

 “We are young but not necessarily inexperienced,” said Carroll. “I like our talent level. We will be a defense-first team. Getting everyone to buy in is key, and I have seen that commitment to that end of the floor early on.”

 It will be a new-look Newport team after graduating seven seniors from last year’s 13-5 squad. “There are a lot of roles to fill,” said head coach Ross Dole.

 It is hard to replicate the impact that players like Taylor Fellows and Skylar Nelson made. The ball went through the hands of Fellows almost every time down, so adjusting to this new style of play will be the challenge for the nine varsity players who make up the roster.

 Zoey Lord had an all-state season last year as the pick-and-roll between her and Fellows was one of the toughest plays for any opposing defense to stop.

 With Fellows gone, Lord will need to look to create her own offense a bit more. “She will be a little more on the ball,” said Dole. “A lot of the offense will run through her both in the pick and roll and in the post.”

 The same goes for senior Brooklyn Ranney, who will take over as the Tigers' starting point guard. 

 “She has always been someone who has played off the ball, but now it will be in her hands a lot more,” said Dole. “She is a great athlete and should be able to adapt to that new role.”

 Hailey Hill saw minutes in spurts last season, but early on has looked like a player who will see the floor a lot this season.

 “She has stepped up already,” said Dole. “I feel like she can be someone who makes an impact every night.”

 There are a lot of holes to fill, but that is a challenge Dole is embracing. “It is exciting as a coach to figure out our personnel and see what fits best,” said Dole. “I still feel like we are a playoff-bound team.” 

 Newport put together a strong regular season last year, but with bad injury luck, they were not at full strength for their first-round matchup with Stevens.

 The Tigers have the opportunity to be a scary lower seed come playoff time. “For us, we need to get through the first four to five games of our schedule,” said Dole. “That is the heart of our season right off the bat. Where we come out of that battle-tested will shape the rest of our season.”

 Conant will look to rebuild around a sophomore-heavy core after graduating leading scorers Hannah Manley and Lola Hayes.

 “We don’t have a Hannah or a Lola that can take control of a game just yet,” said head coach Devon Spirka. “We will need to be team-oriented on both ends of the floor.”

 Ella Derosier showed flashes as a freshman and now gets an opportunity to have the ball in her hands a lot more as a sophomore.

 “Her confidence is a bit higher this year,” said Spirka. “That will keep going in the right direction with a larger role to play.”

 Derosier should share ball-handling duties with junior Myla Jones. “She is something that has a lot more potential than what she has shown in the past,” said Spirka. “I think it will take her a few games, but once she figures out what she is capable of in games, not just in practices, she will get more confident in herself.”

 Lone senior Violet Bennett brings experience and IQ to the Orioles lineup. “She has stepped up and become the vocal leader on the team,” said Spirka. “Everybody looks to her to provide some guidance and stability.”

 Merry Hill is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone, but she should return after the first few games and provide an instant spark.

 “She is a gritty and hard-working player,” said Spirka. “I think she naturally sets a tone. That will be a huge asset when she is back.”

 Freshman Regan Lucius has picked up the varsity speed quickly and could be a piece for the Orioles.

 “She has a very good handle on things for a freshman,” said Spirka. “She will be helpful in the post with her height.”

 As the offense comes along, defense will be the calling card for Conant. “We have speed and need to take advantage of it,” said Spirka. “Our defense will be how we generate offense. We are conditioning a lot early on to play that way. If we can bring energy and stay disciplined on that end, we can find success.”

 Inter-Lakes hopes to build off a 5-12 season that nearly doubled the wins they had in the last few seasons combined.

 Second-year head coach Pierre Doda is excited about the growth this team has shown so far. 

 “Last year, there was a focus on developing skills and going back to the basics,” said Doda. “There were ups and downs, but the experience we gained versus playoff teams will prepare us for the upcoming year.”

 Nearly the same roster returns, as last year's Lakers squad featured no seniors. “Our goal is to compete,” said Doda. “If we buy in, I believe we can make a run into the playoffs.”

 Four-year starter and honorable mention honoree Riley Anderson led the Lakers in a number of statistical categories and will once again be at the center of everything Inter-Lakes hopes to accomplish.

 “She is someone who leads by example,” said Doda. “She averaged a double-double and kept us in a lot of games. She continues to improve on all facets of the game.”

 Volleyball standout Emily Doda is currently injured, and her status remains up in the air for the season ahead.

 “We will see what happens with her,” said coach Doda. “Regardless, she is a leader and positive voice on the team and will continue to be that on the sideline.”

 Bella Kimball was the second leading scorer last year as a junior and wants to carry that momentum into this season.

 “She is our spark plug on both sides,” said Doda. “She has that bulldog mentality. She will be instrumental to our success as a secondary scorer. We will need her to distribute the basketball for us as well.”

 Brooke Taylor is another four-year player looking to carve out a bigger role as her jumpshot comes along.

 Gracie Stephens brings a passion for the game that is much appreciated by her coach and teammates.

 “She is someone who has the capabilities of shooting from anywhere on the perimeter," said Doda. “I am looking for big results from her.”

 Soriya Richards has shown great improvement from last season to now, and Tessa Mutney brings a dirt dog mentality to the defensive side of the ball.

 Esther Nunez joins the team from Spain and should find a role in the rotation this winter alongside sophomores Kate Taylor and Aubrey Bresse, who round out the varsity roster.

 “The goal right now is to mold these girls into basketball players,” said Doda. “The momentum is there from last season. I think getting to the .500 mark and getting to the postseason is a possibility.”

 Andrew Gora takes over at Campbell to kickstart a rebuild for the Cougars. “It will be an uphill battle, but we are going to scratch and fight for everything,” said Gora. “We have athletes, which is the one positive thing you can do anything with.”

 Senior McKenzie Ripley has bought into the process early on. “She is going to be a big part of this,” said Gora. “She has been through everything. She will be a great captain for our team at the guard spot.”

 Katie Fluet gives the Cougars true size. “She can bang on the boards,” said Gora. “At almost six feet, she will be good on the inside for us.”

 Juniors Amelia LaPlante and Kate Silver bring great athleticism to the lineup. “Their IQ will help us a lot,” said Gora. “They continue to work hard.”

 Makayla Swanson joins the team and should provide an immediate impact. “She can do a lot of good stuff for our team,” said Gora. “She has a great mid-range shot and should be able to handle the ball as well.”

 Zoe Bourque does a little bit of everything for Campbell and should be in the mix on a nightly basis.

 “We have a good core with those six,” said Gora. “They will propel us to where we want to be.”

 Gora hopes to get this team on the path to success, something he saw happen back in 2014 when Campbell won it all.

 “I want the program to get back to that point,” said Gora. “It starts with this group playing together, working hard, and trusting the process.”

 Winnisquam returns just two seniors from last year’s roster, as the rest of the team is completely new to the program.

 “Patience will be key for us early on,” said head coach Mark Dawalga. “We have kids filling new roles, and players are still learning one another. Expectations have been tempered down.”

 Leading the way will be all-state guard Caidyn Carter, who led the team in scoring at 17.3 points per game last season.

 Carter will see a flurry of different defensive looks thrown at her this season, but she has counter-moves in her back pocket to still score the basketball at will.

 “She knows what it takes,” said Dawalga. “She is a great leader and always a positive kid. She knows it will be a challenge at times this year, but she is up for it.”

 Fellow senior Bella Soucy missed some time due to injury last season, but is healthy and ready to make an impact. 

 “She is very active on the floor,” said Dawalga. “She is really more of a small forward, but she will probably play some big for us.”

 Freshman Alissa Jean will share some ball-handling responsibilities alongside Carter. 

 “I expect some good things out of her,” said Dawalga. “She has shown some things early on that should translate well.”

 The Bears will take their lumps, but by the midway point of the season, they hope to be in a position to compete.

 “The girls want to learn and get better,” said Dawalga. “It is going to take time, but we are excited and can’t wait to get going.”

 Newfound will look to continue building in year two under head coach Logan Bellanger. A majority of the roster returns after losing just one senior, so the group has picked up where they left off.

 “The continuity is the biggest thing for us,” said Bellanger. “We are in a better spot than we were last year to start the year. They are not taking the time to figure out what I am looking for.”

 Evie Bastarache and Bailey Dow will look to provide reliable offense for the Bears. “They are both incredibly similar players,” said Bellanger. “We are looking for both of them to give strong shooting from the outside,” said Bellanger.

 Leah McFarland sets the defensive tone for Newfound. “She is big on that end,” said Bellanger. “Her defense and how well she runs the floor help us create offense. Her rebounding has always been impressive as well.”

 Sophomore Katie Braman played nearly every minute of every game last season due to what she provided on defense.

 The hope is that his year her offensive game takes a leap. “We are looking for her to make the kind of impact she did on defense on the offensive end this year,” said Bellanger. “We want her to look for her shot more.”

 Emily MacLean joins the team after transferring in from Inter-Lakes. “She has fit right in with what we are trying to do,” said Bellanger.

 The foundation has been set for this team, and now they want to try and build towards being competitive in every game.

 “We want to add onto the baseline that was set last year,” said Bellanger. “We are still very young, so we want to focus on improvement every day. Every game we walk into,o we want it to be a game for all four quarters.” 

 Somersworth returns a young core under new head coach Isabelle Pafford. “This year will be about putting the pieces together,” said Pafford. “The girls seem to be working hard, and I am excited about what we can accomplish.”

 Only two full-time varsity players return for the Hilltoppers. Katelyn Lensky and Hannah Pincince will try to have their experience rub off on the others.

 Lensky has really taken on a leadership role as a senior. “She showed up to every open gym this summer,” said Pafford. “She will be the go-to guard on the court for us.”

 Pincince showed a lot of promise last season and will be a focal point as a sophomore. “She can really shoot the ball,” said Pafford. “She has someone who has also stepped up as a leader, taking the sophomores and freshmen under her wing.” 

 Seniors Jazlyn Chan and Olivia Sousa have been reliable through the preseason. “They have stepped up and been an example for our underclassmen,” said Pafford. “They will be great leaders for our team.”

 Pafford knows it will take time, but she is pleased with the progress she has seen in just a short time for her group.

 “Our motto this year is build the standard,” said Pafford. “I want to revamp the program and build upon the last couple of years, and work on the stuff I am bringing in. They have been a coachable group so far. I am excited for what is to come.”

 

 

Pre-Season First Team All-State

Emma Toriello of St. Thomas

Kourtney Kaplan of Prospect Mountain

Sophia Grillone of Fall Mountain

Izzy Korbet of Hopkinton

Marlee Caroll-Clough of Monadnock

Harper Rowe of White Mountains

 

Pre-Season Second Team All-State

McKenna Kelley of Berlin

Madelyn Howlett of Prospect Mountain

Zoey Lord of Newport

Olivia Lorenz of White Mountains

Abby Jarvis of Fall Mountain

Caidyn Carter of Winnisquam

 

With apologies to: Ava Foster of Prospect Mountain, Caitlin Kelley of Berlin, Riley Anderson of Inter-Lakes, Meadow-Miah Mitchell of Raymond, Riley Beckwith of Fall Mountain, Naimah Wilson of Kearsarge, Audrina Pelton and Bailey Morin of Stevens, Molly Gaynor of St. Thomas Aquinas, and Bailey Perkins of Belmont

 

 

Coming tommorow: Division II Girls & Boys Preview