There are storylines aplenty as the Division I regular season kicks off tomorrow night after a very brief pre-season (Bedford and Pinkerton played a football game twelve days ago).

 Defending champion Bedford lost the frontcourt that outrebounded Keene on the way to the 2025 title, but returns its all-state backcourt.

 Trinity returns 10 of its top 11 players; Exeter seemingly doesn’t have a forward under 6’3"; Bishop Guertin and Pinkerton both looked like title contenders in our jamboree last weekend; and 15-year-old Derek Swartz has high school kids asking him to be in pictures with them after games.

 I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

 What does that leave us with? A really fun division, and today we are going to break it down after speaking with all twenty-two head coaches.

 Our preview is brought to you by our great friends and longtime partners at Manchester Community College!

 

 Pre-Season Top 15 Rankings

 1. Portsmouth

 2. Trinity

 3. Bedford

 4. Bishop Guertin

 5. Exeter

 6. Pinkerton Academy

 7. Nashua South

 8. Spaulding

 9. Keene

10. Goffstown

11. Winnacunnet

12. Windham

13. Dover

14. Salem

15. Manchester Memorial

 Lurking outside the Top 15: Londonderry, Alvirne, Merrimack, and Nashua North.

 Portsmouth nearly crashed the party a year early. A team that started five underclassmen, including two freshmen, went all the way to the final four before being knocked out by Keene 61-60 in heartbreaking fashion.

 Nine months later, all five starters return, their first two players off the bench would start for just about any other team in the state, and John Mulvey's Clippers are the team to beat.

"I'm excited to be coaching this group again," said Mulvey. "We are older, bigger, and more experienced than we were a year ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing if we can make a run at a championship."

 Sophomore Derek Swartz (17.3 ppg) returns after an all-state freshman campaign that ended with him starting on our NHsportspage Underclassmen team.

 The 6'4 shooting guard is one of the best at his position in New England and has the potential to do even bigger things as a sophomore. "Derek can do anything you need to win, and he plays at an elite level on both sides of the ball," said Mulvey. "He's going to take a big step forward as far as his performance and production."

 His older brother, Ryan, is a 6'4 senior forward who has his head coach's complete confidence. 

"Ryan might be my favorite player I've ever coached," said Mulvey. "His motor is unparalleled, and he will do whatever it takes for us to win. He sacrifices his scoring to make sure everyone gets their opportunities."

 All-state point guard Isaiah Reis returns after finishing fourth among Division I scorers at 21.6 points per game. "Isaiah is a very talented scorer. He hit some huge shots for us last season," said Mulvey. "He's going to facilitate what we run on offense."

 6'6 sophomore center Finn McCauley is poised for a breakout season after averaging 5.7 ppg as a freshman. 

 McCauley gives the Clippers a legitimate rim protector who should be a double-double machine all season. "Finn gives us a defensive presence and has really improved," said Mulvey. "He's improved as a passer, and overall his offensive game has really improved."

"He's a great kid, and I'm excited for the season he's about to have."

 Anthony Ferola (5.8 ppg) gives Portsmouth size and a knockdown shooter on the perimeter. "Anthony is a great shooter. What has stuck out to me is that he has improved his offensive game off the dribble and become a better defender," said Mulvey.

 6'4 Zavier Lampert would start for about 80 other teams around the state. The all-state baseball player gives the Clippers rebounding, defense, and a big man who can knock down perimeter shots, as evidenced by his back-to-back three-pointers in the jamboree against Bedford.

"Zavier is always in the right spot. He's a smart player," said Mulvey. "He is going to surprise some teams with his ability to knock down threes."

 Mulvey loves what he has seen from guard Damien Sanu, who scored 25 points in a first-round win over Salem. "Damien is going to have a big season for us; he is a very important part of the team we are working to become," said Mulvey. "I have a ton of confidence in him."

 Cote Bellaud, Jacob Mead, and Abraham Siegel are all expected to contribute from the Portsmouth bench.

"The loss in the semifinals to Keene really hurt. We need to work to come together as a team and finish the job this time around," said Mulvey.

"We have a lot of confidence as a group, but there are eight or nine teams in this division that could be there in the end. We need to bring it every night to compete."

 The 2022 Trinity Pioneers, led by Tyler Bike and Andrew Politi, won the Division I title over Goffstown in an instant classic, 64-62.

 Could 2026 be the year the Pioneers bring the title back to Manchester?

​ Ray Farmer’s team returns four starters and has as much depth as any team in the state. Trinity will come at you in waves, and if they don't beat you early, there’s a good chance they’ll get you late.

​“ The time is now for us,” said Farmer. “ We have a ton of experience and enough talent to play with anyone. We have seven seniors on the roster, and they understand this is the last chance to make history as a team.”

​ Jordan Torres, an all-state forward and member of our NHsportspage underclassmen team, returns bigger and better after averaging 14.4 ppg last season. “ He has stepped up his game and is going to have a big season for us,” said Famer.

​ Collin Charbonneau has range to the NBA three-point line and returns to the starting lineup after averaging 11.2 ppg last season. “ He might be our best shooter and as good as any in the state when he gets going,” said Farmer. “ He understands his role, and in year two with us, he is set to have a very good season.”

​ Jamar Gregory-Alleyne is a player any coach in the state would want on his team. An elite defender who is terrific in transition. “ He should be considered for any defensive player of the year recognition,” said Farmer. “His on-the-ball defense is terrific, and he causes a lot of issues for other teams.”

​ The return of Kevin Doherty, who averaged 12.5 points per game two seasons ago as a sophomore, makes a very good team a lot better. “ We are extremely happy to have him back,” said Farmer. “ Coming off a major injury, we don't want to rush him into anything, but he is playing well and will make a big impact.”

​ Xander McBournie is a capable scorer who looks poised for a breakout season as a senior, while Connor Bishop, coming off an all-state football season, is an active member of the NHsportspage All-Glue Guy team.

​“ Xander is really shooting the ball well,” said Famer.

​“ Connor brings a toughness and physicality that we really need.”

​ Derik Erilla returns at point guard. A very good ball-handler who can pressure you all the way up the court. “Derek is a team leader for us, and offensively he really gets us going,” said Famer.

​ Farmer thinks 6’3 Jayden Auguste, a key contributor last season, is poised for a breakout year. All of which gives Trinity a 1 through 8 who can go toe-to-toe with any team in the division.

“ Team chemistry with a group like this, with this many playmakers, is a key,” said Farmer. “What I’ve seen early on has me feeling very good about where we are at. The ball moves extremely well, and if we play as a team, we have a chance to be there in the end.”

 The Bedford Bulldogs had to replace five starters last December, began the pre-season ranked #10 (they’ll never let me forget it), and somehow, someway, were state champions at UNH three months later.

​ With three starters back, it's time for the encore for Frank Moreno and his team, who absolutely could be the last team standing once again.

“ We got a lot better as the season went along and maybe even a little lucky through our tournament run,” joked Moreno. “ The kids stepped up, and that’s what we’ll need this season.”

“ We have younger guys who are stepping into big roles on this team, and how quickly they figure it out will tell you how well we do. We open up with Trinity, so we'd better figure it out quickly.”

​ All-state guard Logan O’Connell, a member of the NHsportspage underclassmen team, returned after averaging 17.4 points per game as a junior. “ Logan has gotten bigger and is much improved as a passer,” said Moreno. “ We want the ball going through him on offense.”

​ Fellow all-state guard and NHsportspage underclassmen teammate Landon Ellsmore is one of the best players in the state getting to the rim and looks poised for a big season after winning the Division I football title. “ Landon is a bull getting to the rim; he uses his athletic ability and physicality really well,” said Moreno. “ He also rebounds extremely well for a guard.”

​ Junior guard Ali Shoukeir can run the Bulldogs' offense and pick up opposing point guards anywhere on the floor. “ He might be our most improved player,” said Moreno. “ He has expanded his range and is an excellent defender. He gives a leader on the floor and has a level head about him that settles us down.”

 6'4 sharp shooter Luke O'Connell earned valuable minutes last season, and throughout the title run, he steps into a scoring role alongside his cousin and Ellsmore. " Luke has improved, and his range is going to space the floor for us."

​ 6’5 sophomore Ryan O’Rourke takes over for his older brother Connor (now playing at St Anselm's) at center. “ He is farther along than we thought at this point,” said Moreno. “ He only lacks experience, and he is going to get that in a hurry.”

​ Sophomore Frankie O’Donnell will also step into the rotation.” He has a tremendous motor on defense,” said Moreno, and will be joined by junior Will Sohlich-Kopcho.

​“It’s a quick pre-season so we are scrambling to get up to speed just like everyone else,” said Moreno. “ We know teams are coming for us. If we take care of the basketball, we have a chance to compete for a spot in Durham again.”

 During a 4-14 season two years ago, Bishop Guertin head coach Will Horne had to remind himself that he was going to battle with a very young team, and that the growing pains would pay off in the future.

 As the 2025-26 season begins, that future is now. The Cardinals have the talent, size, and depth to reach their goal in March.

"We want to go to UNH," said Horne, who returns four starters from a 10-8 team that lost to Windham in the 8/9 game in March.

"We have players who are going to have fifty-plus varsity games under their belt. That kind of experience, combined with the group we have, should have us among the contenders."

 All-state shooting guard Connor McGowan was a member of our Underclassmen team and finished second among all Division I scorers at 22.0 ppg. "His motor is what makes him stand out from other talented players," said Horne. "He is a very good shooter and excellent in the open court."

 6'5 all-state forward Eli Youssef returns after averaging 13.0 ppg and will play alongside point guard Luca Fabrizio. "Eli has really looked good in the fall and into the pre-season," said Horne. "He can score at all three levels and has improved his defense and rebounding."

"Luca has an incredibly high basketball IQ and makes very good decisions with the basketball," said Horne. "You can't ask for more from your point guard than what he gives us, and what he gives us is someone who doesn't turn the ball over, shoots it very well, and defends at a high level."

 6'2 Sam Woodward fills the glue guy role ("He's a very smart kid academically, and it translates on to the floor," said Horne. "He does all the little things that help you win games.”) while Sam Prescott, Andre Steinbrueck, and Josh Corriveau are all expected to contribute immediately.

"This is a group you have to kick out of the gym," joked Horne. "They love to play, and their chemistry is one of the reasons I'm so high on this group."

 Jeff Holmes' Exeter offenses are known for their movement and effectiveness on the perimeter. 

 No one is saying that's going away. Holmes runs a great offense for the Blue Hawks, but you go where your strengths are as a team, and no team in the division has more size on the low block than Exeter.

"We have six players 6'3 or taller, and they are all returning from last year's (final four) team," said Holmes. "Where last season we put a lot on the shoulders of (all-state point guard) Nate McNeff, we'll be a more balanced team offensively this season."

"I could see four or five different players leading us in scoring."

 6'7 Jack Thibodeau hit the weight room hard over the offseason and looks poised for a breakout season at center, while 6'4 Huxley Brown might be the team's most improved player.

"Huxley has really come along," said Holmes. "He gives us a post scorer with good footwork."

 Tyler Ream returns at shooting guard after averaging 6.7 ppg last season. "Tyler is a very good shooter and comes in with a lot of confidence," said Holmes of the Blue Hawks quarterback this fall.

 Joining Ream in the backcourt will be point guard Jackson McDonald, who backed up McNeff last season as a sophomore. "Jackson has worked hard and is playing well for us," said Holmes. "He's a natural point guard who understands what we are trying to accomplish offensively."

 Guard Agee Griffith was terrific defensively against player of the year Josh Caruso of Nashua South in Exeter's quarterfinal win and will return to the rotation along with 6'6 Nate Tomasi.

"Agee is a good defender who shoots the ball very well," said Holmes.

"Nate has really improved his game and will be able to guard multiple positions for us," said Holmes. "He's going to play an important role for us."

 The Blue Hawks should be deep with 6'4 Nick Meyers, Johnny Gillis, Michael Burke, and Raymond Plante coming off the bench.

"We have had a good off-season with this group, so we are looking forward to getting started," said Holmes.

 The Pinkerton Astros took a step back last season, winning five games after rolling to the 2024 championship. 

 Nine months later, Mike Dunham's team has the look of a title-contender with the return of four starters, an additional starter back from injury, and a talented sophomore who looks poised for a breakout season.

"This is a fun group to coach and a really tight group off the court," said Dunham. "We've had teams in the past where you hoped to see more chemistry, not with this group. They are all focused on getting us back to the level of the best teams in the division."

 All-state forward Brady Sullivan, a member of our NHsportspage Underclassmen team, returns after averaging 17.9 ppg. "Brady has improved, and his ability to finish through contact makes him really difficult to defend," said Dunham.

 6'3 guard Wilson Youssef (8.3 ppg) gets the keys to the Astros' run & gun offense at the point guard spot. "Wilson has really come into the season playing well," said Dunham. "He's stepped up as a leader, and I feel like this backcourt has the potential to be one of the best in the state."

 Sharp-shooter Josh Phanor comes into his sophomore season bigger and stronger after averaging 13.4 ppg as a freshman, including a 37-point effort against Bishop Guertin.

"He can flat out shoot it and has matured as a player," said Dunham. "We feel like we can really spread you out defensively with Wilson, Josh, and Ryder."

 Ryder would be shooting guard Ryder Hawkes, who averaged 7.5 ppg last season. "He is a deadly shooter and is going to make a big impact for us," said Dunham.

 Ryan Bonilla returns after battling injuries, giving the Astros a plus defender and a valuable glue guy. "It's been great to have him back; he impacts the games in a lot of ways and makes us a better team," said Dunham.

 6'4 Elliot Ingraham and 6'3 Malik Solomon are expected to contribute immediately, along with all-state football player Brady Spellman, who is coming off an injury. "Brady is pivotal for us; he can guard your point guard or push around your 6'4 forward in the post," said Dunham.

"It's about playing fast, taking open shots, and playing as a team," said Dunham. "We feel like we have the potential to compete again, and they are excited to get started."

 You would assume Nate Mazerolle’s Nashua South Panthers were headed for a steep fall after the loss of Player of the Year Josh Caruso and his 27 points a night, but the Purple Panthers return a solid core and might have a scorer ready to step into a lead role.

“ We have a unique make-up to this roster, four seniors and eleven juniors,” said longtime head coach Nate Mazerolle. “ You don’t replace a player like Josh, but we have a very talented group and some size to compete.”

​ 6’8 Daniel Karavanic returns at center after averaging 10.1 ppg last season.

“ He can be a force in the paint and has the ability to knock down shots,” said Mazerolle. “ We are focused on a balance between the two.”

 Shane Lemire is coming off an all-state football season and will give the Panthers a guard who can defend at a high level and knock down mid-range shots. “ Shane is a very smart player who finds the seam in the defense and will knock down 10 to 15 footers for us.”

​ There has been a lot of buzz amongst the Division I coaches I spoke to about junior guard Francisco Rodriguez-Malagon, who is coming off a very strong summer/off-season.

“ He is coming off a fantastic summer,” said Mazerolle. “ He is very good in the open court; there are still adjustments and progress to be made, but we are excited about him joining the lineup.”

​ 6’3 Josh Tripp, coming off an all-state football season at wide receiver, is still working his way back from an injury after scoring 10.6 points per game last season. “ He’s definitely the X-factor for us,” said Mazerolle. “ His ability to defend, rebound, and his basketball IQ make him extremely valuable to our team.”

​ All-state quarterback (yes, South had a very good football team) Cody Jackson will provide defense and rebounding at the guard spot (“He has a nose for the ball,” said Mazerolle) while 6’2 Kellian Day-Jesus is also expected to contribute immediately.

​“ We have experience as well as players who will be pushing for larger roles,” said Mazerolle. “They are excited to get started.”

 After just missing the playoffs last season, the Spaulding Red Raiders hope that a senior-heavy roster (eight to be exact) gets them back to the postseason.

 Just don't expect head coach Lorne Lucas to start booking buses for Durham in March.

"We hopefully will take the next step, and I have all the confidence and belief in the world in this group, but until we do it, there isn't anything to say," said Lucas. "We were the 16th-ranked team last year, and until we prove otherwise, that's who we are."

 The motivational techniques are working. The Red Raiders were one of the best teams in the Seacoast summer league and led by all-state guard Marcel Rose, the goal is and should be a top eight seed and a home playoff game.

 Rose ranked 13th amongst all Division I scorers at 17.2 ppg and looks poised for a huge season. "We are going to need him to be the guy, and he is more than capable," said Lucas. "He is a great kid who works extremely hard at his game."

 Charlie Thibadeau gives the Red Raiders a good defender in the backcourt who can knock down shots. "Charlie has worked his way up from the tenth man on the JV team to a starter on varsity," said Lucas. "He works extremely hard and will take the pressure off Marcel in the backcourt by being able to handle the ball."

 Lucas calls 6'6 center Nate Sanchez a crucial player to any tournament run for Spaulding. "We need him to be a difference maker defensively and on the glass," said Lucas. "He's played well, and we have seen it, but we need that production every night."

 Kyran Jean-Pierre returns after averaging 12.6 ppg last season. "Kyran gives us scoring at the forward spot and a lot of experience at the position."

 Glue guy Brayden Crittenden is expected to contribute immediately alongside Noah O'Brien, Connor Lapierre, and Nick Hocter.

"We have players with three and four years of experience on this team, so it is their time now," said Lucas. "We all need to be better if we want to make some noise this season, and it's their time to prove we can compete with any team in the state."

 The Keene Blackbirds were one of the great stories of the 2025 season, advancing all the way to the Division I championship game for the first time since 1963 before falling to Bedford 51-50.

 With six seniors on the roster, and led by their all-state backcourt, Ray Boulay's team hopes to make a return trip in March.

"We are going to try to get back, and we have six seniors back from last season to help get us there," said Boulay. "It's a fun group, and we have players who are ready to step into bigger roles this season."

 All-state guard Jamal Stanley returns after averaging 12.9 ppg. "Jamal will handle the ball more and now becomes the vocal leader with (all-state forward) Javon (Massiah) graduated," said Boulay. "He does it all for us and is ready to lead us."

 Shooting guard Kasen Abbott is the best shooter in the state that no one talks about. The three-sport athlete has range beyond the three-point line, put up 16 points in a semifinal win over Portsmouth, and 27 points in a jamboree win over Belmont.

"Kasen just doesn't get rattled," said Boulay. "He's so clutch for us and late in games when we need a big basket, he is someone we will go to."

 6'3 Alex Holmes plays bigger than his height on the low block ("We need to get Alex the ball even more than we already do," said Boulay. "He's going to be a big part of our success this season.”) and plays along with athletic 6'3 forward Gus Smith. "Gus has improved and played a key role for us this season," said Boulay.

 Forward Rhy Fontaine fills the all-important glue guy role, while junior Ty Stanley, Jamal's little brother, will have an expanded role this season. "Ty was really coming on last season when he got injured," said Boulay. "He had a very good off-season and is going  to play a major role for us."

"This is a fun group. It will take some time for us to come together, but we have the pieces to be right there in the end again," said Boulay.

 If you were in search of a sleeper team in the division, I submit to you the Goffstown Grizzlies, coming off a 9-9 season and a tournament appearance.

 Nine seniors will suit up for the Grizzlies as head coach Ryan Cowette returns to the sideline after a one-year absence. "I was already excited to come back, and working with this group has made it even better," said Cowette. "They are extremely coachable, and they come to the gym every day focused on getting better."

 Tyler Dionne returns after averaging 11.2 ppg last season and has impressed his coach in the pre-season. "Tyler shoots it very well and has a high basketball IQ," said Cowette. "His attitude is what stands out. He's one of those competitors where you wouldn't know if he had 25 points in a game or 5. He puts his head down and competes."

 Point guard Gio Santos returns after averaging 11.9 ppg and looks ready for an all-state senior season. "Gio has improved his shooting, and his court vision is very good," said Cowette. "Her plays hard, and when he plays under control, he is very good."

 Liam O'Brien ("He's made huge strides over the off-season," said Cowette. "He has a relentless motor.”) and Braeden Malley ("A very good shooter who rebounds well from the guard spot.”) will both contribute immediately, along with talented freshman Drew Parnell.

"This is the most enjoyable team I've coached," said Cowette. "Like everyone else, we are still finding our identity as a team, but this is a team that will be one of those gritty, hard-working teams that you love to coach."

 It will be a new-look Winnacunnet Warriors team, with all-state forward Christian Chartier off to prep school and only two seniors on the roster.

“ This is a young team and one that I’m excited about,” said head coach Jay McKenna. “We have a good mix of upperclassmen and newcomers who want to earn minutes and prove themselves.”

 Jaxon McDonald is coming off a strong performance in the summer and looks poised for a breakout season as a junior. “ He shoots the ball well and gets to the rim off the dribble,” said McKenna. “ He makes a lot of plays that help you win games.”

 Forward Liam McNally is an all-state lacrosse player and should step into the starting lineup as a junior. “ Liam gives us a physical presence and rebounder,” said McKenna.

 6’3 Sean Griffin, last seen quarterbacking the football team to the quarterfinals, is another three-sport athlete who will contribute immediately.

“ Sean is a vocal leader for us and helps us in a variety of ways,” said McKenna. “ He has a knack for being in the right spot to make a play.”

 Point guard Kash Bailey also looks poised for a breakout season as a sophomore, but was still working his way back from an injury in the pre-season. “ He’s going to be a difference maker for us,” said McKenna. “ The leap in ability from freshman year to sophomore is going to really make him a threat for us.”

 6’4 Junior Niko Paprocki joins the team after moving from Poland (“He has fit right in and is really going to help us,” said McKenna) and will be joined in the rotation by Will Talikis.

“We have size and skill with this group, but what stands out is that they work hard and hold one another accountable,” said McKenna. “ It’s a fun team to go to practice with every day.”

 The Windham Jaguars, coming off back-to-back quarterfinal appearances under head coach Carson Desrosiers, should be back in contention again in 2026.

 Replacing their point guard the past three seasons might be the more difficult task. “ When you have an all-state point guard who has run the offense for three seasons, that’s a loss that you won't fix overnight,” said Desrosiers.

 Jack Koutrobis, a two-year starter on our underclassmen/senior teams, graduated in June. He will be replaced by a talented backcourt and a very good frontcourt.

 Tyler Jordan (10.2 ppg) and Jack Steffanides were key contributors a year ago, and with Steffanides taking over the point guard role, Desrosiers hopes his Jaguars can pick up where they left off.

“ Jack is developing as a point guard. He already was a shooter who can space the floor for us.”

“ Tyler had a very strong summer for us,” said Desrosiers. “It's about being consistent game to game because we are going to lean heavily on him as a scorer. We have high expectations for him this season.”

 6’4 center Sam Roidoulis (10.9 ppg) returns to the starting lineup after averaging a double-double last season. “ Sam is coming off a very good season playing football. He’s playing with a lot of confidence, and I think he’s going to have a monster season for us,” said Desrosiers.

 Brandon Jacobs gives the Jaguars a big man who can step outside and knockdown shots. " We feel very good about having Sam & Brandon in the frontcourt."

 Desrosiers calls Andrew Begley one of the team’s most improved players, while talented freshman Neil Finneran will contribute right away and stretch the floor as a perimeter shooter.

“ We have more shooting than we have had in the previous two seasons,” said Desrosiers. “ What we need is depth of scorers, four or five guys getting at or near double figures on a nightly basis.”

“ If we can get that kind of production, we should be in the mix again at the end of the season.”

 The Dover Green Wave were the first team out of the tournament in the 2024-25 season and would like to take the mystery out of their playoff status sometime before late February.

 If a young, talented group can survive one of the most brutal stretches any team will face all season, they have the look of a team that should be postseason-bound come March.

"We played the second most difficult schedule in the division last season, behind Nashua North," said head coach Matt Fennessy. "How this group comes together in our first three games and over the break in the holiday tournament will be key because we have a murderers' row of games in January."

 He's not kidding.

 Dover will face Trinity, Portsmouth, Exeter, Bishop Guertin, and Bedford over a six-game stretch that ends with rivalry games against Winnacunnet and Spaulding. "We'd better be ready to compete," said Fennessy.

 All-state guard Yavier Morales returns at point guard after leading the Green Wave in scoring, assists, steals, and rebounds. "Yavier is very good on both ends of the floor," said Fennessy. "It's controlled chaos at times when he has the ball in his hands, but he is effective, and it's really fun to watch,"

 Juniors Lochlan Kibbie and Michael Gorman worked their way into the rotation last season and are expected to be starters from day one. 

 They'll be joined in the rotation by sophomore Peter Leggett. "Peter showed it in flashes last season as a freshman and has come into this season with a lot of confidence," said Fennessy. "We are going to look for him to score and play a prominent role for us."

 James Bowden, football standout Jackson Brock, Austin Marcouillier, and Owen Corringham will all contribute immediately to the Green Wave with a healthy mix of experience and young talent.

"We are in win-now mode while also building the program for the near future," said Fennessy. "As we develop, we should be a very competitive team, and the goal is to get back to the tournament after narrowly missing out last year."

 The Salem Blue Devils earned the final playoff spot in Division I last season and hope to return to the postseason in March, led by eight seniors and their new head coach.

“ We have a lot of depth and players eager for their opportunity,” said head coach Sam Langdon, who served as the JV coach last season. “ This group is working very hard and has a high ceiling.”

 Cooper Keenan returns after averaging 9.2 ppg last season. “ Cooper is a three-year varsity member and one of our vocal leaders,” said Langdon. “He is a very good facilitator and defends at a high level on the perimeter.”

 Senior Zack Sangermano, the team’s second-leading scorer two seasons ago as a sophomore, returns after playing for Central Catholic (MA) last season. “ Zack is very physical on both ends and shoots the ball very well,” said Langdon. “ We are happy to have him back.”

​ 6’3 forward Jack Marconi was a captain on the Blue Devils semifinal football team and will be joined in the rotation by Kyle O’Loughlin (“He has a very high basketball IQ and may be our best shooter,” said Langdon).

 6’6 forward by way of Poland, Tristan Padenco is a big man with guard skills, while sophomore Omar Ali gives the Blue Devils another knockdown shooter expected to contribute immediately.

“ There is a great deal of focus because this is a senior-driven team that knows it's their last time around,” said Langdon. “ Our goal is to get back to the tournament and host a home playoff game.”

“They are great kids and a lot of fun to come to the gym and work with every day.

 The Manchester Memorial Crusaders will need to replace four starters from their 10-8 quarterfinal team and will look to a good junior class to lead them back.

“ This is a very young group, so I expect some growing pains, but we have a talented group that is working hard,” said head coach Danny Bryson. “ All we lack is experience.”

 6’5 Joel Gomez, coming off an all-state football season, is the lone returning starter after averaging 5.2 ppg last season. “ He’s a three-year starter, and you don't see a lot of those in Division I,” said Bryson. “ He’s going to play a much larger role for us this season, and we are expecting him to be one of our leaders.”

 6’3 Jake Ornelas returns to the rotation (”He’s a physical presence for us and should be one of our top rebounders,” said Bryson) and will be joined by Ewa Edookpolo, Tallon Gregory-Alleyne and 6’6 Eldan Taric.

“ The new players are going to need to adjust to the speed and physicality of a varsity game,” said Brsyon. “ One of the benefits of turning over your roster is that you have ten guys fighting for five spots on the floor. That leads to some very competitive practices.”

 Bryson expects a breakout season from 6’2 Aging Aging while Dylan Jolicoeur and Derek Jones will both see time running the point for the Crusaders.

 Junior Moses White is also expected to contribute immediately. “ Moses has taken a big step forward and is really going to help us this season,” said Bryson.

 Bryson calls Ledum Adumene one of the team’s best defenders.

“ We have had a lot of energy in the gym and some great practices,” said Bryson. “ They are hungry to prove themselves and excited to get started.”

 It will be a new look for the Londonderry Lancers team this season after the graduation of nine seniors last season.

“ We return 47 points from the 2024-25 season,” said head coach Jaryd Piecuch. “ So there is opportunity for playing time and a lot of competition in practice.”

“ We want to play fast, and the effort level has been really good. This is a fun group to coach.”

 6’5 sophomore Garrett Nahlik is expected to play a big role as the Lancers stretch five (“He shoots the ball very well,” said Piecuch) while Casey Marsh is a three-year varsity member who returns at guard.

 Jayden Ncala will run the Lancers' offense. “He's gotten bigger and stronger after football season,” said Piecuch. “ I’m excited about the progress he has made.”

 He will be joined in the rotation by senior Evan Vago, your resident Glue Guy every team needs, and junior Ben Sakellar, who Piecuch expects to contribute as a scorer.

“ We have some good young players coming and a group that wants to prove themselves,” said Piecuch. “ We still expect to compete for another tournament berth.”

 Sam Bonney-Liles, a former all-state forward at Alvirne, takes over the Broncos program after head coach Mitchell Roy took a job at the Derryfield School.

​ “I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to coach at my alma mater,” said Bonney Liles.

“ We only have two players back with real varsity experience, so there are going to be growing pains,” said Bonney-Liles. “ This is a hard-working group, though, and they have bought into the program and are getting better every day.”

​ All-state forward Garrett Hall returns after averaging 11.8 points per game last season and has already impressed his new head coach. “ Garrett has huge potential and has flipped the switch as far as his commitment to getting better,” said Bonney-Liles.

“ His offensive game has really developed and will continue to,” said Bonney-Liles. “ Garret is going to have a great season for us.”

​ Forward Sean Chipfunde averaged 4.6 ppg last season and will see an increased workload in the frontcourt. “ Sean does a lot of things that help you win games. He might be our best off-the-ball/help defender and has really played well in the pre-season,” said Bonney-Liles.

​ Senior Jacoby Durham and Luke Norse will take over a backcourt vacated by all-state guard Sammy DeWitt, now playing for Southern Maine Community College.

​ They’ll be joined in the rotation by Angel Kangar and sophomore Alex Bettencourt.

“ We want to be the toughest team in the division and focus on being the best team we can be by February,” said Bonney-Liles, who served as an assistant coach at Plymouth State the past two seasons.

“ It’s a fun group to work with, and they are excited to get started.”

 Kyle Tave takes over as head coach at Nashua North after longtime head coach Steve Lane stepped down after the season.

 The Titans will need to replace their all-state duo of Robinson Rodriguez and Alize Roig-Cortes if they are going to get back to the tournament after a one-year absence.

“ It’s a new system, new coach, even new terminology,” said Tave, who serves as an assistant coach on the football team. “Between coaching at the youth level and on the football team, our staff has already coached about 70% of the kids on the team, so that gets us off to a good start.”

 Josh Sullivan, coming off an all-state season in football, returns to the starting lineup and will be joined by 6’3 Connor Johnston in the frontcourt. “Josh is an outstanding athlete and is taking on a leadership role.”

 Tyson Hoang, Aiden Clough, and Evan Linscott will all contribute immediately in the backcourt. At the same time, newcomers Andre Correbelo and Brady O’Connor, the quarterback of the football team, will join the rotation as well.

“ We do not have a lot of varsity experience, so it will take some time, but I like the group we have,” said Tave. “ We have some returners who are ready for bigger roles and a lot of talented new players. We are excited to compete.”

 The Merrimack Tomahawks are replacing four starters from last year’s playoff team and will look to get back to the postseason behind their all-state guard.

“ We graduated six seniors and four starters, so it’s a new group,” said head coach Austin Denton. “ We do not have much size, so we are going to hang our hat on defense and look to create transition opportunities.”

 Nate Johnson returns after averaging 12.9 ppg as a junior. “ He’s bigger and stronger than he was a year ago,” said Denton. “ He is someone we know we can rely on offensively to get us a bucket when we need it.”

 Brody Towle returns after being in the rotation last season and is joined by football standouts Cayden Dine, Shea Scott, and Zach Retey.

“ We have athletes, and there is toughness that we are starting to develop with this group,” said Denton. “ There is a lot of opportunity to earn minutes, so that has made for good competition in practice.”

 The Timberlane Owls will look to bounce back from a 1-17 season, led by their senior leaders and a talented young core coming up through the program.

“ We have a lot of potential, and I’m excited about the underclassmen joining the team,” said Baumann. “ It’s an adjustment for any freshman or sophomore at the varsity level, so we are working to get them used to the speed of the game.”

 Three-sport standout Matt Fitzgerald returns to the starting lineup along with all-state receiver Matt Santosuosso. “ They have been really good as far as a leadership role and setting the tone with the underclassmen,” said Baumann.

 Cam Stevens will start at point guard for the Owls (“He has really improved and we will look for him to not only run our offense but score as well,” said Baumann) and will be joined in the rotation by sophomores Thayer Sherman and Noah Cheiry.

“ Thayer has a lot of potential,” said Baumann. “ He can really shoot it and has good hands.”

“ Noah is a fluid athlete who has improved his game. Now it's about being more consistent.”

 Jackson Rapp and Jacob Marquis are also expected to contribute right away.

“ We are working hard, and the effort level is there,” said Baumann. “ It’s about doing the little things right and getting better every week.”

 The rebuild continues at Concord. Tim Latorra’s team will feature a talented group of freshmen and sophomores, along with five upperclassmen.

“ We started at the youth levels and are starting to see results with the talent we have coming into the program,” said Latorra. “ We have had really good energy in the gym. It’s about developing as a team and getting the program to a place where we are competing on a nightly basis.”

 A good place to start is with a senior point guard you can rely on, and the Crimson Tide has it in JD Nkurunzia, who averaged 13.3 ppg last season.

“JD has taken on a leadership role and is helping the newcomers come along,” said Latorra. “ He’s a great kid and set to have a very strong season for us.”

 Players were still battling for starting positions as we spoke to Latorra early in the pre-season.

“ We are going to change our style of play and can do that because of the experience we had last season,” said Latorra. “ We will be more aggressive, and the goal is to be competitive for 32 minutes, not just stretches of the game.”

 

Pre-Season First Team All-State

Derek Swartz of Portsmouth

Logan O'Connell of Bedford

Jordan Torres of Trinity

Connor McGowan of Bishop Guertin

Marcel Rose of Spaulding

 

Second Team

Landon Ellsmore of Bedford

Jamal Stanley of Keene

Isaiah Reis of Portsmouth

Brady Sullivan of Pinkerton

Garret Hall of Alvirne

With apologies to: Yavier Morales of Dover, Eli Youseff of Bishop Guertin, Finn McCauley, Ryan Swartz, and Anthony Ferola of Portsmouth, Josh Phanor & Wilson Youssef of Pinkerton, Jack Thibodeau & Tyler Ream of Exeter, Kasen Abbott of Keene, Collin Charbonneau & Jamar Gregory-Alleyne of Trinity, Francisco Rodriguez-Malagon & Daniel Karavanic of Nashua South, Nate Johnson of Merrimack, Sam Roidoulis & Tyler Jordan of Windham, JD Nkurunzia of Concord, Tyler Dionne & Gio Santos of Goffstown, Luke O'Connell of Bedford,  Kyran Jean-Pierre & Nate Sanchez of Spaulding, and Luca Fabrizio of Bishop Guertin