The Lebanon High boys basketball team didn’t lose a regular-season game last year until a disappointing 43-29 defeat to NHIAA Division II rival Portsmouth in the state finals at the University of New Hampshire. One solace for the Raiders: They have plenty coming back to try to finish the job this year.
Lebanon coach Kieth Matte enters his 20th season, the longest tenure among Upper Valley coaches behind only Windsor’s Harry Ladue (34).
Ladue’s Yellowjackets may have a learning curve after graduating most of a core group that reached the Vermont Division III semifinals last year. Sharon and South Royalton also lost their leading scorers but shouldn’t be counted out as the season progresses.
Looking to make strides this year is Hartford, which brings back experience and a determined attitude following a sub-.500 season a year ago. Mascoma has a similar scenario brewing.
Thetford weclomes back first-year coach Jason Gray, a former Panthers’ 1,000-point scorer who went on to play at Lyndon State College. At Whitcomb, a former 1,000-point scorer in college, Jaren Jeffcoat (Norwich University) looks to turn around the Hornets.
A look at the teams:
Coach: Tim Winslow (17).
Last Year: 9-12, lost to Bishop Brady in first round.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Glen Enneper (injured; G/F), Ben Gantrish (G/F), Avery Monahan (G/F), Joe Zhang (C). Junior — Martin Paulsen (G/F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Charlie Goodrich (G/F), Alexander Mosenthal (G), Graham Penfield (G/F), Caleb Putnam (F), Michael Staiger (F), Calen Thomas (G/F), Lincoln Adam (F). Sophomore — Liam Collins (G). Freshman — Charlie Adams (G).
Outlook: There will be an adjustment period for many of the Marauders, who return just four healthy players. Hanover will emphasize defense, although it has plenty of scoring potential, including from beyond the 3-point line.
Coach: Steve Landon (5).
Last Year: 7-14, lost to Fair Haven in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Triston Potter (G), Keith Illingworth (F/C), Gavin Farnsworth (F/G), Connor Chandler (C). Juniors — Hunter Perkins (F), Austin Gaudette (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Brett MacLaren (G), David York (F). Juniors — Alex Valley (F), Aidan Saturley (F), Hunter Gaudette (F), Patrick Brady (G/F), Joey Batchelder (G).
Outlook: The Hurricanes enter the season with renewed committment while in search of the program’s first winning season in four years.
“We have had a great preseason and have set a goal to get better every day and every game,” Landon said. “If we are able to play together, I think we could be a very tough opponent at the end of the season.”
Coach: Kieth Matte (20).
Last Year: 23-2, lost to Portsmouth in final.
League: New Hampshire Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — K.J. Matte (G), Ryan Milliken (G), Graham Chickering (G), Paul Slabinski (G/F), Noah Didehbani (F/C), Josh Graham (G/F), Caleb Broughton (G); Juniors — Matt Eylander (C).
Newcomers: Juniors — Keelan Carey (G), Chris Nulty (G/F). Sophomores — Ryan Preston (G/F), Hunter Bienvenu (G).
Outlook: Lebanon has an experienced and accomplished group returning from last year’s state finalist squad, which went undefeated in league play (18-0) during the regular season. Backcourt mates Matte and Milliken (10.5 ppg last year) will lead the offense — although Matte (1,096 career points) is out with a broken foot — amid a crop of promising newcomers, including the versatile Nulty, a Hartford High transfer.
Coach: Jim Barry (8).
Last Year: 8-13, lost to Belmont in first round.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Alex Schwarz (G), Devin Duhaime (G), Tyler Findley (F), David Lahaye (F). Juniors — Killian Dowd (G), Dart Collins (G). Sophomore — Dakota Decocq (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Ryan Tucker (F), Aaron Quigley (C), Wyatt Wheeler (F). Juniors — Tyler Warner (G), Aidan O’Connell (G), Seth Martin (G).
Outlook: The Royals will be carried by their experienced guard corps and appear to have added depth this year. “If the leadership and camaraderie displayed thus far continue, we should be very competitive,” Barry said.
Coach: Mike O’Leary (2).
Last Year: 7-12, lost to Arlington in first round.
League: Vermont Division IV.
Returnees: Senior — Jake Roberts (G). Junior — Nate Twarog (F); Sophomores — Josh King (G), Daniel Roberts (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Christian Tsakaris (F). Freshman — Dylan Patel (C).
Outlook: The Eagles are carrying only six players, but four of them are returning starters. They should have the opportunity to improve their D-IV ranking.
Coach: Matt McMenaman (1).
Last Year: The Knights were a junior varsity-only unit last season, finishing 10-8.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Gus LaRose (F), Matthew McMenaman (F), Kealan Vasquez (F). Juniors — Kolbe Bocko (G), Josh Griffin (C), Alex Normandin (G).
Newcomer: Freshman — Andrew Normandin (G).
Outlook: Mount Royal may be a first-year varsity program, but its players are cohesive after playing together at different levels, and they’re embracing the task. “Our guys have been playing together for years,” coach Matt McMenaman said. “They have great chemistry. I’m sure we will face new challenges and have a lot to learn, but we are excited for the opportunity and ready to play.”
Coach: Gregory Pickering (2).
Last Year: 1-20, missed playoffs.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Ty Richardson (G), Brandon Sondrini (F), Noah Wood (G/F), Cameron Ackerman (G). Juniors — Ethan Houde (G), Kyle Fish (G), Keegan Osgood (F). Sophomores — Cole McNamara (F), J.T. Blaine (G), Joseph Ackerman (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Peter Thibault (F), Cody Turgeon (F). Freshman — John Thibault (G/F).
Outlook: With 10 returnees, the Tigers should improve upon last year’s difficult season. “I’m hopeful that we will mature as a group and grow into a cohesive unit that will support each other,” Pickering said.
Coach: Steve Carson (3).
Last Year: 5-16, lost to Winooski in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Capital Division.
Returnees: Seniors — Dakota Smith (F), Kyle Pittman (F), Jacob Stimson (G). Juniors — Ben Emerson (G), Kyle Sweet (G), Matt Towle (G), Lincoln Illsley (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Sully French (F). Sophomores — Orin Mahikoa (F), Skylar Ladd (F). Freshman — Tegan McKnelly (G).
Outlook: Rebounding and defense will be key for the undersized and guard-heavy Olympians, who will be seeking their first winning season since going 13-9 in 2001-02.
Coach: Jeff Huntington (4).
Last Year: 6-15, lost to Hazen in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Shane Smith (G), Sam Tilden (F/C). Juniors — Owen Pelletier (G), Noah Martel (F). Sophomores — Tanner Siemons (G), Luke Streeter (F), Isaac Martel (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Collin Gould (G). Junior — Dashiel Fukushima (G/F). Freshman — Zach Gould (G).
Outlook: After reaching at least the semifinals for four straight seasons, the Raptors struggled in 2015-16. Huntington expects the program to get back on track this season. “We have a great group of young men that want to learn every day,” he said. “Look for great things out of this group.”
Coach: Blake Fabrikant (8).
Last Year: 12-10, lost to eventual champion Proctor in quarterfinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Harvey Kelley (G/F), Dylan Carson-Turner (G). Juniors — Sam Knoerlein (F), Cole Ward (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Billy Connelli (G/F), Cordell Benjamin (C), Michael Usher (F). Junior — Joshua Amodeo (G). Sophomore — Fisher Kelley (F). Freshman — Olly Skeet-Browning (F).
Outlook: The Phoenix lost its two leading scorers to graduation but bring back plenty of size and the willingness to compete. “Being a relatively inexperienced team, our season could play out in many different ways,” Fabrikant said. “Our basketball acumen and overall execution (stands to improve). However, this group possesses the intangibles.”
Coach: Pete Howe (4).
Last Year: 17-6, lost to Twinfield in semifinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Nicholas Howe (G), Dalton McDougall (F), Stephen Paige (G), Jayson Perron (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Andy Moore (F), Forrest Pellerin (G). Junior — Connor Lambert (F). Sophomore — Jacob Hewitt (G). Freshman — Zeb Perrault (F).
Outlook: The Royals lost leading scorer Jake Kinnarney (16. 3 ppg), 6-foot-6 center William Wuttke (13.4 ppg), strong defender McKinley George and others from last year’s semifinalist team. Still, South Royalton returns strong leadership and skill and should contend for another playoff run.
Coach: Matt Baird-Torney (3).
Last Year: 13-9, lost to Conant in quarterfinals.
League: New Hampshire Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Parker Smith (G), Ethan Sweet (F), Zachary O’Brien (C), Richard Bell (G), Nickolas O’Brien (F). Junior — Noah Spaulding (G). Sophomore — Henri Bourque (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Coby Hussey (G). Juniors — Drew Grenier (G), Luke Come (C).
Outlook: The Cardinals return their entire starting five, and their three newcomers should improve their defense. While Stevens will have plenty of competition in New Hampshire Division III, it could be poised for a deep postseason run.
Coach: Timothy Puchtler (1).
Last Year: 18-5, lost in double overtime to Groveton in quarterfinals.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Austin LeBlanc (F), Isaiah Gorman (F), Hank Vincent (G). Junior — Cade Robinson (G). Sophomore — Sean Shisko (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Nick Ducharme (F), Tyler Couitt (C). Sophomores — Matthew Nangeroni, (F), McCartney Cahill (F). Freshmen — Brady Grzanna (G), Zach Belisle (F), Jordan Chappell (F).
Outlook: The Lakers lost four of five starters from last year’s 18-win squad, including a pair of all-staters in Matt Tenney and Isaiah Chappell. “It is a team lacking in experience but eager to grow and develop as the year goes along,” said Puchtler.
Coach: Jason Gray (1).
Last Year: 3-18, lost to Williamstown in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Capital Division.
Returnees: Seniors — Connor Brown (G), Mitchell Higgins (G), Noah Perry (F). Juniors — Dylan Thorburn (G), Lawson Ouellette (G/F), Nick Moses (G), Dan Wells (F). Sophomore — Owen Deffner (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Felix Sun (G/F), Jonathan Hayes (F). Juniors — Seth Boyce (G/F), Ethan Steingas (G/F). Freshman — Alex Emerson (G).
Outlook: Gray, a 1,000-point scorer as a Panther who went on to play at Lyndon State College, is hoping to build Thetford back into a contender following back-to-back 3-18 seasons. “The boys and I want to put Thetford Academy back on the map,” Gray said. “We have a team of hard-working players that are hungry for a great season.”
Coach: Jaren Jeffcoat (1).
Last Year: 8-13, lost to South Royalton in first round.
Leagues: Vermont Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Isaac Hodgdon (F/C), Zak Gillette (G), Marcus Sheldon (G/F), Taylor Washburn (F). Juniors — Colby Washburn (F/C), Zach Rhoades (G/F), Ben Sears (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Tristan Brown (C), Ambrose Wigglesworth (G/F), Liam Walker (G/F). Sophomores — Gavin Beane (G), Luke Decato (G/F), Gabriel Feeney (G), Gavin Turner (G).
Outlook: The Hornets will be gunning for their first winning season since 2005-06 and have high hopes under Jeffcoat, a 1,000-point scorer at Norwich University and the son of former NFL defensive end Jim Jeffcoat (Dallas). “We’re looking to make a big splash in the competition for Division IV basketball this year,” the coach said.
Coach: Harry Ladue (34).
Last Year: 20-3, lost to Hazen in semifinals.
Leagues: Vermont Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Senior — A.J. Wood (G). Juniors — Dakota Page (G), Seth Balch (G), Ben Meagher (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Josh Griep (F). Juniors — Adam Stapleton (C), Duncan Frazer (F), Tate Hurd (F). Sophomores — Robert Slocum (G), Ryland Richardson (G), Hunter Grela (G/F).
Outook: The Yellowjackets lost a nucleus that had won 36 games over the last two seasons, but Ladue likes his prospects as the program rebuilds. “There will be some growing pains early in the season, but expect us to grow into a solid team,” he said.
Coach: Joel Carey (1).
Last Year: 16-8, lost to Lyndon in final.
Leagues: Vermont Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Bill Wood (G), Jack Arthur (G). Juniors — Caleb Webb (F), Brendon Schwartz (F), Griffin Van Neil (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Oscar Montano (F). Junior — Christian Wood (F). Sophomores — Emilio Montano (G), Caden White (G), Micah Schlabach (G), Gabriel Marsicovetere (F), Charlie Amato (G), Harrison Nunes (G).
Outlook: The Wasps graduated nine seniors from last year’s state finalists, yet first-year coach Carey is optimistic they can build off of it. “There is no reason we can’t come into each game with the mindset we can play with anyone,” he said. “We’ll take maximum effort from each player and see where it takes us.”
Coach: Jamie Walker (16).
Last Year: 19-4, lost to Portsmouth Christian in semifinals.
League: New Hampshire Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Sam Pushee (F), Eric Thornton (G), Spencer Guilmain (F), Garrett Olsen (G), Cooper Davidson (F), Billy Green (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Matt Thornton (F), Adam Cataldo (G), Adam Johnson (F). Freshmen — Connor Maccini (G), Patrick Estes (F).
Outlook: The Engineers’ losses to graduation include leading scorer Jaret Bemis (17.1 ppg) and point guard Derek Maccini, yet Woodsville remains focused on earning a home playoff game. “We have many holes to fill, so new kids are going to have to step up,” Walker said. “Hopefully, we are playing our best basketball at the end of the season.”
K.J. Matte and Ryan Milliken, Lebanon — Backcourt tandem returns after combining for 621 points in 2015-16, although Matte is out at least four weeks with a broken foot.
Josh King, Mid Vermont Christian — Inherits the role held by the graduated Thomas Weiler as the major source of points on a small basketball roster.
Harvey Kelley, Sharon — Only returnee of three Phoenix players who averaged better than 10 points per game last year.
Nicholas Howe, South Royalton — Senior was 10th in the Upper Valley last year with 15.5 points per game.
Parker Smith, Stevens — Leader on Cardinals team returning its entire starting five.
Alex Schwarz, Mascoma — Royals guard has a penchant for putting up big numbers even when double- or triple-teamed.