With winter weather having already gripped the Upper Valley, area boys basketball teams have been back in the gym with practice in full swing as another season begins. As usual, some teams foster series postseason aspirations while others are looking to bring along rosters full of new players. In some cases, rosters being shepherded by new head coaches.
The Windsor and Sharon Academy boys basketball teams enter the 2018-19 season both defending VPA state championships. The Yellowjackets, kings of Division III a year ago, feature a roster with five returning seniors under longtime coach Harry Ladue. Sharon rode a senior-laded roster last season to a 24-0 record in Division IV to the first varsity state championship in school history. Coach Blake Fabrikant will be leading a team with many new faces as the Phoenix enters the waters for the first time as defending title winners.
Lebanon head coach Kieth Matte is enjoying a one-year leave of absence, but his spot on the bench will be capably filled by former Dartmouth head coach Dave Faucher. The Raiders suffered a stinging upset loss in the first round of the NHIAA Division II playoffs a year ago and will be looking to make amends come tournament time this winter.
Also keep an eye on Thetford, which has 10 players back from a semifinal team a year ago and a roster bolstered this season by a pair of experienced varsity players from Chelsea. Another run to the Aud is will within reach for this talented group.
Here’s a capsule look at each team:
HANOVER
Coach: Tim Winslow (19 years).
Last Year: 11-11, lost to Pembroke in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Simon Roach (G/F), Jeffrey Holt (F/C). Juniors — Charlie Adams (G), Nolan Gantrish (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Liam Collins (G). Juniors — Joe Brennan (F), Eric Seltzer (F/C). Sophomores — Derek Lacy (G), Hank Pikus (G/F), Bret Simmons (G/F), Jai White (F/C). Freshman — Max Galbraith (G).
Analysis: Senior Simon Roach and junior Charlie Adams will lead the Marauders, who feature a strong backcourt and plenty of different scoring options. Hanover does lack experience at the varsity level, with only four players returning from last year, but early signs point to this being a competitive team in D-II.
“These players enjoy each other’s company. The chemistry on the team will be a major positive and, hopefully, that will lead to a great season,” coach Tim Winslow said.
HARTFORD
Coach: Steve Landon (6).
Last Year: 5-16, lost to Fair Haven in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Thomas Kasten (F), Dylan Tucker (G). Juniors — Sawyer Josler (G), Jared Vanderpot (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Nick Porter (G). Junior — Cameron Eldredge (G). Sophomores — Daniel Bushway (G), Alex Bushway (G), Nick Clay (F), Dylan Morse (G), Shea Bean (G), Aidan Brooks (G), Cole Jasmin (F).
Analysis: A big group of new players to the varsity team will be looking to help the Hurricanes weather a relentless D-II schedule. Coach Steve Landon is happy with the offseason effort of a number of the players and feels his team is well-prepared for the season.
“Our team is going to be a work in progress. Our attitude and how we approach the game will be a positive thing as we learn to get better,” Landon said.
LEBANON
Coach: Dave Faucher (1, interim; Dartmouth men’s basketball coach from 1991-2004, among other stops).
Last Year: 16-6, lost to John Stark in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Hunter Bienvenu (G), Ryan Preston (G), Zach Preston (G). Juniors — Wade Rainey (F), Jon Willeman (G), Logan Falzarano (G), Caleb Smith (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Tom Berthasavage (G), Jonathan Nulty (G), Jacob Begin (F). Sophomores — Calvin Bates (G), Karsten Hansen (G), Braeden Falzarano (G). Freshman — Jack Stone (F).
Analysis: With coach Kieth Matte taking a one-year leave of absence, Dave Faucher takes over the reigns for the Raiders this season. Much of the Raiders’ size from last year was lost to graduation (Chris Nulty, Matt Eylander). Faucher will oversee a shift to a more positionless style of play focusing on team passing, defense and sound fundamentals. Captains Hunter Bienvenu and Wade Rainey will lead on and off the floor. Faucher is excited to see the development of Jack Stone, who has plenty of speed and athleticism and will look to see minutes as a freshman.
“It’s still early, and it’s going to be a process. We’re trying to get everybody in tune and to enjoy the process,” Faucher said.
MASCOMA
Coach: Jim Barry (10).
Last Year: 6-16, lost to Hopkinton in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Dakota Decocq (G), Caleb McAlister (C/F). Juniors — Liam Hemmerling (G/F), Ben Schwarz (G). Sophomore — Connor Thompson (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Brandon Betz (G), Hunter Caldwell (C), Sean Rostron (F). Sophomores — Gabe Rock (G/F), Michael Evans (G/F), Josh Evans (G/F), Isaac Rayno (G). Freshman — Ben Seiler (G).
Analysis: The Royals will be looking to integrate a large number of new players into the varsity this season, but the newcomers did play a big part for a successful jayvee team last year. The two seniors (Dakota Decocq, Caleb McAlister) will be looked upon to be team leaders for a squad short on varsity experience. Decocq, Ben Schwarz and Connor Thompson should provide the bulk of the scoring punch.
“Our skill level is higher than in recent years, and the work ethic is developing nicely so far. If we can toughen up our defense, I think we could surprise some teams in an extremely competitive division,” Mascoma coach Jim Barry said.
MID VERMONT CHRISTIAN
Coach: Micah Roberts (1).
Last Year: 3-16, lost to Poultney in first round.
League: VPA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Josh King (G), Daniel Roberts (G). Juniors — Dylan Patel (F), Hunter Cooper (F), Cade Paquette (G), Stan Nelson (F), Elliot Renninger (G). Sophomores — Henry Mossell (G), Evan Berman (G).
Newcomer: Freshman — Tenrick Renninger (G).
Analysis: The Eagles have a solid group of returning players from last season and will be led by Josh King, Daniel Roberts and Dylan Patel. New coach Micah Roberts has benefited from having a roster of 10 players, enough for full 5-on-5 scrimmages in practice. The Eagles have good team size, which should be of help against some of the smaller teams in D-IV.
“The guys are coming together, getting used to me as a new coach, and together we’re going through the normal growing pains,” coach Roberts said. “It’s an enthusiastic group of guys, and they play with a lot of energy.”
MOUNT ROYAL
Coach: Matt McMenaman (3).
Last Year: 12-9, lost to Epping in the first round.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Philip Dahlberg (C), William He (G), Luke McMenaman (F). Juniors — Andrew Normandin (G), Luke Bocko (G), Blaise Edwards (F). Sophomores — Louis Larosiliere (F), Brendan Moorehouse (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Brett Barrell (F), Gavyn Magistro (C), Mateo Hoffman (F). Freshman — Samuel Hebert (F).
Analysis: The Knights begin their third varsity season looking to improve on last year’s result, when they hosted their first home playoff game. Leading scorer Alex Normandin graduated, but younger brother Andrew Normandin is back after averaging 15.7 points per game. Sophomore Louis Larosiliere and senior Philip Dahlberg also figure to carry a large scoring load.
“Our strength lies in our cohesiveness as a team. These guys have been playing together for a few years now, and the offense is coming together. We don’t have a lot of height, but my guys are scrappy, hard workers,” coach McMenaman said.
NEWPORT
Coach: Bill Page (1).
Last Year: 4-17, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Cole McNamara (C), Joey Ackerman (G), J.T. Blaine (G), Tony Robertson (G). Junior — Cody O’Brian (F). Sophomores — Chase Hamilton (F), Sean Moody (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Kurt Gagne (G), Caleb Palmer (F). Sophomore — Luke Whitten (G).
Analysis: Page comes to Newport following four years with the jayvee teams in Windsor and 12 years coaching at various levels in Massachusetts.
“They’re working hard this preseason and are committed to having a successful season,” Page said. “We are putting a whole new program in place, but everyone has a great attitude and work ethic, which is starting to show in their play on the court. Our goals for the winter are to work hard, compete in every game, win or lose with class and make the playoffs.”
OXBOW
Coach: Steven Carson (5).
Last Year: 10-12, lost to eventual state champion Windsor in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Adam Maxwell (F), Orin Mahikoa (F), Seth Carson (G), Ashton Vaughan (F), Skyler Ladd (F). Junior — Matt Emerson (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Zach Koslowsky (F). Juniors — Hunter Locke (G), Cooper Simmons (F), Trevor Moore (G), Dan Sweet (G), Jace Page (G). Sophomore — Bryce Ilsley (G).
Analysis: Last year’s leading scorer, Ben Emerson (20.0 ppg), graduated, leaving a void for the Olympians. Oxbow won a first-round playoff game a season ago and, despite the loss of three graduated starters, looks to be competitive in the Capital League again this season.
“Even with so much change, I have high hopes for this group. We have a combination of good size and players who can shoot from range,” Oxbow coach Steven Carson said. “Most of all, we have a lot of heart to make up for any inexperience.”
RIVENDELL
Coach: Ross Convertino (1).
Last Year: 11-10, lost to Twinfield in the first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Tanner Siemons (G), Josh Eastburn (G), Isaac Martel (F), Charlie Bradley (F), Jake Kilmer (F). Juniors — Johnny Vogelien (G), Zach Gould (G), Luke Senn (G).
Newcomers: Junior — Sean Maddock (F). Sophomore — Ty Newman (G). Freshman — Kyle Carter (G).
Analysis: The Raptors bring back an experienced group of upperclassmen, led by senior captain Isaac Martel and junior guard Zach Gould. The pair combined to average more than 20 points per game last season. New coach Ross Convertino believes this team can compete for the CVL title in the program’s last season as part of the league; the Raptors will move to the Marble Valley League next year.
“With a new coach and the graduation of a couple key players from last season, a major focus will be on establishing an identity,” Convertino said. “I feel we are a very cerebral, experienced and versatile team, which will allow us to play a unique style both defensively and offensively. This is a group of student-athletes who are unselfish and play of one another.”
SHARON
Coach: Blake Fabrikant (10).
Last Year: 24-0, won first state championship in school history.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Fisher Kelley (C/F), Scooter Elderd (G/F). Junior — Olly Skeet-Browning (G/F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Ronald Johnson (F/C), Alex Olszewski (G). Sophomores — Desmond Piccicuto (G), Erik Younce (G), Taylor Leonard (G). Freshmen — Tyler Chapin (G), Riley Eastman (G).
Analysis: Six of the nine players on last year’s championship-winning roster were seniors, so coach Blake Fabrikant will be leading a team with plenty of new faces. Two of the returning players, Fisher Kelley and Olly Skeet-Browning, saw heavy minutes last year and are already bringing a great deal of leadership and experience to early-season practices. The Phoenix will be boosted by a pair of Chelsea imports in senior big man Ronald Johnson and freshman point guard Tyler Chapin, who has already impressed Fabrikant in the early going.
“We do have a tremendous amount of potential. If we can learn to think and feel the game as we did last year, to share the ball, to be patient on offense and never take possessions off on defense, I believe we’re capable of making a significant run again,” Fabrikant said.
STEVENS
Coach: Dan Ryan (1).
Last Year: 11-10, lost in the first round to Gilford in NHIAA Division III tournament.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Derrick Stanhope (G), Josh Stithen (G/F), Ethan Johnson (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Baylor Rozzell (G), Matt Szelangowski (F). Juniors — Quentin Bicknell (F), Ty Bonneau (G), Matt Jones (G). Sophomores — Gabe Miller (F), Owen Taylor (F), Clay Wadsworth (G).
Analysis: Seniors Derrick Stanhope and Josh Stithen will bring leadership and experience to a team loaded with plenty of new varsity players. Playing a tough D-II schedule won’t make things easier for the Cardinals, who will look to rely on a great deal of team speed and quickness to outrun the competition.
“This is my first season at Stevens and I feel privileged to be here,” said coach Dan Ryan. who brings some 40 years of coaching experience at the high school and college level to the new job. “Our season hinges on how quickly we can mold ourselves into one team with the talented vets and newcomers gelling into a cohesive unit.”
SUNAPEE
Coach: Tim Puchtler (3).
Last Year: 11-11, lost to Profile in first round.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Matt Nangeroni (F), Sean Shisko (G), Mac Cahill (F), Blaise O’Mara (G). Juniors — Jordan Chappell (F), Kevin Nolan (G), Zach Belisle (F), Brady Grzanna (G), Austin Davis (G). Sophomore — Harper Flint (F).
Newcomers: Junior — Darren Hulton (F). Sophomore — Sean Moynihan (G). Freshman — Jacob Stoughton (F).
Analysis: A large group of returning players, including several who were members of the Lakers’ state championship boys soccer team this past fall, has Sunapee eying a long postseason run. Brady Grzanna and Zach Belisle focus on basketball virtually all year long and look to be vital members of the team as juniors. Senior Matt Nangeroni was a captain on the state championship soccer team and will also be a team leader on the hardwood.
“The hope is that we take a big step forward this season. Learning to trust each other and to be more of a team (will be important),” coach Tim Puchtler said.
THETFORD
Coach: Jason Gray (3).
Last Year: 15-8, lost to eventual state champion Windsor in semifinals.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Owen Deffner (F), Ethan Steingas (F), Seth Boyce (G), Carter Blain (G), Tony Pippin (F). Juniors — Alex Emerson (G), Eamon Deffner (G). Sophomores — Eli Dunnet (G/F), Jackson Ransom (G), Ryen Wolf (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Jake Colby (G). Sophomore — Trevor Johnson (G).
Analysis: The Panthers have 10 players returning from last season’s team that made a run to the Aud before falling to Windsor in the semifinals. Another deep postseason visit is on the table for this year’s team, which plays a schedule full of D-II teams as part of its Capital League slate. The Panthers’ two new players, Jake Colby and Trevor Johnson, each played on the varsity team at Chelsea last season.
“Our expectation is to get back to Barre Auditorium, which is what every varsity basketball team hopes for. The players set their goals high, which as a coach is a great thing (to see),” coach Jason Gray said.
WHITE RIVER VALLEY
Coach: Mike Gaudette (first year; 10 years previously at Mascoma, five years at Hartford).
Last Year: First year as unified school district. South Royalton was 8-13 and lost in VPA Division IV first round. Whitcomb-Rochester was 11-11 and fell in quarterfinals. Chelsea was 12-10 and lost in quarterfinals to eventual champ Sharon.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Central Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Eddie Bray (F/C), Ian Strong (G), Troy Walker (G/F), Jacob Hewitt (G). Juniors — Zeb Perrault (G/F), Tyler Slack (F). Sophomore — Carder Stratton (F).
Newcomers: Junior — Eric Taylor (G/F). Sophomores — Jacob Berry (G), Alex Lober (G), Peter Thornton (F/C). Freshmen — Dominic Craven (G), Weston Trombly (F/C).
Analysis: The Wildcats will be lead by a pair of returning scorers (South Royalton’s Troy Walker at 18.6 ppg and Whitchester’s Eddie Bray at 12.6 ppg). The team features plenty of athleticism and flexibility, with athletes able to play multiple positions for coach Mike Gaudette, who begins his third different stint coaching for an Upper Valley school.
“For us to be successful this winter, we have to share the ball and attempt to score in transition. If we can dictate tempo both offensively and defensively, we will be very competitive in a new division,” Gaudette said.
WINDSOR
Coach: Harry Ladue (36).
Last Year: 21-3, won state championship.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Robert Slocum (G), Ryland Richardson (G), Hunter Grela (G), Dakohta Sanderson (C), Dan Cardillo (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Josh Gaudette (F). Juniors — Caleb Meagher (G), Zack Tucker (G). Sophomores — Owen Abrahamsen (F), John Cook (F), Caden Lockwood (C), Jackson Davis (G).
Analysis: Leading scorer Seth Balch (16.2 ppg) graduated from last season’s state title team, but the Yellowjackets still return a core of seniors who played a big part in raising the banner a year ago.
“We have a solid core group coming back and hope to be competitive in our league to get a good seed for the tournament. We will need our new players to develop at the varsity level quickly,” coach Harry Ladue said.
WOODSTOCK
Coach: Joel Carey (3).
Last Year: 12-10, lost to Fair Haven in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Marble Valley League.
Returnees: Seniors — Harrison Nunes (G), Will Crompton (G), Anthony Hendrick (F), Gabriel Marsicovetere (F), Charlie Amato (G/F). Juniors — Harrison Morse (G/F), Ryan Ducharme (G), John Saggese (G/F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Emilio Montano (G), Caden White (F), Micah Schlabach (G), Kyle Gordon (F), Terrance Stone (F).
Analysis: The Wasps will get a boost from five new seniors who all took last season off from basketball before returning this year for a final hurrah. Returning starters Gabriel Marsicovetere and Harrison Morse will likely be the team’s leading scorers. The Wasps will look to play aggressively on both ends to take advantage of their team speed and athleticism.
“The anticipated part of the season for me is going to be watching those players who have returned to basketball improve and mature throughout the course of the season,” coach Joel Carey said.
WOODSVILLE
Coach: Jamie Walker (19).
Last Year: 17-5, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Billy Green (F), Carson Baril (F), Noah Baril (G). Juniors — Conner Maccini (G), Patrick Estes (F), Corey Bemis (G). Sophomores — Ethan Houston (F), Brendan Walker (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Ricky Vinnacomb (F), Stephan Aldrich (F). Freshmen — Michael Maccini (G), Mason Ste. Marie (G), Elijah Flocke (F), Josh Vinnacomb (F).
Analysis: The Engineers lost five players to graduation, including three (Garrett Olson, Cooper Davidson, Adam Cataldo) who carried heavy loads on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Senior Billy Green averaged 7.4 points per game last season and will lead a team short on varsity experience this season.
“We lost a lot off last year’s team. We are a young team this year, and we will have guys playing major minutes this year who have never played at the varsity level before. Hopefully we can improve as a team as the season progresses and get a first-round home playoff game,” coach Jamie Walker said.