He’s back.
After spending a year away from basketball — at least from a full-time coaching standpoint — Kieth Matte returns to the Lebanon High bench. His Raiders may have the best chance out of the Upper Valley’s boys hoop programs to pick up some hardware come March.
Former Dartmouth coach Dave Faucher filled in last winter while Matte was watching his kids play. Most of that roster returns, and many of them tasted success during Lebanon’s run to the football finals.
Other plot lines to watch include Hanover’s efforts to become less of a run-and-gun squad; new coaches at Hartford, Mascoma, Mid Vermont Christian and Woodstock; and a Thetford bunch looking to defend a state championship.
Coach: Tim Winslow (20).
Last year: 10-11, lost in first round.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Charlie Adams (G), Nolan Gantrish (G), Joe Brennan (F), Eric Seltzer (F/C). Juniors — Derek Lacy (G), Hank Pikus (G/F), Bret Simmons (G/F). Sophomores — Max Galbraith (G), Jai White (F/C).
Newcomers: Senior — Jack Loftus (F). Juniors — Will Cahoon (C), Indigo Coylewright (G), Linus Mayo (F).
Analysis: It’s been two decades since Paul “Doc” Donahue handed the Marauders’ coaching reins to Tim Winslow, who sat on the former’s bench for one season at the turn of the century. Add on Winslow’s seven coaching years at Mascoma — two as assistant, five as head coach — and the sum is a wealth of experience on the bench. This year’s Hanover team also features several experienced varsity players as well as a host of important new contributors. Known for emphasizing 3-point shooting last season, the Marauders are now aiming to be more diversified.
Charlie Adams, who averaged more than 17 points per game as a junior, returns at guard along with Nolan Gantrish (10.5 ppg). The two combined to hit 91 shots from beyond the arc last winter. The Marauders nailed 190 as a team, compared to 122 free throws.
“This year, we have both an outside shooting presence as well as an inside game,” Winslow said. “Our defense will be the concern. If the team can take pride in their defense and create offense from that dedication it could be an exciting season.”
Coach: Jeff Thomas (1).
Last year: 3-17, didn’t qualify for postseason.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Cam Eldredge (F). Juniors — Cole Jasmin (C), Dylan Morse (F), Aidan Brooks (G), Alex Bushway (G), Shea Bean (G), Danny Bushway (G), Nick Clay (F).
Newcomers: Senior — Aaron Mitchell (G/F). Juniors — Curtis Barry (G), Cam Tucker (F). Sophomore — Brandon Potter (G).
Analysis: Don’t be deceived by the number one in parentheses next to Jeff Thomas’ name. The Hurricanes’ new coach has also led South Royalton and Woodstock, winning state titles at both stops. Before the Canes can pursue their first championship since 1929, they must first make the postseason, a goal they narrowly missed a season ago.
Hartford has a bevy of returners hungry to make some headway in VPA’s Division II. Shea Bean led the Canes in scoring last season with 13 ppg.
“We have been working on our team chemistry and learning a new basketball system,” Thomas said.
Coach: Kieth Matte (22).
Last year: 15-8, lost in quarterfinals.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Wade Rainey (G/F), Jon Willeman (G), Caleb Smith (F), Jake Begin (C), Tommy Berthasavage (G), Jon Nulty (G), Anthony Perillo (G), Logan Falzarano (G). Juniors — Calvin Bates (F), Karsten Hansen (G). Sophomores — Braeden Falzarano (G), Jack Stone (F/C).
Newcomers: Junior — Logan Sanchez (G). Sophomores — C.J. Childs (G), Nyeoti Punni (G/F), Cole Fabry (G).
Analysis: Kieth Matte is back. Lebanon’s veteran coach has returned to the sidelines following a one-year hiatus with his squad ready to hit the ground running.
Matte, whose team won a D-II championship in 2017, described the Raiders’ strengths as shooting and athleticism. Jon Willeman averaged nearly 16 ppg last season, and Rainey just less than 13.
“We return all rotation players but one,” Matte said. “Dave Faucher (last year’s intimer coach) did an excellent job getting these kids ready to make a run at a title. The kids have worked hard in the spring and the summer to be ready.”
Coach: Silas Ayres (1).
Last year: 10-11, lost to Campbell in first round.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Ben Schwarz (G), Hunter Cadwell (C), Hawk Shawn (C), Liam Hemmerling (F). Juniors — Josh Evans (F), Connor Thompson (F), Michael Evans (F). Sophomores — Ben Seiler (G)
Newcomers: Juniors — Gabe Rock (F), Isaac Rayno (G), Cooper Peavey (F), Loudon Henry (G), Zack Mardin (G). Sophomores — Cole Moulton (G), Michael Loynds (G). Freshman — Zach Thompson (G)
Analysis: Ayres, Mascoma’s junior varsity coach the last four years, will take the reins at the varsity level from Jim Barry, who coached for 10 seasons. He sees big roles for Schwarz, Seiler and Connor Thompson, the team’s best shooter.
“We were young last year but have more experience this year,” Ayres said. “Our strengths are speed and depth. My hopes are pretty high. I think we have the potential to make a run in the playoffs. We have to get better every day as the season progresses. We do need to rebound better, and if we do that, we should be OK.”
Coach: Erva Barnes (1).
Last year: 5-16, lost in first round.
League: VPA Division IV.
Returnees: Seniors — Elliot Renninger (F), Stan Nelson (F), Dylan Patel (F), Cade Paquette (G), Hunter Cooper (F). Juniors — Evan Berman (G), Henry Mossell (F). Sophomore — Tenrick Renninger (G).
Newcomers: Freshmen — Joel Roberts (G), Nick Jasmin (G). Eighth-grader — Abel Goodwin (G).
Analysis: Barnes takes over from Micah Roberts with a lot of experience on the roster. Barnes said the Eagles will employ a “five-out” system that relies on perimeter shooting, but he said they also look to keep the paint open.
“We like to attack the paint. With a large senior class and some talented young players, we are hoping to build from last year and improve to a more competitive level in our division,” Barnes said.
Coach: William Page (2).
Last year: 3-17, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division III.
Returnees: Seniors — Cody O’Brian (F), Rueben Relente (F), Caleb Palmer (G), Kurt Gagne (G), Tony Sanville (G). Juniors — Sean Moody (G), Chase Hamilton (F), David Hutchinson (F). Sophomores — Devyn Heino (F).
Newcomers: Seniors — Will Cross (G), Cooper Skarin (G), Dylan Fischer (F), Zach Davis (G).
Analysis: It has been a difficult few years for the Tigers boys basketball program, but Page believes Newport is starting to turn the corner to more success.
He expects Moody and Hamilton, who have played varsity since their freshmen year, to carry much of the load with contributions from Cross, who arrived from Keene this year.
“We are rebuilding and want to get the culture here in the right place,” Page said.
Page coached under long-time Windsor coach Harry Ladue and wants to employ that style of play in Newport.
“We want to play a hard-nosed defense, more man than zone, and run the floor,” he said. “I want the kids to play really hard every day. I see games on the schedule where I believe we can be competitive, so we will see what happens.”
Coach: Steven Carson (6).
Last year: 8-12 after a 6-0 start, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Trevor Moore (G), Cooper Simmons (F), Hunter Locke (G), Daniel Sweet (G), Jace Page (G). Juniors — Bryce Ilsley (G).
Newcomers: Juniors — Drew Shaw (F), Dylan Shaw (F), Aaron Thurston (G). Sophomores — Andrew Emerson (F), Conner Moore (G).
Analysis: A couple of new coaches, Justin Smith and Jeff Huntington, have joined Carson’s staff. Meanwhile, the return of top scorer Ilsley and a core of experienced seniors should help the Olympians improve from last year.
“I think this year, with some new coaches, our strengths will be defense, but we also need to stay out of foul trouble because our numbers are low,” Carson said “There is a buzz in the gym we haven’t had for years. I already see a difference just two weeks into practice. We can’t wait to get on the court and get the season started.”
Coach: Ross Convertino (2).
Last year: 8-14, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Zach Gould (F/G), Luke Senn, (F/G) Johnny Vogelien (G), Sean Maddock (F). Juniors — Ty Newman (G/F), Kyle Carter (G).
Newcomers: Sophomores — Garrett Stever (G), Jameson Gilbert, (F) Chris Pierce (G). Freshmen — Harrison Molesworth (G), Ashton Pierson (G), Josiah Welch (F).
Analysis: The Raptors return a core of six starters from last year — four seniors, a junior and a sophomore. Convertino said they have a good balance of experience and youth, and the returning players have done a nice job developing a culture focused on effort, toughness and outworking other teams.
“We don’t have anyone real big, so our strengths will be to get up and down the court and defense,” Convertino said. “We want to play fast and be more of a transition team than half-court.”
Coach: Blake Fabrikant (11).
Last year: 14-8, lost to Proctor in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Olly Skeet-Browning, (F). Juniors — Erik Younce (G), Desmond Piccicuto (G). Sophomores — Tyler Chapin (G), Riley Eastman (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Tony Dorman, (F). Juniors — Ian Robertson (F), Ben Rodis (F). Sophomores — Blair Locke (G), Ever Tofel (G).
Analysis: Fabrikant, whose team won the D-IV state championship two years ago, will rely heavily on Skeet-Browning and Chapin to carry most of the scoring load, but how the rest of the team does will go a long way toward determining their level of success.
“We have some good athletes with a great work ethic,” Fabrikant said. “It is a very coachable group.
“Olly can post up and also slash to the basket. Tyler started as a freshman and has worked hard. He can hit outside shots and get the rim. Both are good defenders. But we will need others to step up. We have a good core but have some holes to fill.”
Coach: Dan Ryan (2).
Last year: 1-17, missed playoffs.
League: NHIAA Division II.
Returnees: Seniors — Alex Taylor (F), Matt Jones (G), Tyler Bonneau (G). Juniors — Gabe Miller (G), Clay Wadsworth (G), Owen Taylor (F), Brady Moote (F).
Newcomers: Sophomore — Cooper Moote (G). Freshmen — Kayden LeClair (G), Hunter Larocque (G), Jai Riberio (G).
Analysis: “We should be better; how much better is the $64,000 question,” Ryan said. “A lot depends on how much we improve in practice and early games. We have a young team, and how well the young players mesh with the veterans will determine how well the season goes.”
Coach: Jason Gray (4).
Last year: 17-5, won state title.
Leagues: VPA Division III, Capital League.
Returnees: Seniors — Alex Emerson (G), Eamon Deffner (G/F). Juniors — Eli Dunnet (F), Jackson Ransom (G), Ryen Wolf (G).
Newcomers: Seniors — Alex Xi (G), Zac Beland (G), Kodiak Shepard (F), Ty Clay (G/F), Kobe Pierson (G), Gavin Lanctot (G). Sophomores — Logan Brinkman (G/F), Mason LeFevre (F). Freshman — Jacob Gilman (G).
Analysis: Two starters return for a Thetford squad aiming to defend its D-III state title, expand depth and contend in the formidable Capital League. Eli Dunnet averaged nearly 14 ppg during the championship campaign, and Alex Emerson chipped in 10 ppg.
“(We) bring back five returners with good skill and ability to the program,” coach Jason Gray said. “We also have eight newcomers that are just as good in the skill department as the five returnees. Our defense is going to be our key this year, which then should bring the offense.”
Coach: Mike Gaudette (2).
Last year: 14-8, lost in quarterfinals.
Leagues: VPA Division IV, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Zeb Perreault (F), Tyler Slack (F). Juniors — Carder Stratton (F), Alex Lober (G), Jacob Barry (G), Peter Thornton (C). Sophomores — Weston Trombly (C), Dominic Craven (G).
Newcomers: Senior — Timber Russell (F). Sophomores — Austin Tracy (G), Arliss Spaulding (G).
Analysis: Gaudette, who coached previously at Mascoma and Hartford, took over the program last year after a merger led to the closing of D-IV South Royalton. After a year among the D-III ranks, the Wildcats return to Division IV, where they should be legitimate contenders for a trip to Barre Auditorium in March.
“We have a lot of returning players who were impact players for us last year,” Gaudette said. “Our best player will likely change game to game, as we will be athletic and able to go eight or nine deep each game. There is a different feel in the gym this year, and I think it has a lot to do with everyone being expected to contribute in their own way.”
Coach: Harry Ladue (37).
Last year: 13-9, lost in quarterfinals.
League: VPA Division III, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Senior — Caleb Meagher (F). Juniors — Owen Abrahamsen (F), John Cook (F), Caden Lockwood (C).
Newcomers: Juniors — Jackson Davis (G), Jordan Place (G), Blake Archambault (F), Cooper Bevis (F), Than Lawyer (F), Nick Langhans (G). Sophomore — Ben Gilbert (G).
Analysis: Ladue’s teams are always competitive, and the veteran coach is no stranger to Barre Auditorium, where his junior-heavy squad could end up competing in March.
The Yellowjackets’ roster includes one senior, nine juniors and one sophomore. Owen Abrahamsen averaged more than 12 ppg last year.
“We are starting to come together as we are trying to mix in different combinations with a lot of first-year players,” Ladue said. “We have good quickness and decent size.”
Coach: Tom Avellino (1).
Last year: 8-13, lost in first round.
Leagues: VPA Division II, Southern Vermont League.
Returnees: Seniors — Harrison Morse (F), Ryan Ducharme (G), John Saggese (F).
Newcomers: Juniors — Manny Pacheco (G), Tyler Bean (G). Sophomores — Corey White (F), Emmet Mahoney (G), Cooper Dorsogna (F), Robby Macri (F), Cooper Jones (F), Alex Rice (F). Freshman — Declan McCullough (G).
Analysis: Tom Avellino will look to pick up where his predecessor, Joel Carey, left off and lead the Wasps further in the playoffs, but it will require both discipline and buy-in.
Harrison Morse is back after leading all Upper Valley scorers last season with 18.19 ppg.
“We’re inexperienced and young, which will be our initial challenge,” Avellino said. “But we have real good athletes with good work ethics and great attitudes so far. We’ll need to learn how to compete at the varsity level to have any chance of being successful this season.”
