Maine girls basketball takes on a new look this winter. After the Maine Principals' Association approved dramatic class restructuring, Class AA is no more, which makes for some significant ripple effects.
Following a 19-3 season, South Portland won last year’s Class AA state title. Perhaps the most daunting fact (for opponents) is that the Red Riots are returning all but two players from last year’s championship team.
Now in Class A following a merger between the two classes, however, South Portland is going to have to deal with other powerhouses, starting with Class A defending champion Mt. Ararat.
A North and A South teams dominate this year’s preseason rankings, but programs such as Oceanside and Lawrence look capable of turning Class B into a dogfight, too. Here are the top 10 teams you should keep an eye out for early this season.
1. South Portland
Class A South
Last season: 19-3
Coach: Brianne Maloney
South Portland won last year’s Class AA state championship with two juniors and two sophomores in the lineup, going on an 11-game win streak to end the season. With 11 of their 13 varsity players returning, led by star Annie Whitmore, the Red Riots are in a good spot for another dominant winter.
2. Mt. Ararat
Class A North
Last season: 21-2
Coach: Julie Petrie
Like South Portland, the reigning Class A champions head into this season with positive consistency gracing the roster. Star Julianna Allen, who scored 17 points in the Eagles’ championship win, is returning for her senior season. The Eagles have moved from A South to A North, but their identity under Petrie remains the same: a defense-first team with a deep bench.
3. Cheverus
Class A South
Last season: 17-6
Coach: Bill Goodman
Star senior Kylie Lamson headlines Cheverus’ four returning starters. The Stags were the Class AA state runner-up last season as they went to their third title game in four years. After moving from AA North to A South, Cheverus must cope with powerhouse teams, including defending champion South Portland, in their region. Regardless, the chemistry the Stags built last season, combined with Lamson’s star power, may just be enough to keep Cheverus in the mix.
4. Biddeford
Class AÂ South
Last season: 16-6
Coach: Jeannine Paradis
Jordyn Crump (a 2027 Division 1 commit to Colgate) and Anna Smyth are both returning for the Tigers this season after helping their team to the Class B state final last year. With a more experienced and mature team, Biddeford looks to make another run in its first year as a Class A program. To do that, though, it will have to go through consistently strong A South teams such as South Portland and Cheverus.
5. Oxford Hills
Class A North
Last season: 17-3
Coach: Cimeron Colby
The Vikings have been consistently dominant, playing in nine straight regional finals. Last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year Ella Pelletier graduated, though, taking with her a large part of Oxford Hills’ defensive presence and offensive production. AA North First Team selection Gabrielle Tibbetts and AA North Honorable Mention honoree Maddy Herrick also graduated. While replacing those players—especially one like Pelletier—AA North All-Rookie Team selection Lydia Goyette may be able to help Oxford Hills maintain its dominant streak.
6. Lawrence
Class B North
Last season: 19-2
Coach: Greg Chesley
After losing just two games last season, Lawrence reclassified and will play in Class B this year. Holy Cross commit Maddie Provost, one of the best players in the state, is returning for her senior season in hopes of winning another state title to top off her illustrious career, which includes a championship win in her freshman year.
7. Hampden
Class A North
Last season: 16-6
Coach: Nick Winchester
Hampden is returning several of the key players that helped it to the Class A state championship last season. Junior guards Aubrey Shaw, Eve Wiles, and Kate Adams will all suit up for the Broncos, in addition to senior center Grace LaBree. Adams is a sharpshooter who posted the best shooting percentage in the KVAC last year. With a large part of Hampden’s core set to return, they look capable of making another championship run.
8. Gray-New Gloucester
Class B South
Last season: 16-5
Coach: Michael Andreasen
The Patriots reclassified from A South to B South over the offseason. And while they graduated four seniors, they also maintained quite a bit of the experience on their roster. Led by junior guard Abbey Steele, the Patriots have a steep challenge ahead of them: competing with B South powers Oceanside and York.
9. Oceanside
Class B South
Last season: 15-6
Coach: Matt Breen
Oceanside made it to the Class B South regional final last season before losing big to state championship-bound Biddeford. The Mariners have six expected returners on the roster, including two of last season’s top three scorers in senior forward Renee Ripley and junior Grace Mackie. Ripley also led the team in rebounds, averaging 10.8 per game.
10. Caribou
Class C North
Last season: 20-1
Coach: Mackenzie Turner
Caribou won the Class B championship last season, beating Biddeford in overtime. Lots has changed since then, though. The Vikings reclassified to Class C, last year’s Miss Maine Basketball Madelynn Deprey graduated and former head coach Kayla Brown stepped down. Now, under first-year head coach Mackenzie Turner, Caribou looks to adjust to change and get back to the position they ended last season in: state champs.
