Here are 10 North regional boys basketball players to watch this winter, some established stars seeking to build on already impressive resumes and others highly regarded prospects who hope to lead their teams to tournament prominence.
Terion Moss, Jr., G, Portland: A third-team Bangor Daily News All-Maine choice a year ago, Moss will take over the point-guard duties as well as defensive leadership from his older brother Amir, who graduated after leading coach Joe Russo’s Bulldogs to the first Class AA state championship. Moss also can create his own offense, as evidenced by his 14.8 points per game a year ago.
Matthew Fleming, So., F, Oxford Hills: The younger brother of 2016 Maine Gatorade Player of the Year Andrew Fleming, who is now at the University of Maine, Matt Fleming could develop into a similar frontcourt force for coach Scott Graffam’s Vikings. The younger Fleming saw considerable duty as a freshman in helping Oxford Hills reach last winter’s Class AA North semifinals.
Ian McIntyre, Jr., F-C, Hampden Academy: Already a two-year starter, McIntyre has emerged as a rebounding and defensive force for a program that won the 2014 Class A state championship before injuries slowed the Broncos’ 2015 postseason quest. He now will add the role of leader for a new-look Hampden roster under veteran coach Russ Bartlett.
Cameron Allaire, Sr., C, Medomak Valley: Allaire ranks among the better centers statewide after helping the Panthers from Waldoboro advance to the Class A North championship game a year ago. The 6-foot-7 pivot player requires most teams to double-team him in the paint, and his shot-blocking ability provides coach Nick DePatsy’s club and extra layer of rim protection.
Mason Cooper, Sr., G, Lawrence: Already established as one of the top players in Class A North, the veteran wing has added more than 20 pounds of muscle since last season to fuel his blend of ballhandling and scoring ability that ranges from the low post to beyond the 3-point arc. One job for Cooper this winter will be to identify open teammates when opposing defenses inevitably focus on him.
Bryce Harmon, Sr., G, Ellsworth: One of the more experienced players in all of eastern Maine, Harmon may take on more of a scoring role for the Eagles as they begin the defense of their 2016 Class B North title. Harmon also is a veteran playmaker for coach Peter Austin’s club, and that acumen will help him get some younger teammates involved in the offense.
Isaac Varney, Fr., G-F, Hermon: One of several gifted prospects to come through Glenburn’s middle-school program during the last two years, the 6-foot-3 Varney may be just the addition to help elevate coach Mark Reed’s Hawks to serious contender in Class B North. Varney is described as a versatile player capable of creating offense both from the wing and interior, and his size creates shot-blocking potential as he transitions to varsity play.
Taylor Schildroth, Jr., G, George Stevens Academy: Schildroth had the skill and knack for providing the reigning Class C state champs just what they needed last winter. He averaged 16 points and 6.5 assists per game as a playmaker for coach Dwayne Carter’s club during the regular season, then turned pure scorer with 32 points in the North final and 25 in the state game while earning BDN All-Maine third-team honors.
Justin Thompson, Sr., G-F, Schenck: A fourth-year starter, Thompson does much of the inside work for his father’s (coach Darrick Thompson’s) Schenck of East Millinocket team, but he is more of a natural wing. One of the school’s all-time scoring leaders, the BDN All-Maine third-team choice averaged 25.1 points and 16 rebounds a game last winter.
Jacob Godfrey, Jr., C, Machias: At an active 6-foot-6, Godfrey is a rebounding machine who’s capable of overwhelming opponents near the basket. He had 27 points and 26 rebounds in one tourney game last winter, and he is a big reason coach Jim Getchell’s Bulldogs will be among the favorites in Class D North this season.
