The reigning Class B state champions look like the favorite to win the Class C North title this year. Caribou hasn’t had an easy road even after dropping down to Class C, but the Vikings have found their footing — and scoring — in the new division.
After losing its primary offensive weapon from a year ago in forward Tristan Robbins, Caribou has turned to senior guard Owen Corrigan to shoulder more responsibility this season. And Corrigan has delivered, pacing the Vikings to 15-3 record in the regular season.
And senior Landen Belanger made one of the biggest shots of the year so far, knocking down a last-second jumper to help the Vikings beat Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln earlier in the campaign.
That Mattanawcook team, the defending Class C North champs, is among the contenders this year as well. With experienced leaders like senior Andrew Oliver and junior Kooper McCarthy back after last year’s trip to the state final, the Lynx look well-positioned for another deep run.
One of the tougher teams in Class C, and potentially the most inspiring story in all of Maine basketball this season, can be found in Dover-Foxcroft. The Ponies of Foxcroft Academy went 14-4 heading into the tournament, and they did so with gritty leadership from senior forward Lennon McAfee.
McAfee averaged more than 18 points, roughly six rebounds and three steals per game through the first 12 contests — and he did so with only about 15% usage of his right arm due to an injury sustained at birth.
Expect more inspired play from McAfee and other top Class C players, including Fort Kent’s Aden Jeffers. His Fort Kent squad could very well be the last team standing after the regional tournament, and don’t sleep on Orono as a spoiler, either. The Red Riots have had to overcome several key injuries and have just been getting healthy late in the season.