Another high school basketball tournament is upon us, and that means another group of Maine’s best players will have a chance to shine in the postseason. With North regional action split between the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor and the Augusta Civic Center, here are the ten boys players that look most ready to take over for their teams.
Nolan Ames, Camden Hills
While he’s at the top of the list alphabetically, Camden Hills star guard Nolan Ames should also be toward the top of everyone’s list for player of the year. The senior guard brings a dangerous combination of versatility and explosiveness, mixing his ability to attack the rim and knock down long-range shots.
And even though Ames was averaging nearly 28 points per game through late January, his coach has said that his ability to get others involved might be his greatest strength.
“He steps up when needed. He’s a good leader,” Camden Hills head coach Joel Gabriele said.“He makes the right plays. I’ve always believed that his passing ability might be his greatest strength. And of course, he can get a bucket when needed.”
Carter Brathwaite, Cony
In a year featuring several impressive freshmen rising through the Maine basketball ranks, there may be no better rookie than Cony of Augusta’s Carter Brathwaite. The talented freshman sets the pace for a potent Rams offense, and was leading his conference in Class B scoring through late January with more than 21 points per game.
“I think everything starts with him when you’re watching them,” Hermon coach Mark Reed said after his Hawks team beat Cony earlier in the season. “I mean, he’s such a talented kid. He’s big. He’s long. He can score in different ways, he can take you to the basket, he gets downhill really well, can shoot the three for them, really makes them go, and they play off that.”
Owen Corrigan, Caribou
If Caribou is going to repeat as state champions this year, they’ll likely need Corrigan to continue his strong season as the Vikings primary scorer. Senior guard Corrigan stepped into that role and has helped Caribou secure the top seed in boys Class C North.
Harry Fitzpatrick, Bangor
There may have been no bigger turnaround in Maine basketball this year than the Bangor Rams, which went from a one-win season a year ago to 10 wins a No. 4 seed in this year’s Class A North bracket. And senior forward Fitzpatrick has been a huge presence for Bangor, and is among the conference leaders in both scoring and rebounding.
Akol Maiwen, Edward Little
Edward Little of Auburn senior Akol Maiwen has been one of the most dominant players throughout the season, averaging more than 23 points per game through late January and nearly 10 rebounds. He and his Red Eddies teammates are the No. 2 team in Class A North behind Camden Hills, and will be a tough matchup in Augusta.
Lennon McAfee, Foxcroft Academy
It’s hard to believe that McAfee, a senior forward from Foxcroft Academy, was left off the list of finalists for the Mr. Maine Basketball Award. McAfee is a force on both ends of the court for the Ponies, who are one of the strongest teams in Class C North this year.
“He really is the heart and soul of our team and of our program,” said Foxcroft coach Charles Beale. “The amount of time that he’s spent and how much passion and effort that he gives, it’s pretty remarkable.”
Rajon Reed, Bangor Christian
Bangor Christian guard Rajon Reed was already one of the best players in the Class D tournament a year ago, and fans should expect the same again from Reed now that he is in his junior season. The versatile guard can jumpstart the Patriots offense with precision passing, and attacks the rim with a dunking ability that rivals any of the region’s other top players.
Quinn Pelletier, Madawaska
Madawaska’s Quinn Pelletier was also among the brightest stars of last year’s high school tournament, and he wasn’t even in high school yet. Now a freshman with another year of experience, Pelletier is a reliable choice to again be one of the tourney’s top performers. He and the Owls, now down a class in Class D, will be looking to make some more noise in the playoffs after last year’s spirited run to the regional final.
Carter Wiggin, Hermon
Senior guard Carter Wiggin has helped lead Hermon to an impressive 16-2 season, and was the second leading scorer in the Big East Conference this regular season with more than 16 points per game.
James Witham, Mount Desert Island
The only Big East player who averaged more points per game than Wiggin was Mount Desert Island junior guard James Witham. And Witham averaged a whopping 26.1 points while hauling down nearly nine rebounds per contest. Expect Witham to bring his offensive prowess and strong overall game to the tourney floor in Bangor.