The varsity boys basketball team at Boothbay Region High School is diligently preparing for the 2015-16 season. This season’s team has many new faces as the Seahawks graduated eight seniors last season. Not only are there many new faces on the team, but a number of players are learning new positions with new responsibilities. As always, the expectations are high for the team and the work to meet these expectations has begun in earnest.

Pre-season practices have gone well and all the players are working hard to improve their skill level and conditioning. With the loss of eight players, there are many positions to be filled, and the competition for playing time has begun. The team chemistry has been excellent and the wait is on to see what players will step up and accept a leadership role for this team.

All 13 players bring a different level of skill and athletic ability to the team, and the coaches are working to find the mix that will lead to another successful season.

A look at the players

00 -- Austin Campbell, Jr., 6’2” Austin was on the J. V. team last season, where he was a significant contributor. He has good size and shoots well. He will need to become a force on the offensive and defensive boards.

12 – Kyle Ames, So., 5’7” Kyle was a swing player last season, so he has some varsity experience. He has a broad skill set as he can handle the ball well and is a good shooter. He will see playing time as a point guard or shooting guard. He will be a major contributor as he adjusts to varsity play.

14 – Daniel Drummond, Sr., 5’9” Dan played on the varsity last season as a back-up point guard. He is a very good athlete and has had years of experience as a point guard. He is quick and will be one of the team’s defensive stoppers. He has worked hard on his shooting to take his game to a new level.

20 – Cole Barter, Sr., 5’8” Cole was on the J. V. team last season, and is coming off a successful football season. He is probably the hardest working player on the team and brings a great deal of energy. He is a good defender and is working to improve his offensive skills.

22 – Jacob Leonard, Jr., 6’ Jacob was a starter at shooting guard last year for most of the season. He is an aggressive offensive player and will have to produce points for the team to be successful. He will play a new position this year and will be expected to provide some rebounding for the Seahawks.

24 – Nick Gorey, Sr., 6’1” Nick saw a great deal of playing time last season and was used as a defensive stopper. Nick is very athletic and has worked in the off-season to become more of a scorer. He is adjusting to a new position and will be more of a rebounder this season.

30 – Morgen Wilson, Sr., 6’1” Morgen played on the J. V. team last season after a year of skiing. He is a natural athlete and is shooting the ball quite well. Morgen has a good work ethic and will improve as he adjusts to varsity play.

32 – Dimitry Gosselin, Jr., 5’7” Dima played on the J. V. team last season, and is coming off a successful football season. He is strong and runs the floor well. He is working hard to become a solid defender and shooter.

34 – Carter Babcock, Jr., 6’ Carter played well for the J.V. team last season. He always gives 100 percent when he is on the court. He plays bigger than his size and has a nose for the ball. He will play multiple positions for the Seahawks.

42 – Matthew Burnham, Sr., 6’1” Matt played on the varsity last year and had a very successful cross country season this fall. Matt is coming off an ankle injury but has played well early. He is a streak shooter who has a good understanding off the game and his role.

44 – Alex Smith, Jr., 6’ Alex was a steady player on the J. V. team last season. He is a good shooter and is a bit of a “gym rat” and loves to play. Alex works hard ever day and his game will improve as he adjusts to his role on the team and varsity play.

50 – Abel Bryer, Sr., 6’3” Abel was a starter on the varsity last season and was the second leading rebounder for the Seahawks. He is a good athlete who shoots the ball very well. How Abel plays will have a big impact on the team's success this year.

55 – Elijah Gudroe, So., 6’2” Eli played well for the J. V. team as a freshman last season and will be a swing player early this season. He is very athletic and has all the skills to become a very good player for the Seahawks. He will only get better as the season progresses.

The scorers and statisticians for the team include junior Jacob Bishopp, sophomore Max Hoecker and sophomore Tyler Field.

This team will represent the school and community well so come out and support the team. They will play an exciting brand of basketball and will demonstrate a great work ethic. The Seahawks have a great tradition, and all the players want to become part of that tradition. The team knows that expectations are always high and they are ready for that challenge that awaits them.

The schedule will be a challenge as the team plays the pre-season favorites Dirigo, Madison and Winthrop each twice. There will be growing pains early, but the Seahawks will make the playoffs and be in Augusta in February.

The Seahawks have had exhibition games with Mt. View, Waynflete and Gardiner to prepare for the season. The first regular season game is December 4 at Dirigo, the pre-season favorite in Class C South. The second game is at Wiscasset against a much improved Wiscasset team.