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04/11/2008

The Rangeley Lakes Regional School baseball team returns many of the players that helped the Lakers win the Western Maine Class D title for the first time last season, but that's not the only reason the team could have the upper hand on its East/West Conference competition again this season. For the second year in a row, the Lakers will make a trip to Florida over spring break.

"We'll play five games down there," Rangeley coach Mark Gordon said.

Rangeley returns 13 players from last season's 12-win team, including top pitchers Luke Hammond and Ben Bliss. Cody Brooks, Ross Gordon and freshman Jordan Richard also will pitch for the Lakers.

"We have plenty of depth," Coach Gordon said.

Bliss hit for a .638 average last season, and will lead a deep lineup. Catcher David Raymond, outfielder Kent Madiera, Hammond, and first baseman Zach Abbott are also strong hitters.

Aside from repeating as regional champs, the Lakers have another goal. They want to beat rivals Richmond and Buckfield in the regular season. Rangeley knocked off both in the playoffs last season, but have yet to beat either in an East/West Conference game, Coach Gordon said.

Richmond didn't lose a game last season until it fell to Rangeley in the Western Maine Class D championship game. It returns the infield from that team as well as two solid pitchers in senior Sam Carter and junior Josh Brown.

"We have to replace the whole outfield," Richmond coach Ryan Gardner said. "But I've got good young kids who can run and catch out here."

Gardner sees his team in the Class D playoff mix along with Buckfield and Rangeley.

"(Rangeley) still has (Luke) Hammond and (Ben) Bliss back," Gardner said. "They can have the driver's seat. We'll make runs at each other and see who has the final say."

James Caron takes over as coach at Forest Hills, replacing Mike LeBlanc, who stepped down after a 10-year run as head coach. Caron inherits a team that won nine games last season, and should contend for a playoff spot again this year.

The Tigers have their pitching ace in senior Jeff Mulhall. Newcomer Cory Plante will be the team's No. 2 starter.

Mulhall, who will catch and play shortstop when not on the mound, will lead Forest Hills at the plate as well. Outfielder/pitcher Danny Forge, second baseman Jacob Morrissette, catcher/outfielder Cody Gilboe and Plante also will be staples of the Tiger lineup.

As usual, depth is a concern at tiny Forest Hills. Caron will carry four eighth graders on the team this season.

Valley graduate Wade Morrill is the new coach at his alma mater. With pitchers Scott and Jonathan Hunnewell, Morrill says he has a pair of pitchers who have a chance to win any time they take the mound.

"If we play any type of solid defense behind them, we can be competitive," Morrill said.

Senior second baseman Austin Plourd is another experienced bat in the Cavaliers' lineup. Out for the team for the first time are basketball standouts Trevor Miller and Curtis Miller. Both are good athletes, but neither has played baseball since junior high, Morrill said. Trevor Miller will pitch and play first base, while Curtis will be in the outfield for Valley.

Junior third baseman Zach Mathieu also returns for the Cavaliers.

Due to low turnout, Averill will not field a team this season.

Staff writer Gary Hawkins contributed to this report

Travis Lazarczyk -- 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com

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