WISCASSET

The Wiscasset High School winter sports season is here, with the boys basketball team in coach Dana Lawrence’s third season looking to advance beyond the Western Maine Class C quarterfinals.

Patrick Quinn’s Wiscasset girls took some positive steps last year, especially in the defensive end of the court, so a little more scoring may go a long way toward Wolverines success.

And, Nori McLeod takes over the swimming team, which has eight athletes who will look to improve in every meet.

Boys basketball

Coach — Dana Lawrence.

2012 highlights — 10-8 in Mountain Valley Conference, earning No. 8 seed in Western Class C. Beat St. Dom’s 78-46 in prelim, lost to Boothbay 67-43 in quarterfinals.

Personnel lost — Zach Ellison, Matt Rines, Austin Haskell.

Personnel returning — Seniors Dale Peaslee (F/C), Chandler Longfellow (G), Cass Carr (F); juniors Dylan McMahon (F), Travis Padilla (F), Matt Craig (G/F), Thomas Anderson (F); sophomores JD Souza (G), Nate Mills (G).

Newcomers — Juniors Cainin Griffin (F/C, returning from injury), Jacob Allen (G); sophomore Brandon Sprague (G/F); freshman Ethan James (C/F).

Coach’s comments — “I think we have the capability to improve on what we did last year, that is as long as we take care of the ball and control the boards every single night.

“This is my third year coaching Wiscasset, so the kids certainly know me and I know them, and they know what I expect every day. This year has been much easier for me than the first two, and now I am seeing the kids from the younger grades starting to mature and move up to the high school. I like our future.”

Season opener — Dec. 7 (H, Carrabec).

Key dates — Dec. 30 (at Mountain Valley), Jan. 3 (at Boothbay), Jan. 8 (at Lisbon), Jan. 28 (H, Lisbon).

Girls basketball

Coach — Patrick Quinn.

2012 highlights — 4-14 in Mountain Valley Conference, no postseason.

Personnel lost — Heidi Pinkham was the team’s only senior last year.

Personnel returning — Seniors Briana Goud (F, All MVC Honorable Mention last year and team’s leading scorer and rebounder; a four-year starter), Kasey Cromwell (G, led in assists and steals last year); juniors Kayla Gordon (F), Miranda McIntire (F), Alecia Faulkingham (G), Tylan Onorato (G), Hanna Foye (F).

Newcomers — Senior Hannah Campbell (F); juniors Rachael Berry (G), Hannah Maloy (G); sophomore Colleen Hendricks (F); freshman Gabby Chapman (G).

Coach’s comments — “We have had productive practices, improved focus, improved intensity and an increased sense of purpose. We have a new jayvee coach (Ben Clark), who brings a lot to the table.

“This is the third season together for the seven returning players. There is a noticeable improvement in team chemistry from previous seasons. Factors that will determine our success are the willingness of our players to compete when challenged, staying mentally tough and purposefully improve their games throughout the season. We are highly motivated to earn a prelim game and ultimately a trip to the Augusta Civic Center. We have the ability to get there.

“Spruce Mountain is in a class by themselves, with Dirigo, Oak Hill, Madison and St. Dom’s in the second tier. Hall-Dale, Boothbay, Carrabec, Monmouth and Wiscasset should be in that next group.”

Season opener — Dec. 6 (H, Carrabec).

Key dates — Jan. 2 (at Boothbay), Jan, 9 (at Lisbon), Jan. 16 (H, Spruce Mountain), Jan. 27 (H, Lisbon).

Swimming

Coach — Nori McLeod, first season.

2012 highlights — Several Wolverines improved on their times throughout the season.

Personnel lost — Ryan Hanley, Alyssa Urquhart.

Personnel returning — Senior Sarah Hanley; juniors Maeve Carlson, Julia West, Jade Wood, Kyle Viele; sophomores Amanda Marcus, Sam Storer.

Newcomers — Freshman Colin Viele.

Coach’s comments — “So far, the team seems to be coming together extremely well. We may be a small team, but they all get along and support each other. From the practices this past week and the hard work they are putting in this early in the season, I have high hopes.

“My expectations are that most of the team makes it to the state meet in February. But, mostly I expect my kids to work hard and have fun. Swimming is a sport I’ve been involved with my whole life and love. I hope to pass that on and keep them wanting to come back the next year.

“For Wiscasset to be successful, we need to put in the work in the pool. As I’ve told the kids, success doesn’t come necessarily from winning or getting records. It is when they have done the best that they can. If they can get out of the pool and tell honestly that gave their race all they got, then that is successful.”

Season opener — Dec. 6 (H, Cony).

Key dates — Jan. 24 (H, Brunswick), Feb. 7 (KVAC Championships at Bath YMCA), Feb. 17. (State Class B girls at Bowdoin), Feb. 18 (State Class B boys at Bowdoin).