Boys Basketball

Coach: Mark Karter (31st year)

Key players: Cody Elliot (sr., G); Cam Smith (sr., F); Sam Kilborn (sr., C); Billy Ruby (sr., F); Jackson Fotter (jr., G); Logan Drouin (jr., F); Cam Wright (jr., C); Jason Komulainen (jr., G); Kyle King (so., F)

Outlook: The Rams mean to charge onto every court and ratchet up the pace of every game. Their roster is deep, and Karter intends to “use that depth to our advantage in an aggressive style of play both on offense and defense.” Plumbing the Gorham lineup reveals a number of younger players, who should develop their potential as the season progresses, allowing the team to play ever-better ball as the playoffs approach.

Girls Basketball

Coach: Laughn Berthiaume (ninth year)

Last year’s record: 17-3

Key players: Molly Merrifield, Emily Bragg, Kaylea Lundin, Kristen Curley, Emily Esposito, Danasia Fennie, Michelle Rowe, Mackenzie Holmes

Key games: Scarborough, South Portland, TA, McAuley

Outlook: “We have a deep and talented roster,” says Berthiaume. The Lady Rams have added some size this winter, which should bolster their inside play, particularly their rebounding and their shot-taking around the rim. Likewise, half-court defense should be another strength. “Our biggest challenge is going to be how we develop our team chemistry,” says Berthiaume. “We have some new players who’ll see significant playing time, so we’ll need to figure out how to play together.”

Cheering

Coaches: Julie Dvilinsky (head), Jess Taylor (asst.)

Last year’s record: First at SMAAs, A West Regional Champions, fifth at Class A States

Key athletes: Caroline Smith, Meghan Yaskula, Sally Aube, Kelly Aube, Lauren Nagy

Key meets: SMAAs, A South Regionals

Outlook: “We’re looking forward to another great season of competing with a very difficult and action-packed routine,” says Dvilinsky. “We have such an amazing, talented group of cheer athletes this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season.”

Boys Hockey

Coach: Jon Portwine (ninth season)

Last year’s record: 14-6-2, B West Champions

Key players: Carl Bear (sr., F); Willy Baxter (sr., D); Noah Bird (jr., G); Carter Landry (jr., F/D); Jake Bear (jr., D); Lucas Roop (so., F); Brogan McDonald (so., G)

Key games: Scarborough, Biddeford, Edward Little, Yarmouth, Kennebunk, Greely

Outlook: No doubt Gorham would like another shot at the Class B crown and nemeses Messalonskee, to whom the Rams dropped heartbreaking State Finals in 2013 and 2014. To get that far, though, they’ll have to mature quickly and bypass some stiff competition in the South. Luckily, they’ve got skill across the ice: “There are a lot of new faces this season, but plenty of talent,” Portwine says. The team’s only seniors, Carl Bear and Baxter, can be counted on in their positions; they’ll also need to wring everything they can from their leadership roles, however – they’ll need to inspire even the juniors just a year below them. Bird is an exceptional netminder, and McDonald no slouch either. Landry and Roop are in their middle high school years, and still improving, but already formidable on the attack; expect plenty of scoring from them. “This is a young group,” says Portwine, “but very capable of competing for a third straight [Regional] Championship.”

Girls Hockey (with Bonny Eagle/Massabesic)

Coach: Nat Germond

Last year’s record: 9-9, fell in first round of playoffs

Key players: Mary Adams, Madison Russell, Hanna Blair, Anna Rathbun, Alexandra Johnson, CC Cochrane, Isis Adams

Key games: Biddeford, Portland, Cape/Waynflete/South Portland, Cheverus, Winslow

Outlook: Germond’s girls have reached the playoffs for two seasons running, but they face a difficult schedule this winter and find themselves perhaps under-experienced. “We have many young and first-year varsity players who’ll have to step up and make an immediate impact,” Germond says. “Scoring goals will be a challenge.”

Boys Indoor Track

Coach: Jason Tanguay

Last year’s record: 6-4

Key athletes: Emerson Fox (sr., sprints/jumps); Jesse Southard (sr., distance); Connor Goodall (sr., Pole Vault); Branden Kuusela (sr., sprints/hurdles/jumps); Nathaniel Nadeau (sr., sprints/jumps); Ethan Orach (jr., middle distance); Alex Ousback (so., middle distance); Luke Gowen (so., sprints)

Key meets: SMAAs

Outlook: The Rams boast a huge headcount in 2015, and a nice mix of veterans and newcomers, not to mention a heap of talent. “[It’s] the largest roster I’ve seen in many years,” says Tanguay, “with over 50 athletes…We’re looking to be competitive in all our regular season meets, with the hopes of being one of the top teams in the SMAA Championship as well. Things are going well and the boys are working hard.” Tanguay sends a shout out to track fans: “Hope many of you can make it over to USM and watch us compete this season!”

Girls Indoor Track

Coach: John Caterina (14th year)

Last year’s record: Seventh at SMAAs, 13th at Class A States

Key athletes: Diana Albanese (sr., Captain, distance); Mallory Campbell (sr., jumps); Erin Esty (jr., hurdles/jumps); Sarah Lorello (jr., Captain, jumps); Audrey Perrault (jr., Captain, Shot Put); Emily Hayward (jr., Shot Put); Heather Woodbury (jr., sprints/jumps); Meadow Fortier (so., distance); Bridget Rossignol (so, Pole Vault/sprints); Maddie Rossignol (so., Pole Vault/sprints); Anna Slager (so., distance); Grace McGouldrick (so., hurdles/sprints)

Outlook: Overall, the Lady Rams are young this winter, and could require some time to develop. One Gorhamite already excelling is, of course, Anna Slager, one of the state’s top distance runners. Expect the Rossignol sisters to vault well, and Fortier to score in the middle distance – once she heals up a bit, that is. Campbell, Esty and McGouldrick are all new to the team. Esty in particular should earn points for the team. “Look for Gorham to be very competitive in the SMAA this season,” Caterina says.

Swim coach Adam Cyr and skiing coach Sean Munkacsi could not be reached.

Gorham’s Sam Kilborn returns to the court this winter for what should be a standout senior season.Emily Esposito is not the Lady Rams’ only weapon, but she is undoubtedly their most dangerous.Kaylea Lundin should figure prominently into the Lady Rams’ gameplan this winter.Willy Baxter, one of just two seniors on the Gorham boys hockey team this winter, will marshal the Rams’ defense.