One writer’s take on unsung players, things you are likely – and unlikely – to see, and some not-so-bold predictions.
Steve Craig
Staff Writer
Steve Craig reports primarily about Maine’s active high school sports scene and, more recently, the Portland Hearts of Pine men's professional soccer team. His first newspaper job was covering Maine high school sports in 1986 working out of a tiny office in Skowhegan at the front of a hand-sewn shoe shop. After 12 years as a sportswriter in Dover, New Hampshire, he had a multi-year stint as the Portland Press Herald's freelance motorsports writer. In 2012 he was happy to make a working return to Maine as a staff writer for the Press Herald. Steve was named the National Sports Media Association's 2022 Maine Sportswriter of the Year, 27 years after winning the award for New Hampshire.
Boys’ basketball: Portland rolls past Edward Little 70-30 in AA North quarterfinal
The No. 3 Bulldogs get great team defense and 30 points from Kevin Rugabirwa, controlling the game from end to end.
Wrestling: Noble sets up its Class A title defense with South regional title
But Massabesic shows it has the top-tier talent to be a threat at states next Saturday, with five individual champions at the regional meet.
Indoor track: WMC athletes turn in prime efforts to tune up for Class B state meet
Numerous personal bests are set as Western Maine Conference teams prepare for the state championships.
Boys’ basketball: Falmouth remains the team to beat in Class A South
The Navigators (15-3) are likely to be the No. 2 seed in the tournament behind Gray-New Gloucester (16-2), but they beat the Patriots by 21 points early this season.
Mother and daughter courting success for girls’ basketball in Maine
South Portland coach Lynne Hasson and Portland coach Abby Hasson stand out as role models and mentors at a time when most girls’ basketball coaches are men.
Wrestling: Noble, Wells capture dual meet state titles
The Knights take advantage after top seed Massabesic withdraws, and the Warriors win their third Class B title in the fourth year of the format.
Boys’ basketball: Gorham continues its roll as Ashton Leclerc reaches milestone
The Rams are atop Class AA South and, with two tough road games left, are closing in on the No. 1 seed.
Boys’ basketball: In Class AA North, little separates the top three teams
Windham is close to locking down the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, but Cheverus and Portland also should be in the mix for the regional championship.
Wrestling: Dual meet championships start a busy month of title events
Saturday’s competition will feature 16 teams, while later in the month girls will compete for a team title for the first time.