It’s just like old times in the MVC and Class C West: Winthrop is one of the favorites in boys’ basketball.

Winthrop has progressed from 3 to 11 to 14 wins in the past three seasons under coach Todd MacArthur and is expected to battle with Dirigo and Boothbay for conference supremacy.

The Ramblers are athletic and balanced. Taylor Morang is a four-year starter at point guard. Ben Allen, Dakota Carter and Anthony Owens comprise a strong, athletic frontcourt. Matt Sekarak is fully recovered from a knee injury suffered just prior to the 2014 tournament.

Winthrop ended a five-year tournament drought with a quarterfinal loss to eventual Class C West finalist Maranacook a year ago. With so many seniors on the squad, 2014-15 has been considered “the year” for Winthrop since the group was in the lower grades. Experience and talent should serve the Ramblers well.

Last year’s record: 14-5, lost in Western C quarterfinal

Returning athletes: Seniors —

(5-7 guard), Matt Sekarak (6-0 guard),

(6-3 forward), Dakota Carter (6-2 forward),

(5-7 guard); Junior — Anthony Owens (6-5 center); Sophomores — Jacob Hickey (5-10 guard), Bennett Brooks (5-8 guard), Garrett Tsouprake (6-3 forward), Nate Scott (5-7 guard).

Key losses: Zach Steele (5-9 guard), Ethan Squires (5-10 forward).

Promising newcomers: Seniors — Joe Fay (6-0 guard/forward), Jacob Rioux (6-3 forward); Sophomores — Spencer Steele (5-10 guard), Andrew Pazdziorko (5-10 guard).