Armed with three returning starters, including one of the top seniors in the state in Riley Robinson, Dirigo will set its sights on a sixth Class C South championship in eight years this winter.

Robinson will graduate as the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer and has an outside shot to end his career with 2,000 points. Gavin Arsenault joins him to complete a one-two punch in the backcourt, and center Clay Swett gives Dirigo an experienced big man. 

The key for the Cougars is who will step up beyond that senior big three. In addition to five graduates, Dirigo lost three players who elected not to play this season. That will place added importance on the continued development of junior Gavin Hebert and sophomores Cooper Chiasson and Luke Lueders.

Rebounding and defense were strengths a year ago, and Dirigo coach Travis Magnusson will continue to stress both categories this season. The Cougars also take pride in a 36-game home court winning streak.