If you thought multiple Western Maine Conference boys’ basketball powers moving into Class A would make Poland’s regular-season schedule more manageable, think again.

The Knights still face two of those rivals in Greely and Cape Elizabeth. Poland had added KVAC Class B tournament fixtures Spruce Mountain and Maranacook to the slate. Even the Class C foes, Old Orchard Beach and Waynflete, are among the top teams in the West, regardless of division.

Only two years separated from its remarkable run to a regional title, Poland should have the talent to compete. The Knights graduated four starters, but four returning seniors all saw key minutes for another playoff team. John Fossettt (12 points, 8 rebounds per game) leads the way, with guards Patrick Kuklinski, Jared Martel and Trevor Saunders also in the mix.

Coach Tyler Tracy expects to play a 9 or 10-man rotation every night in hopes of ramping up the Knights’ tempo and defensive intensity. He is enthusiastic about the team’s athleticism, Minimizing turnovers and making the most of possessions in close games will be key.