This was supposed to be a breakout season for Rangeley boys’ basketball, and coach Jeff Larochelle hasn’t given up on the idea.

The Lakers’ growth curve got much steeper, though, due to suspension, academic ineligibility, players leaving town and two senior starters choosing not to play. Larochelle is hopeful that the upperclassmen may return now that an in-house disciplinary issue has been addressed. In the meantime, half his roster of eight is comprised of freshmen and eighth-graders.

Rangeley played its first scrimmage of the season with the minimum five players and battled to a tie, which is evidence of the Lakers’ talent if they can develop some depth. Junior Ricky Thompson and sophomore Kyle Larochelle, the coach’s son, are the veterans of the group.

If the Lakers can get to the playoffs, they might be able to do some damage in the new, streamlined Class D. Old rivals Buckfield, Richmond and NYA have moved up to Class C, although Rangeley kept them on the regular-season schedule.