Four-fifths of the lineup graduated from a Winthrop boys’ basketball team that won the MVC championship and reached the regional semifinals, but a deep, talented junior class should keep the Ramblers challenging into February the next two years.

Anthony Owens gives Winthrop a building block in the paint, and Jacob Hickey will be one of the top players in the league after shining as the sixth man a year ago. Bennett Brooks and Garrett Tsouprake lead the next wave of Ramblers.

Winthrop has the potential to contend but needs game experience. Coach Todd MacArthur believes the juniors’ familiarity with the Ramblers’ team philosophy will help speed up that growth process.

Although recent nemesis Maranacook has returned to Class B in the new five-class arrangement, Winthrop will continue to chase Dirigo, Boothbay and Madison in the battle for MVC and Class C South supremacy. MacArthur believes that the middle tier of teams will be deeper and stronger this year, also helping Winthrop prepare for another push into the postseason.