The rest of the Mountain Valley Conference is welcoming back Spruce Mountain, and the Phoenix are glad to be back after a three-year hiatus in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference.

“The schools are familiar to what most of our community grew up competing against,” coach Scott Bessey said. “The travel will be way better and playing on different nights than the girls, I think, will improve the atmosphere in ‘The Nest.'”

The Phoenix will have something to do with that, too, with their trademark intense, fast-paced style. They may even have a little extra edge this year as they try to improve upon last year’s regional semifinal appearance.

The Phoenix traditionally feed off their pressure defense and will again this year. They will need to make sure they make a consistent, collective effort on the defensive glass to spark the transition game they prefer.

As usual, Spruce will have plenty of firepower from the perimeter with guards Mason Shink, Brett Frey, Kayle Stewart and forward Jordy Daigle and Nick Lombardi. Junior forward Andrew Shaw should provide balance inside as one of the conference’s top post players.

Coach: Scott Bessey (fourth year)

Conference: MVC; Class: B South

Last year’s results: 16-4, lost in B South semifinals

Returning players: Seniors — Brett Frey (5-10 guard), Mason Shink (5-10 guard), Jordy Daigle (5-10 forward), Nick Lombardi (6-0 forward), Shane Pelletier (5-10 forward); Juniors — Kayle Stewart (5-9 guard), Andrew Shaw (6-3 forward).

Key losses: Austin Darling, Caulin Parker, Noah Preble.

Promising newcomers: Senior — Hunter Whitney (5-10 guard); Juniors — Tate Walton (5-11 forward), Carson Gross (6-2 forward); Sophomores — Jack Bryant (5-11 guard), Brandon Frey (5-9 guard); Freshman — Lorne Grondin (5-11 forward).

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