Five seniors will likely play a major role in the Boothbay boys' basketball team this season. Three are returning starters: Tyson French, Aidric Canada and Spencer Wenners. Maddox Cusumano missed the entire season last year due to injury, but is now healthy. Braden Smith is another likely starter. 

This year, Coach Dan Hallinan is looking for his seniors to mix cohesively with younger players. "All of our seniors will be expected to play crucial roles in what we do this season. Underclassmen will be pieced in with the seniors," he said.

Three juniors will likely see plenty of playing time. Simeon Bates and Harry Hinckley were on the roster last year. "Simeon will see significant minutes whether filling a starting role or coming off the bench. Harry is our tallest kid on the team, and we are looking for him to help us in the paint."

Junior Lysander Lefevre moves up to varsity after playing the last two seasons on the junior varsity. 

This year's squad includes five freshmen who will likely swing between varsity and junior varsity: Ethan Clark, Chase Licursi, Les White, Peyton Barter and Chase Carver. "I want to keep them together as there is a lot of potential there, which is my reasoning to start the season as swing players," Hallinan said. "How long that will last, until they are only with the varsity, has yet to be determined. They had success coming through grade school and are being welcomed quickly to a challenging and competitive Mountain Valley Conference."

Boothbay begins the 2024-25 season Friday, Dec. 6 versus Spruce Moutain in Jay. The Seahawks' first home game is Monday, Dec. 9 versus Mt. Abram.

The Mountain Valley Conference has a long reputation as a competitive league throughout its 18-game schedule. As the season approaches, Hallinan's focus is for his squad starting the season being physical and mentally tough. "Quicker, faster, strong. This is what we focus on during  practice and anytime we are together,"he said. 

As the season progresses, Hallinan is looking for his squad to grow and mature as a unit. "I am looking forward to seeing these young men progress," he said. "We are capable of doing more than what is expected of us, right now. We want to be able to show the community what we have the potential to be."

Hallinan is once again being assisted by Kevin Ames and Julian Aponte. J.V. coach is Ed Crocker.  

"Les and Jamie White are helping us this year. Jamie records the games and Les will compute the stats for us. Danelle Davis is doing our scorebook for this year. She learned quickly and has done a great job," said Hallinan.