PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Emily Wheaton is one of the best guards in Maine and that was proven last year when she was named to the Bangor Daily News all-state third team.
Her value was evident in last year’s Class B North tournament. After turning in a strong individual performance, Wheaton suffered a badly sprained ankle during the fourth period of the quarterfinal against John Bapst, but her team still held on for the victory.
Due to the injury, she was a shell of herself during the semifinal against Foxcroft Academy five days later and the Wildcats’ season came to an end.
Coach Jeff Hudson, who begins his 20th season, is left to wonder how far the team would have advanced had Wheaton not been hurt, but he has the senior back for one more crack at a championship.
“We ask a lot out of Emily and she comes through every time,” Hudson said. “She is a great player in all offensive phases. She has to handle the ball, score and distribute and the entire team looks for her to lead.”
The Wildcats’ fortunes ride on Wheaton’s supporting cast. Gone are starters Emily Lagerstrom and Skylar Vogel, who were key players on last year’s team that went 14-4 during the regular season, but nine players are back and Hudson is hoping a few can step up to the challenge and take some pressure off Wheaton.
Savannah Rodriguez and Madison Michaud, both juniors, are other returning starters. Rodriguez is an outstanding athlete and is a game changer, according to Hudson, with her anticipation, rebounding and hustle. Michaud is a top-flight defender who can bother opposing teams with her quickness.
Hudson said the final two slots in the starting lineup are up for grabs. Seniors Chrissy Skidgel and Kasey Haley are among the candidates. Both saw some time off the bench during the 2016-17 season. Skidgel can do a little bit of everything and Haley is a streaky 3-point shooter who will be expected to contribute in other areas this season.
Five others are also in the mix for starting positions. Maggie Castonguay, a sophomore transfer from Washburn, has a chance to make an impact. She has good speed and will improve as she learns a new system. Junior Madison Jandreau is another player with 3-point shooting potential, while classmate Sydney Thompson is a strong post player who has improved her perimeter game. Molly Kingsbury, another junior, can help at a number of positions and sophomore Libby Moreau gives the team extra athleticism.
Sophomores Alana Legassie and Rebecca Rider and junior Elizabeth Collins are all new to the team and will provide depth for the Wildcats. Ralph Michaud returns as Hudson’s assistant coach and the four managers are Jaida Beaulieu, Riley Davis, Janelle Doak and Meg Butler.
Houlton, which won the last two Class B regional championships, and Central of East Corinth have both moved to Class C, but Hermon, John Bapst, Mount Desert Island, Ellsworth and Caribou are all divisional foes that Hudson respects. He said a lot will need to go right for his squad to battle for a title.
“There are a lot of challenges we face. We have very little size, so we’ll have to rebound well as a team,” Hudson said, “plus we will need some players to score more and will have to avoid turning the ball over.
“We may struggle at times, but we also have the potential to be a dangerous team,” he added.
