FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Fort Fairfield Tigers are anxious to get the 2021-22 season going and head in with a veteran roster with hopes of competing in the Class C ranks.
Fourth-year boys coach Vaughn McLaughlin said his squad faces a difficult schedule made up of a blend of C and D opponents.
“We are one of the smallest schools in Class C and the Class D teams we play this year are all very talented and well coached,” McLaughlin said.
“We will need to continue to improve on a daily basis if we are to be successful in gaining a tournament berth,” he added.
The coach said six players are battling for starting roles. Senior Chase Coiley is the most experienced player on the Tigers’ roster. He is capable of playing multiple positions on the floor and is developing into a team leader. Josh Gill and Alex Oakes are also seniors and have been working hard in practice. McLaughlin said both are good shooters and can penetrate off the dribble.
Junior Blake Senal is one of the team’s tallest players at 6-feet, 3-inches. He has a good shooting range and is another hard worker, the coach said. Sophomore Micah Daigle plays forward and center, runs the floor well and at 6-0 is the Tigers’ best rebounder. Also in contention to start is freshman Brett Senal, who is also 6-3 and is a strong rebounder and defender.
Two other seniors who should provide valuable minutes are Dominick Barnes and Eli Lyons. Barnes will provide rebounding and works well on the block, according to McLaughlin. Lyons just moved to the area and has little basketball experience, but is a gifted athlete who will be a valuable defender.
Junior Zac Gerhauser’s role should expand as the season rolls along. He is a good shooter and is very coachable.
Sophomores Silas Libby and Joel Cormier will look to carve out roles on the team, as will freshmen Hunter Reynolds and Ian Willard, who will develop their skills at the junior varsity level. Sophomore Gabe Theriault suffered a knee injury over the summer that will prevent him from contributing this season, but he is a talented shooting guard who will help the program when he gets healthy.
“We are always working on skill development and decision making on the floor,” McLaughlin said. “I love our players’ intensity and willingness to learn as a team.”
Fort Fairfield’s schedule includes two games each against fellow Class C schools Madawaska, Fort Kent, Hodgdon and Central Aroostook and two each against D squads Van Buren, Easton, Wisdom, Washburn and Southern Aroostook.
