DYER BROOK, Maine – If there is one certainty on the basketball court, it is that the Southern Aroostook boys squad will look to run early and often.
As has been the case under the leadership of fourth-year varsity coach Brett Russell, the Warrior boys look to be one of the more athletic squads on the court this winter.
“I’m looking forward to another competitive season of basketball at SACS,” Russell said. “I am very optimistic that with some hard work and dedication, we can be competitive night to night and compete for a chance to return to the tournament.”
A year ago, the Warrior boys followed the school’s girls squad in bringing home a gold ball and giving Southern Aroostook a state championship sweep in Class D. It was the Warrior boys first state championship since 1991.
SA finished 20-1 overall after beating Forest Hills 82-61 for the gold ball.
The Warriors lost two key players from last year’s team – Hunter Burpee (a 1,000-point scorer) and Christopher Caswell. But that was last year, and coach Russell is now focused on a new season and perhaps running it back.
“We enter this season looking to improve in transition basketball, along with being a better defensive and offensive rebounding team,” the coach said. “I always work on the defensive side of the ball.”
Defense, team speed, a deep bench, experience and scoring ability are among the Warriors strengths this season.
The 2022-23 roster features seniors Graham Siltz (6-foot, 3-inch center/forward), Camden “Buddy” Porter (6-1, guard), Drake Weston (6-0 guard), AJ Lewis (5-10 forward) and AJ Chambers (6-0 forward); juniors Dylan Burpee (6-3 guard) and Brennan Burpee (5-10 forward); sophomores Trafton Russell (6-0, guard) and Ethan Collier (6-0, guard); and freshmen Lincoln Hardy (5-7, guard) and Richard Chambers (6-3, center/forward)
Nine of the 11 varsity players are returning from last year, including three starters and three others with a bundle of varsity experience.
“I am not sure who will be starting any given night,” coach Russell said. “It might be dictated by who we’re playing.”
With Siltz, the Warriors have one of the better big men in Class D North. He will play inside and be counted on to control boards on both ends of the court. “Graham has a great shooting touch that can reach out to the 3-point line and also has decent ball handling skills for a big guy,” the coach said.
Porter will lead the team from the point guard position. “Buddy has been a great floor general for me since I became the coach,” Russell said. “He makes great decisions and leads by example.”
Dylan Burpee will be a key asset in all phases of the game, the coach said. “He is very silky smooth and can score the ball with the best of them,” he said. “His range is unlimited.”
Drake Weston is a strong guard who brings great energy when in the game. “Drake will be counted on for leadership this year, along with giving us more scoring,” Russell said.
Others will be called upon to provide support for the Warriors this year, given who the team is facing any given night. Many of those on the roster had considerable minutes last year and will be counted on for more of the same this year.
The coach said he expects Katahdin, Van Buren, Schenck, Machias, Jonesport, and Bangor Christian to all be competing for a chance to be title contenders in Class D North. The Warriors also face a couple of tough Class C foes with the likes of Hodgdon, Fort Kent, Fort Fairfield, and Central Aroostook.
