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<p>It's almost that time of year - when fall gives way to winter and athletes hit the hardwood throughout New England.</p>
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<p>With that in mind, and after my colleague (<strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/author/robbie-hodin-author/">Robbie Hodin</a></strong>) unveiled his <em><a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/08/miaa-player-rankings-25-1/">Top 50</a></em> players in Massachusetts, I'm diving into some preseason player rankings for Maine.</p>
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<p>This list, which will feature six <em>Honorable Mentions</em> and a <em>Top 10</em>, does not take class into account - it's my judgement of the players that will have the biggest impact throughout the state <em>this </em>winter.</p>
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<p>Below are the first six prospects for the list, the <em>Honorable Mentions</em>:</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>Brennan Mitchell</strong> (Mount Abram)</p>
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<p>Mitchell, a 6'4" senior forward at <em>Mount Abram</em>, was a <em>Mountain Valley Conference</em> 1st Team All-Star last winter and should again be one of the top players in the state this season. A physical presence in the paint with broad shoulders and a big frame, he's able to score both through and over defenders around the rim. He's a good athlete that has some off the dribble game from the perimeter and shows good footwork when he gets into the paint. Defensively, he has the ability to protect the rim from the help side and is a big time rebounder particularly in traffic. Mitchell has the ability to be a nightly 15 & 10 guy this season.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>Colby Eaton</strong> (Ellsworth)</p>
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<p>Eaton, a 6'2" senior guard, was a standout performer last winter and should be again this season for <em>Ellsworth</em>. Capable of scoring it in bunches, he does a nice job of getting to the rim off the bounce and has the ability to finish it in a variety of ways when he does. He can score in the mid-range and from behind the arc, and does a nice job of creating extra posessions on the offensive glass. He's a capable two-way rebounder and disruptive defender that forces plenty of turnovers. He'll have the chance to score 20 a night and should lead <em>Ellsworth</em> to plenty of wins this winter.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>Colin Schlobohm</strong> (Leavitt)</p>
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<p>Schlobohm, a 6'3" senior wing, was one of the top scoring juniors in the entire state last winter and figures to be a consistent 20 point per game threat this year. He has good positional size, can make plays off the bounce with the ball in his hands, and does a nice job as a decision maker in transition. With his combination of strength, quickness, and athleticism, he does a really nice job of getting to the rim and scoring off the bounce, while also showing the ability to make shots in the mid-range and from behind the arc. He's a versatile defender, plus rebounder, and one of the best grab-and-go initiators in the state. He'll look to lead <em>Leavitt</em> on a deep playoff run this winter.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2969353' first='Ephraim' last='Luseko']</strong> (Portland)</p>
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<p>Luseko, a 6'1" sophomore guard, will look to break out on the hardwood with <em>Portland</em> this winter. One of the better freshman performers in the state last year, he's a long and athletic combo guard that thrives in space and with the ball in his hands. His quickness, burst, and creativity off the bounce make him a tough cover on the perimeter and give him an advantage as a finisher around the rim. He does plenty of creating for teammates and as his perimeter jumper develops, has a chance to be one of the top guards in the state. <em>Portland</em> is seemingly always in the mix and if they are again this winter, he'll be a big reason why.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2571876' first='Liam' last='Hamilton']</strong> (Thornton Academy)</p>
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<p>Hamilton, a 6'5 junior wing out of <em>Thornton Academy</em>, should be one of the better two-way performers in the <em>SMAA</em> this season. Versatility is the name of the game for Hamilton, as he has the ability to fill up a stat sheet on any given night. With good positional size, plus athleticism, and an ability to create space off the bounce, he's a mismatch on the offensive end of the floor. He's capable of scoring around the rim or from behind the arc and has some shot creation ability with the ball in his hands. He defends multiple positions, mixes it up as a rebounder, and should be one of the better prospects in the southern half of the state this winter.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HM:</em></strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3729808' first='Reid' last='Robishaw']</strong> (Oceanside)</p>
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<p>Robishaw, a 6'6" junior forward, has the chance to be one of the state's breakout performers this winter for <em>Oceanside</em>. Robishaw played the role of connector on the travel circuit this spring and summer, doing whatever was needed for his team to win. I'd expect his role will be different this winter as the forward has a whole lot of game and the ability to be a difference maker on the offensive end of the floor. He has terrific touch as a finisher around the rim, is capable of making catch and shoot threes, and can even put the ball on the floor as a driver from the perimeter. Defensively, he makes his presence felt around the basket, is a big time rebounder, and does a nice job of starting the break with outlet passes. He should be among the best handful of juniors in the state and will be instrumental in <em>Oceanside's</em> success this winter.</p>
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It's almost that time of year - when fall gives way to winter and athletes hit the hardwood throughout New England.
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