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PORTLAND — From a 1-2 start with a first-year coach to a regional title.

That’s the Yarmouth High boys basketball team’s story so far.

The Clippers aren’t done yet, thanks to a 63-58 win over Medomak Valley in the Class B South final Friday afternoon at the Portland Expo.

“It’s really evolved from the beginning of the season to the end of season,” said sophomore forward Adam Maxwell.

Yarmouth (17-4), the fourth seed in the South, will play Gardiner in the state final next Friday at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The Clippers’ last state title came in 2022, also in Bangor.

One of Yarmouth’s early losses this season was a 69-36 thumping at Medomak Valley.

“We were missing a couple of guys then, but also our trust, our belief. I think we’ve gotten much more comfortable with the system our coach has instilled and I think everyone has stepped up. All five guys can do great things,” said Ian Lawrence.

Lawrence and Maxwell led Yarmouth with 18 points each. Matthew LeBlanc added 11 points, and starting guards Owen Oranellas (nine points) and Evan Oranellas (six points) chipped in.

Yarmouth is coached by Connor Hasson, a former assistant at South Portland who is in his first season as a varsity head coach.

Hasson said he wasn’t concerned, and didn’t think his players were either, when Yarmouth lost early season games at York and Medomak Valley, two perennial power programs.

“I’m happy for this group that they’re getting noted. Worked very hard. Sacrificed a lot. They’ve been very team-first,” Hasson said. “I’m happy that they’ve been able, so far, to play to their potential and achieve something.”

Yarmouth had a 41-29 lead after three quarters but had to battle to the end, as Medomak Valley senior guard Mason Nguyen made his first eight shots of the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his 30 points. Medomak Valley reserve Carter Jackson also was a difference maker with three baskets in transition as the Panthers’ full-court pressure flustered Yarmouth.

Medomak Valley cut the lead to two points, 52-50, with just over two minutes to play. Yarmouth stabilized with two free throws by Ian Lawrence and a Maxwell inside basket. Owen Oranellas helped close it out, making three of four free throws in the final 27 seconds.

Yarmouth made 11 of 16 shots in the first half while taking a 29-21 lead because it focused on getting the ball inside to Maxwell and Lawrence, who combined for 18 first-half points.

Lawrence was also doing a good job on Medomak Valley’s standout junior forward, Kollin Donlin, who averaged 17.4 points this season and scored 26 against Poland in the semifinals. Donlin had eight points in the first quarter but only two the rest of the way.