1. Maine Central Institute

The loss of standout Angelina Boisvert to Nokomis hurts, but opposing coaches still see MCI as the best team in central Maine. Senior Gabrielle Finelli was a Varsity Maine All-State indoor selection and should compete for KVAC and state titles in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, as well as the triple jump. Sophomore Issabella Spell is another top jumper who also excels in the sprints. Expect seniors Norah Jamison, who won the KVAC Class B indoor title in the pole vault (9-0), and Daphne Hands, the KVAC high jump runner-up (4-8) and a strong sprinter, to rack up points.

2. Madison

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a team with a better pair of distance runners than the Bulldogs’ Leah Harper and BryAnna Hagopian. Harper, a junior, is Class C’s No. 1 returner in the 800 (2:27.78) and 1,600 (5:20.88) after placing third in both events last year. Hagopian, a senior, is the No. 2 returner in the 1,600 (5:21.11) and the fifth-best (11:58.51) in the 3,200, and she won KVAC Class A indoor titles in the mile (5:24.24) and 2-mile (12:00.51) this winter as part of the Skowhegan co-op, and was the Class C cross country champ in the fall. Madison also brings back senior thrower Ava Landry, the MVC champion in the javelin (100-5).

3. Winslow

The Black Raiders enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning a six-team meet at Messalonskee on April 16. Winslow boasts a top hurdler in senior Emily Daigneault (300 winner at Messalonskee in 52.90) and a strong sprinter in sophomore Maria Moumouris (400 winner, 1:06.57), both of whom should also excel in the jumps. Juniors Elaina Rioux (pole vault winner at Messalonskee, 9-0), Kelty Pooler (800 winner, 2:37.37) and Davanee Kimball (sprints) and freshman Elizabeth Morrison (jumps) will be among other key contributors for the Black Raiders.

4. Skowhegan

Opposing KVAC teams are used to seeing the River Hawks’ Grace Mayo atop the podium, and the Skowhegan senior and reigning KVAC Large School champ in the long jump (17-3 1/2) and triple jump (33-10 1/2) should be a contender again. Freshman Gracie Jewell, who won the KVAC Class A hurdles title (9.04 seconds) this winter, will be a threat in the hurdles and jumps. Junior McKaela McLaughlin is another strong jumper, finishing third in the long jump (32-11 1/2) to Mayo at KVAC indoors. Senior Makaya Molley (throws) and junior Isabelle Munn (high jump) will also be contributors.

5. Messalonskee

The Eagles have a number of athletes who can score points. Senior Kelsie Murray (5-0) and junior Alexandria McDonough (4-10) are the No. 1 and No. 2 KVAC Large School returners in the high jump. McDonough is also strong in the long and triple jump. Sophomore Destiny McLaughlin won the KVAC Class A indoor title in the shot put (30-8 3/4) this winter. Look for McDonough and senior Faith Holmes to rack up points in the hurdles, senior Emma McDowell and sophomore Amelia Spry in distance events, and senior Annabelle Hanscom in the throws.

Also keep an eye on: Kents Hill, Maranacook, Erskine Academy.