Mike Mandell – Page 3 – Centralmaine.com

Staff Writer

Mike Mandell came to the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel in April 2022 after spending five and a half years with The Ellsworth American in Hancock County, Maine. He came to Maine out of college after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism in 2016. He spent 2015 as the Mizzou football beat writer for the Columbia Missourian after previously covering high school sports and Mizzou women’s basketball for the newspaper. He lives just outside of downtown Waterville, less than a mile from the Morning Sentinel newsroom.

Skiing, Sports, Varsity Maine

Meet 10 central Maine boys skiers to watch in 2026

by Mike Mandell January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

Juniors dominate this year’s list of the best Alpine and Nordic skiers from Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal country.

Skiing, Sports, Varsity Maine

Meet 5 central Maine boys ski teams to watch in 2026

by Mike Mandell January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

The Maranacook Alpine and Mt. Blue Nordic teams will look to defend state championships this year.

Boys Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine

Five boys basketball storylines to follow this week

by Mike Mandell January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Surprise teams and intriguing regional title pictures have emerged, and big matchups loom in the new year’s first full week.

Girls Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine

Gardiner girls basketball fends off Erskine in Class B North clash

by Mike Mandell January 5, 2026January 6, 2026

Erskine Academy makes a late run, but the Tigers come through on defense in the final minutes to stay unbeaten.

Boys Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine

1984-85 Waterville boys basketball team reunites for 40-year anniversary

by Mike Mandell January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

The Purple Panthers’ legendary state championship team was honored ahead of Friday’s game against MCI.

Boys Basketball, Sports, Varsity Maine

Spruce Mountain girls basketball tops Maranacook in battle of unbeatens

by Mike Mandell December 31, 2025January 1, 2026

The Phoenix force 29 turnovers to claim a Capital City Hoop Classic victory at the Augusta Civic Center.

Boys Soccer, Sports, Varsity Maine

Varsity Maine Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Finn Coburn, Scarborough

by Mike Mandell December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

The MSCA All-American and Class A Player of the Year anchored an impenetrable Scarborough defense and helped guide the Red Storm to the Class A title.