2026 MPA Tournament Look In

Dylan Buccelli | Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

The playoffs are underway in the state of Maine, and we’ve been following along throughout the preliminary rounds. Here is a breakdown of the current landscape across the state. 

Class A: The Class A North bracket is headlined by top-seeded Camden Hills, led by senior Nolan Ames, who has been dominant all season at 26.5 PPG. Ames, a two-time KVAC Player of the Year and all-defense selection, has proven he can take over games with his ability to score from all three levels while rebounding exceptionally well and locking down opposing guards. Edward Little enters as the No. 2 seed behind two-way guard Akol Maiwen, who ranks among the top in Class A scoring at over 20 PPG and provides lockdown defense with his length and active hands. Maiwen set the tone early, going off for 26 points in a first-round victory over Hampden, while the supporting cast of Cedrick Makelele, Abdi Omar and co brings it as well.

On the South side, top-seeded Cheverus features freshman sensation Khaelon Watkins, who has been one of the most impressive stories of the season. Averaging over 20 PPG, Watkins recently led the Stags in the South Quarterfinals with an explosive 18-point, 11-rebound performance that showcased his ability to dominate on both ends. Senior Jameson Fitzpatrick is another strong option for the Stags as they look to continue their run. No. 2 seed Sanford boasts lights-out shooter Luke Gendron, whose ability to stretch the floor and create his own looks makes him a constant threat for the Spartans. The Cinderella story belongs to Scarborough, who entered as the No. 8 seed and upset two-time defending champion Windham by three points in a nail-biter. Led by sharpshooter Adam Fitzgerald, the Red Storm are riding momentum and look dangerous heading into the later rounds.

With the back-to-back defending champs out of the mix, Class A is wide open.

Still Alive – North: Bangor, Brunswick, Camden Hills, Edward Little; South: Cheverus, Portland, Sanford, Scarborough

Class B: Class B North is led by top-seeded Cony, powered by freshman standout Carter Brathwaite, who ranks among the top in Class B scoring at over 20 PPG. The big guard's ability to facilitate, score, and crash the boards makes him a nightmare matchup for smaller guards, giving Cony a legitimate weapon as they push for a deep run. No. 2 seed Hermon will look to challenge behind the play of Carter Wiggin, who posted 21 points and 5 steals in their first-round win over Belfast.

On the South side, top-seeded York enters as the favorite behind all-around guard Reece MacDonald, who averages over 20 PPG and does a bit of everything—knocking down threes, attacking the rim, and running the offense with minimal turnovers. Cape Elizabeth provides strong competition in the South bracket, while No. 5 seed Leavitt looks to make noise behind the relentless motor of sophomore Darren Flagg, whose toughness and efficiency from beyond the arc make him a threat. 

With defending champion Caribou having changed classification, Class B has a new champion waiting to be crowned. 

Still Alive – North: Cony, Ellsworth, Gardiner, Hermon; South: Medomak Valley, Poland Regional, Yarmouth, York

Class C: Class C features defending champion Caribou as the No. 1 seed in the North, looking to repeat after moving down from Class B. The Vikings bring championship experience and a winning mentality, making them the team to beat in their region. No. 3 seed Fort Kent will look to challenge, but Caribou's pedigree and postseason history give them the edge.

On the South side, top-seeded Spruce Mountain is led by athletic 6'3 guard Cai Dougher, who impacts the game across the stat sheet with over 15 PPG and strong shooting efficiency from all three levels. His size and versatility make Spruce Mountain a legitimate contender to reach the state championship. No. 6 seed Waynflete provides an intriguing matchup against Maranacook in the quarterfinals, with the potential for an upset looming.

The potential championship matchup between Caribou's experience and Spruce Mountain's balanced attack could provide one of the most exciting finals across all classifications.

Still Alive – North: Caribou, Calais, Fort Kent, Foxcroft, Mattanawcook; South: Hall-Dale, Maranacook, Mount View, Spruce Mountain

Class D: Class D brings its usual level of competitive balance, with top-seeded teams from both regions looking to navigate tough brackets. On the North side, No. 1 seed Machias opens with a first-round matchup against Central Aroostook, while No. 3 seed Fort Fairfield looks to make a run. No. 2 seed Madawaska looks to keep rolling, led by freshman Quinn Pelletier, a big forward with size and scoring touch. The South bracket features defending state champion Mt. Abram as the No. 5 seed, a dangerous lower seed with championship experience, looking to prove their seeding wrong. No. 1 seed Carrabec leads the South and will look to fend off challengers.

Class D often produces the most unpredictable results, and with a defending champion seeded lower than expected, upset potential looms large throughout the bracket. Whichever teams can handle the pressure of single-elimination basketball and execute in big games will walk away state champs.

Still Alive – North: Fort Fairfield, Hodgdon, Machias, Madawaska; South: Carrabec, Madison, Monmouth, Mt. Abram

CLASS S: Maine's newest classification for the state's smallest schools, features competitive basketball on both sides of the bracket. The North region is led by top-seeded Jonesport-Beals, with No. 2 seed Easton and No. 3 seed Katahdin providing strong competition.

On the South side, Valley enters as the top seed, with Temple, Islesboro, and Greenville looking to challenge. With tight rosters and every possession critical, the battles throughout Class S promise intense, closely contested games. The winner will be crowned as Maine's first Class S state champion, marking a new chapter in the state's small-school basketball history.

Still Alive – North: Easton, Jonesport-Beals, Katahdin, Shead; South: Forest Hills, Islesboro Central, Pine Tree, Valley