Maine Underclassmen Standouts
Maine's underclassmen are making serious noise this season, with freshmen and sophomores across the state producing at the varsity level. From dominant big men to shifty guards, this year's young talent is deep and diverse, showcasing the next wave of prospects coming out of the north. These standouts aren't just contributing, they're leading their teams and rewriting what's expected from underclassmen in Maine high school basketball.
Khaelon Watkins, Cheverus (Freshman, 2029): Averaging over 20 PPG, placing him in the top three in the state in scoring, while being the leading freshman scorer in Maine. Recent performances like a 23-point, 21-rebound game in a win vs Scarborough show his ability to take over games. His consistent production is beyond his years, and with the season he is having, college coaches are already taking notice of the talented 2029 prospect.
Lincoln Malcore, Kents Hill (Sophomore, 2028): An athletic 6'9, Malcore is a force around the basket. He finishes through contact and consistently protects the rim. Averaging over 20 PPG while being a big-time shot blocker, he is a legitimate two-way threat who changes the game in multiple ways and on both ends of the floor. His ball-handling ability sets him apart at his size, allowing him to create things in transition. The mix of his size and skill makes him one of the most exciting young players in New England.
Carter Brathwaite, Cony (Freshman, 2029): A big guard who facilitates and scores at a high level, Brathwaite plays with a lot of energy and crashes the boards exceptionally well. Top three in Class B scoring at over 20 PPG, his recent 29-point, 13-rebound performance shows he can win you games. Using his size and motor, he can overwhelm smaller guards. Brathwaite's mix of rebounding, scoring, and playmaking makes him a big-time matchup problem.
Oli Higgins, Brewer (Freshman, 2029): At 6'8, Higgins is a versatile player who impacts winning and does the things that do not show up in a box score. Averaging 15+ PPG, he passes well for his size and can score by attacking or pulling up off the dribble. Defensively, he erases shots from opposing offenses with his length and timing, changing the game even when he doesn't have the ball. His IQ and all-around skillset suggest a high ceiling as he continues to develop.
Luke Gendron, Sanford (Sophomore, 2028): A lights-out three-point shooter who keeps defenses honest and opens up space for his teammates to drive. Averaging 14+ PPG, he is not just a spot-up threat but can finish at the rim over defenders, with the handle to create his own looks. His court vision allows him to get easy assists when defenses overplay his shooting, making him more than a one-dimensional scorer.
Darren Flagg, Leavitt (Sophomore, 2028): A two-sport athlete who also excels on the football field, Flagg is a 5'10 point guard who plays with the toughness you would expect from a multi-sport athlete. He is a high-efficiency shooter who makes defenses pay for leaving him open while spacing the floor. On defense, his motor and quick hands allow him to create havoc and get turnovers.
Leonel Despacho, South Portland (Freshman, 2029): Despacho has established himself as a top young player in Class A through his ability to facilitate for his teammates while also creating his own shots. His court vision and decision-making allow him to run the offense, while his scoring ability keeps defenses from sagging off. His balance between scoring and playmaking makes South Portland's offense more dangerous.
Lincoln Malcore
Khaelon Watkins
Carter Brathwaite
Leonel Despacho
Oli Higgins