WATERVILLE, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington men's basketball team has been picked to finish second in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) East Division, as announced this afternoon in the preseason coaches' poll.
The Beavers concluded last season with an 18-9 overall record and a 9-5 mark in NAC play, securing the number two seed in the NAC East tournament. The team edged out the University of Maine at Presque Isle with a narrow two-point victory in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual NAC Champion, Husson University, in the semifinals.
This season, the Beavers return nearly their entire roster, losing only starting point guard and team leader Zachary Mickle to graduation. The most significant change is in leadership, with Quinn Newton stepping in as head coach, replacing Sam Leal '12, who led the team for the past four seasons.
Newton is tasked with guiding a motivated Beavers squad aiming for their first NAC Championship since 2010. Establishing roles and a rotation will be a key challenge for Newton, who inherits a deep and talented roster with a strong mix of veterans and newcomers.
The Beavers bring back six players who averaged over eight points per game last season. Senior guard Simon Chadbourne (Portland, Maine) returns after setting the program's single-season record for three-pointers made with 88. Chadbourne will once again be relied on for his floor-spacing ability.
Sophomore Brock Flagg (Brewer, Maine) also returns after ranking as one of the most efficient scorers in the conference last season, shooting 65.7% from the field while averaging 21 minutes per game. Patrick McKenney (Newcastle, Maine), who backed up Mickle at point guard, is expected to see increased playing time.
In the frontcourt, seniors Dylan Griffin (Saco, Maine) and Will Harriman (Biddeford, Maine) return alongside junior Jordan Anthony (Farmington, Conn.) and sophomore Jason Reynolds (Winslow, Maine). Anthony earned NAC 3rd Team All-Conference honors last season and was named to the Maine Men's Basketball Coaches & Writers Association (MMBCWA) All-Defensive 1st Team.
Harriman started strong last season before an injury sidelined him after 14 games. Now fully recovered, he aims to provide scoring, rebounding, and high energy on the court. Griffin, at 6-foot-7, brings versatility as a strong all-around player capable of passing, shooting from distance, and scoring in the post. Reynolds, who averaged 9.7 points and led the team with 7.4 rebounds per game as a freshman, is known for his relentless play and ability to win 50-50 balls.
The Beavers also add promising first-year talent, including Mr. Maine Basketball finalist Zach McLaughlin (Hampden, Maine) and guards Gabe Michaud (Gorham, Maine) and Jahkai Veal (Farmington, Conn.), who will vie for minutes at the point.
Farmington's season opener is set for Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 PM on the road against Suffolk University. The Beavers will begin NAC play on December 4 on the road against Thomas College in the 2nd annual Meader Cup.
