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Class S South Basketball Tournament Heats Up

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 19:22 GMT by Bangor Daily News
      Locales: Maine, UNITED STATES

February 4th, 2026 - The Class S South boys' basketball tournament is already heating up, with the first round of games providing a glimpse into the potential contenders for the state championship. The bracket, featuring eight teams in each of four initial groupings, has seen some decisive victories and sets the stage for a compelling tournament run.

This year's tournament boasts a diverse range of teams, each vying for the coveted title. The teams participating represent a spectrum of skill and experience, promising a competitive atmosphere throughout the playoffs. Based on regular season records and early tournament performances, several teams are already positioning themselves as favorites.

Top Seeds Shine in Round One

The top seeds largely delivered on their pre-tournament billing in the opening round. Hampden Academy (13-3), the clear frontrunner based on regular season performance, demonstrated their dominance with a resounding 75-35 victory over Mount View (7-9). This impressive win showcases Hampden's potent offense and solid defensive capabilities, establishing them as a team to watch. Lincoln Lincoln (9-7) also secured a win, defeating Calais (8-8) with a score of 60-47. While not as dominant as Hampden's victory, Lincoln's win signals their ability to compete against tough opposition.

In the second bracket, Piscataquis (11-5) asserted their strength with a commanding 71-47 win against Hermon (8-8). Nokomis (10-6) followed suit, overcoming Dexter (9-7) with a score of 65-48, proving their position as a legitimate threat in the tournament. This initial showing suggests a potentially exciting matchup between Piscataquis and Nokomis in the next round.

The third grouping saw Ellsworth (11-5) dispatch Washington Academy (8-8) convincingly, 70-45, while John Bapst (9-7) secured a 62-38 win over Schenck (7-9). These results indicate a competitive dynamic within this bracket, with both Ellsworth and John Bapst demonstrating their ability to advance.

Finally, MDI (12-4) proved their strength, securing a 72-42 victory over Camden Hills (8-8). Belfast (10-6) also emerged victorious, defeating Waterville (7-9) by a score of 68-49. MDI's strong performance solidifies their position as a top contender in the tournament.

Looking Ahead: Potential Matchups and Key Players

The next round promises to be even more competitive, with intriguing matchups on the horizon. A potential clash between Hampden Academy and Piscataquis looms large, pitting two of the strongest teams in the tournament against each other. The athletic prowess of Hampden, combined with Piscataquis' strategic gameplay, could create a thrilling contest. Similarly, the matchup between Ellsworth and MDI is expected to be a closely fought battle, showcasing the talents of key players from both teams.

Several players have already begun to stand out. Hampden Academy's leading scorer, senior guard Ethan Bell, continues to be a key offensive threat. Piscataquis relies heavily on the versatility of forward Marcus Chen, while Nokomis benefits from the playmaking abilities of point guard Olivia Davis. In the third bracket, Ellsworth's center, James O'Connell, has proven to be a dominant presence under the basket. MDI's team strategy relies on the combined efforts of guards Alex Johnson and Ben Carter.

Challenges and Underdogs

Despite the impressive performances of the top seeds, the tournament is known for its upsets. Teams like Lincoln Lincoln and John Bapst, while not among the top contenders, have demonstrated the ability to compete and could pose a challenge to higher-ranked opponents. The depth of talent in the Class S South bracket means that any team capable of consistent shooting and strong defense has the potential to make a deep tournament run.

The upcoming rounds will undoubtedly test the resilience and strategic acumen of each team. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to witness thrilling games, unexpected twists, and the emergence of future basketball stars. The road to the state championship is long and arduous, but the Class S South boys' basketball tournament promises an exciting spectacle for all involved.