Dale Lawrence takes over the Wiscasset boys’ basketball program this winter, replacing Wayne Benjamin, who coached for the past two years. Lawrence comes to Wiscasset from Gardiner High School, where he coached JV boys for three years, and the girls’ team for several years before.
The Wolverines, who finished last year’s season at 13-5, graduated six seniors, including four of their top five scorers.
Lawrence is optimistic about the season. “I expect to fully compete every night. The kids have been working their butts off. I’m excited; this is a whole new experience for me, at this level and this league,” Lawrence said.
Wiscasset’s first scrimmage, less than a week into their pre-season practice, was against the veteran alumni. “It was the first time I had had them all together and the first game experience. I was really pleased with how they handled themselves.”
“We have some things to work on. I’m really excited about what I’m seeing. They have good attitudes and are making little steps every day. So far we haven’t stepped backwards,” Lawrence added.
Seniors on this year’s squad include Jason Weatherbee, Devin Grover, Caleb Bryant, Jordan Jones, Ben Sutter, James Andretta, Corey Hodgdon, and possibly Casey Dalton. Juniors are Eddie Stewart, John Rines and Zach Ellison, sophomore Austin Haskell, and freshmen Travis Padilla and Dale Peaslee.
Working with Lawrence is JV coach Doug Merrill and Jeff Slack. “We have a pretty good coaching staff,” Lawrence said. He is also helped by Dave Duncan, a young man who has been at his side for several years.