News Summary

The Maine Principals’ Association has approved major changes to the high school basketball classification system. Starting next season, the familiar five-class format will remain, but with adjustments including the elimination of the 25 percent rule to ensure fairer competition. The new classes will redefine how teams compete, offering opportunities for both larger and smaller schools. Anticipation is building as coaches and players prepare for these shifts, which aim to foster a more dynamic and engaging basketball environment across the state of Maine.

Big Changes Coming to High School Basketball in Maine

In a move that’s sure to shake things up on the courts across the state, the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) has approved significant changes to high school basketball classification. These alterations are set to roll out over the next two years, starting with the upcoming season. Get ready for a new era in high school hoops!

What’s All the Fuss About?

The MPA’s interscholastic and classification committees have been hard at work and put forth a plan that was finally given the green light during the annual spring conference at the beautiful Samoset Resort. It’s a big deal — one that means changes for players, fans, and coaches alike. The most notable change? The elimination of the 25 percent rule, which previously allowed teams to play down a class based on their prior losses. This change is aimed at creating a more balanced and competitive environment for high school basketball.

Breaking Down the New Classifications

The five-class format that many are familiar with will remain, but it will look a little different! Say hello to the revamped classes:

  • Class A: For schools with more than 670 students, replacing the former Class AA.
  • Class B: Schools boasting between 450 and 669 students will compete here.
  • Class C: A place for schools with enrollments from 225 to 449 students.
  • Class D: This class is for schools with 100 to 224 students.
  • Class S: A brand new addition for schools with fewer than 100 students.

Goodbye AA, Hello A!

Last winter, the statewide competition saw 14 boys’ teams and 15 girls’ teams displayed in Class AA. Next season, with the addition of the new Class A, we will see a shift with 12 teams in the North division and a more substantial lineup of 16 in the South division. Local favorites like Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island (MDI) will continue their journey in Class B North, where they will be joined by new contenders like Cony from Augusta, Nokomis from Newport, Gardiner, and Lawrence from Fairfield.

Exciting Changes for Teams in Other Classes

And that’s not all! Last season’s Class A state championship winners, Lawrence, and the Class A North regional champion Cony girls are gearing up for exciting new challenges. Class B North will include 13 teams, with a splendid combination of Big East Conference schools and teams from the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference (KVAC).

As for the defending champions from Class B like Caribou and Foxcroft Academy, they’ll find themselves moving down to Class C, where a fresh 14-team lineup awaits them, featuring teams like George Stevens Academy and Sumner. It will be a thrilling time for teams transitioning to new levels, including Penobscot Valley girls who are now set to compete in the new Class D North.

A Bright Future for Smaller Schools

School teams like Deer Isle-Stonington will join the newly introduced “Under 100” classification for schools with fewer than 100 students. This Under 100 class will host 19 schools statewide, giving smaller institutions a fighting chance and a stage to show off their talent.

Volleyball and Football Adjustments

Not just basketball, but changes are rolling out for other sports too. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, volleyball will switch from three classes to four, affecting teams like Ellsworth, MDI, and Bucksport competing in Class C, while George Stevens and Sumner will face off in Class D.

And if we’re talking about football, even more adjustments are on the horizon, especially with the eight-man divisions seeing some teams shifting ranks. Cape Elizabeth is moving into the Large School division, while several other teams are heading into new territories as large and small classifications shift around.

What Lies Ahead

These sweeping classification changes are anticipated to foster renewed rivalries and excitement throughout high school basketball in Maine. With the 2024-25 season just around the corner, teams and fans alike are buzzing with anticipation for what’s in store in the world of Maine high school sports!

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