The Maine Basketball Rankings Podcast

Michael Hathaway has built Leavitt into a football powerhouse. Last year they repeated as Class C state champions, going undefeated despite playing a schedule that included some of the biggest schools in the state. We talk about how the program was built, the value of a good coaching staff, and what the MPA should do to fix scheduling.

Plus, the growth of the Maine Elite Passing Camp (returning this July) and why Adam Robinson is ducking the smoke.

The COVID-19 pandemic was probably the biggest collective challenge of our lifetimes. Now Thornton Academy Athletic Director has co-written (with Dave Eid) the definitive record of that time: what happened, how the sports world of Maine responded, and how we ultimately overcame it.

We talk about that, plus the evolving role of an Athletic Director as Gary plans to retire at the end of this, his 17th year at Thornton Academy.

Look, you probably didn't watch a lot of Cleveland games this year. But Cavs fan Griffin Conlogue did and he'll join me to talk about the matchup and what the Celtics have to do to advance to the conference finals.

Plus, we talk about Mount Blue and go over Griffin's Four Faves on Letterboxd.

Now that the Celtics finally know their first round opponent, I sat down with local Heat fan (and acclaimed sports journalist) Mike Mandell to discuss the series, the likelihood of another Miami upset, the spring sports season, and a bunch more.

Troy Barnies has had the kind of basketball career you dream about.

I caught up with him to talk about playing overseas, keeping your body ready to play deep into you 30's, the importance of the shot clock, and soooo much more.

Hall of Fame broadcaster and voice of the Maine Women's Basketball team, Don Shields, joins me from Columbus as the Black Bears prepare to take on Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament. We talk about Maine's chances.

Make sure you mute the TV and listen to Don's call of the game.

Plus, we do a way-too-early look at next year's prospects for Oceanside, Medomak Valley, and the rest of the MidCoast teams Don covers all year.

Once again, it's the time of year when we argue about shot clocks. So let's go over some of the hurdles and look at why they're really just bad excuses and not actual problems.

If you've been anywhere near the internet this week, you've very likely seen a Maine high school basketball montage cut to David Barrett's classic "One Shining Moment". The edit was the brainchild of Fox Bangor's Tyler Krusz. The transplant from Rhode Island joins me to talk about the video, some of the best things he saw during Tourney Week in Bangor, adventures in sports betting, and Dan Hurley.

This year's Mr. Basketball race is perhaps the closest ever and after none of the finalists finished with a Gold Ball, Adam Robinson returns to go over the resumes of Zach McLaughlin, Carter Galley, and Chance Mercier.

Plus: We wildly speculate as to who might be on the selection committee. Looking at you, Steve.

Always controversial, the Mr. Basketball race is exceptionally close this year with what seems like 4 players for 3 finalist spots. We break down the state of the race as best we can, considering the internet kept cutting out, plus preview the Oceanside and Orono Gold Ball rematch.

Cole Purvis and Thomas Curtis recap the night that was in Class AA, name contenders on the Boys' side, and break down the battle between the Cheverus and Thornton Academy girls.

Follow them on Twitter!

Jon Duke has been podcasting about the Celtics since before podcasting was even a thing.

He joins me to talk about the current season, how we feel about the upcoming playoffs run, and whether or not Joe Mazzulla can lead this team to a title. Plus we talk about the early days of podcasting, when you needed two tin cans and a string. Also, we talk about the recent struggles of the Camden Hills program and what he's doing in his role as head of the boosters to help lead them back into contention.

Sean Stackhouse (a.k.a. Stax) is a busy man. When he's not court-side at UMaine or MCI games, he's broadcasting Rocket League matches and helping build an esports program at a local high school. But sometimes, he's just looking for an excuse to drive 4 hours to watch a basketball game.

Adam Robinson of the Bangor Daily News joins Maine Basketball Rankings’ Lucas McNelly to talk about the awards for Mr. and Miss Basketball and the Gatorade Player of the Year. Then, they discuss which teams are the early contenders for next year’s Gold Balls. After that, they go over classification and take a quick look at March Madness.

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In this, the first attempt at an episode of a Maine Basketball Rankings podcast, I'm joined by Ethan Snow (WHOU, Husson) for a discussion of tonight's AA and D Gold ball games.