Telegraph photo by TOM KING Cambpell's Carter Vedrani (22) looks focused on defense against Hopkinton's Kevin Newton-Delgado during the Cougars' 66-56 win in LItchfield on Tuesday night.

By HECTOR LONGO

Staff Writer

Four times since 2003, the Campbell High School boys basketball team reached the state finals, only to be denied.

In 2019, the Cougars fell in the state semis.

Coach Frank Girginis says his program remains undeterred in its quest.

“After our loss in the Final Four last year ‘we’ all had to take a look in tough the mirror,” Girginis said. “The good thing is the boys have shown me through their work ethic that they are ready to do what it takes to bring home the program’s first basketball state title.”

Campbell returns three starters including Joaquin Heller and Carter Vedrani. Those two were Division IV all-state honorable mentions last winter.

Runner-up Somersworth returns a pair of honorable mentions in their own right with Ethan Johnson and Jacob Hamilton, appearing to be the team to beat in what should otherwise be a wide-open race.

In Division IV, state champ Epping brings back first-team all-state choice Peyton Rivers, who might be the most dynamic scorer in the field.

First-year coach Malin Segal inherits a Wilton-Lyndeborough squad that went 7-9 a year ago. Starting guards Jack Schwab and Kyler Tremblay return to lead a Warriors’ crew that is high on defensive intensity but doesn’t bring a ton of experience to the hardwood.

Friday night, Wilton-Lyndeborough kicks off the boys hoop season locally at home (7 p.m.) against Hinsdale.

Campbell waits until Tuesday night when the Cougars host Mascenic at 6 p.m.

Division III

Campbell

Coach: Frank Girginis

2018-19 Record: 14-4, state semifinals

Returning Starters: Joaquin Heller, Sr.; Carter Vedrani, Sr.; Brendon Rice, Sr.

Returning Letter Winners: Matt Dion, Sr.; Keegan Mills, Sr.

Promising Newcomers: Will McPherson, Jr.

Coach’s Comments “I am hoping the strength of our team this season can be our defense. Height could be an issue as no player of the team is over 6-2. I am very proud of how the boys have attacked this season so far.”

Division IV

Wilton-Lyndeborough

Coach: Malin Segal, first year

2018-19 Record: 7-9

Returning Starters: Jack Schwab, Sr., guard; Kyler Tremblay, Jr., guard

Returning Letter Winners: JJ LeBlanc, Jr., forward; Zach Taylor, Soph., forward

Promising Newcomers: Ty Bacci, Soph., guard; Dominic Hutchinson, Soph., forward; Keegan Hall, Soph. forward; Nathan Lachance, Soph., guard; Hunter Scales, Soph., forward; Paul Vanblarigan, Jr., guard

Coach’s Comments: “We are going to have a good season because we play with energy, poise, and we run our sets very effectively.”

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