The Thanksgiving snow that blankets the state serves as a poignant reminder that the high school winter sports season has officially begun. Athletes across seven different sports are now vying for state championships, adding an extra layer of excitement to the winter months.

"Winter Sports Fever: High School Athletes in the Spotlight"

Girls Ice Hockey: Cheverus' Reign Continues

Portland/Windham's Cheverus High has been on a remarkable streak, aiming for its third consecutive Class A state championship. This season, Medomak Valley of Waldoboro has joined the Cheverus/Windham cooperative team. Two years ago, the co-op also included Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunk. With seven teams in the North and seven in the South, the girls' hockey state championship game will be played on Feb. 15 at the William B. Troubh Ice Arena in Portland at 3 p.m.The competition is fierce, and Cheverus is determined to maintain its dominance. The addition of Medomak Valley brings new talent and energy to the team, making them a force to be reckoned with. The players are working hard in practice, honing their skills and strategies to bring home another championship.

Boys Hockey: Lewiston and Cheverus/Yarmouth's Quest for Repeats

The boys hockey season kicks off with countable games on Dec. 5. Lewiston and Cheverus/Yarmouth are both looking to repeat as state champions in their respective classes. Lewiston opens the season on Saturday, Dec. 7, at home against Messalonskee of Oakland. Cheverus/Yarmouth starts at home on Dec. 7 against Mt. Ararat of Topsham.The teams have a lot of pressure on them but are confident in their abilities. They have a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players. The players are focused on improving their game and working together as a team. The state championship games will be held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on March 8, with the B final at 10:30 a.m. and the A final at 1 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Windham, Gray-New Gloucester, and More

Windham captured the AA championship with a 62-58 win over Gorham and will open the season on Dec. 6 at Lewiston. Gray-New Gloucester became the fifth different winner in five years in A with a 52-41 triumph over Hampden Academy and will start on Dec. 10 at Mt. Ararat in Topsham. Orono beat Oceanside of Rockland 56-48 for its second straight B championship and will open the season on Dec. 6 at Mount Desert Island. Monmouth Academy edged Mount View of Thorndike 52-50 in the Class C finale and will open at home on Dec. 6 against Maranacook. Bangor Christian took home the D crown with a 44-31 victory over Valley High of Bingham and opens on Dec. 6 at home against Stearns of Millinocket.Each team has its own unique story and set of players. The coaches are working hard to develop their teams and get them ready for the season. The games are expected to be intense, with teams battling it out for every point.

Girls Basketball: Cheverus, Brunswick, and Beyond

Cheverus captured its second state AA title in three years with a 38-24 win over Gorham and opens the season on Dec. 6 at home against Deering of Portland. Brunswick topped Cony of Augusta 54-30 in the A final and starts on Dec. 6 at Fryeburg Academy. Oceanside made it two championships in three years with a 33-25 win over Old Town and begins the season on Dec. 6 at Cony of Augusta. Dexter became the sixth different champ in six years in C with a 48-41 victory over Hall-Dale of Hallowell and Farmingdale and opens on Dec. 6 at Penquis Valley of Milo. Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook made it three straight state D crowns and five in six years with a 60-42 victory over Valley and opens its season on Dec. 6 at Central Aroostook in Mars Hill.The girls' basketball season is filled with talented teams and exciting matchups. The players are passionate about the game and are working hard to improve. The coaches are providing guidance and support to help the teams reach their goals.

Indoor Track: South Portland, Greely, and the Battle for Titles

The South Portland boys ended Scarborough's seven-year reign as state winners in A, while the Greely boys of Cumberland Center claimed the B crown. The Scarborough girls and York girls triumphed in A and B, respectively, with York making it two in a row.The indoor track season is full of fast-paced action and intense competition. The athletes are pushing themselves to their limits, striving for personal bests and team victories. The coaches are working with the athletes to improve their techniques and conditioning.

Swimming: Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, and the Winning Streaks

Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth boys each won their third straight state titles in A and B, respectively. The Deering/Portland girls won in Class A, and the Cape Elizabeth girls made it six in a row in B.The swimming pool becomes a battleground as these teams compete for supremacy. The swimmers are honing their strokes and improving their times. The coaches are providing valuable training and support to help the swimmers reach their full potential.

Cheerleading: Lewiston, Ellsworth, and Lisbon/St. Dom's

Lewiston is the defending state champ in A, Ellsworth in B, and Lisbon/St. Dom's of Auburn in C. Lisbon has won two in a row with St. Dom's and won it solo in 2022. Ellsworth is looking for its third state win in a row, and Lewiston is seeking its third in four years.Cheerleading is a sport that combines athleticism and performance. The teams are working hard to perfect their routines and bring excitement to the competitions. The coaches are providing guidance and support to help the cheerleaders reach their goals.

Wrestling: Massabesic, Wells, and the Duals Competition

Massabesic of Waterboro won the state title in A, and Wells in B. Noble of North Berwick and Wells also earned state crowns in the duals competition. The Noble girls garnered the first ever girls state team championship.The wrestling mat is a place of intense competition and physicality. The wrestlers are training hard to improve their skills and gain an edge over their opponents. The coaches are working with the wrestlers to develop their strategies and mental toughness.

Skiing: Falmouth, Fort Kent, and Mt. Blue

On the boys side, Falmouth is the defending champ in A and Fort Kent in B in Alpine. Mt. Blue is the Alpine winner in A and Freeport in B for the third consecutive season in Nordic. Fort Kent boys won their third straight C title in Nordic.On the girls side, Falmouth and Fort Kent made it two in a row in Alpine with Falmouth having Waynflete of Portland on board in 2023. Mt. Blue was the Nordic winner in A for the third successive season, and Greely was the B winner.The skiing slopes are a sight to behold as these teams showcase their skills. The skiers are pushing themselves to the limit, navigating the slopes with precision and speed. The coaches are providing training and support to help the skiers reach their peak performance.The state championships in all these sports will be held on various dates and locations, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the winter sports season. Athletes from all over the state are coming together to compete and make their mark on the winter sports landscape.