The Wiscasset Wolverines hope it's "deja vu" all over again Saturday, Feb. 15 when they face No. 3 Telstar/Gould (13-5) in the Class D South Boys' Basketball quarterfinal. Last season, Wiscasset made the tournament for the first time in a decade and advanced to the regional semifinal after an upset quarterfinal win.

This year, Wiscasset (11-7) is seeded sixth and faces Telstar/Gould Rebels. There will be no surprises for any Class D foes this year as Wiscasset has posted its second straight winning season and enters the tournament as an experienced team. "We've been excited about going back (to the tournament) all season," said senior Ismael Martinez."We have everybody back and have improved especially on offense."

Last year, Wiscasset was sparked by sharp-shooting guard Landin Shirey, who scored 21 of his game-high 22 points in the second half of their tournament victory. This season, several other players have also made their mark on offense."We have many scoring threats this year. Jevar (Garricks), Juilien (King) and Alex (Richard) have had excellent seasons, and overall, we have more depth," Martinez said.

Coach Jamey Roy has reached the tournament with the Wolverines in both of his seasons as coach. Wiscasset returns every player from last season's tournament squad. So this year's Wolverines enter the tournament full of experience and confidence in playing big games in a big arena. "In the past year, we've played up there (Augusta) four times between the two tournament games and two regular season games this year," he said. "So, we're ready and know what we're up against."

Roy is also pleased with his team's progress over the past two seasons. As the team members mature, they are learning the finer points of playing team basketball. "We are just a more experienced team and it really shows on the court. The team is much better in their basketball IQ, understand time-and-score and importance of making the extra pass on offense," Roy said. 

Wiscasset lost its only regular season meeting to Telstar/Gould on Jan. 29, 71-33, in Bethel. The Rebels and Wolverines play in the East West Conference. Telstar/Gould only had five losses. The Rebels lost to defending Class D State Champion Valley twice, Pine Tree Academy, Richmond (Class C) and Carrabec (Class C).

Wiscasset lost seven games, including ones against Class B, C and D teams. Besides Telstar/Gould, Wiscasset lost to Pine Tree Academy, Buckfield, Carrabec (Class C), Morse (Class B), Richmond and Valley.

Wiscasset and Telstar/Gould tip-off their Class C South Boys' quarterfinal matchup at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at Augusta Civic Center.