Camden Hills, Portland boys basketball took different paths to title game

State final storylines include coaches returning to their alma maters and the rise of Class S

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Class A boys basketball state championship game will feature Camden Hills, the North champion, against Portland, the South winner. Camden Hills was the consensus top team in the North all season, while Portland emerged as a surprise sixth seed in the South. Both coaches, Joel Gabrielle of Camden Hills and Aaron Toman of Gardiner, are coaching at the high schools where they played. The tournament has also seen the rise of the new Class S division for the smallest schools.

Why it matters

The contrasting paths of the Class A finalists, as well as the coaches' connections to their alma maters, add compelling storylines to the state championship game. The introduction of Class S also represents a significant change in the high school basketball landscape in Maine, providing opportunities for the smallest schools to compete for a state title.

The details

Camden Hills entered the season as the top team in the North, led by Varsity Maine All-State selection Nolan Ames. They went 17-1 in the regular season and cruised through the regional tournament. In the South, Portland was the sixth seed after a 12-6 regular season, but proved to be the region's strongest team, holding their opponents well below their season scoring averages. Both Camden Hills coach Joel Gabrielle and Gardiner coach Aaron Toman are coaching at the high schools where they played, adding a personal connection to the state finals. The tournament also features the new Class S division, with Easton and Valley competing for the inaugural title.

  • The Class A state championship game will be played on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
  • The Class B state championship game between Gardiner and Yarmouth will be played on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
  • The Class C state championship game between Fort Kent and Maranacook will be played on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Nolan Ames

Varsity Maine All-State selection and key player for Camden Hills.

Joel Gabrielle

Camden Hills coach who played for the school in 2011.

Aaron Toman

Gardiner coach who played for the school in 2012.

Ethan Chilton

Maranacook player who hit a buzzer-beating shot to win the Class C regional title.

Aden Jeffers

Fort Kent player who hit a last-second shot to win the Class C regional title.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.