Machias and Monmouth Face Off in Maine Class D Boys Basketball State Championship

North champion Machias and South champ Monmouth meet at the Augusta Civic Center for the title.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Maine Class D boys basketball state championship game will feature a matchup between the North champion Machias Bulldogs and the South champion Monmouth Mustangs. The game will take place at the Augusta Civic Center, with Machias looking to utilize its size advantage and Monmouth aiming to rely on its postseason experience and stifling defense.

Why it matters

This game represents the culmination of the Class D boys basketball season in Maine, with the two best teams in the state vying for the championship. The outcome will determine which program can claim the title of the top small-school boys basketball team in the state.

The details

Monmouth (16-5) is led by junior Levi Laverdiere (17.5 ppg) and a balanced supporting cast, while Machias (20-1) is paced by a trio of senior standouts in Mickey Fitzsimmons (18 ppg, 7 apg, 5.5 rpg), Liam O'Connor (14 ppg, 4 apg, 4 spg), and Landon Barrett (8 ppg, 8 rpg, 62% FG). The Bulldogs have a significant size advantage, with 6'6" Kaiyden Carter and 6'3" Barrett patrolling the paint, while Monmouth will look to negate that with its sharp ball movement and defensive intensity.

  • The game will tip off at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2026.
  • This will be the 14th tournament game the Monmouth Mustangs have played at the Augusta Civic Center over the past four years, including their 2024 Class C state championship win.

The players

Levi Laverdiere

A junior guard for Monmouth Academy who averages 17.5 points per game.

Mickey Fitzsimmons

A senior guard for Machias who averages 18 points, 7 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Kaiyden Carter

A 6'6" senior center for Machias who averages 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.

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What they’re saying

“We must be sharp with our ball movement and take care of the basketball against Machias' full-court pressure. If we can get into our half-court offense, we'll have a chance to win.”

— Wade Morrill, Monmouth Head Coach

“Our size and length on the defensive end is going to be a big factor. We need to protect the rim, rebound well, and limit Monmouth's second-chance opportunities.”

— Landon Barrett, Machias Senior Forward

What’s next

The winner of the Class D boys basketball state championship game will advance to the New England regional tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between the North and South champions features two contrasting styles, with Monmouth's guard-oriented, defensive-minded approach going up against Machias' size and athleticism. Whichever team is able to impose its will and capitalize on the other's weaknesses will emerge victorious and claim the Class D state title.