Camden Hills' Nolan Ames Earns Mr. Maine Basketball Nod

The senior guard has been dominant all season, leading his team to the Class A state championship game.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Nolan Ames, a senior guard for the Camden Hills Windjammers, has emerged as the clear choice for this year's Mr. Maine Basketball award. Despite his team not yet winning the state title, Ames has put up eye-popping numbers all season, leading his conference in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He's been particularly impressive in the tournament, averaging nearly 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. Ames will take his talents to Colby College next season, but first he's looking to bring a gold ball back to Camden Hills in the state championship game against Portland.

Why it matters

Ames' dominant season has cemented his status as the state's top high school boys basketball player, making him the clear choice for the prestigious Mr. Maine Basketball award. His performance has helped lead Camden Hills to the state title game, where they will look to cap off an impressive season with a championship.

The details

Ames, a 1,000-point scorer and Bangor Daily News All-Maine second team member last year as a junior, has taken his game to new heights this season. He led his conference in scoring (26+ points per game), rebounds (7.6), assists (3.5), steals (3.2), and blocks (1.1) during the regular season. In the tournament, Ames has averaged nearly 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, including just missing a triple-double in the regional final win over Brunswick.

  • Ames entered this season with high expectations after a standout junior campaign.
  • Camden Hills only dropped one regular season contest, a late loss to Cony of Augusta.
  • The Windjammers will face Portland in the Class A state championship game on Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 7:45 p.m.

The players

Nolan Ames

A senior guard for the Camden Hills Windjammers who has emerged as the clear choice for this year's Mr. Maine Basketball award after a dominant season.

Akol Maiwen

A fellow finalist for the Mr. Maine Basketball award, Maiwen plays for Edward Little High School.

Tyrie James

Also a finalist for the Mr. Maine Basketball award, James plays for Windham High School.

Joel Gabriele

The head coach of the Camden Hills Windjammers.

Brendan Shaw

A player for the Brunswick High School basketball team, who faced tough defense from Ames in the regional final.

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What they’re saying

“This is the time for prime-time players to show up, and he certainly did. We're thankful that he's got Camden Hills on his jersey, that's for sure.”

— Joel Gabriele, Camden Hills Head Coach (Bangor Daily News)

“We played Portland in the preseason, but that's the preseason. Every team is different now. So we're going to scout, we're going to watch film, and we're going to come in prepared.”

— Nolan Ames (Bangor Daily News)

“It means the world. We've just got to win it now.”

— Nolan Ames (Bangor Daily News)

What’s next

The Class A state championship game between Camden Hills and Portland is scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

The takeaway

Nolan Ames' dominant senior season has cemented his status as the top high school boys basketball player in Maine, making him the clear choice for the prestigious Mr. Maine Basketball award. His leadership and stellar play have helped propel Camden Hills to the state championship game, where they will look to cap off an impressive campaign with a title.