After three state titles in the last four years, longtime Division 2 powerhouse Malden Catholic now resides in Division 1. Led by new coach Mark Garrity, the Lancers have jumped out to an impressive start, winning their first six games.

“For us, not much is changing,” Garrity said. “We’re still going to play the same way. Our emphasis is on pressure, rebounding, and closing out possessions. We need to focus on being the best we can be. If we do that, the division doesn’t matter.”

To upset the established Div. 1 powers, MC will have to surpass a talented field that includes Bridgewater-Raynham, Needham, Attleboro and Marshfield. Another contender is Newton North, which fell to Franklin in the state title game last season. With a new coach in John McNamara, Newton North appears ready to take the next step forward.

“Our goal is to win the Bay State Conference, then build off that success in the postseason,” said McNamara, a 2005 alum who replaced Paul Connolly after his 24 seasons at the helm. “In order to do that, it takes a daily commitment to excellence.”

Newton North’s state title game defeat serves as motivation for this year’s team, which is led by Mathaios Stamm, Bryson Mercedes, Jake Lyons, Julian Zakak and Luke Washek.

No discussion of Div. 1 contenders is complete without Merrimack Valley League staples Central Catholic, Andover and Lowell.

With a roster that features reigning league MVP Javi Lopez, Drew O’Keefe, Jeremiah Almanza and Jordan Marion, all of whom played a major role last season, Central Catholic is a favorite to win it all in 2026. But Mark Dunham is challenging his players not to look beyond the challenge in front of them.

“We’re very good on paper, but being good on paper doesn’t win games,” Dunham said. “We’re not reading the press clippings. For us to make a deep run, we need to be in elite shape and be the best defensive team in the state. Our goal is to raise a banner, and we’re going to do everything we can to make that happen.”

Beverly also cannot be ignored in Div. 1. A gritty, well-coached team featuring elite scorer Jacob Klass, the Panthers won their first four games, including a victory against Andover, before suffering their first loss against Central Catholic on Tuesday.

“I have a great group of kids who are very talented and work very hard,“ said Beverly coach Matt Karakoudas, who is also building his team around Danny Pierce, Eli Landman and Dom Paniello Torres, a transfer from Bishop Fenwick. “They have great attitudes and they’re fun to be around.”

Despite MC’s departure, the rest of Div. 2 did not have time to register a collective sigh of relief. That is because a new addition in St. Mary’s of Lynn has arrived with its own championship aspirations. After winning its first six games, new St. Mary’s coach Josh Keilty is forging an identity for his team built around discipline on defense.

“We’re just trying to get better every day,” said Keilty, who led Georgetown to the D4 state title last season. “We have a simple approach built around the importance of defense. We’re going to stick with that and see what happens.”

Defending champ Somerset Berkley graduated most of its roster, putting the Div. 2 title within reach for a host of contenders. After finishing in last season’s final four, Masconomet and Oliver Ames top that list.

“That same pit we had in our stomachs last year when we lost to Somerset Berkley, that’s what we’re going to give to every team we play this season,” said Masconomet coach Jaycob Morales, whose Chieftains had a 16-point lead at halftime before Somerset Berkley stormed back. “For us, we need to continue to take a step forward.”

OA took Malden Catholic to the brink of elimination in last season’s final four, losing by one in overtime. Eric MacKinnon’s group kicked off the new campaign with a determined tenacity, with the Tigers winning their opening four games thanks to their defensive prowess.

“We know we have to rely on our defense,” MacKinnon said. “Last year was more about offense, but this season is different. Our guys take pride in being playmakers with tips and deflections.”

Dropping three of their first four games was not the way Mansfield coach Michael Vaughan envisioned starting the season, but he is watching his squad improve – and get healthier – one day at a time.

“So much of what we do revolves around valuing the ball,” said Vaughan, whose team won 20 games last season. “From rebounds to turnovers to offensive and defensive possessions, we’re going to have to value the ball at a really high level if we want to succeed at a high level.”