Who will it be?

Spring can only mean two things around here: Visions of beaches, ladies in bikinis and 80-degree days are just around the corner, and the high school softball season is upon us.
That being said, here's a look at how things may shake down across the state this spring.
CLASS A: While there are 15 teams that are competing for Eastern Maine title honors, in the minds of many, the two favorites reside in Bangor and Skowhegan, and rightfully so.
The Rams and Indians boast two of the state's top pitchers in Sam Bedore and Becca McCarty, respectively, and both have formidable lineups.
Bangor has a boost in the middle of its order in Hannah Lust, who has hit well during the preseason, with Sam Gray powering Skowhegan's lineup.
This will likely come down to who makes fewer mistakes in a potential regional championship game, since both teams mirror each other.
Brewer and Cony are looming as potential contenders as well.
Bangor has been knocking on the door the last two years, but my crystal ball says this is the year they kick it down.
THE PICK: BANGOR
CLASS B: Always the toughest to pick, since Medomak Valley has won the last two Eastern Maine crowns out of the No. 8 seed.
The Panthers did suffer some tough graduation losses, losing their top pitcher and best hitter, and Bucksport appears ready to step to the forefront.
Coach Mike Carrier's team features a veteran roster that includes pitching ace Abby Yeo, and a number of these Golden Bucks were the nucleus of the town's U-16 team that played in that age bracket's national tournament last summer.
Mattanawcook Academy out of the PVC will provide a challenge, with another top pitcher in the hard-throwing Tayla Trask. Ellsworth should be better with Sumner transfer Tashia Daley in the circle and John Bapst will be in every game as long as Laura Jordan is throwing strikes, but Bucksport has too much.
THE PICK: BUCKSPORT
CLASS C: There are a number of teams who could emerge here, among them reigning state champion Calais, 2009 Class D state champion Woodland, and Central, which moved down from Class B.
The Blue Devils bring back four starters from their state-title team, among them the power-hitting Nicole Osborne, who has had an outstanding senior year, garnering all-state accolades in basketball and volleyball while leading Calais to state championships in both sports.
Woodland will provide a challenge in Calais' quest to repeat, as the Dragons feature a top pitcher in Shelby Bassett, while Woodland only graduated two starters.
Plus, this team will play hard for late coach Rick Pullen, who passed away last July.
Central compiled a respectable 7-9 record in Class B a year ago, and with a talented nucleus of returning players, the Red Devils appear to be the top team in the PVC.
Sumner has always been a contender, but will have to find some pitching depth now that Daley is at Ellsworth, while Orono may be solid as well.
THE PICK: CENTRAL
CLASS D: As was the case in basketball, there will be a new champion with Woodland now in the Class C ranks.
Southern Aroostook was the No. 1 seed in the postseason last spring, only to be ousted by Woodland in the semifinals, while Limestone, Bangor Christian, Ashland, Fort Fairfield and Central Aroostook normally field contending teams.
The Warriors from Dyer Brook are led by the Goodall sisters, Elizabeth and Evangeline, who will do the pitching and catching. Many of SAHS' core players made up the school's state soccer championship team, so the early edge goes to the Warriors.
THE PICK: SOUTHERN AROOSTOOK.
Good luck to all teams, and enjoy some fun in the sun!