It's that time again....

The way winter was going, many folks, including myself, were afraid the snow would never melt.
But it has, and while thoughts this week are directed towards southern California beaches, the Price is Right and many baseball games, the high school softball season is upon us, and it's time for the annual preseason prognostications.
CLASS A: Of course, it always starts with the defending champion, which is Bangor in this case, as the Rams will be defending an Eastern Maine championship for the first time in school history.
While Bangor did lose some key players to graduation, the Rams still have a potent offense, led by seniors Kim Jordan, Sadie Redman and Hannah Lust, and classmate Taylor Lewis has had a strong preseason in the circle.
Brewer should be better this year, as the Witches feature a talented lefthanded pitcher in Emily Cox, while Jordan Nickerson will handle the catching duties.
The Witches were young last year, but a year of experience under the underclassmen's belt will surely help.
Cony is another preseason favorite, led by pitcher Emily Soule, another lefty, while Skowhegan can't be counted out.
This will be one of those years where any of the top six teams can win it, but I've got to take BREWER.
CLASS B: A lot of softball pundits - including myself - think this region will come down to Hermon and Mattanawcook, which it did a year ago.
The Hawks are the defending state champions and return eight starters, including pitcher Debbie Colpitts, while the Lynx will counter with a talented ace of their own in Tayla Trask.
Perennial contender Bucksport cannot be counted out, along with Old Town, John Bapst and Medomak Valley.
When it all shakes down, it looks as if the Hawks and Lynx are the two top teams, and they should meet in the regional final again, with HERMON coming out on top in another title battle.
CLASS C: George Stevens Academy is the defending regional champion here, but Calais is the early-season favorite.
The Blue Devils ran the table in regular-season play last year only to get ousted in the quarterfinals by rival Woodland, so the motivation will be there for Calais.
George Stevens and Woodland, along with Washington Academy, will be solid contenders, along with Orono, which has fielded strong teams over the last few seasons.
The pick: CALAIS
CLASS D: Deer Isle-Stonington, led by Pittsburgh native Sidney Outzs, claimed the regional title last spring with a mix of strong pitching and hitting.
With Outzs and many of that 2010 cast back in the fold this year, it appears the Mariners are the team to beat again.
Other contenders include Southern Aroostook, Limestone and Bangor Christian.
The pick: DEER ISLE-STONINGTON