We're introducing a regular feature in the blogs each Friday. It's a quick look at some former central Maine high school players who are now playing in college. I hope you enjoy it.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Cony grad Kristi Violette, who saw limited action last year at the University of Southern Maine, started USM's opener and had 10 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes against the University of New England. Skowhegan grad Nicole Paradis had 29 points in that game for USM.

Speaking of UNE, the Nor'easters are loaded with local players. Nokomis grad Kelley Paradis and Madison grad Margo Russell are starting as freshmen, and Lawrence grad Megan Gilbert, another freshman, is also on the roster. Russell was named The Commonwealth Coast Conference Rookie of the Week earlier this week. Also starting for UNE is freshman Kari Pelletier, who led Oxford Hills to the Eastern A title last season.

Nokomis grad Ashley Bragdon had a very productive 22 minutes in Husson's 73-65 victory over UMaine-Fort Kent. Coming off the bench, Bragdon had 7 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.

MEN'S BASKETBALL

After years of not having a heavy central Maine alumni presence, USM has three graduates of local high schools on its roster. Andy Tracy, formerly of Maine Central Institute and Colby-Sawyer, is averaging 13.7 points per game. Freshman Mike Poulin, a Maranacook grad, is seeing good minutes and averaging 2.3 assists per game. Fellow freshman Orlando Holmes, a Messalonskee grad, has not seen any action so far.

MEN'S ICE HOCKEY

Ted Fabian, the Messalonskee grad who won the Travis Roy Award in 2006, is playing at Fitchburg State. Fabian's first goal was also his first game-winner, as he had the game's only marker in a 1-0 win over Worcester State Nov. 8.

Waterville grad Zach Pelletier, now playing big-time college hockey at Ohio State, scored his first goal of the season in a 4-0 win over Robert Morris last Friday. Seven of Pelletier's teammates on the Buckeyes are property of NHL teams.

WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY

Lawrence grad Teraysa White is playing well in goal but having some tough luck at new England College. In her last three starts, White has allowed two, three and two goals, but NEC has three one-goal losses. White stopped 28 of 30 shots Friday against USM, but NEC lost 2-1.