(Ed. Note: The basketball season was recapped last week)

Regardless of the winter sport, there were plenty of thrills to be had this year.

All three local boys’ hockey teams made it to the playoffs.

Scarborough’s girls’ hockey team was the top seed in the West region.

Track once again produced many superb performances. Scarborough swept the Class A championships.

In the pool, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough and South Portland all had stellar performances.

Local skiers and wrestlers were also solid from start to finish.

Before we move on to spring (and with the improved weather, it looks like that season will actually start on schedule), here’s one final look back at the accomplishments of the boys and girls of winter.

Michael’s Top Five stories:

5) Scarborough girls’ hockey enjoys strong season

Scarborough’s girls’ hockey team is consistently one of the best in the state and 2010-11 was no exception. The Red Storm got off to an 11-1-2 start, beat defending state champion Cheverus twice and despite three losses in their final four games, earned the top seed in the West region with a 12-4-2 mark. Then, the season came to a rapid end as Scarborough was upset by No. 4 Biddeford, 2-1, in overtime.

4) Boys’ hockey teams make playoffs

Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough and South Portland’s boys’ hockey teams all made it to the postseason. The Red Storm and Red Riots were eliminated in the Western A quarterfinals. The Capers made it to the Western B semis before losing to eventual state champion York. With plenty of talent returning, all three squads should be right back in the mix a year from now.

3) Cape swimmers win at states

Cape Elizabeth’s boys’ swim team finished second behind Bangor at the Class A state meet last month, but a pair of Capers really turned heads. Junior Marcus Cloutier was the champion of the 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley. Sophomore Evan Long took top honors in both the 50 and 200 free. Look for both swimmers to continue to dominate next winter.

2) Cyr wins wrestling crown

As the Scarborough wrestling program continues to grow, one grappler took centerstage this winter. Senior Michael Cyr, at 215-pounds, enjoyed a dominant campaign and was at his best when it mattered most, winning the state meet with a technical fall decision.

1) Scarborough track teams sweep Class A

Scarborough continues to set the bar for indoor track and field excellence. This season, the Red Storm girls managed to win their seventh consecutive Class A championship. For the second time in three years, the boys’ squad joined them at the top of the standings. Each team featured not only standout individuals, but great team depth and the best news is that both Scarborough squads will make a run at the top again in 2012.

               Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net and followed on Twitter @foresports

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Southern edition winter 2010-11 state championship teams

Scarborough boys’ indoor track, Class A
Scarborough girls’ indoor track, Class A

Southern edition winter 2010-11 individual state champions

Swimming
Marcus Cloutier, Cape Elizabeth, boys’ 100 freestyle, Class A
Marcus Cloutier, Cape Elizabeth, boys’ 200 individual medley, Class A
Evan Long, Cape Elizabeth, boys’ 50 free, Class A
Evan Long, Cape Elizabeth, boys’ 200 free, Class A

Track
Nicole Kirk, Scarborough, girls’ 200, Class A
Emelia Scheemaker, Scarborough, girls’ long jump, Class A
Emelia Scheemaker, Scarborough, girls’ triple jump, Class A
Orin James, Scarborough, boys’ high jump, Class A
Nick Morris, Scarborough boys’ 800, Class A

Wrestling
Mike Cyr, Scarborough, Class A 215-pounds

Skiing

Sam Barber, Cape Elizabeth, Class B boys’ Alpine classic

Nick Breed and the Cape Elizabeth boys’ hockey team got back to the playoffs this winter.

Scarborough’s Emelia Scheemaker helped the Red Storm win another Class A indoor track title last month.

South Portland’s Chad MacWhinnie was one of several standout swimmers and divers in our midst this winter.