Nothing brings out the bodies like a state championship.

Mascoma High recorded a school first when it claimed its first NHIAA bass fishing state championship last fall. The two anglers who combined on that title, senior Tanner Moulton and sophomores Maliky Bates, are back to anchor the Royals, who boast a dozen-strong roster filled with freshmen eager to land the big one.

The Upper Valley’s three other programs — Lebanon, Thetford and White River Valley — all have high hopes for the coming campaign as well. Here’s a look at the teams:

Lebanon

Coach: Mike Anikis (ninth year).

Last year: Finished 26th in state qualifier tournament.

Returners: Seniors — Hannah Giguere, Caleb Swinson. Sophomores — Connor Noyes Zach Illsley

Newcomers: Seniors — Kyle Hines. Juniors — Jon Cooper, Noah Lahaye. Freshmen — James Barkley, Sam Lacasse, Sophie Didomenico, Tim Cooper.

Outlook: Lebanon welcomes a lot of newcomers this year, and coach Mike Anikis is looking for the team to qualify for the state tournament.

Over the summer, Hannah Giguere and James Barkley qualified for next year’s national championships.

“We have many new anglers adding energy to the team,” Anikis said. “Hannah Giguere and James Barkley are coming off of a summer season that saw them qualify for the National Championships next year and we’re hoping all their hard work carries over into the high school season.”

Mascoma

Coaches: Eric Moulton (fifth year), Greg Sargent, (third year).

Last year: Won NHIAA state championship.

Returners: Seniors — Tanner Moulton, Payton Sargent. Sophomores — Maliky Bates.

Newcomers: Junior — Liam Carriere. Sophomores — Cooper Wilcox, Lincoln Butterfield. Freshmen — Brayden Gillies, Austin Irwin, Kaula Moreno, Sheldon Perkins, Kane Bergeron, Joel Backlund.

Outlook: The Royals return two talented seniors and add nine new members as they look to defend their title.

“We have two very strong seniors returning, looking to lead the team in the defense of our 2023 state championship title, as well as some great new talent joining the team this year giving us a bright future,” coach Eric Moulton said. “Proud to be part of this program, and really looking forward to the season kicking off.”

Thetford

Coaches: Shane West (fourth year), Dan Gross (second year), Noah Abernathy (first year).

Last year: Finished in ninth place in state tournament.

Returners: Seniors — Ethan West, Casey Gross. Sophomores — Adam Braley, Mason Gross, Kolby Emerson. Freshmen — Lincoln Smith, Wyatt Harlow, Jeffery Marchand.

Newcomers: Senior — Josh Ling. Junior — Andrew Fraser. Freshmen — Nikolas Gand Rowan Champion.

Outlook: Coach Shane West said he was not disappointed in last year’s results as it was only the Panthers’ second year as a varsity team.

“This year has been good so far with our biggest enrollment yet with 14 members to start,” West said. “I’m looking forward to the classic and the championship, hopefully we have learned from our last couple years and will continue to do so and keep improving and having fun in our sport.”

White River Valley

Coaches: Paul Feeney (seventh year), Bruce Staples (fifth year), Dan Huff (secondyear), Max Sulham (first year).

Last year: Finished in the middle at the state tournament.

Returners: Junior — Liam Penta. Sophomores — Arden Riesterer, Colin Lewis, Kaleb Huff.

Outlook: The Wildcats have a small but experienced team.

“I believe we should have a strong team with all my anglers returning,” coach Paul Feeney said.