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NEWPORT — It’s all led to this — and even though Cooper Flagg will be in Brooklyn for the NBA draft Wednesday night. (8 p.m., ESPN), some of the biggest buzz around the Newport native is still right here in his hometown.

While some will watch Flagg’s likely selection by the Dallas Mavericks with the first overall pick at home, others will gather en masse to see the ex-Nokomis High and Duke University star’s big night. Here are three places to be for Wednesday’s draft.

NOKOMIS REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Cooper Flagg’s lone season at Nokomis was special. He averaged 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per game, earning Maine Gatorade Player of the Year honors and leading the Warriors to their first Class A state title.

The gym where Flagg made most of his Maine high school hoops memories will be packed again Wednesday (7-9 p.m., invite only) for a private get-together for members of the Nokomis Regional High School community. New Balance, which inked Flagg to a blockbuster sponsorship deal, is hosting the event.

Spokeswoman Maggie Greene said she expects the attendance to be in the hundreds.

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“It’s a fun way for people to get out, get together and watch a special night for Cooper,” she said.

HAMLIN’S MARINA

Few places in Flagg’s hometown are more iconic than Sebasticook Lake. Hamlin’s Marina (77 High St.), with the help of the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce, will host a free watch party, open to all.

The event, which is from 4-10 p.m., will include numerous food trucks, alcoholic beverages courtesy of Somerset Pour House in nearby Palmyra, a play area for children, boat rides on the lake, live music by Riff Johnson and more. ESPN reporter Marty Smith will be on hand.

A Cooper Flagg sign is displayed at The Grove, a wedding venue in Newport, on Tuesday. The sign, made by RSU 19 elementary student Kinley Hopkins, will be on display during an NBA Draft watch party on Wednesday at the venue. (Anna Chadwick/Staff Photographer)

Although the event is free, donations of $10 per person or $20 per family will go toward the Newport Recreation Department and Ronald McDonald House.

THE GROVE

This southeast Newport wedding venue, owned by Kendra and Scott Hartsgrove, has connections to Flagg. Their son, Grady, played with Flagg on the state title-winning Nokomis team. Attendees can enjoy catering libations courtesy of Mossy’s Mobile Spirits and food courtesy of Perley’s Catering and Twisted Pretzel Concessions.

The event runs from 6-10 p.m.

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Like Hamlin’s Marina, The Grove will also have ESPN on-site. Kendra Hartsgrove said a crew from the network has been at the venue throughout the week, using the bridal suite and groom’s cabin to “set up shop” for live shots in the buildup to Flagg’s selection.

“Our families have been friends for a long time, and it’s just incredible to think about (all this); it couldn’t have happened to a better kid,” Kendra Hartsgrove said. “It’s super exciting and energetic, and we want to amp it all up and have as many people here as we can.”

OTHER WATCH PARTIES

• Blue Sky Lounge, 357 Odlin Road, Bangor (6 p.m.)

• Colonial Theatre, 163 High St., Belfast (8 p.m.)

• Gridiron Restaurant, 1567 Lisbon St., Lewiston (6 p.m.)

• Maine Basketball Academy, 631 Stevens Ave., Portland (6 p.m.)

• Rivalries, 2 Hat Trick Dr., Falmouth (7 p.m.; ticketed event)

Mike Mandell came to the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel in April 2022 after spending five and a half years with The Ellsworth American in Hancock County, Maine. He came to Maine out of college after...

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