The George Stevens Academy boys basketball team hopes to regain the services of 6-foot-6 senior center Max Mattson after the Christmas holiday.

Mattson, who has helped the Eagles of Blue Hill win back-to-back Class C state championships the last two seasons, missed his team’s 69-66 overtime victory at previously unbeaten Bucksport on Tuesday and Thursday night’s 83-45 win over Sumner of East Sullivan due to a recurrence of a preseason back injury.

Those marked the first two games Mattson has missed during his four-year varsity career under GSA head coach Dwayne Carter.

Mattson, who plans to attend Maine Maritime Academy in Castine next year, first injured his back during a preseason scrimmage against Winthrop over Thanksgiving weekend but recovered after a brief rest and played in the Eagles’ first three regular-season games in their early games until the injury flared up again last weekend.

Carter said Mattson felt better after seeing a doctor early this week, and while the team is being cautious with its big man the Eagles are hopeful he can return to action for their next game at Calais next Thursday.

GSA enters Christmas weekend with a 4-1 record good for second place in Class C North behind top-ranked Houlton.