NEPSAC Class B Showcase Player Preview
This year’s New England Prep School (NEPSAC) Class B Showcase event includes six of last year’s eight seeds into the New England Championship tournament, and all the Class B Champions from the past five years.
The challenge for NEPSAC seeding committees in choosing their post-season championship tournament participants is that the region covers seven states. Consequently, the teams that feel they may be contenders for one of those eight tourney seeds frequently try to travel outside of their local regions during the season in order to face other contenders from outside of their own regions. This cross-region scheduling enable the seeding committee to get some game-results to help them calibrate the relative strength of the regions.
This weekend, Marianapolis Prep, centrally located near the Connecticut/Massachusetts border, again hosted a solid slate of NEPSAC Class B teams, who play each other in some very tourney-consequential games.
The other large benefit of these showcases is that they put a lot of college-bound prospects in one place to be seen by college scouts. Like most of the NEPSAC contenders’ rosters, these teams are heavily laden with college prospects, like these below:
Colin Corrigan (2020) 5’9 point guard, Rivers School (MA) - Corrigan is a quick, lefty lead guard that is best at making plays for others. He shoots it well and can effect the play in many ways.
Jay Dieterle (2020) 6’3 guard, Rivers School (MA) - Dieterle is a well-rounded player that can make plays at all three levels. He’s an excellent finisher around the rim and can really shoot it. He’s a plus defender and rebounder for a player at his position. Committed to Tufts University.
Trevor Noble (2020) 5’11 guard, Rivers School (MA) - Noble is a dynamic lefty guard that shoots it very well, and he is able to make plays for others. He is a good athlete and tough kid. He’s heard from DIII schools. He plays with the Boston Bobcats in the spring/summer.
Jack Staiti (2020) 6’5 wing, Rivers School (MA) - Staiti is an excellent shooter and he’s able to get off his feet easily to finish at the rim. He’s a very good rebounder and a great shot-blocker from the weak-side. Committed to Babson College.
Nicky Johnson (2021) 5’9 point guard, Rivers School (MA) -(5’9” PG) Johnson is a lefty pitbull that can make every play at the point guard position, and he’s an excellent defender. He plays with a high motor and excellent IQ. He ruan with BABC 16u in the spring/summer.
Jack Richard (2021) 6’5 wing, Rivers School (MA) - Richard is an excellent shooter and doesn’t need space to get his shot off. He possesses a high IQ, and he’s capable of scoring in bunches. He plays with Middlesex Magic AAU.
Camaron Tongue (2021) 6’7 forward, Rivers School (MA) - Tongue possesses an excellent motor, as he defends and rebounds at an elite level. He shoots it very well out to the three point line, and his athleticism and skill makes him a force around the rim. Committed to Santa Clara University.
Max Poulton (2022) 6’4 guard, Rivers School (MA) - Poulton is one of the better shooters around, and he can make threes in bunches. He’s a plus defender and understands the game at a very high level. He played on the Mass Rivals 16u team in the spring/summer.
Jackson Benigni (2020) 6’2 guard, Hamden Hall (CT) – Was NEPSAC B Championship Game MVP. Averaged 20 points a game last season for the 25-2 squad. Big time shooter/scorer! Competes on every possession. Had multiple D1 offers, committed to Stonehill College.
Jahkai Pettway (2020) 6’4 wing, Hamden Hall (CT) - Pettway is a good sized wing with athletic ability. Can make the three and rebounds at a high level. Has high IQ and team leader hailing from the highly regarded New Haven Heat AAU program. Excellent grades.
Corey Walters (2021) 6’2 point guard, Hamden Hall (CT) – Walters transferred back to Hamden Hall after one year at Hamden High School where he had a good overall season. Tough kid with great handle. Gets to the rim and has an outstanding mid-range. Should have a huge season for the Hornets this year.
Owen McDonough (2021) 6’4 forward, Hamden Hall (CT) McDonough transferred in from a Vermont high school. He has a Big body with strength and can really shoot the three. Learning to rebound on both ends. High IQ passer.
Ethan Doherty (2021) 5’9 shooting guard, Hamden Hall (CT) –Shooter (made six threes last season in a game vs. Hopkins ) Coach’s son with a good basketball IQ. Tough defender.
Colby Martins (2020) 5’10” 160lbs point guard, Millbrook School (NY) - Tough, quick, and physical point guard, with the ability to play off the ball as well. High basketball IQ, actively looks to get other guys involved, and is a leader on both ends of the court. Strong finisher with either hand and has the ability to create his own shot from mid-range to beyond the three-point line. Excellent communicator and versatile defender that can rely on strength to match up with bigger guards and wings, never afraid to step in and take a charge. 3.5 gpa 1170 SAT.
Justinas Norkus (2020) 6’9 forward/center, Millbrook School (NY) - Versatile big that can play in the post and out on the wing. Ability to finish around the rim with either hand, as well as knock down jump shots from all distances. Defensively, a true vertical spacer with a strengthened lower body and core to grab rebounds and keep opposing bigs off the glass. Able to switch onto quicker guards/wings and keep them in front using length.
Nick Benton (2021) 6’6” wing, Millbrook School (NY) – Incoming junior with the ability to play at multiple positions on the court. Size and above the rim finishing ability to be effective in the post, knock down shooter from mid-range to beyond the three-point line, and ball handling ability to facilitate offense and create his own shot. High defensive IQ, excellent communicator, quick enough to guard ball handlers, plenty of length to defend on the wing, and strength to prevent bigs from getting post position. 3.2 gpa.
Seth Caslin (2021) Millbrook School (NY) - A long and versatile lefty, Caslin has the ability to affect a game on both ends of the floor. He attacks the rim at a regular clip, using his size to both facilitate for teammates and finish himself. Caslin is a shot-maker out to three who will benefit from a consistent weight plan and further physical development. Should be an immediate impact player in NEPSAC Class B.
Charlie Weisberg (2021) 6’2 175lbs guard/wing, Millbrook School (NY) - True leader on and off the court with a high basketball IQ, ability to shoot from all levels, and always keeps teammates engaged. Strong ball handling ability, excellent footwork, can finish in a crowd with either hand, and never stops moving on offense with or without the ball. Defensively can guard his position as well as switch onto wings and posts with length to challenge all opponents. 3.7 gpa.
Liam Kennelly (2023) 5’10” 160 lbs point guard, Millbrook School (NY) – Tough, heady point guard who will play a role for Millbrook as a freshman coming off the bench this year. High basketball IQ, sneaky athletic for his size. Will not wow anyone in layup lines but will prove that he belongs based on his toughness and skill level. Excited to continue to follow his maturity in the NEPSAC.
Javon Hernandez (2020) 6’0” guard, Millbrook School (NY) – A shifty two-sport athlete, Javon will play collegiate baseball after the NEPSAC. Quick with the ball in his hands and a stingy defender when his man has the ball, Javon will give Millbrook extra athleticism in the back-court. Can make shots out to the 3-point line. A previous All-League honoree at Danbury High School.
Sam Thomson (2020) 6’9 forward, Brooks School (MA) - Thompson is a big man with the ability to play inside and outside. Returning All-ISL and All-NEPSAC selection. Committed to Colgate.
Myles Foster (2020)-6’7 forward, Brooks School (MA) - Foster is blessed with a 7 foot + wing span. He is skilled, with a high basketball IQ, and a great feel for the game. Considering multiple Division 1 offers.
Olu Oladitan (2020)- 6’7 forward, Brooks School (MA) - Oladitan has improved each and every year of his high school career. He has a great motor, college-ready frame, and considering several NESCAC schools.
Tyler Whitney-Sidney (2021) 6’2 point guard, Brooks School (MA) - Whitney-Sidney has terrific athleticism and a good feel for the game. He is a returning All-ISL and All-NEPSAC selection from his sophomore year. Has earned multiple Division 1 offers.
George Smith (2021) 6’3 guard, Brooks School (MA) - Smith is a newcomer to Brooks. He is a terrific scorer and versatile defender. He has had a very good summer and has earned multiple Division 1 offers.
Matt Mulvey (2021) 6’1 guard, Brooks School (MA) - Mulvey has improved immensely over the course of the last year. He is skilled with the ball, an excellent shooter, and has an extremely high basketball IQ. Attracting Division 1 interest from range of schools.
Darrel Yepdo (2022) 6’0 point guard, Brooks School (MA) - Yepdo earned important minutes for Brooks by the end of his freshman year last season and has continued to improve over the summer. He is a tough, smart and athletic player who makes an immediate impact at both ends of the court.
Chuck Clemons (2020) 6’1 guard, St Lukes School (CT) - 1st Team All-FAA 2018-2019, NEPSAC Class B Honorable Mention 2018-2019. Clemons is a lead guard with a high basketball IQ, good handle and vision, and the ability to score at all three levels. Good anticipation on the defensive end; creates a lot of deflections and steals.
Gavin Greene (2020) 6’4 swing , St Lukes School (CT) - All-FAA Honorable Mention 2018-2019, NEPSAC Class B Honorable Mention 2018-2019. Greene is an athletic combo forward with nice touch in the mid-range and around the rim. Has range out to the three-point line. Excellent rim-runner in transition. Good rebounder on both ends of the floor; led the team in rebounding.
Cole Bryant (2021) 6’4 guard, St Lukes School (CT) - Bryant is a combo guard with long arms. Strong shooter from three-point line with a good mid-range game. Sees the floor well and makes the extra pass. Good perimeter defender who uses his length to shoot the passing lanes effectively. Rebounds the ball well from the guard spot.
Jah’khi Washington (2022) 6’3 guard , St Lukes School (CT) - Washington is an elite leaper with extra-long wing span that allows him to be in a lot of impactful plays, not the least of which is his terrific ability to rebound and defend. He has jump-shot range out to the three-point line and is a good passer.
Justin Covington (2022) 6’4 guard, St Lukes School (CT) - Covington has been making his presence known in the region’s exposure camps. He is a big combo guard with good skills. A strong slasher with range out to the three line. Good defender.
Anthony Morales (2020) 6’7 shooting guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Morales is a very long and skilled perimeter player. He is a proficient 3 point shooter who is able to play all five positions efficiently. Committed to Boston University.
Steven Ward (2020) 6’5 forward, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Ward is a well built and hard nosed player who plays the game with passion. Extremely athletic downhill player, tough rebounder and defender. High Academic considering NESCAC schools.
Donovan Crawford (2020) 5’10 point guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Crawford is a pit bull of a point guard who competes 94 feet on every possession. Great decision maker with deep range.
Malachi Harris (2020) 6’2 shooting guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Harris is an absolute sniper, will catch fire from 3, plays with pace and very team oriented. Likes to win yet hates to lose. High Academic.
Aaron Cooley (2021) 6’5 shooting guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Cooley is a do-it-all player, who scores from all 3 levels in a variety of ways, and is a gifted athlete who plays with an edge. He had an impressive EYBL campaign with BABC, has several mid major offers with high major interest.
Gabe Spinelli (2021) 6’2 point guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Spinelli is a coach’s son, extremely cerebral point guard who flat out plays at a different speed. Will get it and beat everyone down court. Shifty smart knock down shooter and gritty. Has a D-1 offer with a lot of interest.
Tyler Alloway (2021) 5’8 point guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Alloway is a shifty point guard with great instincts, great shooter who can score in bunches. Great teammate and leader.
Jacob Harris (2021) 6’4 wing, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Harris is a freakishly athletic who when he has it going on is hard to stop, competes defensively and will knock down the open shot. Very high ceiling who should garner scholarship interest.
Cris Rey (2022) 6’8 forward, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Rey is a sophomore who has the purest 3 point stroke you will ever see. Overall game is developing, with his combination of size and shooting ability can translate to a high major recruit.
Drew Herer (2022) shooting guard, Beaver Country Day (MA) - Herer is a very skilled, intelligent player who shoots it at a high level. Has a great midrange game who plays in the flow of the offense.
Chris Pennella (2020) 6’3 wing, The Gunnery (CT) - Pennella sees the floor very well while also having the ability to stretch the floor with deep shooting. Excels as ball handler in pick and roll with bigs. Very high IQ player that helps him make plays on offense and defense.
Noe Emanuel Enoumedi (2020) 6’7 wing, The Gunnery (CT) - Enoumedi has an endless motor on both sides as the ball. He is very good in transition with the ability to get to the rim or find an open teammate. He has great ball handling skills and uses his athleticism to exploit miss matches. He also has the range to knock down an open shot.
Clayton Erickson (2020) 6’6 wing, The Gunnery (CT) - Erickson is smooth shooting wing that is very fluid on the floor. He has deep range while also having the ability to put the ball down and finish at the rim through defenders. He has a high IQ and reads the game well on both ends of the court.
Cole Erickson (2022) 6’6 forward, The Gunnery (CT) - Erickson has great size for a sophomore. He has a great mid range game and can play on the blocks too. He competes on the defensive side of the ball and has good shot blocking ability.
Bryce Howard (2020) 6’1 point guard, Pomfret School (CT) - Howard is excellent in the open floor. Very fast end-to-end. Dynamic playmaker who gets his teammates shots. Terrific defender. Interest from DI to DIII.
Andrew Lufkin (2020) 6’2 guard, Pomfret School (CT) - Lufkin is a tough guard who makes shots and competes at a high level. Great defender who leaves it on the floor. Can put it on the floor or knock down catch and shoot 3s. Multiple High Academic Division III schools involved.
Max Levine (2020) 6’4 wing, Pomfret School (CT) - Levine is a team first guy who moves well off the ball and gets his teammates shots. Good athlete who finishes at the rim. Very good defender. Multiple Division III schools involved.
Marcus von Recklinghausen (2020) 6’5 wing, Pomfret School (CT) - Von Recklinghausen is a terrific defender and a threat in transition. Gets to the rim and gets fouled often. Knocks down 3s consistently. Multiple High Academic Division III schools involved.
Jon Kazor (2020) 6’4 wing, Pomfret School (CT) - Kazor is strong and physical. Can defend multiple positions and rebound well for his size. Gets to the paint and can make plays. 36 ACT. Multiple High Academic Division III schools involved.
Bryce Johnson (2020) 6’7 forward, Pomfret School (CT) - Johnson is big, strong and physical. Good athlete who plays very hard. Can guard multiple positions and rebounds at a high clip. Can get to the rim and knock down 3s. Committed to D1 Sacred Heart University.
Amon Williams (2021) 6’3 forward, Pomfret School (CT) - Williams is a physical forward who is a very good playmaker. Tough on the boards on both ends. Great at getting to the rim and getting to the foul line.
Ben Kelsey (2021) 6’4 forward, Pomfret School (CT) - Kelsey rebounds really well and plays hard. A team-first player who can knock down shots from 3 and finish at the rim.
Raymond Espinal-Guzman (2021) 6’7 forward, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Espinal-Guzman is a long and skilled forward who shoots it well from beyond the arc. Tough to guard on the high post with his ability to put it on the deck. Interest from multiple D1 schools.
Emre Topcu (2020) 6’2 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Topcu is a tough physical guard who will be seeing his first significant time since his ACL injury in late 2018. His European background is shown with his craftiness around the rim. Being recruited by D3 schools.
Aaron Nkumrah (2020) 6’6 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Post-grad Nkumrah can really score the ball from all levels, and uses his length to rebound and block shots on the defensive end. High level scorer in the Worcester league and is being recruited by D3 schools.
Michael Acquaah-Harrison (2020) 6’3 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Acquaah-Harrison is an athletic guard who can shoot the ball consistently and also score above the rim. Really tough on the ball defender who can also blocks shots. He is a high academic athlete who is being recruited by many NESCAC schools.
Ali Abdel-Jalil (2020) 6’3 wing, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Abdel-Jalil is a post-grad from Kuwait who is a coach’s dream. A high academic, who is a great teammate, and brings relentless toughness on both ends of the court. He is tough in transition and is difficult to keep off of the glass.
Michael Levesque (2021) 6’0 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Levesque is a rugged, tough defender, who can also score at all three levels. He has a knack for making big plays in crunch time and seems to always make the right play. Consistent shooter who has the potential to be a scholarship level player.
Charles Mukweva (2021) 6’1 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Mukweva came to MPrep last February from Zimbabwe and has adjusted tremendously to a new style of play. He is incredibly tough in transition and can really defend on the ball. Very interesting prospect.
Chad Duke (2021) 6’1 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Duke is a long and smooth guard from Brooklyn, NY who will bring a little bit of everything to his team. Quick first step off the dribble, he possesses a steady pull-up game and good range. Athletic on the defensive end has him creating a lot of havoc.
Kualim Johnson (2021) 6’5 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Johnson has good length and athleticism to get to and score around the rim. His quick first step is a plus and he shoots the ball with confidence. Good rebounder who can also blocks shots.
Caleb Wiliams (2022) 5’10 guard, Marianapolis Prep (CT) Williams should be able to come in and contribute right away having been at Rectory School. He is a good defender who is tough to get by. He is tight with the ball and gets to the lane a lot.