2019 NEPSAC Class A Winter Showcase
Every year the post-season tournament seeding committees for the New England Prep School Athletic Counsel have a very tough job in choosing the 1 through 8 best teams for the NEPSAC championship post-season tournaments. If for no other reason, than the fact that the teams under consideration are spread out over seven states.
Consequently, many of the teams who consider themselves a contender try to use their open schedule dates to travel to events that will get them matched up against competitors who they wouldn’t otherwise face in their local regions.
On December 19-20, three different NEPSAC Class A prep schools, St Sebastian’s School (Needham, MA), Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH) and Tabor Academy (Marion, MA) combine to host their annual Class A Winter Classic. 18 different teams will mix it up in this year’s event.
The event also proves to be a college scout’s buffet, because every team features future NCAA players. Below, we profile many of them.
Casey Simmons (2021) 6’6’ wing, Milton Academy (MA) - Simmonds has multiple Division I offers ranging from Ivy - ACC. He is an extremely athletic wing player with a diverse scoring skill set. He is outstanding in the open court because he plays at the rim. His quickness and length makes him one of the top defenders Milton Has ever had.
Gavin Carter (2023) 6’0 point guard, Milton Academy (MA) - Carter is a sharp shooting lefty who can score at all three levels. Extremely skilled and tough which is a great combination for that position.
Bernard Cassidy (2021) 6’8 power forward, Milton Academy (MA) - Cassidy has improved in his short time here at Milton. Capable of stretching the floor or getting to the rim. Rebounds the ball on both ends of the court.
Matt Mensia (2020) 6’4 guard, Avon Old Farms School (CT) - Mensia is a post grad from Norfolk, VA. He’s a power guard who can play as a primary handler and finish through contact. Covers a lot of ground on his moves. Scholarship offer from Manhattan.
Tyler Warner (2021) 6’10 center, Avon Old Farms School (CT) - Warner is from Rochester, NY. He is very strong and powerful player. He finishes with either hand and can be a go-to scorer on the post. Offer from Siena with interest from all Ivy and most of the Patriot League.
Symien Jemison (2020) 6’7 forward, Avon Old Farms School (CT) - Jemison is stretch post player. He is very lanky and mobile. Rebounds for his area and a mismatch problem when matched up against other centers.
Matt Brand (2020) 6’5 wing, Avon Old Farms School (CT) - Brand is a post-grad from New Canaan who averaged 15ppg last year for the CT State champions. He is the hardest worker on the court, non-stop moving. Can finish at the rim and rebound his position.
Anthony Clayton (2021) 5’10 guard, Avon Old Farms School (CT) - Clayton is a well-built junior point guard from the Albany, NY area. He has very strong legs which allow him to be a bull defensively, and he is a consistent shot-maker.
Aaron Latham ‘(2020) 6’0 point guard, Taft School (CT) - Lathham has a very high IQ and is a crafty play maker. A knock down shooter from distance and a player who finds ways to finish at the basket. His toughness and understanding of angles allows him to defend more athletic and quicker guards. Very close to a scholarship kid.
Blessing Agbonlaho (2021) 6’9 forward, Taft School (CT) - Agbonlaho has a 7’ wing span. Despite his great size and length, he runs and jumps as well as anyone. He is raw because he has only been playing organized basketball for three years. A true rim protector and shot blocker. Finishes above the rim and plays hard. Temple, BU, Elon, Davidson, Yale, plus many others have all been in to see him.
Michael Ramos (2020) 6’3 guard, Taft School (CT) - Ramos is a lead guard with high IQ and sneaky athleticism. He can score on three levels and run a team. Ramos competes on defense and is willing to do the dirty work as necessary. He has scholarship ability. Has offers from LIU, IONA, Manhattan and Little Rock.
Jordan Geronimo (2020) 6’6’ wing, St Paul’s School (NH) - Geronimo is an Indiana commit. He is a long, athletic wing who can play and guard multiple positions. Consistent 3-point shooter, aggressive above the rim finisher, strong shot blocker and rebounder. Last year, he averaged 14 pts, 7 rbs, 3 blks, 2 asts, 2 stls per game as a junior at St. Paul’s, while recording a few 20/10 double-doubles.
Jack Anderson (2021) 6’1 point guard, St Paul’s School (NH) - Anderson is a true point guard who can score at all 3 levels. Consistent shooter and strong finisher with either hand. Tough defender who can guard multiple positions. Fantastic leader and communicator on both sides of the ball. Last year, he averaged 12 pts, 4 asts, 4 rbs, 2 stls per game as sophomore at St. Paul’s—with a couple of 25+ point games and double-digit charges.
Cody Appleton (2021) 5’11 guard, St Paul’s School (NH) - Appleton is a strong 3pt shooter with deep range. A combo guard who averaged 9pts/game as a sophomore at St. Paul’s while shooting 40/100 from 3 on the season. High IQ playmaker with the ball in his hands and a smart defender. Moves well without the ball and has made significant strides with his speed, strength and athleticism.
Graham Robinson (2021) 6’10 forward, St Paul’s School (NH) - A newcomer to St. Paul’s, Robinson is a stretch forward who has good shooting touch to the 3-pt line and comfortable with the ball in his hands. He moves well for his size and has a creative mid-range game and solid back-to-the-basket game. Good hands and finishing ability on the inside.
James Morakis (2022) 6’3 point guard, St Paul’s School (NH) - Another newcomer to St. Paul’s, Morakis is a strong, big point guard with a great change of pace. A consistent finisher with either hand on the inside with a great mid-range game off the dribble and developing 3pt shot. Can guard multiple positions because of his strength, toughness, and IQ. Very creative with the ball in his hands because of his pace and IQ. Strong court vision and playmaking ability.
Truth Harris (2020) 6’0 point guard, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Harris is a lightning quick point guard from Mt. Vernon, NY. He has amazing jumping ability, and can get by anyone. Has developed a solid 3 point shot to complement his other weapons.
Tadhg Crowley (2020) 6’9 center, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Crowley is a tough strong kid from Yonkers, NY. He is an outstanding rebounder, defender and communicator. Solid offensively around the hoop.
Justin Archer (2020) 6’7 stretch 4, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Archer is a lefty with a nice stroke and quick powerful moves to the hoop. He is a post grad who played at Union Catholic High in NJ.
Chris Gleaton (2020) 6’3 combo guard, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - from Rockland County NY. Gleaton is an athletic, fast and a 3 point threat. A top level student.
Ronnie Toole (2020) 6’3 combo guard, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Toole is a post grad who played at the Hill School (PA) last year. He has a high basketball IQ and can shoot the 3 from anywhere. He will handle the point as needed.
Sam Fechner (2020) 6’6 wing, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Fechner is imported in from Hamburg, Germany. He is a flasher who can explode to the hoop. Decent shot and is also a high level student.
Josiah Turner (2020) 6’8 stretch 4, Trinity Pawling School (NY) - Turner is a lefty with a nice touch from Beacon, NY. He has good post moves and also seems to always be in a good spot. Top level student.
Griffin Walbridge (2021) 6’9 forward, Tabor Academy (MA) - This repeat junior is ready to make a name for himself. Walbridge mixes good hands with great foot work and an overall feel for the game to be a presence in the post. He’s patient on the block and always makes the right decision. He’s also comfortable away from the basket as a screener, passer and ball handler. He’s ready for a breakout season.
Noah Welcome (2021) 6’4 swing, Tabor Academy (MA) - Welcome is a repeat junior with a great feel for the game. He’s a threat to score inside and out, using his strength and body to bully around the basket, while possessing a nice touch from deep. He competes at a high level and will help lead the Seawolves this season.
Flynt Whitworth (2023) guard, Tabor Academy (MA) - This freshman has big playmaking ability and is ready to break out in the NEPSCAC scene. Crafty with the ball, Whitworth can get to the rim and finish better than most his age, but can also knock it down from deep. Young guard will make an immediate impact in Tabor’s backcourt.
Jayden Garces (2022) 6’5 wing, Tabor Academy (MA) - Garces is a repeat sophomore who is long and athletic. Can knock it down from deep, but also uses this length to get to the rim. Causes problems defensively with ability to guard multiple positions. Tremendous upside for the Rhode Island native.
Isaiah Bird (2021) 5’11 guard, Tabor Academy (MA) - This junior guard is playing his 3rdyear of varsity at Tabor. Seasoned and ready to lead the team. Had a breakout game in last season’s Class A quarterfinal vs Hotchkiss as Tabor’s second leading scorer. He’s good with the ball and a threat from three. Experienced and ready to lead.
Brandon Roughley (2020) 6’8 forward, Salisbury School (CT) - Roughley is a mobile forward with a great stroke from 3. He has a developed post game, and creates well off the bounce from the perimeter.
Justin Oliveras (2020) 6’4, 275lb forward/center, Salisbury School (CT) - (senior) Forward/Center- Strong, Physical big who scores efficiently in the paint on drives and post ups. Shoots the three well also.
Parker Stone (2020) 6’3 guard, Salisbury School (CT) - Stone is a very good three point Shooter with a high motor. Good on-ball defender.
Ford Cousin (2021) 6’1 guard, Salisbury School (CT) - Cousin is a very good three point shooter and a great decision maker when using ball-screens.
Jean Marc Togodgue (2022) 6’6 forward, Salisbury School (CT) - Togodgue is a very athletic, high motor player. He is great in transition and finishes extremely well in the paint.
Deandre Ortiz (2020) 6’3 small forward, Deerfield Academy (MA) - Ortiz is a left-handed, athletic slasher who finishes well at the rim and is developing consistency as a perimeter shooter.
Connor Printz (2020) 6’2 combo guard Deerfield Academy (MA) - Printz is a post-graduate who was a multiple-year starter for Taft and an All-Founder’s League selection last year. A savvy, skilled player, he sees the floor, moves well both with and without the ball, and scores from both 3-point and mid-range areas. Committed to Claremont McKenna College.
James Steinberger (2020) 6’2 guard, Deerfield Academy (MA) - Steinberger is a post-graduate with a rugged frame and great bounce. He rebounds well from the guard position.
Bennett Pitcher (2021) 6’9 power forward/center, Deerfield Academy (MA) - Pitcher is a strong, and powerful athlete. He is a shut-down post defender. He shoots the 3 consistently. He already has several D1 verbal basketball offers and 20+ D1 football offers. (He is currently injured and will not play in this event, but returns to action in January 2020.)
Noah Downing (2020) 5’11 point guard, Thayer Academy (MA) - Downing is in his Senior season, has developed tremendously on both sides of the ball each year. Unselfish, true point guard who loves to get others involved. Passionate, high energy player, who has gained much confidence on the offensive end. Strong basketball IQ.
Ryan St. Clair (2020) 6’4 forward, Thayer Academy (MA) - St. Clair is a tall stretch forward who has improved his ability to attack off the dribble. He has transformed his body allowing him defend a variety of positions on the floor. His outside shooting has continued to improve.
Myles Wilson (2021) 6’0 guard, Thayer Academy (MA) - Wilson is a tough hard-nosed player who has worked to develop an outside game. As a two-sport athlete (football) he brings toughness the team and doesn’t mind mixing it up on defense.
Mike Marshall (2021) 6’3 guard/forward, Thayer Academy (MA) – Marshall is a high flyer, athletic and is working hard to improve his outside shot. Can slash with the best of them. In the open court, look out because his ability to get and finish at the rim is impressive and explosive.
Sammy Okunlola (2022) 6’4 forward, Thayer Academy (MA) - Okulola is young, tough passionate gamer. Sammy comes from a line of Okunlola brothers who play multiple sports. While working to improve his outside game, Sammy is relentless on the defensive end and is no stranger to hard work.
Marvin Musiime-Kamili (2022) 6’5 guard/forward, Thayer Academy (MA) - Musiime-Kamali is much improved each year. Super-athletic, long wing span which helps in a variety of areas on the court. Working on all facets of his game, but showing strides in all areas.
Christian Abrams (2022) 6’0 guard, Thayer Academy (MA) - Abrams is a young, tough competitor. Has improved his outside shot each year and plays with a high motor and high energy. Has ability to make it uncomfortable for opponents to get by him. Both sides of the ball competitor with endless potential.
Quinn Nielsen (2022) 6’8 power forward/center, Thayer Academy (MA) - Nielsen is continuing to improve his post-game and presence. He has pretty good hands and is morphing into a pretty good rebounder.
Jaaden Simpkins (2023) 6’1 guard, Thayer Academy (MA) - Simpkins has nice size for a freshman, strong body, broad shoulders. He can shoot it pretty well consistently and loves to get others involved. Quick on his feet and finishes well at the rim.
Brody Grebe (2020) 6’4, 205 lbs guard, Choate (CT) - Grebe is a post-grad from Montana. Mr. Basketball Montana, Gatorade Player of the Year, and came to Choate with multiple scholarship offers from NAIA D1 and NCAA D2. Definite D1 watch list. He is a great athlete, versatile perimeter player with good size and strength. Can guard multiple positions. Averaged 29ppg, 10rpg and 5+apg in his senior season. Finished as Montana’s 2nd all-time leading scorer with 2540 points. 3X state champion in track along with scholarship interest in football (tough kid). 4.0 GPA, 29 ACT.
Noah Delorme (2021) 6’3, 185 lbs guard, Choate (CT) - Delorme has a lot of upside and has been recognized as one of New England’s top underclassmen prospects. Excellent shooter with very good mechanics and footwork. Playmaking ability continues to grow. Pesky defender and perimeter rebounder with very good length. Natural wing, but can move over to the point position when need be. Eventual scholarship-level recruit. 3.9 GPA, 1330 PSAT.
Jack Johnson (2022) 6’3, 175lbs guard Choate (CT) -Johnson comes to Choate as a repeat sophomore after spending his first few years at IMG Academy in FL. Heady, high IQ combo guard who’s extremely unselfish, plays with good pace and can make a play. Excellent shooter with feet set and continues to develop his midrange ability. Great work ethic with upside. 4.3 GPA (taking SAT in Spring, 2020).
Ryan Zambie (2020) 6’2 guard, Choate (CT) - Committed to NYU, pending admission.
Hayden Peek (2020) 6’4 guard, Choate (CT) - Committed, but not publicly announced yet.
Lucas Grandison (2020) 6’4 guard, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Berkeley, CA 34 ACT. Grandison is a Senior Captain, three-year Exeter player. Competitive, long, high motor. Efficient shooter with good 3 point range. High basketball IQ. Good on ball defender. (Interest from Chicago, Brown, Amherst, Hopkins).
Kerick Walker (2020) 6’8 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Santa Barbara, CA 34 ACT. Walker is a Senior Captain, four year varsity player. Long, plays physical on interior. Very good 3 point shooter. High basketball IQ. Consistent rebounder. (Verbal commitment to Pomona College).
Niko Rocak (2020) 6’9 forward/center, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Zug Switzerland 1740 SAT. Rocak is a Senior Captain, two year varsity player. Long, athletic, runs well vertically, moves well laterally. Makes open 3’s and can drive in short spaces. High motor, good communicator. (Holds a Regis, CO offer).
Jasper Ludington (2020) 6’5 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Carboro, NC 35 ACT. Ludington is a two year varsity player. Plays with high motor. Is physical, tough and competitive. Gets on the glass, runs floor well. Most improved player in program in 2 year window. Generated D3 interest this summer and fall.
Neil Owens (2020) 6’0 guard, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Los Angeles, CA 26 ACT. Postgraduate. Owens is a competitive and highly efficient guard who can play on or off ball. Strong handle, gets ball out of his hands quickly. Very good feel for the game. Consistent shooter with good range. Good on ball defender. (Has NESCAC, IVY, NE-10 interest).
Declan Porter (2020) 6’6 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Canton, NY 1270 SAT. Postgraduate. Porter is physical, tough and competitive. Good feel for the game. Has excellent range, can score in a variety of ways. Still recovering from serious ankle injury that cut his senior season short. Very good work ethic indicates he’ll return to form in due time. (He had pre-injury recruitment America East, Patriot, Ivy, NE-10).
Kaleb Washington (2020) 6’5 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Irvine, CA 35 ACT. Washington is a first year varsity player. Has excelled in multiple sports in his previous three years at Exeter. Physical, athletic and strong. Competes on the glass, active defensively. Plays with a high motor.
Lucas McEachern (2021) 6’8 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Paris, France ACT Pending. McEachern is a long, skilled and athletic for his size. Very good feel for the game, high basketball IQ. Can shoot it with range and put it on the deck. Very good communicator. High upside. Has high interest/scholarships at America East, Ivy and Patriot level. He hasn’t played since last year due to back injury. Closer to competing again.
Robbie Stankard (2021) 6’8 forward, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Westford, MA 34 ACT. Stankrd has great size for his skill set. High basketball IQ. Can put it down, shoot with range. Has developed his physical presence greatly this past summer and fall. Competitive, good hands and feet. Best attribute may be passing ability. Good communicator. Rebounds it. He has scholarship/interest at the America East, Ivy, Patriot level.
Josh Morissette (2022) 6’4 guard, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH) - from Exeter, NH PSAT Pending. Morissette is a natural scorer at three levels. Physical and very competitive. Handles ball effectively as a combo. Good passer with vision. Can play point effectively, versatile enough to play anywhere on perimeter. Recovering from knee injury, projected to return early December.