2023-24 Hotchkiss School Season Preview
The Hotchkiss School is a highly regarded academic, coeducational prep and boarding school in Lakeville, CT that was founded in 1891. Its boys varsity basketball team competes in the college prep level NEPSAC Class A (large schools), the Founders League and the TriState League. Their players get additional college scout exposure by also participating in the key showcases such as the Zero Gravity Prep Classic, Basketbull Hoopsfest, NYC Shooting Stars Showcase, Spauding Hoophall Classic and the NEPSAC Scholastic Live Period Showcases.
The team is coached by Joe Busacca, who at one time was one of the youngest mens college basketball head coaches in the NCAA at Curry College. The team will be looking to extend last year’s run of excellence where it was computer ranked in the New England Top 40. Once again, in 2023-24, the Hotchkiss roster is loaded with college bound talent:
Davyn deJongh (2024) 6’2 guard - Co-captain and leader of the team. His ability to make play for himself and others off of ball screens and handoffs has been fun to watch during open gym season. 3.8 gpa
Dean Hogans (2025) 6’4 guard - Hogans is a high level shooter who has really grown into a playmaker over the last 3 months. He is making plays off the bounce efficiently and has become a plus rebounder for his position. Co-captain of the group, he brings consistent energy and effort. 3.7 gpa
Preston Merrick (2026) 6’4 guard - Merrick has the ability to affect the game in every single way. Elite athleticism paired with great pace on the offensive end makes him extremely hard to guard. Averaged 9ppg while shooting 45%fg and 40% from 3. He takes pride guarding and rebounding as well. Plays AAU with New Heights
Ian Randall (2024) 6’11 forward - Randall has made some of the biggest strides so far during open gym season. His ability to shoot it while also driving closeouts has been fun to witness. Great passer for his size - expecting him to get better every game. 4.0 gpa
Owen Zabel (2026) 5’11 guard - Zabel is a pure point guard who has the ability to score at all 3 levels. He lives in the paint and has really become a special playmaker. High IQ and has the ability to see plays unfold at a high level. 3.7 gpa
Jules Varin (2025) 6’4 guard - Varin is a lefty who is a high level shooter and has a very quick trigger. Big time shot maker and has the ability to make off platform 3’s. 3.8 gpa
Carter Warren (2025) 5’11 point guard - (Haverford College commit) - Warren is instant offense for Hotchkiss. He is a high IQ guard who understands how to get his shot off anywhere in the half court. Deep range and quick trigger. 4.0 gpa
Jackson Bleecker (2024) 6’5 guard - Elite shooter! Has really grown in being able to score off the bounce. A plus rebounder for his position. Jackson has the ability to score in bunches. He has had a big fall during open gym season.
4.5 gpa
To catch the Hotchkiss School schedule and results for this winter, click here