2024-25 Hotchkiss School Player Profiles

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) and the Founders 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’s 2024-25 game schedule and results can be found here.
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 50. Once again, in 2024-25, the Hotchkiss roster is loaded with college bound talent.
Dean Hogans (2025) 6’4 guard - (American University commit)- Hogans stands out as an outside shooter, but is also a physical guard who finishes strong at the rim. He has a lot of defensive versatility, as well. All NEPSAC as a junior. All Founders League as a junior. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic. 3.7 gpa
Tyler Francis (2025) 6’8 small forward - (Northeastern University commit) Francis is a dynamic and athletic wing player who excels at driving to the basket with authority. His ability to navigate through defenders and finish plays in traffic makes him a formidable force on the court. With a high upside, Francis shows great promise as a player who can continue to develop and elevate his game. Received multiple D1 offers, including Manhattan and UMass. 3.1 gpa
Nick Mautone (2025) 6’5 shooting guard - (Colby College commit) All League player from high Seattle high school. Mautone is a knockdown shooter and big time playmaker. He is good on the boards, as well. 3.8 gpa.
Ian Randall (2025) 7’0 forward - (Tuffs College commit) Randall is a 7 footer with a ton skill. High level shooter who has grown as a passer and has incredible touch around the rim. Best on the defensive end - alters shots consistently around the rim. Plays AAU with The House We Built. 4.0 gpa
Jules Varin (2025) 6’3 guard - (Bowdoin College commit) Lefty sniper who impacts the game without needing the ball much. Always in the right spots offensively + defensively. Efficiently attacks closeouts, always has his head up when he puts the ball on the floor. Plays AAU with Rens United. 3.8 gpa
Preston Merrick (2026) 6’5 guard - All Founders and HM All NEPSAC as a sophomore. A big guard who scores it at 3 levels and has the ability to be a high major defender. Offered by Fairfield, East Carolina and Bryant and is receiving recruitment from NJIT, Florida Gulf Coast, Boston University, Buffalo, North Texas, Princeton, East Carolina and Boston College. Plays AAU for Riverside Hawks UAA 16u. 3.7 gpa.
Owen Zabel (2026) 5’11 point guard - Started at point for Hotchkiss as a sophomore, averaged 8ppg, 3apg and 2spg. A high level shooter who makes everyone around him better. Plays AAU with Wiz Kids. 3.7 gpa
Milos Vasic (2027) 6’8 small forward - Vasic is a tremendous prospect that has added a silky-smooth jumper to his long frame and wingspan. He has developed into a consistent shooter and runs the floor well in transition. On the defensive end, he uses his length to stand out with his shot-altering capabilities, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint or on the perimeter. Plays AAU with Select Hoops. 3.8 gpa