Across New England, boys prep programs have been releasing their 2024-25 schedules over recent weeks.
It’s getting us excited about some matchups we’re going to see this winter.
While some of the top programs in the area have already started their seasons, the vast majority are still in preseason mode. But before you know it, we’re going to be treated to some high-level games. Personally, this is especially exciting for me – it’ll be my first winter covering prep basketball in New England, and I can’t wait to finally see all of these teams in action.
Here are 10 boys matchups I’m excited to watch in the 2024-25 season.
MORE: NEPSAC Power Rankings | Class AAA preseason team | Class AA preseason team
New Hampton vs. Putnam Science
Nov. 16, 1:35 p.m.
At least to start the season, this will be a battle of – in my opinion – the two best prep programs in New England. New Hampton landed at No. 1 in my first NEPSAC power rankings, and Putnam Science is among the best prep squads in the country. This will be the second game of this weekend’s New England Basketball League (NEBL) opening weekend at the Track at New Balance in Boston, and if you’re nearby, you won’t find many better games this winter. The backcourt matchup between New Hampton’s Keyshuan Tillery and Putnam’s collection of guards that include Warren Keel (Lynn, Mass.) and Tony “Butta” Williams (Norwich, Conn.) will be fun.
CATS Academy vs. Cushing
Nov. 17, 3:25 p.m.
Can you tell I’m excited about NEBL opening weekend? Not only is this a high-level NEBL matchup, but it pits two of the favorites in NEPSAC Class AA for a really exciting early-season showdown. CATS and Cushing boast two of the deepest squads in the region, and this one could be fairly high scoring with the amount of shot-makers involved. This matchup also features a battle of 7-footers inside, with CATS’ 7-foot-1 center Leo Curtis going against Cushing’s Coley Mark (Brookline, Mass.) and Theo Edema.
Tilton at Mount St. Charles
Nov. 22, 6 p.m.
History will be made in Woonsocket, R.I., where Mount St. Charles is set to play its first ever NEPSAC game, as the Mounties moved to Class AA from Rhode Island Division 3. This matchup also includes a matchup of two of the top young guards in the region, Mount’s 2028 guard Kyle Delves (Providence, R.I.) against Tilton’s 2027 guard Anthony Vick (Boston, Mass.).
Brewster National EYBL at Rivers
Dec. 4, 4 p.m.
Don’t overlook Rivers in this one. Brewster would know. Last season, the Red Wings nearly defeated Brewster’s national team in a two-point road loss. Rivers, despite being in Class B, is no stranger to playing above its weight class. They beat Vermont Academy last season, and head coach Keith Zalaski loves to challenge his group in its out-of-league schedule. Rivers may have lost two critical pieces from last season in Jay Jones and Amir Lindsey, but they still have Ryan Altman (Brookline, Mass.) and Andrew Alekseyenko (Brookline, Mass.), and this is its home opener. Benson Gymnasium should be packed, and despite Brewster’s elite talent, this should be a good one.
New Hampton vs. Newman
Dec. 8, 2 p.m. and Jan. 25, 4 p.m.
Take a look at the first NEPSAC power rankings, and this doesn’t really need to be explained in much further detail. The top two squads in NEPSAC meet twice in what could certainly serve as previews for the Class AAA championship – first as one of the main events of the Zero Gravity Prep Classic on Dec. 8 before the rematch takes place at New Hampton on Jan. 25.
NEPSAC BOYS PREVIEWS: Class AAA | Class AA
Wilbraham & Monson vs. Lawrence Academy
Dec. 13, 8:30 p.m.
Wilbraham and Lawrence are two candidates, in my opinion, to make a big step forward this season and create some noise in a crowded NEPSAC Class AA. This matchup, which will be played at the Scholar Roundball in Worcester, also features two promising 2026 prospects who I’m excited to watch develop this season: Wilbraham’s Sam Fleming (Springfield, Mass.) and Lawrence’s Alex Egbuonu (Nashua, N.H.), two big and talented forwards who are both already receiving high-major offers and are also BABC teammates.
CATS Academy vs. Northfield Mount Hermon
Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m.
If you like guard play and scoring, this is the matchup you’re looking for at the Basketbull HoopsFest. Jaylen Harrell (Needham, Mass.), Jaxson Terry (Boston, Mass.) and Desmond Bellot (Quincy, Mass.) lead CATS’ talented backcourt, while Northfield Mount Hermon counters with the likes of Greg Brooks, Nasir Rodriguez and Jaylen Hunter-Coleman (Boston, Mass.). The nets are going to be worn out after this one.
Phillips Exeter at Tabor
Feb. 8, 1 p.m.
This will be among the games of the year in NEPSAC Class A between two championship favorites. Exeter star Ryder Frost (Beverly, Mass.) and Tabor star Daithi Quinn (North Quincy, Mass.) – teammates with the Middlesex Magic – meet again, and they’re surrounded by even stronger supporting casts than last season. This could serve as something of a statement game for Tabor, as the Seawolves look to take down the reigning Class A champion on their home floor.
New Hampton at Brewster National EYBL
Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.
A matchup of two of the most talented and well-coached programs in New England, and a bit of a throwback to their NEPSAC rivalry days. Brewster may not be in the NEPSAC anymore, but this is still a must-watch game every winter.
Rivers vs. Brooks
Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m.
The Class B championship chase is one of the storylines I’m most excited to monitor throughout the winter, and the conversation starts with these two rivals. Rivers and Brooks seem to always bring the best out of each other, as evidenced by last season’s epic playoff semifinal won by Rivers en route to its third straight title. Brooks, led by Alex Wilkins (Boston, Mass.), feels like it's ready to get over the hump this season, and their matchups with Rivers will certainly be a litmus test. There’s actually a good chance they also meet in the championship game of the annual Rivers Holiday Classic in December. These matchups will be must-watch.
