Across the state, there are players ready to make a bigger name for themselves in MIAA boys basketball this season.
The stars of the Class of 2025 have graduated, and like every year, many of MIAA’s young stars have transferred to prep schools around the region. That means there is plenty of room for a new batch of stars to emerge.
We covered the state’s established names in our MIAA Player of the Year preseason watch list, names like Central Catholic’s Javi Lopez and Abington’s Kingston Maxwell who are already well-known. But there are dozens of sleepers and lesser-known names who look poised for big winters and could help define the championship picture.
Here are 14 breakout candidates to watch in MIAA boys basketball this season.
MIAA BOYS SEASON PREVIEW: Preseason Top 10 | Player of the Year watch list
Rolky Brea Arias, St. Mary’s
Class of 2026, 6-5 wing
After another standout season at Lynn Classical, Arias transferred down the street to St. Mary’s, where he’s expected to be one of the Spartans’ stars in their move to Division 2. He was a triple-double threat every night last season, which included a 24-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist performance vs. Revere. After former St. Mary’s star J.J. Martinez transferred to Darrow, Arias will be at the center of the show for new head coach Josh Keilty.
Jake Fortier, St. Mary’s
Class of 2028, 6-0 guard
Fortier averaged double figures as St. Mary’s starting point guard last season, helping the Spartans earn the top seed in Division 3 as a freshman. A dynamic playmaker, Fortier shined at NERR’s Frosh/Soph Elite showcase in September and there should be even more responsibility on his shoulders this winter as a sophomore.
Harrison Burbine, Winchester
Class of 2026 guard
Burbine was essentially a sixth starter last season as Winchester won the Middlesex League, trusted by coach John Fleming as a reliable ball-handler in crunch time. He’ll step into the starting lineup this season as Winchester’s primary ball-handler, and there’s plenty of room to spread his wings alongside fellow returners Dawson English and Carson Sarpong.
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Jacari Jenkins, Catholic Memorial
Class of 2028, 5-11 guard
Jenkins is one of the most exciting returning talents in MIAA. He emerged as one of the state’s best freshmen last season as a starter at Catholic Memorial, and even surpassed head coach Denis Tobin’s expectations. He scored a career-high 33 points vs. BC High, and I watched him explode for 35 points in an AAU game this summer with the Dana Barros Gladiators. He’s a big-time shotmaker who isn’t afraid of the moment. With former backcourt mate Aiden Pires transferring to Bridgewater-Raynham, Jenkins will shoulder a bigger load as a sophomore.
Eli Landman, Beverly
Class of 2027, 6-1 guard
Beverly coach Matt Karakoudas said Landman has made one of the biggest jumps he’s seen in one offseason. He performed so well during the Panthers’ offseason leagues that he’s now drawing Division 3 interest. Landman plays strong and physical for his size and shoots and handles the ball at a high level. Karakoudas is confident he’ll be a league All-Star this season.
MIAA COACHES' SURVEY: Players to watch | Teams to watch
Domenic Panniello-Torres, Beverly
Class of 2026, 6-2 guard
A transfer from Bishop Fenwick, Panniello-Torres is a game-changer for a Beverly team that has Division 1 state championship expectations. Karakoudas described him as the “ultimate glue guy” who can score, shoot, rebound, defend and may even be the best passer on the team. He’ll help ease the load for star Jacob Klass, and he’s playing with refreshing excitement after some losing seasons at Fenwick.
“He is extremely hungry to start winning some basketball games, and I saw that in the offseason,” Karakoudas said. “It’s a different vibe for him.”
Jake Lyons, Newton North
Class of 2027, 5-11 guard
A two-year starter at point guard for the Tigers, Lyons is a crafty and exciting ball-handler who makes plays for others and can step outside for 3. After the departure of star Teagan Swint, he’ll be asked to step into a bigger offensive and defensive role under new head coach John McNamara.
Bryson Mercedes, Newton North
Class of 2027, 6-4 forward
Mercedes was a key contributor and starter on Newton North’s Div. 1 runner-up team last season, and he presents matchup problems with his big 6-foot-4 frame. He’s an inside-out threat and a tough rebounder who, like Lyons, will also have a bigger role alongside returners Mathaios Stamm and Julian Zakak.
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Marcus Magloire, St. John’s Prep
Class of 2028, 6-1 guard
An impact freshman last season, Magloire is poised to be a star for the Eagles under new head coach Corey Lowe. I saw Magloire erupt for 39 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals for Mass Rivals’ 15U team this summer at the Adidas 3SSB championships. He’s an inside-out threat who can make tough finishes at the rim and is a confident 3-point shooter.
Elkin Pena, Central Catholic
Class of 2028, 6-3 guard
Beyond star Javi Lopez, who won the MVP of the Merrimack Valley Conference, the Raiders didn’t have a single player who earned league recognition despite going undefeated in conference play. That should change this year, and I expect Pena to be a league All-Star. He emerged as a starter as a freshman last season, providing a valuable physical presence along with a surprising consistency shooting from deep. He had his coming out party in early January in a win over BC High, when he scored 17 points, and he delivered some big moments for Central, including a game-winning layup to beat Andover. Head coach Mark Dunham expects Pena to be one of the best players in the state this season after a strong offseason.
“He’s really expanded his game, becoming a knockdown shooter which he is now,” Dunham said. “If he’s open, it’s going in. The physicality is still there. We’re still working on the handle and whatnot, but Elkin’s one of those kids you just can’t take off the floor because he does so much for you.”
Justice Samuels, Franklin
Class of 2026, 6-4 forward
Samuels is the only returning starter from Franklin’s state championship team, so he should naturally slide in as the Panthers’ go-to player in 2025-26 under new head coach Mike Masto. A league All-Star in the Hockomock League, the athletic and physical Samuels is known for his defensive impact, but will have an opportunity to expand offensively after the departure of MIAA Player of the Year Caden Sullivan. Samuels is a tough bucket-getter who can finish well through contact.
Rayan Taku, Malden Catholic
Class of 2029, 6-6 wing
Taku is one of the most exciting incoming freshmen in MIAA; he’s a physical downhill scorer, strong ball-handler and impactful two-way athlete who plays above the rim and can shoot from deep. After the departures of several members from Malden Catholic’s dynasty, Taku should assume a significant role for the Lancers right away in their move to Division 1.
Charlie Tutwiler, Andover
Class of 2028, 5-11 guard
Tutwiler was one of the best defenders I saw last season. As a freshman, I watched him almost single-handedly shut down and frustrate former Lowell star Tzar Powell-Aparicio in a big late-season win, denying him the ball throughout the 32 minutes and making life difficult for him when he did have it. He plays with a relentless motor and should accept an even bigger role this season alongside junior Josh Roux.
Jamason Vella, Masconomet
Class of 2026, 6-6 forward
Masco coach Jaycob Morales didn’t mince words about Vella, who believes earned great disrespect by not being voted as an All-Conference member in the NEC last season – there is a limit of two selections per team, and the Chieftains’ representatives were Jimmy Farrell and Devin O’Brien. Named a league All-Star, Vella averaged a double-double of 13.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as Masco advanced to the Division 2 Final Four. A post player with guard skills, Morales believes Vella is poised for a dominant senior season.
