The final week of the MIAA boys basketball regular season means teams across the state are doing last-minute jockeying for playoff positioning. That’s especially true for the four Division 1 teams competing at this year’s Warrior Classic.
Andover, St. John’s Prep, Newton North and Cambridge Rindge & Latin are the teams competing at this year’s Warrior Classic, which takes place at Andover High School on Monday and Wednesday.
The host Golden Warriors (16-2) are coming off an emotional loss in the MVC Cup championship to Central Catholic. No. 2 in the MIAA’s Div. 1 power rankings, Andover is hoping to ensure a top four seed in the upcoming state tournament, which would guarantee home games through the quarterfinals. Cambridge (13-5) is No. 16 in the power rankings, while Newton North (13-5) — last season’s Div. 1 runner-up — sits at No. 23. St. John’s Prep (3-15) is in rebuilding mode under first-year coach Corey Lowe, but at No. 36 in the power rankings, still have a shot at qualifying for the state tournament with a good week.
Players to watch at the Warrior Classic include: Andover’s star backcourt of Josh Roux and Charlie Tutwiler; Cambridge seniors Imam Firmin, Aaron Abebe and Jaydaan Correia; Newton North’s Bryson Mercedes and Mathaios Stamm; and St. John’s Prep sophomore Marcus Magloire.
