For most of the MIAA boys season, this players of the week section has been dominated by the stars of the state.
This week, we’re highlighting five under-the-radar names who had big and memorable performances. There are two freshmen – get familiar with them if you haven’t already – and two thrilling game-winners included in this edition of our 5 Stars of the Week.
MIAA coaches, parents and players – a reminder that you are welcome to submit nominations for our players of the week, which we run every Monday throughout the season. Email me at steve.hewitt@basketballjournal.com, or message/tag us on Twitter/X at @steve_hewitt or @nehoopjournal with your submissions.
Let’s get into this week’s 5 Stars, from games played Jan. 20-26.
Will Carty, Watertown
Class of 2026, 6-10 center
Carty put on a dominant display in Watertown’s 66-53 upset win over No. 7 Arlington, finishing with 26 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks.
Justin Grimaldi, Oliver Ames
Class of 2026, 6-2 guard
The junior captain has been a consistent producer for the 9-4 Tigers this season, and he continued his high-scoring ways with 25 points against Milford and 20 against Stoughton in two wins last week.
Jacari Jenkins, Catholic Memorial
Class of 2028, 5-11 guard
Catholic Memorial’s outstanding freshman had another big week. He took over to score 12 of his 14 points in the second half, fueling CM’s big victory over Malden Catholic, then scored 29 points to lead Friday’s win over St. John’s Prep. Head coach Denis Tobin told me last week that Jenkins, who’s a starter, has surpassed his expectations this season.
“He’s a pleasure to coach,” Tobin said. “You tell him something once, you never have to say it again. In addition to all his skills and talent, he has a great head for the game as well. … He’s not afraid to take big shots. I’d say the bigger challenge, the bigger he plays.”
RELATED: Our MIAA Boys Midseason Report
Elkin Pena, Central Catholic
Class of 2028, 6-2 forward
Pena has been impressive all season for the Raiders, and the freshman had his best performance yet in Friday’s thrilling 57-56 win over Andover. He scored a career-high 21 points, including the game-winning layup off a feed from Javi Lopez with less than two seconds remaining.
Jackson Pava, Sharon
Class of 2025, 6-4 guard
Trailing by one, the senior guard hit a buzzer-beating bucket to lift Sharon to a 53-52 victory over Foxboro last Tuesday. Pava dribbled to his left past multiple defenders and put up a floater from the baseline that rattled in, sending their home gym into a wild celebration.
Other notable performances: Senior guard Nick Barnes had 32 points and 10 rebounds to lead St. John’s Shrewsbury over BC High. … Javi Lopez continued his stellar junior campaign with 37 points in Central Catholic’s close loss to Newton North. … Franklin star Caden Sullivan scored 24 and 28 points, respectively, in wins over Canton and Sharon. … Kingston Maxwell put up 30 points, six rebounds and four assists in Abington’s win over Middleborough. … Hayden Crowley had 23 points, including six 3-pointers, in Attleboro’s victory over King Philip. … Jasaad Fenton led Holland (Burke) with 22 points and 11 assists in a win over Brighton. … Diego Montana posted 29 points, 11 boards and five assists in New Bedford’s victory over Abington.
