It’s early. The summer just started, and the beginning of the prep school season is still months away.
But while rosters aren’t yet finalized, coaches across New England still have a good understanding of what their rosters will look like this fall. Some have gotten a first look at recent showcase events.
Before we know it, the season will be upon us.
With that said, it’s not too early to look ahead to the NEPSAC season. Here are five teams – at least one from each of the top four classes – that we expect to be good in 2024-25.
New Hampton
Last year: 30-9, lost in AAA championship
Expectations were high for New Hampton heading into last season after reaching the NEPSAC semifinals in 2023, and the Huskies may have even surprised themselves a little bit. Coach Andrew Gale’s squad never lost back-to-back games and amassed 30 victories before falling short to Vermont Academy in the Class AAA championship game. Now, expectations are even higher. Gale returns eight players – including a nucleus that includes All-NEPSAC selections Keyshuan Tillery, Mason Blackwood and Nasir Meyer – and is adding three outside pieces to his team, and he knows they’ll have a big target on their back this season. After knocking on the door the last few years, the time is now for the Huskies.
South Kent
Last year: 18-19, lost in AAA quarterfinals
After capturing the NEPSAC crown in 2023, the Cardinals took a step back last season with an 18-19 record and the No. 8 seed in the Class AAA tournament, where they lost to eventual champion Vermont Academy in the first round. The roster was young, but they gathered valuable experience and will return a solid core group. Badara Diakite and Kelvin Odih – who both made our Class of 2025 watch list – lead an older Cardinals roster that will include some additional talented pieces from their development team. It’s a group that coach Raphael Chillious believes aligns better with South Kent’s gritty identity and strong defensive principles. Expect a big bounce-back season from the Cardinals.
Cambridge Arts, Technology & Science Academy (CATS)
Last year: 21-10, lost in AA quarterfinals
CATS coach Cary Herer is not afraid of creating tough schedules for his team in an effort to get his players exposure and opportunities to play against the best. They took a game against Cooper Flagg and Montverde Academy last season, and that hard schedule shaped them for a strong season and the No. 3 seed in the Class AA tournament. CATS lost in the first round, but should expect another big season with the returns of several members of their core. Jaylen Harrell, the reigning Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, leads a group that includes rising juniors Desmond Bellot Jr. and Jaxson Terry. CATS will certainly be a force this winter.
Phillips Exeter Academy
Last year: 19-5, A champion
The Lions have been a standout in Class A over the last decade with five championships since 2013, but last season’s crown came as something of a surprise. Coach Jay Tilton essentially had a brand new team after graduating most of his roster in 2023, but despite their inexperience, won the title as the No. 6 seed, defeating eighth-seeded Phillips Academy Andover for the championship. Now, Tilton has the luxury of returning the key pieces of his roster. The group will be led by senior Ryder Frost, the reigning Class A Player of the Year who is one of the fastest-rising recruits in New England, and point guard Tyler Bike, who was the MVP of last season’s championship. Tilton is complementing that 1-2 punch with some older pieces that should make Exeter one of the favorites in the league.
Brooks
Last year: 17-10, lost in B semifinals
Brooks had a prime chance to advance to the Class B championship game in March and also knock off a conference rival and nemesis when it held a 13-point halftime lead over Rivers in the semifinals, only to see it wiped away in the second half en route to a heartbreaking last-second loss. While the defeat was hard to swallow, it came after a promising season in which coach Kenya Jones saw his young squad grow and mature. Entering his third season since taking over for legendary coach John McVeigh, Jones is expecting big things as he looks to restore Brooks’ proud tradition. Jones has a strong core returning, including star guard Alex Wilkins, and he’s excited about the addition of Rhode Island Elite’s Noah Walker, who he believes is a missing piece. With a deep, experienced roster, Brooks certainly figures to be in the hunt to knock off Rivers, which has won three consecutive Class B titles.
Five more we're excited to monitor
St. Thomas More (AAA), Newman School (AAA), Cushing Academy (AA), Worcester Academy (AA), Rivers School (B)
