WORCESTER, Mass. — If you were looking for a glimpse of the future, the NEPSAC Boys Scholastic Showcase gave us a peek.
New England’s Class of 2029 and 2030 talents are still years away from getting an extensive look by the coaches who sat on the sidelines last weekend at Worcester Academy, but an early strong impression never hurts.
This was the first opportunity for members of the 2030 class – who are rising freshmen next season – to get their feet wet in NEPSAC. Only one made this list of standouts, but I’m excited to get a look at more of them during the second showcase from June 26-28. The rest of these 2029 prospects look ready to make a bigger mark in NEPSAC next winter as sophomores.
Here are six players who caught my eye during the opening NEPSAC showcase weekend.
SHOWCASE STANDOUTS: JUNE 12-14 – 2027 backcourt | 2027 frontcourt | 2028 standouts
Brandyn Clarke, New Hampton
Class of 2029, 6-7 wing
Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Clarke showed glimpses of his potential in his debut season last winter at New Hampton and we saw more of the impact he can make with his high level of athleticism and shooting touch over the weekend. Whether it was in transition or the half court, he was difficult to guard and stay in front of; I saw him draw multiple fouls with his burst and quick first step and he made some really difficult, explosive finishes.
Junior Jean-Philippe, Rivers
Class of 2030, 5-10 guard
Hometown: Waltham, Mass.
The former Waltham High standout had a strong debut as Rivers’ next point guard. I saw an impressive stretch when he converted a pull-up jumper three-point play and then a 3-pointer; he was poised, confident and didn’t look rattled by the increased level of competition as he handled pressure well and found teammates for several assists.
Aidan McGrath, Thayer
6-7 forward
Hometown: Quincy, Mass.
There remains strong intrigue with McGrath because of his skill and shooting ability at his size, and he showcased both during a strong start vs. Brooks on Sunday, when he hit an early triple, then made a strong screen that led to him being rewarded on a roll to the basket. I noted him for eight points in the first four minutes and he continued to make an impact with physical drives and finishes at the rim. He also notched an impressive block on a jumper by an opponent taller than him.
Luke O’Connell, New Hampton
Class of 2029, 6-5 guard
Hometown: Bedford, N.H.
O’Connell, a former star at Bedford, joins New Hampton as a repeat sophomore and he possesses some really promising tools as an athletic finisher above the rim and a lethal left-handed 3-point shooter. His range was on full display – which included an impressive four-point play – and he was unfazed with several physical attacks of the hoop throughout the weekend. I also saw some good hustle on the offensive glass and defensively with hard closeouts and activity. There’s a lot to like as O’Connell continues to add more strength to his 6-foot-5 frame.
Teddy O’Neill, Tabor
Class of 2029, 6-2 guard
Hometown: Swampscott, Mass.
O’Neill filled up the scoring column last season at Swampscott and it was more of the same in his first stint with Tabor. He scored 20 points in his first showcase game vs. Andover and caught him going on a tear in a comeback bid vs. Brunswick, when he scored 12 or 14 consecutive points on a variety of 3-pointers, drives and runners and he also found his teammates for open shots when he needed to. I loved the competitive fire he played with as well as his pace and control with the ball. He's going to be an impact player in Class A.
Jake Toomer, Masters (NY)
Class of 2029, 6-2 guard
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
There’s a lot of excitement with Masters coming out of the weekend; we highlighted 2028 forward Damian Mojica, and his point guard is another emerging 2029 talent. He was impactful as a shooter and facilitator in his first Class B Large season and I was impressed with the variety of ways he produced on Friday vs. Kingswood-Oxford, which included impressive and efficient shotmaking from the midrange on turnarounds and pull-ups, and I thought he slid his feet well defensively and stayed active for deflections and steals. He’s a name to watch.
