The deepest, most unpredictable class in NEPSAC belongs to Class A this season.
With 24 teams featuring talented prospects being recruited at every level of college basketball, there are stars scattered everywhere. And there are bound to be many under the radar names that surprise.
Last season, Preston Edmead emerged to win our inaugural Class A Boys Player of the Year as he led Williston Northampton to a dominant championship run. Who’s waiting in the wings to make similar waves this winter?
As the season tips off, here are 10 early candidates for our Class A Player of the Year award.
Malik Adamson, Dexter Southfield
Class of 2027, 5-11 guard
Hometown: Dorchester, Mass.
Adamson was a monster in his first NEPSAC season, averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game to help Dexter Southfield reach its first Class A playoff appearance. The two-way guard – who also had 3.4 deflections per game – was responsible for several of Dexter’s wins last season and he’ll once again set the tone for head coach Matt Droney’s team this season.
Sage Baptiste, Tabor
Class of 2026, 6-7 wing
Hometown: Wareham, Mass.
The All-ISL first-team selection was one of New England’s biggest stock-risers this spring and summer for Team Sims, and he looks ready to carry the momentum into his senior season at Tabor. Baptiste is powerful and athletic but has evolved into a reliable 3-point and midrange shooter. With Daithi Quinn, Tabor’s leading scorer last season, graduated, expect Baptiste to shoulder a big responsibility for the Seawolves as they eye a Class A title.
JJ Carter, Kent
Class of 2026, 6-4 wing
Hometown: West Islip, N.Y.
One of the most underrated guards in New England, Carter averaged 24.0 points per game last season to lead the Founders League as he earned All-NEPSAC Class A honorable mention. He’s a versatile offensive threat who creates for himself and sets up his teammates. Carter represented the United States in a U17 FIBA tournament with Rens United this fall and he’s the unquestioned leader of a Kent School team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024-25 season.
Declan Griffiths, Avon Old Farms
Class of 2027, 6-7 wing
Hometown: Simsbury, Conn.
Griffiths cracked into the national radar this summer with the Middlesex Magic, even producing a promising stint with the top 17U team during the July live period. He’s one of the best 3-point shooters in New England and he’s due for a breakout junior season after averaging 12.5 points per game last season with Avon.
Rhaki Lum, Brunswick
Class of 2026, 6-2 guard
Hometown: Middletown, Del.
Lum is one of the most underrated guards in NEPSAC who has a proven track record of production. He scored 25 points per game in Class A last season; he’s a Division 1 level guard who’s a true floor general, high-level scorer and playmaker. Brunswick is a playoff contender in Class A this season and Lum – who holds an offer from Northern Illinois – should have a lot to say about that.
Jakub Lomicka, Suffield
Class of 2026, 6-10 forward
Hometown: Prague, Czech Republic
Lomicka shined in June at the NEPSAC Scholastic Showcase as a uniquely gifted big who can dribble, pass and shoot. If he continues to get stronger and better at finishing at the rim through contact, he could have higher levels of Division 1 calling. But he should be one of the most impactful players in Class A this season for a Suffield team that has high hopes this year.
Markus Maxwell-Grimes, Suffield
Class of 2026, 6-1 guard
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
One of the most reliable guards in NEPSAC, Maxwell-Grimes was a Class A honorable mention last season and he’s only getting better at a rapid rate. He was a standout alongside Lomicka during the June live period and he has vastly improved over the last year with his feel for facilitating and how to manage running an offense.
Preston Merrick, Hotchkiss
Class of 2026, 6-6 wing
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
NCAA: Harvard
A four-year starter at Hotchkiss for head coach Joe Busacca, Merrick is as tough of a matchup as they come in Class A with his three-level scoring ability, athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions. The Class A honorable mention hasn’t made the playoffs in his time at Hotchkiss and he’s motivated to not only get there, but bring home a trophy to stamp his career.
Aiden Smith, Tabor
Class of 2026, 6-0 guard
Hometown: Dartmouth, Mass.
One of two All-NEPSAC selections returning to Class A this season, Smith is one of the most valuable players in the class with his versatile impact, from high-level shotmaking to gritty defense, hustle plays and everything in between. He has one of the highest motors in the region and his effort and playmaking should be a key ingredient for Tabor’s championship hopes.
Devan Williams, Milton
Class of 2026, 6-1 guard
Hometown: Uncasville, Conn.
Williams was Milton’s leading scorer last season at 16 points per game on 38 percent shooting from deep to go along with 4.3 rebounds and three assists per night, and he had 24 points in the Mustangs’ playoff loss to Phillips Exeter. He’s back for more this winter. With Reece Ayala off to Brewster, Williams will handle more of the ball this season. One of the most fiery competitors in the region, he’ll be ready for the challenge as he hopes to lead Milton to glory.
10 more names to know: Max Kellogg, Williston Northampton; Jabari Edmonds, Phillips Andover; Cole McClure, Phillips Exeter; Raul Cruz; Nobles; Jonathan White, Jr., BB&N; Kingsley Rogers, Williston Northampton; Michael Ervin, Jr., Berkshire; Michael McNamara, Thayer; Treyvon Miller, St. Paul’s; Alonzo Archbold, Hotchkiss
