It seemed inevitable that a little bit of chaos would crack our NEPSAC power rankings.
After several weeks of some minor movement, upset wins and surprise results defined last week’s slate across the region. It made resetting this week’s Top 10 pretty challenging, but also reaffirmed the exciting parity that exists within NEPSAC, where no team is immune to a loss.
The top three remained the same in this week’s update, but there is significant change behind them, with two teams entering the fold. There is almost certain to be more change next week. The annual Basketbull HoopsFest takes place in West Hartford, Conn., from Wednesday to Saturday, the headliner of several holiday tournaments and showcases around the region this weekend that feature mouth-watering matchups between teams in our rankings.
Let’s check in on our new NEPSAC boys Top 10.
TOP 10 ARCHIVES: Preseason | Nov. 17 | Nov. 25 | Dec. 10
1. Newman (10-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: vs. New Hampton, Dec. 19, 2:45 p.m.
The Cardinals suffered their first defeat of the season, but there was no shame in a close, instant classic loss to Blair Academy, headlined by five-star guard Deron Rippey Jr. and considered one of the three best prep teams in the country. Coach Jackson Johnson’s group should actually feel encouraged about the return of star guard and reigning Class AAA Player of the Year, Lucas Morillo, who came off the bench vs. Blair. After missing the first month of the season with a wrist injury, he dusted off some rust in the first half before getting into a groove with 13 second-half points that nearly led Newman to a double-digit comeback. The Cardinals were already doing well without him. Good luck now that he’s back.
STARS OF THE WEEK: Chase Geremia, Louis O'Keefe among last week's standouts
2. Cushing (7-2)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: vs. St. George’s, Dec. 19, 2:50 p.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
The Penguins had a strong 2-1 weekend at the Sunshine Showcase in Florida, where they beat Rocktop Academy and IMG’s postgraduate team before falling to Hargrave Military Academy. But those two wins were what I would describe as culture wins for James Cormier’s group. They were without big men Coley Mark (Brookline, Mass.) and third-leading scorer Nate Blenman due to injuries, and star center Theo Edema picked up four fouls with 15 minutes to go in both wins. Still, they found a way. Elliot Erickson (Gardner, Mass.) stepped up with a huge six-point sequence – a poster dunk three-point play followed by a 3-pointer – that ignited Cushing in its win over IMG.
Beyond basketball, Cormier said the trip down to Florida was a fulfilling experience for his team. They were able to catch up with Jacob Davis, a starter on last year’s team and now a freshman at Eckerd College, and saw him put up 19 points and seven rebounds in a win.
3. New Hampton (8-3)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: vs. Newman, Dec. 19, 2:45 p.m.
The Huskies continue to roll, winners of six straight after defeating Worcester Academy and Hill School last week. Chad Cook is continuing to impress, and coach Andrew Gale likes how transfer 2026 guard James Sanderson is coming along with his defense and ability to get paint touches. Their last game before winter break comes Friday in their biggest test yet, an NEBL clash against Newman at the Track at New Balance.
Q&A: Jayden Harrington on recruitment, training with Jimmy Butler
4. Winchendon (7-2)
Previous ranking: 9
Next game: vs. King, Dec. 19, 11 a.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
The Wapiti made the biggest jump this week after a 2-1 weekend in Canada, where they won the Sun Youth Holiday Classic on point differential, a showcase that also included St. Thomas More. Winchendon scored a program record 123 points in a win over Lennoxville Prep and won by 20 over Sherbrooke, a team that beat St. Thomas More over the weekend. Elon commit Brady Sehlhorst had a great showing by shooting 60 percent from 3-point range over the weekend. Quinn Gibson, who’s been a constant standout this season, continued to impress, too. Coach Alex Popp told me Gibson is the best competitor he’s coached since Bruce Brown at Vermont Academy.
“On a roster full of relentless dudes, he’s our most relentless,” Popp said. “And it’s contagious.”
5. Darrow (3-8)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: vs. Putnam Science, Dec. 18, 11:55 a.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
I wrote last week that the wins are coming for Darrow after a brutal schedule to start the season, and they did at the Sunshine Showcase, where they grabbed two big victories over Massanutten and previously undefeated Golden State Prep before suffering a tough buzzer-beating loss to AIA Prep. TJ Allen (Watertown, Mass.), who recently reclassified to the Class of 2028 and returned after missing time due to injury was the star of the win over Golden State Prep, where he went on a personal 12-0 run to seal the victory.
The Ducks are shorthanded right now – Jamison Thrower is out for the season, Will Carty is currently sidelined and promising 2028 big Yann Kamagate was asked to leave the program due to disciplinary reasons – but coach Antonio Anderson’s squad is getting on the right track.
NO DUCKING WORK: Inside Darrow's rise to New England prominence
6. Vermont Academy (5-5)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: vs. Erie Prep Academy, Dec. 17, 3 p.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
The Wildcats took a couple steps forward with a great road win at St. Thomas More last week and a dominant 104-66 victory over Phelps before taking a step back with a 66-63 road loss to Class A opponent St. Paul’s on Monday night. But I continue to love the backcourt duo of Kamari Whyte and Mamadou Camara (Salem, Mass.), who have been tough to stop and play really well off each other. VA will look to get back on the right track at Basketbull HoopFest with matchups against Erie Prep and Worcester Academy.
7. St. Thomas More (9-3)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. IMG Ascender Elite, Dec. 17, 12:45 p.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
It’s been a mixed bag for the Chancellors, who have been a bit inconsistent in their performances despite their 9-3 record. Jere Quinn’s team is still going through some growing pains, but guard Patrick Otey (Westwood, Mass.) was good last weekend in a win over Brebeuf, and David Smith has continued to impress with his defense and toughness.
8. MacDuffie (5-3)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: vs. Loomis Chaffee, Dec. 17, 5:45 p.m. (at Basketbull HoopsFest)
It was a very happy birthday for coach Kurt Steiner, who celebrated in style on Saturday with a statement 95-58 victory over Bridgton at the Scholar Roundball Classic. The Mustangs are in strong form with three consecutive wins, and they’re getting contributions from everyone. Guard Darrien Rudder (Springfield, Mass.), who transferred from Springfield Central earlier this month, had 17 points in the win over Bridgton, and big man Johnny Bol made big plays on defense. I’m looking forward to a late Saturday night clash between MacDuffie and St. George’s this weekend at the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic.
SCHOLAR ROUNDBALL CLASSIC: Elijah Avery-Turner, Keyshon Joyner among uncommitted standouts
9. Lawrence Academy (4-1)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: at Worcester Academy, Dec. 17, 4:30 p.m.
The Spartans make their debut in the rankings after three straight wins over Brooks, Wilbraham & Monson and Groton, with a close loss to MacDuffie on their resume. Seniors Alex Egbuonu (Nashua, N.H.) and Evan Mitchner (Providence, R.I.) are not only playing at a high level, but have been tremendous leaders who have kept themselves and their teammates accountable. Coach Mike Foustoukos said their rebounding and defense has trended upwards, and Caleb Baker (Whitman, Mass.) had a big game with 21 points vs. Groton. It’s clicking right now for this group.
10. Cheshire (5-0)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: vs. Lawrence Academy, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. (at St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic)
This team is no fluke, and I’ll admit I did not expect this start. But after a double-digit win over Kimball Union, a down-to-the-wire win on Saturday over St. George’s, plus double-digit victories over Suffield and Wilbraham & Monson, the Wildcats have caught everyone’s attention. They’re not the most athletically-gifted team, but behind Trinity commits John Spinoso and Justin Brown, Air Force commit James Caldarella (Barrington, R.I.) and impact guard Aidan Maguire, this is a super high IQ team that just makes smart plays, passes and cuts, and holds its own with scrappy defense. Jim McCarthy deserves due respect as one of the best coaches in Class AA. This team is deserving of a spot in the rankings, and they have an opportunity to earn their keep with tough matchups this weekend against Lawrence Academy and Winchendon at the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic.
The next five: Phillips Academy Andover, Bridgton, Worcester Academy, St. George's, Northfield Mount Hermon
