In the first part of our first MIAA boys basketball coaches’ survey, we asked coaches around the state who they believe are the best players and most underrated players entering this season.
Now, we’re zooming out to look at the top teams. Which squads might be cutting down the nets at the Tsongas Center this March?
It’s obviously early – tryouts and practices don’t start for more than a month – but more than a dozen coaches had informed answers and predictions based on the returning talent across the state. Coaches were granted anonymity to more freely express their opinions.
Part 2 covers two team-specific questions from the survey: Who is the best team in your MIAA division? What MIAA team will break out and contend for a state championship? Let’s dive in.
Who is the best team in your MIAA division?
Most of the responses for this question came from Division 1 coaches. One coach said the division was wide open, but it wasn’t surprising which team got most of the recognition: Central Catholic. The Raiders, led by reigning Merrimack Valley Conference Player of the Year Javi Lopez, return several pieces from last season’s Final Four run.
“Lost to eventual state champion Franklin by eight in the Final Four and played all underclassmen.” one coach said.
“CC should definitely be in the mix,” another coach said. “Javi is a stud but they have some good supporting pieces. I would think they are one of the early favorites.”
Eight more Division 1 teams earned mentions for this question. There were multiple votes for Beverly, led by senior Jacob Klass and a slew of exciting returners and additions. Two teams that made last season’s Elite Eight – Bridgewater-Raynham and Attleboro – received votes. Franklin and Newton North – last season’s finalists – were mentioned despite losing their stars and head coaches.
Brockton, which only finished 7-13 last season, was mentioned by one coach after the team’s strong finish to the winter. The Middlesex League was well-represented, too, with Winchester and Lexington earning votes.
“Winchester,” one coach said. “They have a returning core of extremely talented, experienced players with chemistry, skills, and big-game experience.”
In Division 2, Masconomet was recognized by multiple coaches. The Chieftains bring back most of their team that finished 21-2 and reached the Final Four, including seniors Jimmy Farrell and Jamason Vella.
In Division 3, Norwell – coming off a perfect 25-0 season and state championship – had one coach’s confidence despite graduating four senior captains.
“Despite the loss of Ronan Coffey, they bring back a strong core and supplement it with many new players,” the coach said. “They will be very deep and are led by one of the best coaches around. Charlestown also will be very strong given their history and pedigree along with their coaching.”
There were two votes for Charlestown. Another coach mentioned that Tewksbury, which is moving from Div. 2 to Div. 3, “will be a huge threat.” The reigning MVC Small champions bring back MVC Small Player of the Year Jonny Sullivan and multiple returners. Boston Latin Academy also had a shout in Div. 3.
In Division 4, reigning champion Georgetown garnered a vote. Cohasset, which finished 18-5 and made the Elite Eight, Holland School of Technology, last season’s No. 1 seed, and Cathedral all received votes. Millbury, which went 17-7 and advanced to last year’s round of 16, had one vote.
“Great coach,” one coach said of Millbury. “Great shooting. Hard nosed defensively.”
In Division 5, there were votes for two teams: New Mission and Palmer.
“Palmer High School, returning 11 players, returning all starters,” one coach said.
What MIAA team will break out and contend for a state championship? Why?
All of the Division 1 teams mentioned in the first question were voted on again here. Bridgewater-Raynham – which returns star senior Cason Faulk alongside Luke Tirrell, Cam Santos and several more returners, earned the most votes.
“I believe that Bridgewater-Raynham has most of their group returning from a team that was very good last year,” one coach said. “We saw them this fall and they had good size across the board — strong, physical, and the pieces to make a run.”
Attleboro, which brings back guards Ladainian Rodrigues and Connor Houle, are on multiple coaches’ radar.
“They return a great core of players and have an experienced coach in Mark Houle,” one coach said.
Burlington was the most popular vote in Division 2. The Red Devils return five players that averaged more than 25 minutes per game last season – including star Matty Gray – and advanced to the round of 16 as they finished with a 15-7 record. One coach described them as “loaded.”
“They have every piece they need,” one coach said. “They play fast, defend hard, shoot a high clip from 3 and are very well-coached. Great mix of athleticism and discipline. Contended a few years back and made a Final Four, made some noise last year, lost to Mansfield in the second round and graduated one senior who didn't play.”
“They have a core top 5-6 players that have been battling at a high level for multiple seasons, including a leader in Matt Gray that will be one of the best players in the state,” another coach added.
“They play a difficult style to defend, and have a lot of experience coming back,” another said.
There was another vote for Tewksbury in Division 3.
“MVC small reigning champions,” the coach said. “Early exit in the tourney, but have their best player/MVC player of the year returning. Shoot a high clip from 3, defend hard, share the ball and finish well inside. Also had a couple of huge transfers come in.”
Greater Lawrence Tech, led by head coach Stevie Martinez, earned high praise from one coach after the Reggies advanced to last season’s Elite Eight as the No. 5 seed.
“Stevie is the best coach in the state,” the coach said. “Defensively the Reggies play at a level of intensity and communication-wise that is unmatched. Their guard play is exceptional and deep, and they rebound like their lives depend on it. That team plays for each other. Zero egos.”
