In Part 1 of our NEPSAC boys coaches’ survey, the league’s coaches gave their thoughts on the best and most underrated players.
Now, we move on to the teams.
As open gyms begin throughout the region in the coming weeks, hopes are high for programs everywhere. There are multiple true contenders in every class that should make the 2026-27 season another thrilling winter.
Which teams are the best in each class? Who’s due to make a big leap this season? Here’s Part 2 of the survey. Coaches were granted anonymity so they could more freely express their opinions.
Who is the best team in your NEPSAC class entering next season (besides your own)?
In Class AAA, there’s a lot of faith in St. Thomas More, which has a loaded roster under legendary head coach Jere Quinn. It includes four players in the Top 10 of our Class of 2027 rankings – featuring incoming high-major wing Declan Griffiths (Simsbury, Conn.) – an additional player in the Top 25 and several impact bench players.
“I think they are the easy choice given what they have returning,” one coach said. “Bring back 4 of 5 starters from last year and the 5th starter being a high major recruit really helps. Continuity is so important in AAA and they have a Hall of Fame coach as the cherry on top.”
Back-to-back champion Newman, which is facing significant turnover from last season, and New Hampton also earned a vote in AAA.
Cushing is still seen as the clear favorite in Class AA. The defending champions lost top recruits Ryan Moesch and Theo Edema but still have plenty of continuity and a few strong newcomers, including Josh Charlot (Fairfield, Conn.), Sam Brigham (Springfield, Mass.) and Eli Prince.
“Cushing until someone else beats them in March,” one coach said.
One coach believes strongly in MacDuffie under head coach Kurt Steiner. The Mustangs just missed out on the AA playoffs last season but bring back point guard Keyshon Joyner (Worcester, Mass.), who’s surrounded by a deep squad.
“Loaded with talent and Kurt can coach,” the coach said.
Kimball Union, St. George’s, Worcester Academy, Winchendon and Tilton were also recognized in this class.
In Class A, Hotchkiss and Milton Academy were at the top.
“I think Hotchkiss has to be the favorite with (Alonzo) Archbold coming back and reigning champs,” one coach said.
St. Mark’s looks like the runaway favorite in Class B Large based on the coaches’ responses. The defending champs bring back stars Luca Palermo (Andover, Mass.) and CJ Farrell (Milford, Mass.) under new head coach John Zall.
“Gotta give the champs their respect even with Donovan (Clement) departure and Alex (Echevarria) graduating,” one coach said. “CJ and Luca are as good of a duo as you’ll find in class and John a good coach.”
“St. Mark's. They are on top until proven otherwise!” another coach said.
Rivers, Greenwich Country Day, Masters (NY) and Canterbury were picked as contenders in Class B Large, while Beaver Country Day earned a shout in Class B Small.
What NEPSAC team will take a leap next season (besides your own)? Why?
Regardless of class, Tilton easily received the most votes on this question.
The Rams missed the playoffs as head coach Marcus O’Neil returned to the sidelines last season, but they boast one of the best rosters in Class AA going into the season with returners Samuel Owusu-Aduomi, Salim Diaby, Jakare Innocent (Taunton, Mass.) and Wiji Dak (Bedford, N.H.) in addition to the transfer addition of electric 2029 guard Alex Weaver (Windsor, Conn.).
“Too much talent not to be better this year,” one coach said.
“I think they're loaded,” another said.
Continuing in Class AA, one coach is high on Northfield Mount Hermon.
“One of the most talented and hard working coaching staffs in AA and they've done a nice job landing recruits to solve some of their deficiencies from a season ago,” the coach said. “(Mike) Shelton is also very good with his opponent scouting. The Hoggers should return to the playoffs this season. Maybe even hosting a game (level of) good.”
Another coach made a bold prediction on a Class AA team that missed the playoffs last season.
“Worcester Academy will host a home playoff game,” they said.
In Class A, one coach picked two programs on the rise in Nobles and Thayer. Nobles secured the No. 1 seed last season and Thayer missed the playoffs, and both are primed to take another step.
“Both dealt with a bunch of injuries last season,” the coach said. “Nobles returns everyone but (Zach) Baum, good continuity and good players, added a couple guys who will be good depth pieces. Even with (Michael) McNamara and (Brayden) Buckley departures, Thayer should be much improved. … Still have a good core coming back in Drew Carlson, Conor Chi, Justice Grant, Aidan McGrath, Justin McNamara. And I’m really high on incoming freshman Tadj Howard.”
One coach tabbed St. Paul’s to “take a big step forward” with star 2029 wing Tighe Arache (Lawrence, Mass.), 2027 guard Jake Reardon (Bow, N.H.) and 2028 forward Quintin Eason (Scarborough, Maine) a year older, and impact 2029 forward Lincoln Malcore (Wilton, Maine) joining the fold. Multiple coaches chose Phillips Exeter, which made last year’s Class A championship game as the No. 8 seed and return several key pieces under second-year coach Harry Rafferty.
There were a few choices in Class B Large. Multiple coaches picked Austin Prep, a No. 6 seed in last season’s playoffs that returns several core pieces, including 2027 guard Marvin Avery (Lynn, Mass.), 2027 guard/wing Izzy Wane (Lowell, Mass.) and 2028 guard Will Nunes (Reading, Mass.).
“They continue to add talent, and Sean (Ryan) is one of the best coaches around,” one coach said.
Another coach believes in Governor’s Academy, which should have one of my most experienced teams in Class B Large under head coach Sean McGonagill.
“Disappointing year based on talent, and now they start five 2027s which will mean improvements,” the coach said.
St. Luke’s is an early favorite to take a leap in Class B Small after missing the playoffs last season. The Storm have two Division 1 commits in Tyler Newsom (Monroe, Conn.) and Peter Uzgiris (New Cannan, Conn.), and a promising 2029 prospect in Evan Seitz (Stamford, Conn.).
“Best roster in B Small,” one coach said.
“They have so much experienced talent and have a great coach leading them,” another coach added. “They have all the pieces to have a breakout year.”
More teams who were selected as breakout candidates: South Kent in Class AAA; Albany Academy, MacDuffie, Cheshire and St. Andrew’s in Class AA; Milton Academy, Choate, Suffield and Salisbury in Class A; Masters (NY) and St. Mark’s in Class B Large; Beaver Country Day in Class B Small.
