NEPSAC programs have begun publishing their open gym schedules for the fall, which means we're on the runway up to prep basketball's return in November.
Who should we expect to contend for championships out of the gate? I have my early opinions, but I wanted to get a pulse from some NEPSAC coaches too.
Part 2 of our coaches' survey focuses on the best and rising teams in prep after Part 1 highlighted top players. After I reached out to approximately 40 coaches, 11 chose to participate and filled out our survey.
Here are their insights on NEPSAC teams to watch.
Who is the best team in your NEPSAC class next season (besides your own)?
Class AAA feels wide open and that's reflected in coaches' responses. Nobles, Tilton, Dexter Southfield and Newman each received a vote — coincidentally, those were also the top four teams in my way-too-early NEPSAC Top 10 preview from June.
"On paper - Nobles," one coach said. "They are super athletic. Upgraded a few positions like PG. And their kids have gotten better."
"I would say Dexter feels like the most dangerous because of depth and the unknown," said another. "Dexter has had the most talented roster for a couple of years but can't seem to find a way to play together to their strengths, is this the year?"
AA coaches are looking towards the talent coalescing at MacDuffie. In the second year under coach Kahari Beaufort, the Mustangs have recruited several area top prospects, including Sammi Santacroce (North Haven, Conn.) from Suffield, Springfield Central guard Maya Ocana-Saunders and former CIAC stars Layla Ljubuncic (Burlington, Conn.) and Reese Jeamel (Coventry, Conn.). MacDuffie also earned a vote as a breakout team.
"MacDuffie. They have the most talent and will be hungry," one coach said. "NMH (Northfield Mount Hermon) a close second. They have experience and are consistent throughout the year. I don't expect many dips from them."
Class A stalwarts Sacred Heart and Loomis each earned a vote. If those two met in the championship, it would mark the third straight season, and they've split the battles so far.
Berkshire made a stunning run to the Class B Large title as a No. 7 seed, although some believed seeding wasn't reflective of the Bears' true strength last winter. Regardless, they're a favorite to repeat.
"They return a lot from last year's championship team, and added a couple of really good guards," said a coach.
Which NEPSAC team will take a leap next season (besides your own)?
Only one team received multiple votes here: Nobles. After the Bulldogs lost in the AAA quarterfinals last March, coaches expect them to return to perennial title contender status. Again, at least one coach is also excited about the growth of Newman, who hung tough in its first AAA season and then upgraded its roster.
"Newman finished low in our rankings at the end their first year in AAA; I fully expect them to take a leap!" the coach said.
MacDuffie got a vote in this section as part of the momentum, but it looks like Class AA on the whole could be deeper than last year, when only five teams made the postseason. One coach listed Marianapolis and St. Andrew's — the latter being a new AA team after previouly competing in AAA — as schools on breakout watch.
"Marianapolis — new coach and they'll be much deeper in the backcourt. Their senior class is experienced and they have a roster that fits with how they want to play: fast," they said. "St. Andrew's should also be much improved. I think moving to Class AA will help them, but they are also a better team than last year. Their freshman PG will be great for them. It is a well-constructed roster."
Another coach gave Winchendon a shoutout. The Wapiti have struggled in AA in recent seasons, but it appears they've also added talent to the roster.
"They were a two-win team last year, but they only had six players and were competitive against some really good teams," the coach said. "This year they’ve reloaded with some good players and have a lot of depth."
Deerfield earned a mention in Class A and two B Large schools were mentioned. St. George's reached the semifinals last year in a promising start to Maddie Bledsoe's coaching tenure. The Dragons graduated Gianna Nichols, our Class B Large Player of the Year, but return key players like Payton Scurry (Warwick, R.I.), Elin Fitzgerald (Charlestown, R.I.) and Kirsten McKay (Stoughton, Mass.)
"St. George’s new coach last year made a big splash," an opponent said. "I think In year two under (her) they are (a) tough team to beat."
Rivers did not make the Class B Large playoffs in a rebuilding year following a 2025 Class B title. But there's reason for optimism with several notable returners led by Sarah Poland (Sudbury, Mass.), Joy Robinson (Norwood, Mass.) and Amanda Martin (Wayland, Mass.). One coach believes the Red Wings will have strong newcomers too.
"Rivers will make a leap this season after having a down year," the coach said. "I think with the (new) recruiting class, they will be a top team for sure."
