Antonio Anderson, in many ways, has always taken aim at the highest level. The Lynn, Mass. native was a starter alongside Derrick Rose on Memphis’ 2008 Final Four team that was coached by John Calipari. That vision hasn’t changed as a coach.
Anderson, after wrapping up his first season as the Darrow School’s head coach last spring, saw an opportunity to elevate his program. There was an opening for a new team in NEPSAC Class AAA, and Anderson struck. He got support from Darrow head of school Andrew Vadnais and athletic director Kris Magargal, and the school sent a formal letter to NEPSAC to be considered. On April 25, Darrow officially announced that it had been accepted, and that it was moving up from Class AA to AAA.
Darrow will replace Brewster Academy, whose prep team left NEPSAC to join the Power 5 league starting this season. The school’s promotion into Class AAA, though it’s located in New Lebanon, N.Y., made some sense, especially geographically. They’ll join Hoosac – located about 30 miles away – as New York schools in the division, which will help the scheduling for other schools in AAA. New Hampton, for example, will play a back-to-back against Hoosac and Darrow to open its season on Nov. 8 and 9, instead of traveling far to just play one game.
For Darrow, a program with promise, the move is exciting as they look to expand their footprint and exposure in the region and increase their basketball opportunities.
“You want to play the best,” Anderson said. “From a recruiting standpoint, kids want to compete against the best. It is super exciting, it’s something we’re all looking forward to and we’re embracing and welcoming the challenge for this year and years to come.”
Almost immediately, Darrow received an influx of transfers looking to prove themselves at the highest level. Teshaun Steele (Worcester, Mass.), a 6-foot-7 forward and member of Worcester North’s back-to-back state championship teams, was the first as he joined Darrow for a postgraduate season. He was followed by Nalajah Christopher (Worcester, Mass.), another Worcester North champion and 2027 guard, brothers Derek and Danny Delgardo, LJ Falconi, Jordan Brown, and Christian Torres (East Providence, R.I.).
The Ducks feature a collection of new and talented guards, including Williams commit Khalil Carlson (Great Barrington, Mass.), who was one of the best players in western Massachusetts last season. They all join a team that has two exciting returners – Anas Rezk and Ibrahim Gati, a 6-foot-10 forward who was named All-NEPSAC honorable mention last season.
Anderson, as he enters his second season and continues to push this Darrow program forward, likes his group. He recruited players who fit an up-tempo mold, who can play fast and defend. It’s an uphill battle in Class AAA, which features some of the best teams in the region, but Anderson has built a roster that includes some exciting young players in addition to older players who should help them be competitive this season.
“We have a great group of kids who work hard and have bright futures in basketball,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m not going to predict we’re going to win the league or anything like that, but we’re going to be very competitive.”
Darrow will have an opportunity to prove itself. In addition to its Class AAA schedule, which includes multiple games against New Hampton, Newman and St. Thomas More, Anderson made a difficult schedule that also includes games against CATS Academy and Cushing.
For now, Anderson is trying to build a strong foundation. While official practices don’t begin until November, he likes what he’s seen at open gyms.
“Guys compete, day in and day out. In open gyms, they get after it. In the weight room, they get after it,” Anderson said. “I think that’s one thing we’re trying to establish. Whatever it is you’re doing, give it all you got. Guys have been doing that. I’ve been very impressed with us. … Guys compete for what they do and for one another, unselfishly, helping each other on defense, talking to each other, no bad-mouthing one another, no complaining, that’s half the battle. I’ve been excited about that. …
“Our expectation is to compete. Anything can happen on any given day. If we compete and give 100 percent effort, we give ourselves a chance every game. That’s our biggest goal, and our only goal is to put in the ultimate effort day in and day out. Every time we lace them up against another opponent, we’re able to compete.”
