The MIAA's Class of 2028 basketball talent already includes some of the state's premier stars. There's also a ton of breakout potential around Massachusetts this winter.
What has me most excited: Some stellar forwards and centers exist in this class. Seven of the 10 breakout names I've listed below are either big wings, forwards or centers. It's hard to find that depth of size at the MIAA level, and it'll make for a fun winter to follow along. You'll also notice several of these breakout players overlap with the breakout teams I'm monitoring, which isn't a coincidence.
These 10 players omit members of our preseason Player of the Year watch list. You can find that in our winter magazine (the list will be released online soon). The below names aren't statewide stars quite yet, but I believe they could elevate their status this winter.
Haileigh Adamowich, Woburn
5-8 guard
Adamowich first broke out in my viewing at the Comcast Tournament last February, posting 14-point and 12-point efforts against two quality opponents. She then took command as point guard for the Mass Huskies' 16U EYCL grassroots team. I think Adamowich is lined up for a leading role at Woburn this year. She's crafty scoring off the dribble and shows flashes of deep 3-point range.
Caroline Connors, Millis
5-11 forward
With Connors, Millis is a state championship contender once again in Division 4. She'll be one of the best players in the division, a versatile forward who can make smart basket cuts, pass and space the floor. Connors averaged 13.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists as a sophomore.
Marybel DoRosario, Taunton
5-10 forward
DoRosario averaged 14.8 points, eight rebounds and a block per game during her sophomore season, appearing on Hockomock Sports' all-league second team. She's a bouncy athlete who impressed me in limited viewing on the grassroots circuit with BCRI. I think DoRosario has potential as a slasher and cutter who can defend up and down the lineup. We'll see if she and Taunton can take a leap in what feels like a wide-open conference.
Jordan Egan, North Attleboro
6-1 forward
As I alluded to last week, Egan and North Attleboro are among the most exciting players and schools on the rise in the MIAA. She earned Hockomock Sports' Underclassman of the Year award last winter. Egan is an excellent cutter and scorer around the basket who can also make some hard-charging face-up drives from the perimeter.
Skylar Makalusky, Brookline
5-11 forward
Like Egan, Makalusky is the main reason I'm foreseeing a Brookline leap. She's a stellar shot-blocker at her position with a long wingspan and mobility around the paint. Makalusky is mostly a cutter and driving scorer right now, but she's naturally fast and athletic. She should feel confident in her impact and be more assertive as a junior.
Kallie Martin, Andover
5-7 guard
Andover will not catch me by surprise in Division 1 this year. The Golden Warriors have a few names we should know more, and that includes Martin, their premier sharpshooter. Martin hit 40 3-pointers as a sophomore while averaging 9.1 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals per game. She can find success on and off the ball, which should pair well with rising star sophomore Lexi Linsey in the backcourt.
Alana McNamara, Archbishop Williams
5-11 forward
McNamara is a super fun style of player to watch, a big wing who can score via off-ball movement or put the ball on the floor herself. She's also unafraid to mix it up fighting for rebounds and averaged 15 points, 10 boards and three assists last season. McNamara can heat up behind the arc too, and if she puts those parts of the game together consistently this year, we could see some huge performances.
Jackie Pohl, East Bridgewater
5-7 guard
Again I'm going back to our breakout teams list with Pohl, who I think could help the Vikings as a sleeper Div. 3 title contender. She can spot up behind the arc or attack off the dribble for pull-up jumpers and runners. I think Pohl makes some solid passing reads too and she's stronger than her 5-7 height would suggest. She should be one of the South Shore League's top players.
Maura Quirk, Acton-Boxboro
6-3 center
Acton-Boxboro lost its DCL Player of the Year with Avery Terry transferring to Tilton, but they'll still be competitive at the statewide Div. 1 level with Quirk in the frontcourt. She has a size advantage at the high school level and is dependable as a post player who rebounds and protects the rim. I've also seem some flashes of good passing out of the post.
Kyla Yurkus, Wachusett
6-2 center
Yurkus has started at center for Wachusett's last two state championships, and she'll be critical if the Mountaineers want to win a third. I already highlighted her earlier this fall in our Under the Radar series. But to reiterate: Yurkus brings a blend of frontcourt size, reliable paint scoring and rebounding, and some flashes of mid-range and floater touch.
