Of all the boys NEPSAC divisions, Class AA looks like the most competitive one this winter.
Bradford Christian, the reigning Class AA champion, shut down its program after last season. But the class is still loaded. Five of the 16 teams made the Top 10 of our first NEPSAC power rankings of the season, and there are plenty of sleepers lurking in the shadows.
Mount St. Charles makes its NEPSAC debut this winter in Class AA, and there are plenty of other programs ready to make some noise.
Here’s our team-by-team breakdown of Class AA for the 2024-25 season.
MORE: Boys Class AA preseason team | NEPSAC Power Rankings
Brimmer & May
Coach: Tom Nelson
Last season: 14-17, lost in Class AA championship game to Bradford Christian
Players to watch: Windston Legentus, G; Osa Idada, F; Ladanion Payne, G; Tyson Robinson, F; BJ Dawan-Abdullah, G; Gabe Cohen, G; Owen Haglund, G
Outlook: Nelson graduated a star-studded class that included Class AA Player of the Year Andre Mills and All-NEPSAC selection Bryce Dortch, who are off to play at Texas A&M and Rutgers, respectively. It might look like an uphill battle for Brimmer to contend in Class AA this season, but Nelson has some exciting players to work with. Idada is a transfer from CATS, an athletic big who’s ready to prove himself again after recovering from a torn meniscus. Legentus and Payne, both All-NEPSAC selections, are back to lead a promising group of young talent.
CATS Academy
Coach: Cary Herer
Last season: 21-10, lost in Class AA quarterfinals to Winchendon
Players to watch: Jaylen Harrell, G; Jaxson Terry, G; Desmond Bellot, G; Leo Curtis, C; Julien Kabori, F; Jaylin Williams-Crawford, F; Nelson Mboudjika, F
Outlook: One of the most talented and athletic teams in New England, CATS is a frontrunner to win Class AA this season. Fueled by a dynamic backcourt that includes Jaylen Harrell, the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year, and 2026 guards Jaxson Terry and Desmond Bellot, CATS has the tools to score and defend at a high level. With so much talent, sacrifice will be required for this group to reach its potential.
Cheshire
Coach: Jim McCarthy
Last season: 15-9, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Kamsi Awaka, F; Luke Gaccione, G; Evan O’Reilly, G; Dominick White, G; Evan Pagano, G; Braeden Elnicki, G
Outlook: Cheshire has been on the outside of the playoff bubble the last two seasons, but the Cats are hoping they can break through this season. Awake, at 6-foot-9 in the 2027 class, is their best prospect, and McCarthy has some talented and experienced guards around him. Their margin for error may be smaller than other teams, but McCarthy expects the Cats to be competitive, and with shooting, size and versatility, they have the ingredients to make some noise.
PREP PREVIEWS: CATS Academy | Cushing
Cushing
Coach: James Cormier
Last season: 22-8, lost in Class AA quarterfinals to Brimmer & May
Players to watch: Jay Jones, G; Jacob Davis, F; Frederik Jellum, F; David Melson, G; John Price, G; Ryan Moesch, G; Elliot Erickson, F; Ryan Ward, G
Outlook: After an upset loss in last season’s playoffs, Cushing enters this season with a better mix of talent and intangibles. Cormier added Rivers transfer Jay Jones, a three-time NEPSAC champion, as he built a deep roster that includes returners Jacob Davis, David Melson, Elliot Erickson and captain Ryan Ward. Frederik Jellum (who has professional experience in Denmark), John Price and Ryan Moesch add more firepower as newcomers, and 7-footers Coley Mark and Theo Edema have huge potential and provide a unique look. This squad has it all.
Kimball Union
Coach: Cory McClure
Last season: 14-14, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Isaiah Henderson, F; Brandon Arnold, G; Charlie Williams, W; Nathan Clay, G; Christian “Mouse” Williams, G; John Kelley, F; Merrick Smith, F
Outlook: McClure is cautiously optimistic about his team, one he expects to be in the hunt for a postseason berth. Henderson, a strong 6-foot-6 wing who was All-NEPSAC honorable mention, committed to Siena and can score at a high level. Williams should be an impact addition in the backcourt. The Wildcats may not be as talented overall as some teams, but with multiple scholarship players and several complementary pieces, they should be a tough matchup all winter.
Lawrence Academy
Coach: Mike Foustoukos
Last season: 14-13, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Alex Egbuono, F; Evan Mitchner, G; Joey Harris, F; Caleb Baker, G; AJ Reinertson, G; Charlie Van Patten, F; Liam Ferrick, G
Outlook: The Spartans lost about 35 points per game from last season’s team following the departure of some key players, including Jaxson Terry, but they have players ready to step into bigger roles. Foustoukos enters his second season much more comfortable, and he feels that he’s much further ahead than he was last year. Egbuono, who’s getting high-major interest, will be the best player on most nights. This group believes it can contend for an ISL championship and surprise some teams in Class AA.
MacDuffie
Coach: Kurt Steiner
Last season: 16-13, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Javon Perry, F; Dayn Campbell, G; Julian Dent, G; Elijah Avery Turner, G; Mihailo Vojinovic, F; Johnny Bol, C; Keyshon Joyner, G
Outlook: MacDuffie graduated eight seniors and missed the Class AA playoffs by one game last season, but even with that much turnover, Steiner’s goal for this group is to make the playoffs. Perry is one of the best shot-blockers in New England, which helps fuel their up-tempo style of play. The Mustangs have a loaded 2027 class that features Worcester North transfer Joyner, and a roster full of gritty, hard-working players ready to prove themselves.
Masters (Conn.)
Coach: Donorae Davis
Last season: 7-18, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Justice Uhunmwuagho, G; Michael Singleton, G; Andre Antonic, G; Jakeel Martin, G; Robert Hall, G; Enoch Cromartie, G
Outlook: Masters enters its third season back in Class AA, and Davis believes it’s his strongest, deepest and most athletic team since its return. Uhunmwuagho will likely be the leading scorer, and they have athleticism and length on the perimeter that will give teams trouble. Davis is expecting a strong defensive and shot-making team that could make some noise. “I think we’ll definitely surprise some teams,” Davis said.
Mount St. Charles
Coach: Joseph “Ladi” Odugbela
Last season: N/A
Players to watch: Kyle Delves, G; Soren Lolonga, G; Robert Gianfresco, F
Outlook: The Mounties enter their first season in NEPSAC after moving up from the third division in Rhode Island. Year 1 will likely be difficult as they go up against some of the best teams in the region, but Odugbela has a few building blocks to work with. The biggest one is Delves, a 2028 guard who’s already earning Division 1 interest. Odugbela knows this winter likely won’t result in massive success, but the hope is to push for a playoff spot.
NEW BEGINNINGS: Inside Mount St. Charles' vision entering first season in NEPSAC
Northfield Mount Hermon
Coach: Michael Shelton
Last season: 15-13, lost in Class AA semifinals to Bradford Christian
Players to watch: Greg Brooks, G; Vincent Chaudhri, F; Andrew Urosevic, G; Nasir Rodriguez, G; Jaylen Hunter-Coleman, G; William Higgs, F/C; Nate Djanogly, F; Chris Daniels, F
Outlook: NMH brings back its top two scorers from last season, Greg Brooks and Vincent Chaudhri, but Shelton is excited because he doesn’t have to rely on them. He loves the flexibility of his roster and how many ways they can play. They have scorers, shooters, strong on-ball defenders and rim protection. And with a mix of postgraduate and veteran players and younger guys, Shelton likes how his program is trending toward his vision of more sustainability as he enters his third season. “That’s what we’re trying to build towards,” he said. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”
St. Andrews
Coach: Mike Hart
Last season: 13-11, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Chris Bianco, G; Kyle Benjamin, G; Alec Scarborough, F; Jackson Labkon, G; Griffin Taber, G; Matt Raffa, G; John O’Leary, F
Outlook: Hart has another great shooting team, but he believes the fate of this team will be determined on the defensive end. It’s an older group that includes five returners, led by Bianco (four-year player), and there’s promise with a talented group of underclassmen who could garner Division 1 interest, including guards Elijah McNair and Uriah Williams.
St. George’s
Coach: Dwayne Pina
Last season: 21-10, lost in Class AA quarterfinals to Bradford Christian
Players to watch: Barrett Loer, G/F; Dylan Veillette, F; Yancarlos Cueto, G; Allyn Wright, G; Dywane Chess, G; Ethan Njenga, G; Casey Bazzano, G
Outlook: As St. George’s enters its fourth season in Class AA, Pina believes this is the most experienced and talented squad he’s had. Barrett Loer, a Rhode Island commit, will return after he missed most of last season due to injury. He headlines a selfless group that can score at a high level. Pina has a squad full of high-level guards, who, if they can stay healthy, should be in the mix for both a Class AA and ISL championship.
Tilton
Coach: Michael Byrnes
Last season: 8-21, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Enzo Boudouma, F; Karan Sahin, F; Tommaso D’Arcangeli, G; Anthony Vick, G; Kadin Bernard, G; CJ Azor, G; Nafees Padgett, F
Outlook: It’s been a challenge for Byrnes, in his fourth season, to bring the program back to success. But he hopes to take another step forward with a promising roster. He has nine players in the 2025 class, including Boudouma and D’Arcangeli, and he’s hopeful they’ll make teams uncomfortable throughout a difficult schedule. Vick, a guard in the 2027 class, might be Tilton’s most exciting prospect.
Wilbraham & Monson
Coach: Mike Mannix
Last season: 9-18, missed playoffs
Players to watch: Sam Fleming, F; Daelyn Lewis, G; Selvin Jukic, F; Ryan Kranz, G; Christian Martin, G; Darius Ajakaiye, G
Outlook: Wilbraham is turning the page from a disappointing season with a team that has more experience. Fleming is the star and one of six returners, and has grown immeasurably after his first NEPSAC season. This group may not be elite at one thing, but it does a lot of things well. Shooting, particularly with Kranz and Martin, will be a strength, and they have speedy guards. It may take some time for them to figure out the way they want to play, but there’s great potential.
Winchendon
Coach: Kenneth Green
Last season: 24-12, lost in Class AA semifinals to Brimmer & May
Players to watch: Da’minic Gittens, G; Harrison Aligbe, F; Jermaine Council, G; Luke Little, G; Preston Sledge, G; Jack Kehoe, G; Bryce Wejuli, F
Outlook: Even though it advanced to last year’s semifinals as a No. 6 seed, Winchendon is a dark horse in Class AA. Gittens is a super athletic, high-IQ guard and he’s surrounded by a versatile roster of good shooters and high-level defenders. Council is a postgraduate guard who could surprise people, and Little, who shot 42 percent from deep last season, returns as one of the best shooters around. Sledge is a dynamic 5-foot-9 guard who’s a strong rebounder for his size. This team will be one to monitor.
Worcester Academy
Coach: Jamie Sullivan
Last season: 14-17, lost in Class AA quarterfinals to Northfield Mount Hermon
Players to watch: Jake Blackburn, G; Amir Jenkins, G; Cam Hailey, G; Connor Swider, F; Chris Leman, F; Michael Ellerbrook, G; Jordan McFadden, G; Ryan Sullivan, C; Payton Kamin, G
Outlook: The Hilltoppers were slowed down by injuries last season, but should be back in the mix for a championship this winter. Sullivan’s group has elite shooting, offensive firepower and one of the best backcourts in New England, which includes Worcester North transfer Amir Jenkins after he won back-to-back MIAA titles. Sullivan loves the leadership of his group, and there’s plenty of winning experience; Jake Blackburn was a member of two NEPSAC title teams. This squad has the right mix to go deep in March.
