Can anyone knock off Rivers?
That’ll be the big question throughout another winter in Class B, where the Red Wings have won the last three championships and have the pieces in place for a four-peat. But there’s plenty of excitement around them.
There are several teams lining up to challenge Rivers – some with experienced returners, others with impact newcomers. Don’t overlook Class B – this division has loads of underrated talent and programs who are ready to prove themselves this winter.
Here are five storylines we’re watching in Class B in 2024-25.
How quickly can Rivers’ newcomers catch up?
Rivers returns a quartet of seniors in Ryan Altman (Brookline, Mass.), Andrew Alekseyenko (Brookline, Mass.), Robby Fiore (Acton, Mass.) and Jordy Schwartz (Brookline, Mass.), a group that will make them a championship favorite. But their fate may ultimately rest on their depth. Three key newcomers – 2026 guard Chais Harriette (Cambridge, Mass.) and freshmen guards Drew Carlson (Weston, Mass.) and Patrick Costello (Natick, Mass.) – are expected to be big contributors.
FROM THE MAG: Inside Rivers' quest to continue its dynasty
Harriette is another talented guard who should help, and Carlson and Costello are both smarter players who are advanced for their age. It might take some time, especially defensively, for everything to gel together.
Is this Brooks’ time?
Rivers’ greatest challenger in Class B will almost certainly be Brooks, who took them to the wire in last season’s playoffs and is motivated to finish the job this winter. Head coach Kenya Jones brings back four All-NEPSAC players, headlined by Furman commit and do-it-all point guard Alex Wilkins (Boston, Mass.). He also brought in an impact player who could be the missing piece: 6-foot-6 forward and Darrow transfer Noah Walker, who brings defense and versatility.
PREP PREVIEW: What to expect from Brooks in 2024-25
Brooks has newfound depth mixed with a focus and hunger to claim glory this winter.
“There’s a different feel in the air,” Jones said. “You notice it by how mature they’re being about the process. … You can see it in their eyes, now they’re like … ‘We can actually do this.’ I think they see the talent is there more and so the hunger is there, and it’s the focus.”
Can Canterbury or Millbrook dethrone Rivers?
While Brooks’ might be the biggest contender, they’re certainly not the only school. Two years ago, Canterbury was the No. 1 seed and lost to Rivers in the championship game. Last winter, Millbrook made a run as the No. 6 seed before getting blown out by Rivers in the title game.
Both schools should be in the mix again. Canterbury has an exciting mix that includes All-NEPSAC forward Andreo Ash and guard David Dix, while Millbrook – which has made at least the Class B semifinals in three consecutive seasons – returns a talented senior trio of Zoumana Traore, Amadou Fall and Chase Garcia.
MORE: Introducing our Class B preseason team
Which coaches can take the next step?
Class B is loaded with second and third-year head coaches who have shaken off the NEPSAC training wheels, so to speak, and are ready to take their programs to the next level. Canterbury coach Brian Fruscio, who was a Class B coach of the year last season, is entering his third season with big expectations for the Saints.
Justin Perron (St. Mark’s), Sean Tabb (Middlesex) and Ronnie Turner (Pomfret) are all entering their second seasons and should see steps forward. Governor’s Academy coach Sean McGonagil, heads into his third season in charge of a sleeper squad that could make some noise this winter; Momo Nkugwa (Chelmsford, Mass.) and Thomas Ferdinando (Andover, Mass.) make up one of the best backcourts in the league.
Which newcomers can make an instant impact?
There’s a lot of young and exciting talent ready to make a mark in Class B this season.
MORE: 10 underrated boys guards to watch in NEPSAC in 2024-25
Khari Bryan (Worcester, Mass.) is one of the most underrated guards in the region. The 6-foot-3 guard was a critical piece of back-to-back state championship teams at Worcester North, and he’s ready to take his game and recruitment to the next level at Proctor Academy. There are several more MIAA transfers, including Xaverian transfer and 2027 wing Garrett Org (Norwood, Mass.) heading to Governor’s, and BC High transfer and 2027 forward Jalen Rogers (Boston, Mass.) ready to make his name at Beaver Country Day.
Among other class contenders, 6-foot-5 wing Jared Strand is getting Division 1 interest as he heads to Canterbury, and freshmen Jayden Gibson (Cambridge, Mass.) and Jack Rousmaniere have a chance to make an early impact at Brooks. Westminster could be in the playoff mix with the help of additions Ethan Griffin (West Haven, Conn.) and Sonny Batchelor, who are both Division 1 caliber prospects.
