NEPSAC Class "AA" Preview

New England basketball has always been defined by the prep schools in the region. Few people dispute that the best high school league in the country is NEPSAC class “A”. Schools such as Brewster,South Kent, and New Hampton frequently unveil teams of six to ten division I players, many of whom are post graduates. Although class "A" deservedly receives much of the credit, the NEPSAC’s lower levels have become increasingly formidable. Last years creation of class “AA” allowed for the top teams in the old class “B”, “C”, and “D” all to compete with each other in a sort of super league. What makes class “AA” so interesting is that they have teams that are elite on a national level (and could compete against class “A” teams) but are not too heavy on postgraduates. The result is that teams like Tilton and Saint Mark’s are comprised of local studs who have played together for multiple years. This preview of class “AA” will be inherently flawed because there will continue to be prep transfers that will be announced later in the summer.

“The Favorites”

Tilton
Last years champion returns pretty much the entire squad and figures to be a not only the favorite in class “AA” but also a contender for the national title. Tilton is strengthened by the fact that their core nucleus also plays together during the summer as well. 

Frontcourt

The team is lead in the frontcourt by Georges Niang (2012). The Methuen Mass native, and recent Iowa state commit, is a load on interior. Niang uses his frame to carve our space, while using his uncanny ability to finish in order to be extremely productive. Niang also has a developing skill set on the perimeter both as a passer and shooter. Although his ceiling might not be as high as others on his team, Niang is as productive as it gets on the high school level. Although Niang is the elder statesmen for Tilton Nerlens Noel (2013) is the headliner in the frontcourt. The 6’10 Noel is ranked 3rd by ESPN in his class and is the best defensive big man New England has seen since Marcus Camby. Noel combines height, length, movement, and timing to be the best defensive player in the country regardless of class. In addition to his defensive prowess, Noel also has a developing offensive game relying on a solid baby hook and great passing. Aside from Niang and Noel, Tilton has another promising frontcourt player in Goodluck Okonoboh (2013). Okonoboh (2013) is ranked 32nd in his class by ESPN. The scary thing is that the 6’8 Massachusetts native doesn’t even start! At this point in his career Okonoboh is more of a development prospect, but is still formidable as a shot blocker and electric finisher.

Backcourt

In the backcourt, Tilton is lead by Wayne Selden (2014). The 6’4 Selden is built more like a running back than a wing. The fact that he was only a freshmen last year scares me, and everyone who watched him last year. Ranked 7th in his class by ESPN, Selden uses his strength and explosive athleticism to get to the rim and finish. Selden also is efficient shooting the ball from deep although his shot mechanics need some work. Flanking Selden on the wing is Dominique Bull (2012). The 6’3 wing, and one time URI commit is ranked 17th in New England by the New England Recruiting report (NERR). Bull serves as the teams defensive stopper on the perimeter while also providing some scoring in stretches. At this point, the one area where Tilton is lacking as at the point guard position. Last years starter, Aaron Law is off to Iowa State. It would not be suprising if Tilton brought in a Postgraduate to fill that void.

Saint Marks

Tilton’s biggest competition for the class “AA” crown will be the lions of Saint Mark’s. Last year, Saint Mark’s played Tilton close in the finals until letting the game slip away in the second half. This years Saint Mark’s team is loaded with talent and experience. It would not be suprising if the lions ended up taking Tilton down in “AA” while also making it to the national championship. 

Frontcourt

Saint Mark’s is lead up front by 7’0 center Kaleb Tarczewski (2012). Ranked 9th by ESPN, Tarczewski is as good of a center prospect as there is in the country. He uses his height, great hands, and extraordinary mobility to dominate the post. The best part about Tarczewski is that he plays with a edge. Unlike many AAU baby big men with high rankings, Tarczewski never takes plays off or refuses to do dirty work in the post. Starting next to Tarczewski will be Jarred Reuter (2014). ranked 3rd in New England by NERR, the 6’8 Reuter has the long term potential to be a top 100 player. Although he missed all of last year with an injury, Reuter has quickly established himself as an elite player this summer, recently receiving an offer from Indiana. Weighing close to 250 pounds, Reuter uses his wide body and relentless motor to be a force in the post. Spelling Tarczewski and Reuter will be two freshmen, Aaron Falzon (2015) and Aaron Mclean (2015). The 6’6 Falzon will be reclassifying after spending last year at Newton North. He is ranked 8th in New England by NERR and will be an effective stretch four. The 6’5 Mclean will be more of a development prospect, but has a high ceiling.

Backcourt

The Saint Mark’s backcourt is incredibly deep and talented. The group will be lead by two Canadians, Nik Stauskas (2012) and Kevin Zabo (2014). The 6’6 Stauskas recently committed to Michigan and is ranked 100th by ESPN. This ranking should go up soon, however, due to a strong start to his strong start to the summer. Originally known as only a shooter, Stauskas has shown the country how effective of a slasher and athlete he has turned into. Last year, he was Saint Mark’s most effective offensive player. The 6’2 Zabo is ranked 21st in the country by ESPN and might be the top lead guard in his class. Zabo recently starred on the Canadian U-16 team where he showed his uncanny decision making ability as well as his developing stroke from outside. Alongside Stauskas and Zabo are three seniors who all have next level ability. Eric Green (2012) uses his 6’5 frame and elite athleticism to be one of the most impressive defenders in the country. It will be interesting which division I program gets Green because they will be receiving a steal. Jaymie Spears (2012) will back up Zabo at the point. Spears is a top level football player as well and is receiving interest in both sports at the division I level. Eli Lubick (2012), a onetime Colgate commitment, is a lights out shooter, great decision maker, and tough as nails.

Contenders

Wilbraham and Monson
Last year the Wilbraham and Monson (W&M) came into the season with high expectations. Lead by an inside duo of UCONN commit Enosh Wolf and Kansas commit Braedon Anderson, W&M looked to be one of the favorites in “AA”. Unfortunately, Wolf joined UCONN mid-season and the rest of the team failed to jell resulting in W&M missing the playoffs. This years team will be equally talented and hopes to live up to expectations this time around. This is one program which will announce more impact new comers after this article is published so look out for W&M.

Backcourt

The strength of W&M is in their backcourt. Jaylen Brantley (2013) is ranked 10th by NERR, and is underrated nationally. Brantley is a diminutive, scoring point guard who is a lights out shooter as well as a dynamic penatrator. His offensive prowess has been on full display this summer, recently leading BABC’s attack on the summer circuit. Joining Brantley is highly regarding Kris Dunn (2012). Dunn is currently ranked 48th by ESPN. The 6’2 combo guard is a dynamic athlete who has exploded this spring and summer. Dunn lead New London (CT) high school to a state championship last year and figures to bring that winning attitude to W&M this year. Joing Brantley and Dunn in the backcourt is Kamali Bey (2013). The 6’3 Bey is a powerful guard who was a top ranked prospect in New England before going down with a season ending injury last year. If Bey can return to form, W&M will have as talented a backcourt as there is in the region. Robinson Vilmont (2012) provides excellent depth at point guard. The 5’9 Massachusetts native is well known in the region for his scoring during his career in the public school leagues.

Frontcourt

Where W&M are thin is in the front court. This is an area where I expect them to bring in postgraduates or reclassifying underclassmen. Although they are thin up front, W&M have two returning players who have shown some promise. K.J Baptiste (2013) is undersized for powerforward (6’4) in class “AA”, but is highly skilled and has been productive over the summer. Joey O’Connell (2014) is an incredibly skilled 6’5 combo forward. O’Connell has spent the summer as part of BABC’s national championship winning U16 team. With a year at W&M under his belt, it looks like he will be ready for a breakout year.

Hotchkiss
Last year, Hotchkiss came close to knocking off Saint Mark’s in the first round of the playoffs. Although they lose Derick Wilson to Marquette, Hotchkiss still returns some high level talent to compete for the class “AA” crown.

Frontcourt The highest rated player for Hotchkiss is 7’0 center Mike Tobey (2012). A recent University of Virgina commit, Tobey is ranked 83rd by ESPN. The New Jersey native is highly skilled for his height, with range out to the three point line. He also is increasingly coordinated, making him extremely formidable at the high school level. All that is left for Tobey is to fill out in order to do battle in the trenches. Christopher Campbell (2013) is a solid 6’6 forward who is ranked 8th in Connecticut by NERR. Campbell gives Hotchkiss another skilled big man who can shoot, pass, and dribble. With Tobey and Campbell Hotchkiss will have the size and skill up front to compete the the frontlines of Tilton and Saint Marks.

Backcourt

The backcourt will be lead by Clyde Smith (2012). The 6’2 combo guard is ranked 14th in New England and a three star prospect nationally. At this stage in his career Smith plays more off ball but can play point guard if the team is in a pinch. He is a fantastic scorer both going to the basket and shooting from deep. This summer, Smith has been able to hone his craft by competing with some of the best, including an invitation to the Pagos all-american camp. Joining Smith in the backcourt will be Makai Mason (2014). Mason will have to replace Deric Wilson at the point, but should be able to do admirably. Ranked as a two star by ESPN, Mason was a third team all NEPSAC last year and is known for his tight handle and long range shooting. The rest of the Hotchkiss roster could be filled out with a postgraduate or two to add to depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt.

Don’t Count them out
Saint Andrews
Saint Andrews has taken a step back in recent years. Since their back to back class “B” titles in 06-07 the Saints have slipped to middle of the pack. Last years team made it to the class “AA” semifinals behind league MVP and Mcdonalds all-american Michael Carter-Williams. Now that Carter-Williams has taken his game to Syracuse, Saint Andrews will look for a more balanced approach as it seeks another playoff berth.

Frontcourt

The strength of Saint Andrews will be up front. The saints will have a versatile and athletic group of combo forwards. Leading the charge will be Cedric Kuakumensah (2012). The athletic 6’9 forward is the number 1 rated player in Rhode Island as well as being placed on the national recruiting radar. Kuakumensah was primarily a defensive stopper for last years team, but has been developing a more advanced offensive game this summer. Joining Kuakumensah will be Bonzie Colson (2014). Colson is a developing 6’5 forward who is the best player in Rhode Island for his class, and after a summer with national champion BABC will undoubtedly be on the national radar. Colson is highly skilled but can also play on the block. Kalusha Ndoumbe Ngollo (2012) is the 3rd ranked player in Rhode Island and at 6’8 possesses another active big body that Saint Andrews can throw out their.

Backcourt

In the backcourt Saint Andrews is unproven but talented. Tom Garrick (2012) is the 8th ranked player in Rhode Island who is an excellent three point shooter on the wing. Anther wing is Edson Dascy (2014)  who is the younger brother of Youri Dascy who was a division II scholarship player two years ago. Edson Dascy is more of a development prospect who will need to contribute fast this year. Another returner will be Josh DiPietro (2013) who was injured last year but will vie for playing time in the upcoming season.

Other Potential Playoff Teams
Vermont Academy- Martin Dixon Green and Daquein McNeil are talented guards that will keep Vermont in games with almost anyone
Cushing- Andrew Chrabascz is elite and Idris Taqqee as a young talent at guard
Marianapolis- Traditional contender loses a bunch but returns some young talent lead by Bobby Ahearn.
Lawrence Academy- Never count out Lawrence, especially with a lead guard like Johnnie Vassar.
Worcester Academy- A former class “A” school, Worcester will probably be well stocked with high quality postgraduates.
Brimmer and May- John Powell and Jake Fay lead a talented but unproven squad

Top Players in Class “AA”

Class of 2012
Kaleb Tarczewski, 7’0 Saint Marks- 9th in the Country ESPN
Kris Dunn , 6’2 Wilbraham and Monson- 48th in the Country ESPN
Mike Tobey, 6’11 Hotchkiss- 83rd in the Country ESPN
Nik Stauskas, 6’6 Saint Marks- 100th in the Country ESPN
Georges Niang, 6’7 Tilton- 147th in the Country Rivals
Clyde Smith, 6’2 Hotchkiss- 14th in New England NERR (32nd PG ESPN)
Dominique Bull, 6’3 Tilton- 17th in New England NERR (85th SG ESPN)
Martin Dixon-Green, 6’3 Vermont Academy- 23rd in New England NERR (60th SG ESPN)
Jaymie Spears, 5’9- 139th PG ESPN



Class of 2013
Nerlens Noel, 6’11 Tilton- 3rd in the Country ESPN
Goodluck Okonoboh, 6’8 Tilton- 32nd in the Country ESPN
Daquein McNeil, 6’3 Vermont Academy- 90th in the Country ESPN
Jaylen Brantley, 5’10 Wilbraham and Monson- 10th in New England NERR (51st PG ESPN)
Andrew Chrabascz, 6’6 Cushing- 11th in New England NERR (66th PF ESPN)
John Powell, 6’7 Brimmer and May- 17th in New England NERR
Jake Fay, 6’5 Brimmer and May- 18th in New England NERR

Class of 2014
Wayne Selden, 6’4 Tilton- 7th in the Country ESPN
Kevin Zabo, 6’2 Saint Marks- 21st in the Country ESPN
Johnnie Vassar, 6’0 Lawrence Academy- 27th in the Country ESPN
Jarred Reuter, 6’8 Saint Marks- 69th in the Country ESPN
Makai Mason, 5’10 Hotchiss- 33rd PG ESPN