Is there a great team in Division III boys' basketball this season? We have three months to find out.
What is clear is that there are a lot good teams in a division that should be deeper than it was a year ago.
"You look across the division, and I see a lot of teams that can make a run in March," said Kearsarge head coach Nate Camp.
Fellow coaches agreed.
"The division was a little top-heavy last season, "said Stevens head coach Matt Dancosse. "I don't see that being the case this season."
St. Thomas is the defending champion and the favorite going into the 2024-25 season, but there are plenty of final four candidates and a surprise or two that will reveal themselves over the next eighteen games.
Today, in the fourth of our eight pre-season basketball previews, we take a look at Division III, where twenty-two teams begin the season, hoping to end up at Keene State College in March.
Our preview is brought to you by our longtime partners at NHTI in Concord!
Division III Predicted Order
1. St. Thomas
2. Kearsarge
3. Mascoma
4. Belmont
5. Gilford
6. Campbell
7. Hopkinton
8. Fall Mountain
9. Raymond
10. Conant
Lurking outside the Top 10: Newport, White Mountains, Prospect Mountain, Stevens, and Somersworth.
People will keep asking Dave Morissette about last season's championship team.
That doesn't mean he wants to talk about it…
"I loved last year's team and always will; it was a special group of kids and a great season, but it's a new season now, and this group hasn't won anything together," said the St Thomas head coach.
The Saints may have yet to accomplish much in the 2024-25 season, but an experienced backcourt and size in the front court make them the team to beat early on.
Sophomore Cole McClure, an all-state point guard and a member of the NHsportspage underclassmen team, returns bigger, better, and older than when we last saw him scoring a game-high 20 points in the championship game win over Conant.
"Cole looks great. He's grown three inches and added 20 pounds, so he won't be someone you can knock off his spot anymore," said Morissette. "He wants to be good and puts the work in to get there."
Anthony Settineri is the Saints other returning starter—a shooting guard who can knock down jumpers from deep and guard your best offensive player. "Anthony has worked hard at his game, and we are seeing the results in practice. He is a much-improved three-point shooter, and I don't think there is a better on-the-ball defender in our division."
Finley De Tolla was the team's sixth man/Glue Guy a year ago and now steps into the starting lineup in a loaded backcourt. "He's also gotten bigger and stronger. Finn is a player any coach would want on his team, and he will play a huge role for us," said Morissette.
A pair of 6'5 big men Grady Lewis and Jack Brennon will look to contribute immediately defensively and on the glass for the Saints, while 6'4" George Sorber will also get an opportunity to contribute.
"I like the development and the improvements our frontcourt has made, even over the first two weeks of practices," said Morissette.
"You can't replace players like Will Mollica (the NHsportspage Player of the Year now playing at Plymouth State) and Carson Couperthwait overnight; it's about improving and producing more as the season goes along. I like what I'm seeing every day."
Joe Mollica, Kaveesh Sharma, Ryan Allard, and Grant Baker are all expected to play key roles for a Saints team that hopes to be the last team standing again in March.
"We are getting better by the week. This is a tough division, and one that might even be deeper, as far as the number of good teams is concerned, than it was last season," said Morissette.
"The kids love to compete, and they are excited to get started."
The Kearsarge Cougars were the surprise team of the 2023-24 season in Division III, improving from 4-14 to 15-3 in twelve months.
The Cougars aren't sneaking up on anyone this season, but they still feel like they have unfinished business after a close semifinal loss to Conant.
"We had a great season, and there were so many positives you could take out of what that group accomplished," said head coach Nate Camp. " At the same time, there is still the disappointment of not making it to the final game, and much of the work and effort over the off-season is driving towards that goal."
Three starters return, led by all-state point guard Noah Whipple, who averaged 18.4 points per game after missing his entire sophomore season due to a leg injury. "His leadership is what sets him apart," said Camp. "He has a drive to continue to improve and not rest on what he accomplished last season."
"His focus has been on being one of the best defensive players in the division, which makes him a complete player."
Younger brother Eli Whipple looks poised for a breakout season at point guard. "He just looks smooth with the ball in his hands," said Camp. "He has improved his ability to knock down jumpers and always gets his teammates involved in the offense."
Austin Needham, who was second on the team in scoring a year ago, will join him in the backcourt. "Austin has always been a good shooter, but his game has become more well-rounded," said Camp. "He is going to help us in a lot of different ways."
Ajay Tremblay returns to the rotation with juniors Bragen Kinzer and Davin Boehle, a forward who can rebound, step out on the perimeter, and knock down shots.
"We have players like Ajay and Bragen whose older brothers played here, so it's almost like they have grown up in the program," said Camp. "They want to do something special now that it's their time."
Liam Miller, Mason Christenson, and Blake LaMothe will all have an opportunity to contribute immediately to a team capable of being the last team standing.
"This group is really hungry to get back to the top of the division," said Camp. "We have a tough schedule, and there are a lot of good teams to go through, so it's about focusing on the little things and taking it day by day. If we do that, we can play our best basketball in the tournament."
The Mascoma Royals were 17-1 and trailed St Thomas by only six points at the half of their semifinal game before the wheels came off in the second half of a nineteen-point loss to the eventual champions.
Nine months later, Silas Ayres's team looks poised for another run after a championship game appearance in 2022 and last season’s final-four run.
“We had a successful season, but we need to learn to deal with adversity better than last season,” said Ayres. “ Once it began to get away from us in the third quarter, we just did not respond well.”
“ It’s a new season, and we had a really good summer,” said Ayres. “there’s been a lot of enthusiasm every day in practice.”
6’3 all-state forward Tanner Moulton returns after leading the team in scoring a year ago at 13.7 ppg. He is joined in the starting lineup by fellow all-state performer Brayden Pierce.
“ Tanner has taken on the senior leadership role,” said Ayres. “ We need him to score, and we know he will produce, but I see him having a huge impact on the defensive end as well.”
Pierce is as good a shooter as there is in the division when he gets it going. For the junior shooting guard, it is about consistency and taking a step forward after a good sophomore season.
“ Brayden is an excellent shooter,” said Ayres. “ He’s matured, and I’m excited about his potential as a player.”
Bryce Ballou takes over as point guard for the Royals and has the full confidence of his head coach. “ Bryce could have and maybe should have played more minutes for us, particularly in the tournament,” said Ayres. “He is ready to make an impact from day one and brings a lot of energy to our defense.”
6’5 Colin Meyers returns to the starting lineup and is expected to make a significant impact this season. “ Colin is coming off a good football season (the Royals won the Division IV title), and he seems to live in the weight room,” said Ayres.
“ We want him focused on the glass because he can easily score six to eight points a night just by being a beast on the offensive glass.”
Senior forward Brody Goulette will be joining him upfront, coming off a terrific football season for the Division IV champs. “ Brody probably had the best summer, as far as his development, of anyone in the program,” said Ayres. “ I’m excited about the season he will have for us.”
Brothers Connor & Aidan Hemmerling will both have a chance to contribute immediately, along with senior guard Marshall Yorke.
“ Chemistry is going to be a big focus with this group because if we come together as a group, then we can compete with anyone in the division,” said Ayres.
“ We are not as deep as we were a year ago, but we have a good core group, and they have come into the season focused and working hard.”
The Belmont boys' basketball team has not reached a final four since the Richard Nixon administration, but with the best frontcourt in the division and a talented newcomer in the backcourt, they're a good bet to change that.
"We played a ton of basketball over the off-season, through the summer, and in the Nashua fall league," said head coach Tony Martinez. "We gained valuable experience for our starters and role players."
The Red Raiders boast a 6'6, 6'5, and 6'3 frontline, and each is an all-state player in other sports. "Anakin (Underhill) is a phenomenal baseball pitcher, and Keegan (Martinez) is coming off a soccer season where he was a captain and named all-state," said Martinez. "That brings with it a lot of confidence."
Martinez is coming off a junior season in which he averaged 17.8 points per game and has expanded his range over the off-season. "He has become a three-tier scorer," said his coach/father. "He has also stepped up as a vocal leader for us."
Anakin Underhill averaged 11.0 ppg last season and flashed his vast potential in scoring 36 points in playoff games against Fall Mountain and St Thomas (where he scored a team-high 20 points).
"He has impressed me with his effort and attitude," said Martinez. "He's a monster in the post. When he turns and goes at the rim, very few players in our division can stop him."
"His greatest strength may be as a shot blocker and rebounder."
6'3 sophomore Brody Ennis broke into the lineup early in his freshmen year and is a year older, wiser, and even stronger. "He works extremely hard, and you see the results on the floor every day at practice," said Martinez. "He's going to be an all-state player in this program."
Joining the team is dynamic point guard Treshawn Ray, who averaged 10 points in nine games for Belmont during the 2022-23 season.
If Ray is back for the season, he will give the Red Raiders one of the best playmakers in the division. "When he is locked in, I don't see a better point guard in the division," said Martinez. "He is elite as far as his speed and ability to handle the ball."
Brady Thurber is a good outside shooter who will space the floor and contribute immediately. He will be joined in the rotation by Michael Collette, one of the team's best on-the-ball defenders, and point guard Wyatt Carroll, who has done a good job running the offense when called upon.
Sophomore Jack Binder saw minutes in the quarterfinal loss to St Thomas and is expected to contribute immediately.
"Our goals are about getting better every day, winning the next game, and not getting caught looking ahead," said Martinez. "We know teams will be gunning for us, and we need to be ready to match that intensity."
"The guys are fired up to get started."
The 2023-24 season felt like one of starts and stops for a Gilford Golden Eagles team that had advanced to four straight titles and won three straight (the 2020 final was canceled).
Rick Acquilano's team started 6-2 before a four-game losing streak that came against three teams that would finish in the top five of the final standings.
The Golden Eagles then lost their second-leading scorer, sophomore Henry Sleeper, for the season in February.
They pulled off a last-second playoff win at Campbell before finally relinquishing their title at Conant, going down fighting in a seven-point quarterfinal loss.
Nine months later, Acquilano still needs to figure out what his team will become; he only knows he likes the pieces he has to work with.
"We have a collection of good players with specific skills that can help us win games. We have to see it come together, which will take time," said Acquilano, who will serve as the NHsportspage Senior Team head coach in March.
"We have depth, which has created good competition for roles in practice."
Henry Sleeper is back, just not quite yet.
The now junior forward will start practicing this week but may only be cleared to play in a game after the holidays. "He's been working on drills and shooting the ball well; it's about getting him in game shape and back on the floor with us," said Acquilano.
Brendan Baldi is a four-year starter who has seen it all and leads by example. "Brendan has played and delivered on the biggest stage," said Acquilano. "He looks quicker and more decisive with the ball and has added to his shooting range."
6'3 Cooper Perkins may be a breakout player for the Golden Eagles, a big who can bang on the low block with any player in the division and get by you to the rim when he needs to.
"He is so strong for us in the paint," said Acquilano. "When the game slows down for him, he can be a force. He will be a big part of our success this season."
Mark Uicker was the team's third-leading scorer last season and the quarterback this fall. "Mark has a knack for scoring; he seems to find all the angles," said Acquilano.
Bigs Emmett Hughes (6'4) and Ryan Folan (6'5) will provide defense and rebounding in the paint. "Emmett has a chance to make a big impact, and we have confidence in both players."
Brothers Carter and Jackson Gelo return to the rotation, while a pair of talented freshmen are already pushing for big minutes in the pre-season.
Andrew Kelly, a 6'0 forward, and Owen Hawkins, a talented point guard, have impressed their new head coach in practice.
"They are two very good athletes who love to play the game," said Acquilano. "They are learning, but when they're at the level they need to get to, they're going to have a chance to play."
"We don't have what I would call a vocal leader, but a lot of players who can help you win. We need to find our identity, and I'm sure we will over the season."
"It's a fun group to work with and a group with potential."
The Campbell Cougars return just three rotation players from last season’s 10-7 tournament team, but a good core of underclassmen and a key addition in the backcourt should have them competing for a final-four berth once again.
“ I really like this group a lot, and there is a ton of potential in the team,” said head coach Justin DiBenedetto. “ We don’t have a lot of size, but this is a coachable group with talent.”
Senior guard Logan Rice led the team in scoring a year ago and looks poised to make an even bigger impact this season. “ I can’t think of too many players in the division better than he is,” said DiBenedetto. “ He is the most coachable player I’ve ever coached. All he wants to do is work to improve his game, and he leads by example.”
Jack Breton is a three-year starter at forward. “ Jack is a tough kid and has really improved his defense. He is an underrated passer who can also knock down shots for us,” said DiBenedetto.
Cayden DeLeon will take over at point guard after being a rotation player at Division I Salem last season. “ He has changed the outlook of this team,” said his new head coach. “ Cayden played for us in the fall league, and you could see right away that he is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.”
Matthew Haley returns to the rotation after being a key contributor off the bench last season, when he averaged 6.1 ppg. “ Matthew gives us depth in the backcourt, and we have confidence in him playing with the ball or on the wing,” said DiBenedetto.
6’5 Bronson LeDuc is expected to contribute immediately along with Jayden Medina, Jareon Rafause, and all-state soccer standout Luke Delia. “ Luke is new to the game, but he is such a terrific athlete. He’s going to help us, especially in transition.”
“ This group is coming together very well in the pre-season,” said DiBenedetto. “ We have set a good tone as far as our effort. We’re excited to get started.”
Former all-state guard Liam McNicholas takes over at his alma mater, Hopkinton, after serving as the team's JV coach under Matt Miller.
With an experienced roster including seven seniors, the Hawks will return to the final four mix again this winter. "We are returning ten guys, and we are a deeper team than we were a year ago," said McNicholas.
"How the rotation shakes out and who plays where will be determined as the season gets going, but all this depth is a good problem to have."
All-state point guard Noah Aframe might be the best on-ball defender in the division. His ability to run the Hawk's offense makes sure everyone is involved. "He is as hard a worker as anyone I've coached and focuses on getting everyone involved," said McNicholas. "I also expect him to score more than he did a year ago."
6'3 forward Will Chehade returns to the rotation after averaging six points per game last season and will immediately step into a more significant role. "Will has been a leader for us," said McNicholas. "We can score for us; all he needs is more experience."
6'5 Kristof Cauley, who averaged nine points a game last season, can play in the post or on the wing, while the addition of Chase Lawler, who played last year at Division I Concord, adds to an already talented group of guards.
"Chase is probably our most skilled guard. You can see that playing at a faster pace in Division I last year will benefit him this season," said McNicholas. "He is a very good ball-handler, and once he finds his role, he is going to make an immediate impact for us."
Jackson Westover is a tough player on the low block, while McNicholas has been very impressed with newcomer Tommy Dwyer. "He's going to be a good one for us."
Depth and experience will be provided by seniors Tommy Rubinstein, Deacon Tanuvasa, and Brayden Crawford.
"I'm really excited about this group and the opportunity to coach them," said McNicholas. "There is something special about being the head coach at your alma mater. We are all excited to get started."
With four starters returning from a 9-9 team, the Fall Mountain Wildcats are looking to get back to the tournament and make a little noise once they arrive.
"We want to be a team that is there in the end," said head coach Nate Haskell. "We talk about putting the work in every day at practice to go as far as we can in March."
Luke St. Pierre led the team in scoring last season at 10.4 ppg and flashed his potential in a 31-point effort against Mascoma in January. "Luke does it all for us," said Haskell. "He has all the tools and has worked to become a player who can score at all three levels."
6'5 Josh Town averaged five points a game last season and is expected to play an even more significant role for the Wildcats this winter. "Josh has worked hard to improve his game," said Haskell. "We have several good options at the forward spot."
Ledger Willet was second on the team in scoring and may be the team's best rebounder. "His defense has improved, and his ability to rebound is going to be critical for us," said Haskell.
They will be joined up front by fellow returning starter Tyson Patch at power forward. "Tyson is someone who loves to compete and will be matched against the other team's best center or forward," said Haskell.
Zach Hearne is one of the team's most improved players and will be joined by point guard Evan Parker in the rotation. "We have a lot of confidence in our guard play," said Haskell.
Quarterback Max Wyman joins the team and will add frontcourt depth along with 6'6 Lennon Doescher.
"It's been thirty years since Fall Mountain basketball has been to a championship game. When you look up at the banners, as far as basketball, there aren't many there," joked Haskell.
"We want to have the kind of season people remember, and we are going to work hard in practice every day to try to accomplish that goal."
The Raymond Rams advanced to the playoffs behind their all-state point guard, Drezell Duffaut, who led Division III in scoring at 23.2 points per game.
The Rams look like a sure bet to return to the tournament, but can they make a run once they get there?
"We have four starters back and had a very good summer playing together," said third-year head coach Jim Gallagher. "This is a group with goals beyond just making the tournament."
Duffaut gives the Rams a player-of-the-year candidate and a closer in the deciding minutes of the fourth quarter. "We have talked about what's important this season, and it's winning," said Gallagher. "Winning the scoring title was a great accomplishment, but Dre wants to lead this group to the final four. That's the focus."
Caden Claytor does a little of everything for Raymond ("He's set to have a big season for us," said Gallagher) and will be joined in the lineup by Logan Brien, who might be the team's best defensive player. "Logan will be out to start the season, but he will make an immediate impact when we get him back in January," said Gallagher.
6'5 "Adam York, who worked to improve his game over the summer, will provide rebounding and rim protection in the post, while Jacobi Cumberbatch will run the point when the Rams want to play Duffaut off the ball.
"Our offense has always been there. It's on defense where we need to work to improve," said Galagher.
Jaiden St. Jean returns to the rotation and will have the opportunity to contribute immediately, along with Cam Morrill, Jack Jewett, and Tyler Brooks.
"This group has played a lot of basketball together, and they have looked forward to the opportunity to compete this season," said Gallagher. "They are excited to get started."
Jimmy Peard won championships as an all-state player for Conant and sat next to Eric Saucier as the longtime Orioles head coach won titles.
All of which means the new Conant head coach isn't about to install a soft zone and order his players to huck up the first three-point look they get.
"If it ain't broke.. don't fix it," joked Peard. "I have my ways of doing things as a coach, but this is a great system, and we will continue to play a motion offense and win with our man-to-man defense."
The Orioles return two starters from last year's runner-up team and will focus on pressure defense and balanced scoring. "We are very small, almost across the board," said the 6'4 head coach. "We have tough kids who play hard, and that is how we will survive on the boards."
Jared Nagle returns after he led the team in scoring last season, averaging 13.1 ppg as a junior. "When he is on, he shoots it as well as any player in our division," said Peard. "He steps into more of a leadership role for us this year, and we will look to him to help us in a number of ways."
Ben Sawyer is one of the best defenders in the division ("He's going to get the assignment against the other team's best guard," said Peard. "I have that level of confidence in him.”) and will be joined in the lineup by 6'4 Dylan Adams.
"Dylan gives us rebounding and a glue guy who does whatever you ask of him," said Peard.
Dre Seppala is another returning rotation player who fits the Conant mold: hard-working, quick, and coachable. "This is a very hard-working group. I couldn't be happier with the attitude they bring to practice every day," said Peard.
Peard calls Hunter Schultz a rebounding magnet at the guard spot ("He's someone we can put at the front or the back of our press," said Peard) while Kaiden Charron gives the Orioles a dependable glue guy.
"I love the effort of this group, and I know we will improve, but I worry about our lack of size against the top teams in the division," said Peard. "Our focus will be on being the best defensive team we can and improving every week."
The Newport Tigers could be the surprise team in the Division, with four of five starters returning from an 8-10 tournament team last season.
Aaron Fellows, last seen quarterbacking the football team, is coming off an all-state season while Christian Forsythe joins him at the forward spot.
We contacted the coach for this preview but did not hear back in time.
The White Mountains Spartans have not only been a perennial tournament team but have also consistently won games when they arrive.
The Spartans advanced to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in seven seasons last year before dropping a heartbreaker at Mascoma 62-59.
Eli Vincent's team has reloaded, but if they win a playoff game for the sixth time in eight years, they'll do it with a lot of new faces. "We lost seven seniors off our team, and a lot of our size and length went with it," joked Vincent.
"We have some key players back and several others that could have gotten more minutes last season but were stuck behind seniors. So, I have confidence in this team. It just may take time to come together," said Vincent.
Aiden Whipple scored 17 points in the loss at Mascoma and returned to the starting lineup after averaging eight points a game last season. "Aiden is very quick; he's a terrific athlete," said Vincent. "I'm expecting big things from him this season."
Sophomore Kasen Smith looks poised for a breakout season after averaging 10.3 ppg as a freshman.
"Kasen has first-team all-state potential," said Vincent. "He did a good job working his way into the lineup last season. This season, we will look to him to score. His ability to get to the rim is up there with any player in the division."
George Welch will join the rotation at point guard and play alongside Deagan Stover, Carson Mallet, and Shane Farrell.
Newcomer Tommaso Paluello, a foreign exchange student, will join them. "He's been a nice addition to the team," said Vincent.
"We are going to play at a faster pace. Our guards have that ability, and we lack size," said Vincent. "Like a lot of teams right now, we are a work in progress, but I have a lot of confidence in the team we can become once we come together."
With four senior starters back, the Prospect Mountain Timberwolves are a good bet to make their first tournament appearance in a decade. “ This is a senior-heavy roster focused on getting to the tournament and maybe even earning a home game,” said head coach Tyler Somers.
Joe Deane averaged 7.3 ppg last season but looks poised for a breakout season for the Timberwolves. “ He’s worked hard to improve his range and ability to get to the rim,” said Somers. “He has a lot of confidence coming into the season, and I’ve given him the green light. I know what he’s capable of.”
Jacob Luscomb led the team in scoring last season, providing scoring and rebounding from the forward spot. “ Jacob is a tough kid who gives you a ton of effort,” said Somers. He plays a vital role for us.”
Shaun MCaneny will run the offense (“He’s a good, really efficient point guard who is also good on-the-ball defensive player,” said Somers) alongside returning starter TJ Locke, one of the team’s best defenders.
Wyatt Varney is another senior—eight on the roster—expected to contribute immediately, while freshman Colby Whitehouse will get his opportunity immediately. “Colby is going to be a good one,” said Somers. He just needs varsity experience.”
Newcomer Trey Everett, who comes over from Concord high, has played well in the pre-season and is expected to contribute immediately.
“ With the rotation players we have, we will be able to switch on defense, and the communication between this group is very good on the floor,” said Somers.
“ It’s been a long time since Prospect Mountain has been in the tournament, and we want to be the team that changes that.”
The Stevens Cardinals made the tournament under first-year head coach Matt Dancosse and then threatened to stay around past their checkout date once they arrived.
The Cardinals took fourth-seeded Kearsarge to the wire in a game we covered before losing to the eventual final-four team 47-41.
Nine months later, Dancosse has a young roster but the same goal.
"We want to build off of that effort," said Dancosse. "We have three seniors on the roster and a good young core. What we look like in December shouldn't resemble the team we are in February."
Jacob Davis averaged seven points a game last season but doubled that with a 14-point effort in the playoff game against Kearsarge. "Jacob is going to have a good season for us," said Dancosse. "He loves the game and has a high basketball IQ."
Nevin Marsh's ability to knock down shots should provide floor spacing, while Cullen Neathawk will provide rebounding and defense in the low post.
A young backcourt will have the chance to shine as Owen Wilkinson and Jacoby Roberts are expected to contribute immediately as sophomores.
"Owen looks poised to have a breakout season for us," said Dancosse. "He is an elite golfer and an outstanding athlete. He loves to compete, and we look very good as a team when he gets us going. We'll go as he goes."
"Jacoby is the biggest surprise coming into the season. He has improved by leaps and bounds to the point where we will look to get the ball in his hands this season."
Justin McQuire and Oliver Stone are another pair of underclassmen expected to step into more significant roles for the Cardinals.
"The sophomores have a bright future, and I'm excited about their development, but it still takes time to become a complete player," said Dancosse. "We focus on the day-to-day. We have a tough schedule and a goal of returning in the pre-season."
"I thought we rose to the occasion when we went to Kearsarge, and the hope is we will again be playing our best basketball of the season when it matters the most."
The Somersworth Hilltoppers will look to flip the script after a 2-14 season a year ago.
First-year head coach Jeff Gregoire inherits a talented group looking to reestablish itself among the best programs in the division—a neighborhood the Hilltoppers resided in from 2009 to 2020.
"The kids feel like they have something to prove," said Gregoire. "They have been incredibly receptive to coaching and are doing the work. I couldn't be happier with this group early on."
Alex Brown returns to the lineup. "He is a proven scorer and certainly someone we are going to lean on," said Gregoire. "He is going to have the ball in his hands, and we'll look to him as one of our leaders."
He will be joined in the rotation by brother Cameron and junior guard Jackson Gregoire.
"Jackson does all the little things," said his father/coach. "He fills that all-important glue guy role."
Thomas Rees is coming off an all-state football season, and Gregoire expects to run the offense through him at the high post.
6'5 Caleb Dipietro may be the team's X-factor, a big center who can provide rebounding and rim protection. "We are working with Caleb because he has a chance to play a significant role for us."
Sophomore Jev Politton has impressed his head coach ("Jev is incredibly unselfish, and one of those players who always seems to be in the right spot," said Gregoire) and will contribute immediately.
Frankie Paradis-Collins returns to the rotation along with Jeff Bruton.
"I offered to stay around late for extra shooting, and every night, we have players who stick around to get extra shots up. I take that as a really good sign," said Gregoire.
"The focus early on has almost entirely been on defense. We need to build an identity with toughness and defense," said Gregoire. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to coach these kids. We have a lot to improve on, but I am confident in this group. We'll get there."
The Monadnock Huskies will rely on their three-man backcourt if they are to return to the postseason in 2025.
"We lack the size that we have had in the past, but we have good depth at the guard spot," said head coach Jim Hill. "We will go as they go and work to rebound and defend the paint as a team."
Koby Kidney, Tucker Johns, and Mateo Clinton can all handle the ball or play on the wing.
With point guard Liam Hart still returning from an injury suffered during football season, Hill isn't worried about defining shooting vs. point guard. "We are confident any of them will run the offense for us."
"We are a better team when Liam is running the offense, so we look forward to having him back and healthy."
6'3 Sumner Hillgod has improved over the off-season and will see time at forward. "He has a lot of potential and a bright future," said Hill. "We need rebounding so he will have an opportunity to contribute immediately."
Jack Colbert is another guard expected to step in and contribute from day one. "He is a gritty player and really has worked to improve his game," said Hill. "He just needs more varsity reps and experience."
Owen Gunrack is one of the team's most improved players and will fill the glue guy role for a Huskies team looking to return to the tournament after a one-year absence. "We have a good core group at the varsity level and a strong middle school team, so the future is bright, " says Hill.
"The focus today and every day is on getting better."
Former all-state standout Zach Swanson took over as head coach at Inter-Lakes and got a good look at his team all fall on the football field. “I think all but five of the players we have played on the football team. So now it’s about getting them into basketball shape,” joked Swanson.
The Lakers lost their leading score, Addie Kernen, to graduation but return a solid core from a team that qualified for the tournament last season.
“ We should have balanced scoring, and this group knows how to compete. You saw that during their run to the football championship game,” said Swanson, who previously served as the school’s JV coach for three seasons.
Point guard Tagel Ort gives the Lakers a floor general who takes care of the ball, gets everyone involved, and can knock down shots to spread the floor. “ He makes it easier for me as a coach with his ability to see the floor and handful pressure,” said Swanson.
Alec Adorno, who threw for over 2,000 yards as the quarterback, and Brogan Donnelly, his all-state wide receiver, will step in and contribute right away at the forward spots. “ Both are terrific athletes and have been working very hard in the pre-season,” said Swanson.
“Brogan may be the most coachable kid I’ve ever coached. He’s just a terrific athlete and a better kid.”
Jackson Downs looks poised for a breakout season (“ He looks ready to take his game to another level this season,” said Swanson) and will be joined in the rotation by forward O’Brien Murray and center Grayson Boxer.
“ Grayson is a big, strong kid who will help us on the glass,” said Swanson. “ O’Brien is one of our better defenders and another player who just loves to compete.”
All of this gives the Lakers a good shot of playing again in March.
“ We will be aggressive and come at you for 32 minutes. That’s the mantra we have had here in the pre-season,” said Swanson. “ It’s exciting for me to take over the program I played for. The support from the community has been great. We are excited to get started.”
The Winnisquam Bears are starting over after graduating all five starters from a five-win season.
"We are re-building with a good group of underclassmen and a solid mix of upperclassmen," said head coach Kevin Dame. "We just need to be patient and focus on day-to-day improvements."
Ethan Poole gives the Bears rebounding and production at the forward spot. "He's a strong kid. He's a bit undersized at forward, but he makes up for it with his effort," said Dame.
Poole will be joined in the rotation by fellow returners Justin Tardiff and Jacob Twombley in the backcourt, along with Dio Kastigiannis and Isaac Singleton in the rotation.
"With no returning starters, there has been open competition for roles and playing time," said Dame. "Dio and Isaac both played well on the JV team last season and are excited for their opportunity."
Freshman Carter Lloyd was the starting quarterback on the football team and was a standout baseball player. He will get his shot to contribute to Dame's team right away. "Carter is a very good athlete. He's going to play for us immediately."
"We don't have much size, so we are going to need to rebound as a team and create transition opportunities with our defense," said Dame. "We will have some growing pains, but I'm excited to see how we come together over the course of the season."
The Derryfield Cougars have moved up from Division IV and arrived in their new division with a lot of new faces.
“ We do not have a senior on the roster or a returning starter,” said head coach Ed Meade. “This is about building around this group over the next two to three years.”
6’4 forward Sam Fazelat will man the forward spot for the Cougars after being a rotation player last season. “ Sam has a lot of potential, and he is coming along well here in the pre-season,” said Meade. “ He has all the tools and can shoot it well.”
Nate Boudreau and Blake Moskov are underclassmen expected to contribute immediately, while Lukas Gaff will control the offense.
“ Lukas has worked hard to earn the point guard spot,” said Meade. “We have had successful and talented teams the past two seasons but lacked a true point guard. I think that sometimes hurt us, so developing Lukas, a sophomore, is key to building this team.”
Keith Townsend is an athletic guard for a team still finding its eight to nine-man rotation.
“ We are a work in progress, as you expect with a team that has not played together before,” said Meade. “ The focus and the message is to build around defense and toughness. You can build a culture around defense and be very successful.”
Pre-Season First Team All-State (*- Pre-season Player of the Year)
Cole McClure of St. Thomas *
Noah Whipple of Kearsarge
Drezell Duffaut of Raymond
Keegan Martinez of Belmont
Tanner Moulton of Mascoma
Second Team
Jared Nagle of Conant
Logan Rice of Campbell
Brayden Pierce of Mascoma
Noah Aframe of Hopkinton
Anakin Underhill of Belmont
With apologies to: Aaron Fellows & Christian Forsythe of Newport, Owen Wilkinson of Stevens, Brendan Baldi & Henry Sleeper of Gilford, Treyshawn Ray of Belmont, Anthony Settineri of St. Thomas, Kasen Smith of White Mountains, Eli Whipple & Austin Needham of Kearsarge, Caden Claytor of Raymond, Luke St. Pierre & Ledger Willett of Fall Mountain.
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