2025 Class A Preview Part Two

Nick Cozzolino | Saturday, January 3rd, 2026

Continuing on with our look into the NEPSAC classes, here’s a rundown on some more competitive programs at the Class A level.

BB&N: BB&N is looking to take a step forward after missing the playoffs last season. The offense is driven by Jonathan White and Idy Fall, a pair of highly athletic, three level scorers who can stretch the floor with their shooting from beyond the arc and also create off the bounce. Andrew Green and Noah Corso add more reliable perimeter shooting, giving BB&N multiple options to space the floor. The addition of freshman forward Tom Mele adds size and upside in the frontcourt, while junior guard Omer Rabbi offers another ball handling presence. Aidan Holness ’27 is a developing piece to monitor as the season progresses. BB&N has only played one Class A game so far, but it resulted in an encouraging win over Exeter as they look to build momentum in Class A play.

Choate Rosemary Hall: The Boars have consistently remained one of the more complete teams in Class A after a semifinal run last season that ended against Williston. Yale commit Brady Wooley leads the charge at center, anchoring the interior with his size and skill, while Amherst commit Hunter Stoll and Landon Green provide length, athleticism, and the ability to stretch the floor in the frontcourt. In the backcourt, Bryce Bennett and Jack Stevens control the offense with tight handles, crafty finishes, and reliable shooting. Gavin White and Wolde Simon bring valuable energy off the bench, impacting games with pesky defense and three level scoring. Choate currently sits in the middle of the pack at 3-3 in Class A, with quality wins over Taft, St. Sebastian’s, and Kent.

Deerfield Academy: Coach Connor Merrill has put together a deep and balanced roster despite missing the playoffs a season ago. The Big Green class of ‘26 has multiple college commits, including Elijah Webb (Williams), Liam Simpson (Tufts), and Henry Miles (Emory), giving them size and versatility across the lineup. Jonathan Ocasio is a dynamic guard who can score at all three levels and consistently put pressure on the rim, while Miles brings physicality and shot making on the wing. Webb and Simpson provide interior presence with skill and feel. Andrew Rivera has stepped up as the team’s leading scorer, and Jameson Stockwell add depth and other scoring options, making Deerfield difficult to defend. Although they dropped their only Class A contest so far, they enter league play riding a three game win streak over Pomfret, Newman Prep, and Lake Forest Academy.

Dexter-Southfield: Dexter plays with a clear identity built on toughness, pressure, and athleticism. After losing to Choate in the first round of last year’s playoffs, the Knights have opened Class A play at 2-1 with statement wins over Choate and Brunswick. Assumption commit Lateef Afolabi leads the way with downhill attacking ability and physical play, while Babson commit Alex Dudley  provides size and versatility on the wing. Malik Adamson brings pace, energy, and scoring punch in the backcourt, and Owen Schuller supplies shooting from the perimeter. Young pieces like Cainan Weeresinghe, Eyzaiah Grant, and Lucas Short give this group a long term upside. Dexter is at its best when turning defense into offense and playing with a consistent edge for 40 minutes.

Milton Academy: The Mustangs have transitioned smoothly from an underclass heavy group into a more experienced and balanced lineup after a first round playoff loss to Exeter last season. Devan Williams has emerged as a go to scoring guard, complemented by Ryan McLaughlin, who can score at all three levels while applying strong on ball pressure defensively. In the paint, Spencer Booth and LJ Reddicks anchor the interior with size, rim protection, and physical finishing, with Reddicks flying around the paint to disrupt shots and clean the glass. Younger contributors like Sonny Dellsanta and Daniel Nichols continue to gain valuable minutes. Milton has opened Class A play 3-1 with impressive wins over Choate, Williston, and Kent, positioning themselves as a tough matchup due to their length and balance across positions.

Nobles and Greenough School: Nobles has been one of the early surprises in Class A after missing the playoffs last season. Bowdoin commit and only senior Zach Baum anchors the group, while a wave of young scholarship level talent has quickly made an impact. Jack Mullins provides scoring and perimeter versatility, while underclassmen Adam Malima, Jack Charchaflian, Kayden Hurd, and Michael Leese give Nobles impressive depth and long term upside. The Bulldogs are off to a perfect 8-0 start in Class A, currently sitting atop the standings with notable wins over Exeter, Dexter Southfield, St. Paul’s, and Avon. A highly anticipated 1 seed versus 2 seed matchup against Thayer on January 10th will be a measure to see what this squad is capable of.

Taft School: The Rhinos are looking to find consistency after missing the playoffs last season. The Lions feature a strong frontcourt led by Medi Angyal and Isaac Spurrier, two physical bigs with great size who control the paint, play well off one another, and finish strong around the rim. Alex Saunders provides scoring punch and offensive versatility, while Ren Marchetti’s shooting ability helps space the floor and complement Taft’s interior presence. Zohar Dhaliwal is another name to watch as he continues to develop and earn a larger role. Taft currently sits at 1-3 in Class A play, with its win coming against St. Sebastian’s, and will look to build momentum as league play continues.

Thayer Academy: Thayer has emerged as one of the early contenders in Class A after missing the playoffs a year ago. The Tigers are off to a perfect 4-0 start in league play and currently sit second in the standings with wins over Suffield, Kent, Exeter, and Tabor. Brayden Buckley has quickly established himself as a scholarship level sophomore, showing comfort scoring in a variety of ways with strong finishes, a reliable pull up game, and a high basketball IQ. Michael McNamara is another main contributor whose size and skill create matchup problems on the perimeter, while Aidan McGrath is a young, scholarship level big man who supports well and plays effectively alongside McNamara. With balance, confidence, and multiple high upside contributors, Thayer has been difficult to slow down early in the season.