2025 Prep Profile: Kimball Union

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025

Kimball Union is expected to be amongst the top of AA this season with a talented group of upperclassmen leading the way for the New Hampshire-based program. 

The Wildcats finished the 2024-25 as the #3 seed in the AA tournament, ultimately falling early in the postseason tournament. However, a new year is upon us, and the infusion of new talent along with the pieces already in place will make this group very competitive once again.

The Returners

Marist-commit Brandon Arnold and American-commit Merrick Smith lead the way for Coach McClure’s squad as two returners expected to hold leadership roles within the team.

Arnold, a 6’3” guard, is the most experienced player within the system in place, having spent the past three years at Kimball Union. A strong-bodied guard, Arnold’s impact is felt on both ends of the floor as he plays tough, competitive defense that sets the tone for the team. His ability to run the show, making strong reads, and getting his own buckets will be pivotal for the team offensively.

Smith, a 6’10” Maine native, has really come into his own over the past 12 months and looks to be among the top big men in AA this winter. His post-play has consistently improved, led by his soft hands to catch entry passes and make shots around the basket. He will be a threat to score inside whenever he’s on the floor. 

The Newcomers

Hudson Scroggins headlines the impressive wealth of talent joining the team this season as the Illinois native pledged his future to Valparaiso within the past few months. A 6’7” versatile forward, Scroggins’ scoring prowess is felt at multiple levels as he has polished interior footwork, as well as floor spacing to hit outside shots.

Zach Romich is the next up in a long line of Romichs who have taken their talents to the collegiate level. A 6’3” guard, Zach can really fill it up as an outside shooting threat with a consistent form and the versatility to score it in multiple ways. He makes smart plays as a distributor and limits mistakes when he’s on the court.

The “Flyin' Hawaiian” Noah Limbago was a face we saw often during his time in the ZGXL last year with the Nova Cavs. He joins KUA as a postgraduate looking to bring his strong reputation in Northern Virginia up to New England. Limbago’s a strong, physically developed 6’4” wing that brings intensity to the court as he makes hard-nosed defensive plays and gets downhill with force as a slasher.

Chris Lupone joins as another face in the class of 2026 who will play a solid role within the team. A postgraduate from Lexington High, Lupone is looking to build upon his higher-academic collegiate profile this season. He can hurt a defense in multiple ways, attacking his spots and making shots efficiently.

Jacob Bayer (2027), Lennart Payne (2027), and Liam Sheard (2028), bring some youth to an older roster and will all be expected to step up when called upon.

Bayer makes his way to KUA from Bedford, Massachusetts, and will contribute as a shooting threat who makes winning plays when he’s on the floor. Payne has collegiate experience in his bloodlines, joining the team with his own high-level experience in Sweden to his name. He’s a 6’5” big guard with a strong handle and a sound scoring skillset. 

Sheard will be a name to watch over the next few years as the Central New York native brings wing size to the team, looking to continue his development in a highly competitive environment.

Defining Characteristics

With three Division I commits on the roster at three different positions, KUA can hurt opposing teams in a variety of ways. They have strong, experienced play in the backcourt, with versatile wings and forwards around them, as well as an ascending big in Merrick Smith.

As one of the older teams in AA this season, the experience and overall physical development of their current roster will be one that can really make a difference at that level.

The Bottom Line

Hungry to avenge their early exit in last year’s playoff run, the Wildcats have added talent all over the floor and will once again be expected to compete at the top of AA as the season kicks off shortly.