Class A Coming Down to Wire

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Monday, February 18th, 2008

With 10 teams in the conference, no more than 8 advance to the post-season.  In order to be eligible for the post-season a team most have an overall record of .500 or better.  Seeding for the tournament is decided by the league’s coaches who take into account overall record, conference record, strength of schedule, and other similar factors. 

Currently, only 6 teams can feel confident about their place in the tournament with another 3 battling for the final 2 spots.  Here is a break-down of where everyone stands. 

Brewster Academy, 26-3 overall, 13-1 NEPSAC – They have been the league’s top team all season long and enter the tournament as the unquestioned #1 seed.  Defeating Winchendon and South Kent last weekend en route to winning the New Hampton Tournament only solidifies their spot as the team to beat.  If they play well down the stretch they have an opportunity to not only win the NEPSAC crown but also contend for the National Championship. 

Winchendon, 18-10 overall, 9-3 NEPSAC – After playing one of the toughest schedules in the country and coming up with several big wins, including two over Notre Dame Prep, Winchendon could enter the tournament with a seeding as high as #2.  The big question (no pun intended) is will John Riek recover from his twisted knee in time to play in the NEPSAC tournament.  If he does, look for them to make a run and consequently challenge for a spot at the National Championships.

St. Thomas More, 21-9 overall, 7-4 NEPSAC – St. Thomas More is definitely in the NEPSAC tournament and hopes to play their way into the National Championship field as well.  Devin Ebanks n’company will likely fall somewhere in the top three next Wednesday and should be one of the biggest obstacles in Brewster’s path. 

Northfield Mount Hermon, 17-9 overall, 3-6 NEPSAC – They have already qualified for the NEPSAC tournament, despite struggling recently in conference match-ups.  Their win over St. Thomas More showed when Mike Marra gets hot he can carry them to a victory on virtually any night.  

Bridgton Academy, 17-12 overall, 4-6 NEPSAC – The three time defending NEPSAC champions looked to be in danger of not making it to the post-season only a few weeks ago.  But recent wins over Notre Dame Prep, St. Thomas More, Lee Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Exeter eased those fears as the team appears to be peaking at just the right time. 

Phillips Exeter Academy, 15-4 overall, 4-2 NEPSAC – With only two games remaining against Thayer and Andover, Exeter is likely to finish with a 17-4 record.  The only question remaining is what seed will they be given in the tournament.  Regardless of who they play this is a dangerous team who can catch fire from behind the three-point line. 

South Kent, 15-15 overall, 3-5 NEPSAC:  Here is where it gets interesting.  The Cardinals have two games remaining, both at home, against MCI on Wednesday and St. Thomas More on Friday.  They need to win at least one to be eligible for the conference tournament.  But MCI is the important one as both teams are on the verge of qualifying for the tournament and MCI has already beaten South Kent this year. 

MCI, 13-12 overall, 5-8 NEPSAC:  Their conference record is a little misleading since they have lost to league best Brewster three times, Winchendon twice, and St. Thomas More twice.  Ultimately, they likely control their own destiny as they play two other bubble teams this week in South Kent and Worcester.  If they win them both they’re in the tournament. 

Worcester Academy, 13-12 overall, 4-8 NEPSAC:  Some heroics by Austin Carroll earned them a victory Saturday at Northfield Mount Hermon to keep them in contention.  They too might control their own destiny.  Their home game Wednesday vs. MCI will be critical for both teams. 

New Hampton, 10-17 overall, 4-11 NEPSAC:  New Hampton has been eliminated from post-season contention.  But say this for them, they didn’t back down from anyone or schedule any cupcakes like other people in the conference.  With wins over NMH, STM, Worcester, and Bridgton they have certainly had their moments this year.