Commitment Catch Up (12/29)

Elias Benaka | Monday, December 29th, 2025

The high school basketball season is fully in swing, and there are plenty of prospects across the region who have solidified their next move following graduation. 

Here are some standout players who have committed to play college basketball at the D2 and D3 levels next season.

Patrick Ricca, St. Paul’s (NH) 

Committed to St. Lawrence University (NY)

Patrick Ricca has built a reputation as one of St. Paul’s most reliable scorers throughout his years. Ricca has a smooth shot from beyond the arc and can facilitate and set the pace for an offense in an effective way. The past few springs he has found a leading role on the ZGXL circuit playing for NE Elite and consistently having strong performances against solid teams. Now he will take his game to St. Lawrence University, joining a Saints program that he will be looking to impact immediately. The Liberty League will provide a new challenge, but it’s one Ricca is more than ready to face. 

Jacob Purington, Berwick (ME)

Committed to Misericordia University (PA)

Purington has made a name for himself around the New England area as he sits at 6’8” and uses that size well in the post. I got my first viewing at Elite 75 and he was able to control opponents and back them down to create easy opportunities around the rim as well as make smart kick outs to open teammates on the perimeter. Coming out of Maine and Berwick Academy, Purington is going to continue to make noise as he finishes up his high school career. Next year he is set to move down to Pennsylvania and continue his journey at Misericordia University. He will bring size to their post with the ability to run plays from the paint. 

Sam Clachko, Staples HS (CT)

Committed to Connecticut College (CT)

Clachko’s journey from the CIAC to the NESCAC has been marked by poise and precision at the guard spot. He is a cerebral guard who understands how to lead a team, and score consistently at all three levels. At Staples High School, he has orchestrated the offense with confidence, balancing scoring and facilitating while consistently taking on the toughest defensive assignments. His growth and success over the past few seasons reflects both his dedication and his understanding of what winning basketball looks like. Now Clachko will continue his career at Connecticut College, where he will be able to stay close to home while also hoping to be a reliable point guard in a tough conference. 

Anthony Ferola, Portsmouth HS (NH) 

Committed to Colby-Sawyer College (NH)

Portsmouth High School has been in the spotlight as of late, and Anthony Ferola has been a strong part of their recent success . His game embodies energy and effort on both ends of the floor. He stands at 6’4 and can guard 1-4 while also being able to finish over defenders bigger than him. His effort on the glass has also been developing nicely as he moves into his college career. Ferola has been running with the Mass Rivals MHC the past few springs/summers, and his game has translated well against bigger and better competition. At Colby-Sawyer College, he looks to bring effort and make his presence felt on the team as soon as he sets foot on campus. 

Alexander Gordon, Brewster Academy Prep (NH)

Committed to Bates College (ME)

Alexander Gordon’s path to Bates College comes after a strong career playing at Brewster Academy. A senior known for his versatility and defensive presence, he has established himself as a pass-first guard who looks to make his teammates around him better. Originally from Vermont, Alex has found himself at Brewster Academy on their prep team for the last two years, which has helped to elevate his game a ton. Coaches frequently pointed to his maturity and composure as defining traits of his game, and he has a solid ball handle that allows him to facilitate more freely. Bates gets a player who understands team basketball and will be able to contribute quickly. 

Elijah Webb, Deerfield Academy (MA)

Committed to Williams College (MA)

The forward from Deerfield Academy has long been recognized for his polished skill set and ability to rise in big moments. Webb can rebound at a high level and moves the ball in transition effectively for easy baskets. The ability he has to attack the rim from the perimeter at his size is something that will help him as he transitions into collegiate basketball. He stood out not only for his production but for his poise because he is a player who never seems rattled no matter the moment. At Williams, he joins one of Division III’s most storied programs bringing with him a blend of versatility and athleticism that should make him a key contributor early on.

Hunter Stoll, Choate Rosemary Hall (CT)

Committed to Amherst College (MA)

The upside that Stoll has at the wing spot is undeniable, especially at a high academic school like Amherst. At Choate, he has polished his three point shooting, which makes him a threat from anywhere as he stands at 6 '8 and can take you off the dribble. Defensively, he can guard 2-4 and has a long reach that allows him to cause turnovers at a high rate. His skill set has only continued to grow this past summer when he joined Rens United and got to play against more top competition in the country. Amherst gains a player with a college-ready skillset.

Lateef Afolabi, Dexter Southfield (MA)

Committed to Assumption University (MA)

Lateef Afolabi has been on a tear to open up his Senior season at Dexter Southfield after committing to Assumption University in August. At the Scholar Roundball Classic, he took smart shots and converted many of them while also dominating the glass. He brings size and strength to the guard spot and uses it consistently to get himself good looks. His ball handling is strong, which also allows him to be more versatile. But beyond the stat sheet, his motor and intensity made him one of the most respected players in his program. Playing with the Middlesex Magic’s HGSL squad has allowed him to play with and against great players as well as grow his skill set on and off the court. At Assumption, Afolabi will look to make an immediate impact in the NE10 from day one.

Riley Clarke, Brooks (MA)

Committed to Colby College (ME)

Riley Clarke heads to Colby College after a strong prep career at the Brooks School with his size, touch, and IQ in the post. Clarke’s ability to space the floor and compete physically made him one of the region’s most balanced forwards. He has improved his post moves over the years, and his ability to finish over even bigger defenders has separated him from the rest. Last year, he played a vital role on the Brooks championship team alongside Alex Wilkins. He rebounds at an elite level and can dish out to open teammates beyond the arc. Now, as he transitions to Colby College, Clarke looks to be a reliable piece in the NESCAC moving forward.