Dylan Thayer’s #SRC Takeaways

Monday, December 16th, 2024

The NERR Staff and I headed to the Hart Center at the College of the Holy Cross for a weekend of high-level academic prep hoops. Over 40 prep schools from across the Northeast came together to set the tone for the weekend. The stunning wooden courts added to the event's aesthetics, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the facility. Those in attendance also got to enjoy the amazing view overlooking Worcester, one of Massachusetts' largest cities.

To start, here are some of my top unsigned 2025 standouts:

Ramon “Mayo” Soyoye showcased his potential as a standout center prospect in both outings. The 6’11 senior used his length to dominate the interior defensively, blocking shots and protecting the rim. On offense, he excelled in the pick-and-roll, finishing with power above the rim, absorbing contact, and converting at the free throw line.

Ashton Reynolds made waves Friday night, leading Williston-Northampton to a big Class A win. The 6’3 wing’s bounce and athleticism were on full display, impacting both ends of the floor. His shot-blocking on the perimeter and ability to attack the rim for highlight-reel dunks stood out.

Allyn Wright, already a well-known name in the 2025 class, shined in front of college coaches this weekend. His pull-up shooting caught my attention, as he consistently stopped on a dime to knock down shots. With a crafty handle, quickness, and vision, schools took note. Those in need of a 2025 guard should pay attention.

Brewster Prep's postgrad standout Elijah Flowers impressed. The 6’8 wing showcased his scoring ability, attacking defenders off the catch and finishing strong inside. His rebounding instincts are notable, both boxing out and converting putbacks. Flowers’ 18-point second-half on Saturday was impressive.

Before the event, I tipped off college coaches about Pomfret’s Yusuf Dakane, and he didn’t disappoint. Leading his team to a win over the reigning Class B champions, Dakane impressed with his strong frame, aggressive approach, and defensive intensity. He finished with 19 points and was a key factor in the victory.

Jakub Lomicka continued to impress with his skill set at forward. The 6’10 prospect handles the ball well, steps out to hit threes, and has a solid post game. With added strength and an improved ability to play through contact, his upside is significant.

Quintin Floyd excelled for Choate, using his pace and change of speed to attack the basket and nearly lead his team to a big win. Jacob Davis’ relentless rebounding and physicality were pivotal on Friday night. Jordan Owusu consistently stood out for Pennington, using his quickness to penetrate the lane and either finish through contact or set up teammates.

The 2026 class is absolutely stacked, especially in Massachusetts. Several prospects I’ve followed for a while continued to elevate their games this weekend, while a few new names emerged from transfers and visiting schools.

Lateef Afolabi was a vital factor in Dexter Southfield’s commanding victory on Saturday as the guard purely dominated on the floor. He plays with pace, knowing when to use his burst to get downhill, and doesn’t shy away from contact. Scholarship schools have taken note. 

Jaylin Williams-Crawford earned a George Mason offer on Saturday. The A10 program witnessed his versatile skill set firsthand. As his confidence grows, his already high ceiling becomes even more apparent.

I was impressed with Bennett White in open gym this fall, but Saturday’s game took it to another level. His ability to exploit defensive gaps or pull up for smooth jumpers stood out.

Jaylen Hunter-Coleman, who played alongside Williams-Crawford at Charlestown, is now excelling at NMH. The 5’10 guard uses his strength and instincts to grab rebounds, set up teammates, and score effectively.

Christian Martin played a vital role in Wilbraham & Monson’s Friday win. His stronger frame and smooth outside shooting are key aspects of his game, as he consistently relocates to get quality looks.

Ethan Johnston and Alex Egbuonu are already national names, but their play deserves mention.

Johnston impressed with his shooting versatility, hitting pull-ups and finishing through contact while converting at the line.

Egbuonu continues to elevate his game. His ability to attack defenders with spins and fallaway jumpers, combined with elite shot-blocking, cements his status as a rising national prospect.

The underclassmen also left a strong impression, especially the class of 2027. From sophomores to eighth graders, here are names to watch:

Reece Ayala proved why he’s among the region’s top sophomore guards, dazzling defenders with his quickness and craftiness. His buzzer-beating three-pointer to win a tied game capped an outstanding performance.

Blake Hargrove impressed in his first in-person showing for me, displaying polish and shot-making ability from the perimeter, mid-range, and inside the paint.

Kamari Whyte, a new name in New England, showed his strength, ability to finish at the rim, and consistent three-point shooting.

Adriel Cantave’s handle and vision as a freshman are remarkable. With a big role ahead of him, he’s primed to make an impact.

Julien Price of Loomis Chaffee stood out in his minutes, showcasing composure and playmaking ability in a tightly contested game. Greyson Pierce was also fantastic in the contest as the 6'7" wing's upside flashed with his versatile scoring skills from inside and out.

Justin Robinson, who shined at the Frosh/Soph Elite 75 in September, was excellent again. He poured in 19 points, including three-pointers, layups, and nine free throws.

Nigerian native Isaac Olaniba made his Scholar Roundball debut with 14 points, showcasing length and upside at 6’7.

Eighth-grader Naziel Hilario impressed with his proficiency as a floor general, navigating defenses and creating opportunities for himself and teammates.

Declan Griffiths’ versatility as a wing shooter at AOF is promising. Brimmer & May’s sophomore duo of Ladanion Payne and Tyson Robinson continues to impress, while Cheshire’s Kamsi Awake stands out as one of the top bigs in New England’s 2027 class.

Looking to join the action at a New England Recruiting Report event? In just over a month, we’ll be in Springfield, Massachusetts, for a star-studded weekend in collaboration with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The games will be held at American International College from January 17–20, with two courts running simultaneously throughout the weekend.