Five Names to Know Ahead of #NEHF pt. 3
Continuing to look forward to Zero Gravity’s NERR Hoopfest kicking off tomorrow morning, here are five names to watch for as we get closer to the first tip.
Nate Blenman, Team New England MHC 17U & Cushing ‘27
Blenman is looking to make a statement this weekend. This past season at St.Joseph's Collegiate Institute, he averaged 15.9 points, 8.9 boards and 2 blocks per game. He stands at 6’8 and can knock down shots from behind the arc very consistently. He moves fluidly with the ball and when running the floor he makes smart decisions to give teammates easy opportunities. His athleticism is also worth noting, being able to rise to the rim with ease.
After this grassroots season with Team New England, Blenman is set to reclassify and join Cushing Academy and look to compete for a National Prep Championship.
Harrison Aligbe The House We Built 17U & Winchendon '26
Aligbe is a force to be reckoned with. He is coming off of a monster season for The Winchendon School where he is a walking double double. In his first game he posted 22 points and 20 boards which just set the pace for what was to come. An elite defender that can guard 1-5 and cause disruption everywhere on the floor. On the offensive end his jumper is consistent from both behind the arc and the mid range.
This spring he will be running with The House We Built on the Hoop Group circuit and will be looking to make an even bigger name for himself.
Tanner Lawson, ASA 17U & Darrow '26
When you need a bucket Lawson is your guy. This 6’8 wing can get to the rim with a ton of power and finish at a high rate. Also a threat off ball and moves very well to get himself in positions for easy scores. On the defensive end, he is a lengthy wing that is a problem when on ball. Also gets in the passing lanes for easy transition buckets.
This spring will be his first stint with ASA as he looks to translate his skills to the Hoop Group Academic League.
Jack Hynes, White Mamba 17U & Roxbury Latin/Cushing '26
Hynes is a 6’6 wing that is a menace on defense. He attributed many steals and blocks all season long for his Roxbury Latin squad and is looking to do the same for White Mamba 17U this spring and summer. On the offensive end he is a fluid scorer from both inside out. His bounce has also been something to take note of over the past few years having the ability to throw down with enthusiasm.
Next fall Hynes is reclassifying and playing for the Penguins of Cushing Academy and looking to have an impact the second he steps on campus.
Brandon Varlack, Crown HGSL 17U & Hills East '25
Varlack just lit it up all winter at Hills East, scoring the ball at-will from all three levels. Varlack is an excellent shotmaker on the move that thrives at making floaters in the paint, and converting tough shots around the basket using his athleticism. He has excellent control of his body to make off-balance shots, and a quick first step.
After a strong winter season, Varlack has expressed his interest in potentially spending a postgraduate year at a prep school.
Harrison Aligbe
Jack Hynes