MIAA Mid-Season Report (pt. 1)

Dylan Thayer | Tuesday, February 6th, 2024

As the winter chill envelops the Bay State, the hardwood action in Massachusetts is fully ablaze. In this mid-season report, we delve into the largest state association in the region, shining a spotlight on notable teams and players who have been making waves in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) season.

A Few Notable Teams

Catholic Memorial Knights

Catholic Memorial has emerged as a team to beat once again this season, boasting a 15-1 record and clinching the Catholic Conference Championship. Led by sharpshooter Ryan Higgins and complemented by the skilled duo of Matt St. Martin, Jake Cofield, and the impressive freshmen Josiah Adamson-Hardwick, Aiden Pires and Micheal McNamara, the Knights exhibit a blend of experience and youthful upside. Higgins' shot creation, Adamson-Hardwick's athleticism, slashing skill and physicality, plus Cofield's dominant presence in the frontcourt has propelled the team to early-season success.

North (Worcester) Polar Bears

The reigning MIAA Division 1 champions, North (Worcester), continue to showcase championship-worthy form without having suffered a loss in over 14 months. Seniors Joe Okla and Teshaun Steele dominate the paint and space the floor with their inside/out game, while junior point guard Amir Jenkins orchestrates the floor with finesse, wreaks havoc on defense, and is a tough assignment for opposing guards. The developing emergence of Frosh/Soph Keyshon Joyner adds depth to their roster, making North a formidable force in the league.

Lawrence Lancers

The Lawrence Lancers are having an impressive season with a 12-4 record, thanks to a mix of talented players. Courage Kweku consistently delivers double-doubles, showcasing shot-blocking and acrobatic finishing. Senior Obbie Luciano stands out as a reliable long-range shooter, also contributing as a playmaker and on the boards. Freshman/sophomore standout Francisco Santana has been a notable presence, displaying a blend of size and impressive finishing skills. In the paint, 6'9" big man Igor Gonzalez dominates with skills that extend beyond the perimeter. Crafty guard Joendy Rosario scores it effectively at all three levels. 

Players to Watch

Jaylen Hunter-Coleman and Jaylin Williams-Crawford (Charlestown)

The dynamic duo of Hunter-Coleman and Williams-Crawford has stood out for Charlestown. Hunter-Coleman, a 2027 guard, impresses with his scoring, passing vision, and defensive prowess. Williams-Crawford, a 6'6" wing, adds an extraordinary vertical game to Charlestown's arsenal, finishing plays with powerful dunks and asserting his presence on both ends of the court.

Jaeden Roberts (Burke)

Burke's Jaeden Roberts earns his spot on the 2025 Massachusetts ranking with his gritty play. Roberts, a guard with a shifty handle, possesses the ability to break down defenses, score effectively, and showcase playmaking skills alongside tenacious on-ball defense. He has led his Burke squad to a number of big wins as they look to be a team to watch in the upcoming playoffs.

Tavon Rhodes (Neighborhood House Charter)

The senior guard has picked up immense local interest from colleges due to his electric scoring skills. Rhodes is as smooth as they come with a package of moves to skip through a defense for buckets, and can light it up in seconds.

Chidi Nwosu (Brockton)

Standing at 6'9", Nwosu's inside/out game for Brockton has earned him recognition in the 2025 rankings. With the ability to finish above the rim and shoot from beyond the arc, Nwosu impacts the game on both ends with his length and shot-blocking skills.

Alan Shi (Brookline)

Brookline's 6'10" forward, Alan Shi, has generated buzz with his developing game. In a recent matchup against Natick High School, Shi poured in 30 points with a perfect shooting percentage, showcasing his scoring ability.

Tzar Powell-Aparicio (Lowell)

Lowell's Tzar Powell-Aparicio has led his team with a stellar season, showcasing his scoring chops, defensive tenacity, and a willingness to sacrifice his body to make winning plays. Powell-Aparicio's on-ball defense sets him apart as one of the top guards in the MIAA.

Sean O’Leary (Franklin)

Bates commit Sean O’Leary continues to embody the soul of the Franklin squad. A physical scorer with strong rebounding skills, O’Leary initiates offense and contributes significantly to Franklin's playoff-ready lineup. 

Andrew Mabry (Putnam Tech)

Putnam Tech's senior, Andrew Mabry, deserves attention for his smooth scoring skills. In a memorable performance at the HoopHall Classic, Mabry tallied 30 points, surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career and showcasing his craftiness, relentless finishing, and outside marksmanship.

Zach Wolinksi (North Andover)

Wesleyan commit Zach Wolinksi has North Andover near the top of their division with a number of impressive performances. Wolinski's overall scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and mid-range proficiency make him a standout guard in the MIAA.

With February break on the horizon in the coming weeks, and the spring on its way, the MIAA basketball season is going to take off to another level. Stay tuned for part two in the near future.