NEPSAC AA Preview Continued

Saturday, December 24th, 2022

Class AA of the NEPSAC has a similar feel to the last few years, with the same few teams competing for the Class AA title. Bradford Christian and Worcester look like the early favorites, with Cushing Academy being their primary competition. Wilbraham will be among the top contenders, as they always are, while St. Andrew’s and St. George's both have strong teams out in  Rhode Island.  Winchendon is a sleeper who has already proven they have the talent to compete with anyone but enough vulnerability to take no one lightly.

Here is a look at the final teams in Class AA

Lawrence Academy - This could be one of their best teams in a long time. The senior duo of Lake forest commit Bryce Thomas & St Michaels lacrosse commit Taylor Wiercinski are back to handle the backcourt. Superstar sophomore Sebastian Wilkins returns for his sophomore year. The physically mature forward will look to ascend this season after playing 17u for Mass Rivals in the summer. Wilkins is joined by another talented sophomore in shifty guard Cam Hailey. Junior Teagan Terry will also play a bigger role as an upperclassman. The 2026 class has a pair of talented prospects as well with Teagan’s little brother, 6’6 Jaxson Terry, and guard Alex Egbuonu.

Darrow School - They have several intriguing pieces. It starts with well known guard Jonathan Guerrier, who heads into his final high school campaign. Former Tech Boston transfer Kervenslee Blanc has made the move to the New Lebanon, NY institution. The 6'7 forward has already made an immediate impact in his first year at the prep level. Another key piece to this squad is Farouk Kaba. The wing brings size, explosiveness, and scoring versatility. Another player new to the prep scene is Sekou Kourouma. The 2024 guard possesses a good balance of scoring and facilitating. 2023 guard Mohammad Sylla will add more scoring punch to this squad. Big man Leo Pelzer from Germany is one more name to keep an eye on. 

Cheshire Academy - Expectations have not changed for this group regarding making the playoffs. They have a roster composition that certainly has the potential to make that happen. 2023 big man KC Ogwuakazi leads this squad with his ability to be a presence around the rim at both ends. 2023 guards Julian Scott and Luke Nieman will be the relied upon floor spacers who will open up driving lanes for others. Another 2023 guard who will be key is Tanner Tedesco. His poise, feel, and ability to make others better will come in handy during times of adversity. Nick Ruisi is a 2023 forward who will help out Ogwuakazi with defending the rim. Two more names to watch are 2024’s Roddy Jones and Luke Reynolds. Jones adds more long-range shooting whereas Reynolds will bring over his toughness from the gridiron.

Tilton School - Heading into his second year, veteran head coach Michael Byrnes has a squad with some international flavor. The 2023 Croatian trio of Roko Jurasovic, Roko Kegalj, and Ivan Vukusic gives this team several options who can score in the frontcourt. 2024 guard Ziijie Dang from China and 2023 wing Timo Wechsler from Switzerland are the other prospects from across the pond. Another 2023 prospect who will contribute is Michael Karnisovas. The forward can hit pick & pop threes or make heady cuts to the basket. On the wing, Jaylen Kirkland will give them an athletic slasher who also needs to be accounted for from beyond the arc. Colby Bost provides some versatility as a guard. He can play on or off the ball with his playmaking and shooting skills. A 2024 prospect to keep an eye on is Noah Guglielmo. The guard spaces the floor and also possesses a high IQ at both ends.

Masters School - Its a new era in West Simsbury as The Masters School makes their return to Nepsac AA and has a pair of 2024 prospects to build around. Jaydon Buckle is the engine that will keep the team moving. The 6' guard is a proven scorer and shot maker who can create for himself and is becoming a true point guard with this group. In the front court, 6'8 Northwest Catholic transfer Cavin Pollard will provide a presense in the paint and should have a chance to take a step forward as the focal point in the frontcourt.