Prep Profiles 2022-23: Northfield Mount Hermon
There is a new face leading the program at Northfield Mount Hermon. Former Governor’s Academy head coach Mike Shelton is that guy. Despite the change of leadership, expectations are still high for the Hoggers. Former Purdue and Beaver Country Day big man Jacquil Taylor is also on the staff as an assistant coach.
3 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Team
1. Roman and Andrews form a talented backcourt
Post-grads Dre Roman and Walker Andrews will not be an easy scout for opposing teams. Roman who played his high school ball at St. Joseph in California is a guard with strength, pull-up shooting, and explosive leaping ability. Andrews scored 1,970 points at Virginia Episcopal School. He brings versatile long-range shooting, half-court passing feel, and a soft fifteen foot jumper.
2. Nweke and Fleming give them size up front
Richard Nweke and Hunter Fleming are two big men who will be looked upon to be frontcourt producers for this squad. Nweke is a Columbia commit with power and mobility to impact the game as a finisher, rebounder, or switchable defender. Fleming has three-point shooting touch and a solid frame/soft hands to rebound on both ends of the floor. Nweke played last year at Dwight School (NY) while Fleming was coached by Shelton at Governor’s Academy.
3. Gray brings a lot of upside on the wing
Matt Gray is another post-grad on this team who will be expected to make an immediate impact. He graduated last year from Flint Hill School in Virginia. His 6’6 size, ball skills creating lane penetration, and fluidity covering ground defensively are reasons why he has been hearing from a number of Ivy/Patriot League programs.
3 Questions Heading into the Season
1. Which of the returning players will give this team a lift?
Despite a mass exodus after former head coach John Carroll left, a few players did decide to stay at the Gill, MA institution. It would certainly be helpful if one or more of these players could provide real value this upcoming season in NEPSAC. Two of those candidates are Asad Syed and Andrew Mayock. Syed is a strong bodied two-way wing committed to Franklin & Marshall. Mayock is a sharp shooting off guard who can get hot in a hurry.
2. Could Brooks or Papadakos be breakout candidates?
Greg Brooks makes his way to NEPSAC AAA after an impressive freshman season at Cordia HS in Kentucky. The guard has a smooth three-point stroke but can also get into the lane and find others for open shots. Papadakos gives the Hoggers an intriguing forward option. He can hit standstill treys, contribute as a rebounder, and finish inside with his soft touch. He played his high school ball last year at Cardinal Gibbons in Florida.
3. How long will it take for them to gel?
Outside of having a new coach, they have pretty much a brand new roster as well. Without possessing any surefire high major players like some other AAA teams, developing great chemistry with each other could be a way to make up for talent against certain programs. This will immediately be tested next Sunday at the National Prep Showcase against perennial New Jersey prep power Blair Academy.
Hunter Fleming
Asad Syed