Prep Profiles 2022-23 Season: Notre Dame West Haven Prep

Monday, December 19th, 2022

Notre Dame West Haven Prep led by head coach Nick DeFeo is coming off the most wins in program history last season. They will be looking to take another leap in 2022-23 while competing in the deep AAA Power 5 Conference. 

3 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Team 

1. Duncan is back 

Que Duncan has established himself as one of the better prospects in Connecticut's 2024 class. The wing can hit treys off the catch/dribble or get into the lane playing at different speeds. He earned 2nd Team AAA Power 5 Conference honors last season and will look to build on that this year. 

2. Andrews looking to emerge in the 2024 class 

Walt Andrews decided to reclassify into 2024 after playing last season at Woodstock Academy. He is a chiseled-framed wing with bounce, vision, and defensive versatility. With Duncan’s proficiency from long-range, Andrews gives this squad another look with his ability to consistently get to the rim. 

3. Expect Redd to fill up the stat sheet 

Every good team needs someone who can impact a game without scoring. It looks like ND Prep has one in 2023 wing Derrell Redd. He is 6’4 with length and unselfishness, while also being capable of hitting open three-pointers. Look for Redd to be who Coach DeFeo will put on the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer at various points throughout a game. 

3 Questions Heading into the Season

1. How will Hawkins and Tertulien blend in the backcourt? 

2023 guards Bryce Hawkins and JaKari Tertulien will be handling a good portion of the ball handling duties. They both have passing feel to create for others and cannot be left open from deep. Tertulien’s 6’3 size and Hawkins’ ability to hit spot-up treys when off the ball make it possible for these two to play together. 

2. Can Abutaleb provide a consistent interior presence? 

With this team not necessarily having a true interior anchor in the paint, it would be helpful if someone could help to fill that void. One candidate is 2023 forward Omar Abutaleb. He showed this past summer he could score on the block, alter opponents' layup attempts, or come up with rebounds in traffic. How this translates to ND Prep will be something to keep an eye on. 

3. Could Reynolds bring more scoring firepower? 

With Duncan and Andrews often looked at as the ones who will be scoring in bunches, another player who has this potential is 2023 guard Tra’shawn Reynolds. He has touch in the mid-range, can get by opponents with hesitation moves, while also being effective if a game becomes more uptempo. Reynolds’ level of production could potentially help open up cleaner looks for others.