Top Prospects in the NHIAA

New England Recruiting Report | Friday, January 6th, 2017

Our sixth and final glimpse inside New England’s state associations takes us to New Hampshire and the NHIAA. The Granite State is often one dominated by the prep landscape where you have both traditional powerhouse programs and plenty of depth to choose from with the likes of Brewster, New Hampton, Tilton, Phillips Exeter, Proctor, Holderness, and Kimball Union among others.

With so many local options, the talent base in the state association typically gets depleted on an annual basis, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some quality under-the-radar finds to be had in the NHIAA. Here’s a look at some of the top prospects:

Tayler Mattos, Kearsarge – The 6-foot-8 junior big man just put up arguably the most impressive stat line of the young season when he went for 49 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a win over Campbell. He isn’t just a big body though, but also capable of changing ends well and finishing powerfully above the rim. Combine that with a soft touch and he may be the most dominant player in the NHIAA. Mattos comes complete with his own running mate in the backcourt as fellow junior Tommy Johnson is one of the better junior guards in the state association’s 2018 class.

Joey Glynn, Portsmouth – As a junior the 6-foot-5 forward averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds while leading Portsmouth to a 22-0 record and a Division II championship. This year, neither he nor his team is sneaking up on anyone and has the X firmly on their back. Nevertheless, he is very likely the best big man in the senior class and has a chance to write another thrilling chapter to his high school basketball story as Portsmouth looks to repeat their success in the Division I ranks this season. His supporting cast consists of fellow senior Shon Parham and Cody Graham, one of the top junior guards in the state.

K.J. Matte, Lebanon – Matte is certainly in the discussion as one of the state’s best, but this year he has bigger ambitions than just proving himself individually. Lebanon went 21-1 last year before falling to Portsmouth in the D2 title game but this year they are hoping to get over the hump. Matte is a playmaking lead guard with plenty of flair to his game, and reportedly already committed to Bowdoin College next year. He’s got plenty of help too as Lebanon features fellow senior guard Ryan Milliken and junior forward Matt Eyelander.

Jake Coleman, Londonberry – As only a sophomore, Coleman played an important part in leading Londonberry to an undefeated season and division I championship. Last year as a junior, he took over as the team’s undisputed leader and earned All-State honors. In his final season, Coleman is hoping to put the two together and continue to establish himself as one of the best players in the NHIAA while returning Londonberry to a place of prominence. Junior guard Cole Britting gives him a qualified accomplice in the junior class.

Alonzo Linton, Nashua North – An athletic 6-foot-3 wing, Linton has the physical prototype and budding explosiveness that will be coveted at the next level. He’s been putting up big numbers since last year and last week helped North to a win over crosstown rival South in the 3rd place game of the Chick-fil-A Holiday Tournament. The bottom line is that he’s already capable of asserting himself as one of the state’s best but it is in his long-term potential where he really separates himself from most others in the NHIAA. Skye Boykin is another talented junior on North’s roster.

Jordan Santos, Trinity; Arie Breakfield, Spaulding, & Joel Merrill, Pinkerton – Together this trio sets the tone for a sophomore class that appears to have plenty of promise. All three have already begun to make a name for themselves beyond their home states borders after standing out at the Elite 75 Frosh/Soph in the fall. Santos is a knockdown shooter with a heady instinct for the game, Breakfield is a versatile forward with inside-out scoring tools, and Merrill a skilled lefty who can make shots off the catch and create space with his dribble. Look for all three to be ready to make steady and increasing impacts during their sophomore campaigns.

Best of the Rest: Cal Connelly, Sr, Spaulding; Liam Viviano, Sr, Winnacunnet; Trey Carrier, Sr, Wilton-Lyndeborough; Griffin Curtis, Sr, Salem; Ian Cummings, Jr, Merrimack; Zach Waterhouse, Jr, Winnacunnet.

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