HoopWise from New England Basketball Journal

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller recap NEPSAC girls basketball Super Sunday at Nobles with guest Chloe Patel, covering multiple championship games and key takeaways. In Class A, Sacred Heart beat four-time defending champion Loomis Chaffee 53-46 for its first title. In AA, Darrow won its first AA championship in its second season at the level, defeating defending champ Worcester Academy 55-40 behind an early lead and aggressive guard play. They also discuss Hamden Hall’s 55-47 win over top-seed KUA in Class B Small, Berkshire’s dramatic Class B Large overtime win over Lawrence Academy (61-57), and Hoosac’s 39-37 AAA title over New Hampton. Topics 02:31 Class A Sacred Heart Upset 06:01 Class AA Darrow Breakthrough 10:40 NEPSAC vs. MIAA Takeaways 12:43 Class B Hamden Hall Stunner 16:05 Hamden Hall Repeat 16:32 Berkshire Comeback Classic 18:03 Overtime Heroes and Injury Scare 18:56 Trust Your Teammate 20:36 Lawrence Academy Future 21:56 Berkshire Title Drought Ends 22:18 AAA Rock Fight Finale 23:38 Unsung Stars Step Up 25:50 Changing of the Guard 28:39 Super Sunday Community 30:03 Season Wrap and Next Stops

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt recap the NEPSAC boys postseason with guest Matt Doherty. They discuss B Small champion Holderness’ 74–52 win over top-seeded Kingswood Oxford and St. Mark’s 70–58 title over Canterbury. Hotchkiss beat Phillips Andover 66–54 after a late spurt. In AA, unbeaten Cushing won 64–55 over Cheshire, while Newman dominated AAA with a 101–68 win over Hoosac, and the hosts note broader postseason and national tournament implications.   Topics 02:03 NEPSAC Postseason Overview 02:26 B Small Final Holderness Wins 03:57 Holderness Keys and Standouts 09:14 B Large Final St Marks Rally 10:54 St Marks Run and MVP 15:38 Class A Final Hotchkiss Surge 18:11 Breakout Players to Watch 21:01 Why NEPSAC Pops 23:45 Cushing vs Cheshire Classic 27:32 Undefeated AA Legacy 31:38 Newman AAA Blowout 32:53 Three-Point Barrage 36:55 National Title Mindset 38:36 John Carroll Coaching Tree 39:39 Weekend Wrap

Steve Hewitt joins Ethan Fuller with takeaways from the quarterfinal round of the NEPSAC boys basketball playoffs on Wednesday, March 4.

Ethan Fuller joins Steve Hewitt with takeaways from the quarterfinal round of the NEPSAC girls basketball playoffs on Wednesday, March 4.

This episode is hosted by Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt and includes a rapid-fire breakdown of the NEPSAC girls' basketball brackets released on Sunday night. Steve and Ethan examine Class AAA, AA, A, B large and B small.

This episode is hosted by Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt and includes a rapid-fire breakdown of the NEPSAC boys' basketball brackets released on a Sunday night. Steve and Ethan examine Class AAA, AA, A, B large and B small.

than Fuller and Steve Hewitt review the 2026 MIAA boys basketball tournament brackets with guest Mukala Kabongo, who attended games daily all season. They break down all five divisions, discussing top seeds, key players, matchups, sleepers, and predicting the final fours and champions.  Topics 03:20 Division 5 Breakdown 09:41 Division 4 Contenders 17:43 Division 3 "Team of Destiny" 28:55 Division 2 Heavyweights 38:02 Mansfield vs. Holland Tech 39:19 Final Four Predictions 39:59 Dangerous Lower Seeds 41:13 Division 1 Seed Rundown 43:11 Newton North Dark Horse 46:56 Attleboro and Brockton Watch 48:00 Central vs. Andover Breakdown 50:45 Bracket Sleepers and Matchups 01:01:03 Panel Wrap and Bracket Talk 01:03:32 "Full-Court Press" Segment 01:04:00 Favorite Broadcasters 01:07:02 Next NBA Franchise City 01:10:47 Most Memorable Dunks

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller are joined by Trevor Hass of the Boston Globe to preview the MIAA girls state tournament, division-by-division from D-5 to D-1, discussing bracket takeaways, seeding/power ranking impacts, favorites, and upset picks. They name “players to watch,” then finish with fun "Full-Court Press" questions. Topics 01:50 Tournament Preview Setup 03:39 Big-Picture Takeaways 06:23 Division 5 Breakdown 10:10 Division 4 Upsets 14:59 Division 3 Chaos 23:58 Division 2 Loaded Field 32:23 Medfield Shooting Story 34:12 How Medfield Could Lose 37:12 Division 1 Seeds 38:00 Early Upsets and Matchups 39:00 Final Four Picks 42:47 Wachusett Star Breakdown 45:23 Worcester South Defense 48:43 Natick's Tough Draw 49:30 Ten Players to Watch 52:37 Full-Court Press Q and A 01:06:58 Final Wrap and Farewell

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller sit down with Cary Herer, the head coach and director of basketball operations at CATS Academy Boston. They discuss the excitement around the upcoming EYBL Scholastic Boston Showcase, set to take place from Feb. 13-15 at Curry College, featuring top national high school programs. Coach Herer shares insights on CATS Academy’s transition to the EYBL Scholastic circuit, the rigorous travel and preparation involved, the high-level competition, and the evolving landscape of college recruitment influenced by the transfer portal. Additionally, they dive into the development of CATS Academy's players, the importance of international recruitment, and the challenges and strategies behind building a top-tier basketball program. The episode concludes with a fun segment of "Full-Court Press," where the panel picks ideal NBA players and coaches for crucial game moments.

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into the current New England Prep School Athletic Council playoff races across various classes for both boys and girls basketball. They discuss key teams, players and recent developments affecting the standings and playoff scenarios. Following the basketball updates, the hosts participate in a thrilling trivia contest focused on New England Patriots Super Bowl heroes, covering memorable moments and key players from the team's championship victories. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the high school basketball scene in New England while also celebrating the most successful era in Patriots history. Topics 00:26 NEPSAC Postseason Preview 01:31 Super Sunday and Venue Discussion 02:10 Class AA Boys Basketball Overview 02:32 Bridgton Academy's Remarkable Season 07:41 Girls AAA Basketball Insights 09:36 Class AA Boys Basketball Contenders 14:14 Class AA Girls Basketball Analysis 17:07 Class A Boys Basketball Chaos 22:36 Class A Girls Basketball Standings 26:26 Class B Boys Basketball Highlights 28:13 Shoutout to Brooks and Kenya Jones 29:16 Emerging Teams in Class B 29:59 Class B Small Highlights 31:41 Class B Large and Small Playoff Contenders 37:17 New Teams in the Playoff Mix 40:01 Patriots Super Bowl Trivia

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive in to the state of MIAA girls basketball amid a snowy Boston winter. The discussion spans top teams including undefeated Medfield and Springfield Central, standout players and potential state championship contenders. They also preview the highly anticipated Comcast Tournament featuring powerhouse matchups, and they share thoughts on key surprises this season, including breakout teams Needham and Walpole. Additionally, Ethan reveals his personal journey of training for the Boston Marathon, running in support of the Dream Big charity. Topics 01:32 MIAA Midseason Reports Overview 02:16 Top Teams in the MIAA Girls Season 02:57 Medfield's Dominance and Key Players 04:49 Springfield Central and Other Contenders 08:38 Division 1 and 2 Championship Predictions 12:50 Division 3 to 5 Insights 15:22 Surprise Teams and Coaches' Impact 17:19 Coaching and Systems: Overcoming Talent Gaps 18:01 Player of the Year Race: Midseason Contenders 19:27 Breakout Stars and Rising Prospects 21:21 Comcast Tournament Preview 23:37 February Break Basketball Excitement 26:19 Looking Ahead: State Tournament Predictions 29:01 Ethan's Boston Marathon Journey 33:25 Wrapping Up: Exciting Weeks Ahead

Ethan and Steve delve into the mid-season status of MIAA boys basketball. Key highlights include in-depth looks at standout programs like Malden Catholic, St. Mary's, Central Catholic, and others. The hosts also break down the competitive landscape of Division 1, 2, and 3, spotlighting top players. They additionally touch on potential dark horses and surprise teams in each division. The episode wraps up with anticipation for the upcoming Comcast tournament and other significant matchups as the season progresses.   Topics 01:12 Mid-Season Grind and Reflections 01:22 MIA Season Overview and Surprises 02:46 Spotlight on Malden Catholic and St. Mary's 10:08 Central Catholic's Dominance 16:27 Division One Contenders 18:56 Key Players and Teams in Division One 20:21 Division Two Overview: St. Mary's and Challengers 25:11 Division Three Contenders and Surprises 27:41 Top Players to Watch This Season 32:48 Division Four and Five Highlights 33:55 Upcoming Tournaments and Final Thoughts

Ethan Fuller interviews Alex Gallagher, the head coach and athletic director at Noble and Greenough School. They discuss Gallagher's extensive experience in coaching, his achievements with Nobles’ girls basketball team, and the importance of culture, teamwork and character-building in sports. Gallagher reflects on the evolution of NEPSAC girls basketball, the increasing competitiveness, and the importance of maintaining a focus on the well-being and development of student-athletes. The episode also highlights specific players and programs that exemplify the high standards and growth within NEPSAC.   Topics 01:27 Interview with Alex Gallagher: Background and Achievements 02:54 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics 06:25 Challenges and Growth in NEPSAC Basketball 11:08 Building Team Culture and Values 18:31 Inspiration and Learning as a Coach 24:53 Evolution of NEPSAC Girls Basketball 28:19 Coaching Stars and Rising Talent 28:58 Depth of Talent in NEPSAC 32:19 Honoring Great Players and Coaches 33:43 Challenges and Growth in NEPSAC 40:51 Future of NEPSAC and High School Basketball 48:15 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Cheshire Academy coach Jim McCarthy joins hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt. Coach McCarthy reflects on the season's successful start and the challenges of the competitive Class AA league. He discusses the importance of team chemistry, the style of play, and key players such as John Spinoso, Justin Brown and Aidan McGuire. The conversation also covers coaching philosophies, the evolution of basketball toward positionless play, and memories from McCarthy's extensive college coaching experience. A segment of true/false questions on basketball trends, led by producer David Yas, rounds out the episode. Enjoy an in-depth look at the strategies and dynamics fueling Cheshire Academy's standout season.   Topics 00:42 Interview with Coach Jim McCarthy 01:01 Reflecting on the Season's Start 02:11 Team Dynamics and Style of Play 12:41 Player Highlights and Contributions 19:40 Challenges and Adjustments 26:11 Reflecting on the Importance of Film in Coaching 26:52 Memories and Lessons from College Coaching 28:13 Transition to High School Coaching 30:46 Challenges and Competitiveness in Class AA 33:48 Impact of Early Season Success on the Program 37:23 Full-Court Press: True or False Predictions 46:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt discuss the top prep basketball teams, players and surprising developments across different classes and leagues as the 2025 calendar year comes to a close. Key topics include standout performances, emerging talents and intriguing championship races in both boys and girls basketball. Looking ahead to 2026, the hosts are excited for potential marquee matchups and key player commitments. Topics 00:27 Holiday Reflections and Winter Challenges 01:36 Prep Basketball Season Overview 02:47 AAA Boys Basketball Highlights 07:51 AAA Girls Basketball Highlights 12:17 AA Boys Basketball Insights 21:25 AA Girls Basketball Insights 24:26 Class A Boys Basketball Overview 25:15 Nobles' Strong Start and Key Players 26:15 Phillips Andover's Impressive Performance 28:04 Milton Academy and Other Contenders 29:40 Class A Girls Basketball Insights 32:32 Class B Boys Basketball Highlights 36:58 Class B Girls Basketball Highlights 39:56 Breakout Players to Watch 44:32 Reflecting on 2025 Highlights 47:45 Looking Forward to 2026

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt provide a comprehensive preview of the 2025-26 high school basketball season in New England. The episode covers top teams, including Central Catholic, Beverly and Bridgewater-Raynham, as well as sleeper teams and standout players to watch. The hosts discuss changes within key programs, potential breakout stars, and significant matchups, such as the Commonwealth Motors Classic. Additionally, they touch on statewide coverage expansions and provide updates on new contributors covering various states. The episode concludes with a trivia showdown featuring NCAA tournament schools and their nicknames. Topics 00:47 Recap of Last Season and Excitement for the New Season 01:44 Changes and New Faces in MIAA Boys Basketball 03:12 Expanding Coverage Across New England 03:51 Introducing New Writers and Coverage Plans 08:46 MIAA Season Preview: Top Teams and Players to Watch 28:34 Lowell's Reloading Strategy 28:58 Top 10 Teams Breakdown 29:16 Burlington's Rising Stars 31:03 Springfield Central's Talent Pool 33:27 Newton North's New Era 34:18 Winchester's Key Players 35:23 Conference Highlights 36:25 Sleeper Teams to Watch 41:08 Promising Players to Follow 45:49 NCAA Tournament Trivia 50:23 Final Thoughts and Season Excitement

Ethan Fuller and guest host Trevor Hass provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming basketball season in New England. They discuss top teams and players to watch in the MIAA across all divisions, share their all-time favorite players that they've covered, and reflect on memorable state championship games. The episode also includes fun trivia about basketball in movies and TV. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the basketball scene in New England, complete with rankings and expert analysis. Topics 01:04 Viral Moment Recap: What's Up, Trevor? 03:06 MIAA Girls Basketball Season Preview 05:04 Top Teams and Players to Watch 10:35 Division 1 Contenders 17:29 Division 2 Powerhouses 23:06 Division 3 Breakdown 27:14 Division 4 and 5 Highlights 28:27 Spotlight on Top Players 29:25 Patriot League Excitement 30:02 Shoutouts to Standout Players 31:36 Team Rankings Breakdown 33:39 Reflecting on All-Time Greats 43:16 Full-Court Press Trivia 48:13 Season Preview and Wrap-Up

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller preview the upcoming girls New England prep school basketball season. They reflect on their first year covering the sport and discuss the refined strategies they're bringing into year two. The episode covers in-depth analysis and championship predictions for the NEPSAC girls' teams across different classes (AAA, AA, A, B Large, B Small, and C). Additionally, the episode features a trivia showdown between the hosts to wrap things up.   Topics 00:26 Reflecting on the Past Year 00:55 Previewing the Girls' Basketball Season 01:33 Insights on Team and Player Development 08:31 Class AAA Teams to Watch 09:42 Tilton: The Defending Champions 15:58 New Hampton: A Strong Contender 19:30 Other Notable AAA Teams 24:13 Class AA Overview 26:53 The Overachievers 29:33 Worcester Academy's Underrated Potential 30:17 Austin Prep: Rising Contender 32:40 Class A Championship Predictions 36:54 Class B Large and Small Breakdown 42:00 Class C Championship Pick 46:18 Full Court Press Trivia Showdown 53:47 Closing Remarks and Season Excitement

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller are joined by Brad Feldman to delve into a comprehensive preview of NEPSAC basketball. The conversation covers key prospects, teams and potential champions across various divisions, including AAA, AA, A, B Large, B Small and C. Highlighting standout schools like Newman, St. Thomas More, Cushing and Milton Academy, the hosts and guest provide insights on players to watch, sleeper picks and breakout stars for the upcoming season. The episode is packed with detailed analysis, predictions and stories from the basketball landscape in New England.   Topics 00:27 Special Guest: Brad Felman 00:39 Prep Boys Preview Show 00:54 Brad's Busy Fall and Open Gyms 02:08 Local Food Recommendations 03:37 Class AAA Basketball Preview 04:17 Newman School's Dominance 07:34 St. Thomas More and Other Contenders 08:48 Darrow School's Rising Talent 09:28 Vermont Academy and Other Teams to Watch 17:01 Putnam Science Academy's Strong Start 20:17 Class AA Basketball Preview 29:58 Electric Performance and Potential 30:16 St. George's and ISL Champs Discussion 31:46 Cushing Academy's Depth and Potential 33:08 Class A Championship Contenders 44:05 Class B Large and Small Teams 51:25 Sleepers and Breakout Players 55:52 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

Steve and Ethan welcome Lindsay Miller, newly appointed head coach at Needham High School. Lindsay discusses her background as a player from Westwood High School with multiple records, her playing days at Harvard, and her coaching experiences at Harvard and Rivers. She delves into her work as a certified mental performance consultant, focusing on how she helps athletes, coaches, and teams maximize performance and manage anxiety. Lindsay shares insights on the importance of positive self-talk, mindfulness practices, and the impact of community in sports. The conversation also covers her thoughts on intentional fouling and flopping in basketball. The episode concludes with a fun segment discussing rules with producer David Yas.   Topics 00:27 Introducing Lindsay Miller: New Head Coach at Needham 01:38 Mental Performance Consulting Explained 04:16 Common Stressors Among Young Athletes 05:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes 08:19 Differences in Mental Health Between Male and Female Athletes 13:11 Mindfulness and Mental Exercises for Athletes 20:24 Lindsay Miller's Return to Coaching at Needham 24:56 Lindsay Miller's Unique Career Path 26:22 Lessons from Harvard Coach Kathy Delaney Smith 27:54 The Legacy of Kathy Delaney-Smith 30:43 Harvard's Tournament Run and Coaching Rivalries 32:11 Memorable Players and Toughest Matchups 34:12 Full Court Press: Basketball Rules and Strategies 46:36 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell