Mainers in the NEPSAC
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Any discussion about Mainers in the prep rankings begins and ends with Cooper Flagg (and his brother, Ace Flagg too); but for this exercise, we’ll stick to those guys who have graduated or transferred from their high schools in Maine…
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Continue ReadingAny discussion about Mainers in the prep rankings begins and ends with Cooper Flagg (and his brother, Ace Flagg too); but for this exercise, we’ll stick to those guys who have graduated or transferred from their high schools in Maine to play at the NEPSAC level in New England. Here are seven prospects, originally from Maine, to keep an eye on this winter.
Catchings had a terrific spring and summer on the AAU circuit with the New England Storm and looks like he’ll be able to continue that production at Bridgton this winter. The 6’8” forward has added noticeable strength and seems more comfortable attacking the basket and playing through contact. His inside-out skill set is tailor made for the modern game and he should be a guy that is capable of defending both wings and forwards at the next level due to his athleticism and length.
Landon Clark
Landon Clark
The wiry lefty broke out during Peach Jam this summer while playing for the Maine United 16U team. Clark has always been known for his ability to shoot the basketball from the perimeter, but lately looks more comfortable playing off the bounce and attacking the rim. While he still has a lean frame, he looked stronger and more assertive this summer and continues to use his length effectively, particularly on the defensive end. Added strength will help him tremendously at the next level, particularly guarding in the post; but given his rate of improvement over the last two years, I expect that will come too.
Yusef Dakane Yusef Dakane 5'10" | PG Pomfret | 2025 State New E
Yusef Dakane Yusef Dakane 5'10" | PG Pomfret | 2025 State New E
Maybe the top guard in Maine’s class of 2024, Dakane will reclassify and play at Pomfret this season for his old high school coach at Lewiston. While undersized, he is an absolute blur in transition, continually puts pressure on the rim off the bounce, and has the tools to be an elite on-ball defender. He’s strong and has a solid build, with above average athleticism. Will be interesting to see how he adjusts to a higher competition level this winter and how his perimeter jumper progresses.
The 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Maine, Davies is a coach’s kid who impacts the game in a variety of ways, the most important of which is through his leadership and ability as a natural connector. He has a well-rounded offensive game and is an intelligent defender. Davies can score at all three levels but is particularly effective in the mid-range. Should be able to defend guards and wings. Will continue to be best as a decision-maker with the ball in his hands and recently earned his first scholarship offer from Daemen (DII).
Doran left Maine last season for South Kent and after suffering a knee-injury, looks ready to bounce back in a big way this winter. The high-academic prospect is a good shooter from the perimeter who was a good athlete prior to the injury. If he can get some of that athleticism back, he should fit well as a stretch forward at the next level. Knows how to play the game, is fundamentally sound, and makes the right play time and time again.
Highlights
Silvano Ismail Silvano Ismail 6'2" | CG Bridgton Academy | 2024 State New E
Silvano Ismail Silvano Ismail 6'2" | CG Bridgton Academy | 2024 State New E
The Cheverus/XLP product had a terrific spring and summer and has improved as much, if not more than, any prospect in Maine over the past 12 months. Ismail is dynamic with the ball in his hands, especially in transition. Has terrific length and exceptional athleticism, which should allow him to be a lockdown perimeter defender at the next level. If he continues to make similar strides going forward, particularly with his perimeter jumper, then he could see scholarship offers come in.
Teigan Pelletier Teigan Pelletier 6'6" | SF St. Paul's | 2025 State New E
Teigan Pelletier Teigan Pelletier 6'6" | SF St. Paul's | 2025 State New E
An all-state honoree in Maine this past winter, Pelletier will head to St. Paul’s this season after a solid summer playing with Maine United on the Nike Circuit. He was a star on the gridiron in Maine but may have a brighter future in basketball after the summer he had on the EYBL circuit. He fits the mold of a modern wing/forward as a guy who can handle the basketball, rebound his position, and guard multiple spots on the defensive end. He’s another coach’s kid, is tough, and has a high IQ. Most importantly, he makes big plays in big moments.
Entering his 2nd season at Wilbraham & Monson, Reeves is coming off a strong summer that saw him earn his first scholarship offer from NJIT. Profiling as a modern day stretch-4, Reeves has the size to play on the interior as well as the skillset to drag bigger defenders to the perimeter. He’s shown the ability to consistently knock down shots from the perimeter and has proven effective in pick-and-pop situations. A good athlete, he’s shown some versatility on the defensive end and should be able to keep opposing guards in front of him on the perimeter in switching situations.