New England School Team Preview: Brewster Academy (NH)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the spring and summer AAU season coming to a close, sooner rather than later the 2024-25 high school basketball season will be just around the corner as we quickly approach the fall. Schools and coaches will prepare their student-athletes for the fun and competitive season ahead all over the six states in the New England area. In this School Team Preview series, I hope to highlight individual teams in the region and give insights on which players I expect to make an impact in the upcoming season. Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Team</em></strong>: Brewster Academy (NH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coaches</em></strong>: Jason Smith (National) and Jeffrey Gore (Prep)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023-24 Season Record</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>National: 27-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep: 16-18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Big Dogs on Campus</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are four players I expect to make a major impact on the Bobcats. Leading the squad will be the number one ranked senior in New England, forward [player_tooltip player_id='2317299' first='Dwayne' last='Aristode']. He can do everything on the court from scoring from all three levels to using his athletic advantages guarding on the perimeter, to even leveraging his scoring gravity to make plays for others, which should lead to him becoming the alpha dog for Brewster. The number one ranked junior in New England, forward [player_tooltip player_id='2341271' first='Sebastian' last='Wilkins'] is another bouncy forward who should thrive both on and off the ball. With a smooth outside jumper, long and lean arms, and quick twitch speed, he can contribute right away on both ends while having his moments as an offensive creator. Senior forward&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2317315' first='Preston' last='Fowler'] brings defensive intensity and impressive above-the-rim finishing. He isn't afraid to throw down put-backs in traffic, taking on tough defensive assignments and succeeding, while also stretching the floor from the outside too. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1532434' first='Ebuka' last='Okorie'] has great scoring instincts and balances that with slick passing ability from the point guard spot. He also brings pesty perimeter defense and ambidextrous finishing at the cup which should impact the Bobcats all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Difference Makers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ten other players should be very important for the Bobcats this upcoming year on two loaded and deep rosters. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2553506' first='Paul' last='Ater Maker Bol'] is a high-upside athlete with tons of potential hailing from South Sudan. With a good shooting touch, a soft handle, and an aggressive mentality driving at the rim, he should have big-time moments throughout as he transitions to state-side play. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1698810' first='Eric' last='Jacobsen'] has an inside-out offensive game with the ability to defend on the interior. He's got nice footwork down low and can help his team further with heavy rebounding on the block. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2325779' first='Jadon' last='Holmes'] can contribute in a three-and-D role with an ideal frame to boot. He can hit shots from the outside off the catch and defend athletic wings as a smooth operator with swift feet. Senior center [player_tooltip player_id='1529223' first='Alan' last='Shi'] brings back to the basket proficiency on offense while also doing the little things that affect winning. He can defend the outside better than most centers and his unique versatility should be a big coup for Brewster as they can utilize him in different scenarios whenever needed. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2325880' first='Luke' last='Johnson'] can run the pick-and-roll offensively while also being able to create his own shots for himself. His good pace with the ball can help in the half-court setting while also providing value off the ball in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2325777' first='Charlie' last='Pugh'] is a lights-out shooter with supreme mechanics. He can get his shot off anytime he wants, while also competing on the defensive end with high exertion. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2341422' first='Alex' last='Gordon'] is another high-impact shooter who is confident beyond the arch. He is quick and agile and uses his frame to get into the paint or create shots in the mid-range. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2543553' first='Eren' last='Ozcelik'] supplies smart passing skills from the post. He can body up bigs inside while also hitting shots on good shot selection from the perimeter to help his team. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1253132' first='Cyrus' last='Hutchison'] will bring a defensive presence guarding wings and arduous aggression on the boards. With a lot of untapped potential, he will do whatever is asked as he continues his positive developmental curve. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2547062' first='Gur' last='Dhillon'] has a distinctive passing IQ and polished scoring on the inside. While undersized, his solid decision-making opens up opportunities for teammates and himself and should boost the Bobcats throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Underclassmen To Keep an Eye On</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a pair of underclassmen, in particular, to watch next season for the Bobcats. Sophomore guard&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='2470964' first='Antonio' last='Pemberton'] is an explosive scorer with a great ability to create space. With a shifty handle, an unpredictable change of pace, and excellent court awareness, he should be an important piece for Brewster on offense coming off the bench. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2470913' first='Tayden' last='Langdon'] should also help Pemberton in the bench unit with his off-the-ball skillset. He's got a deep range from downtown as a shooter with solid decision-making skills that should complement the backcourt well for the Bobcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->