New England School Team Preview: The Hotchkiss School (CT)

<!-- 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>: The Hotchkiss School (CT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach</em></strong>: Joe Busacca</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023-24 Season Record</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>14-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Big Dogs on Campus</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are two players I expect to make a major impact on the Bearcats. Leading the squad will be senior and American University commit [player_tooltip player_id='2325849' first='Dean' last='Hogans']. A strong two-way off-ball guard, his polished offensive attack of absorbing contact in the lane, and efficient outside shooting should help Hotchkiss by leading the team in scoring while taking on tough assignments on defense. Senior center and Tufts commit [player_tooltip player_id='2325864' first='Ian' last='Randall'] should be a dominant force in the paint with paint buckets and rim protection. With great touch around the rim, his mid-range aptitude and ability to hit the bank shot while thriving as a passer should make the Bearcats' offense dangerous while providing defensive stability at the five spot with high-level instincts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Difference Makers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four other players should be significant for the Bearcats this upcoming year. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2547130' first='Tyler' last='Francis'] is a bouncy wing who dominates as a driver to the cup, dunking with authority and flamboyance. His athletic tools combined with a high motor, also help him on the defensive end by staying in front of scoring threats acting as a weak side rim protector, and affecting shot attempts. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2407052' first='Preston' last='Merrick'] is another two-way wing who will help Hotchkiss dominate on both sides of the hardwood. His offensive floor spacing off the catch, decisive cutting skills, above-the-rim transition finishing, and defending opposing wings should be a valuable asset for the team all season long. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2546960' first='Nick' last='Mautone'] has a very mature offensive game and can make a different kind of winning play every game, which can help the Bearcats on the margins. He can help with facilitating with the ball in his hands, hitting threes off the ball, and making high-effort defensive plays that energize himself and the rest of the squad. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2325872' first='Jules' last='Varin'] is a lefty guard who can hit three-pointers at a high clip. With great form and mechanics, he can get his shot off anywhere with above-average relocation skills as well he can occasionally attack closeouts and finish nicely at the basket taking advantage of his great touch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Underclassmen To Keep an Eye On</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are two underclassmen in particular to watch next season for the Bearcats. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2470937' first='Milos' last='Vasic'] is a big wing who has offensive creation upside with his ability to handle and score. He has already shown he can stretch the floor from downtown while displaying some playmaking on the ball and a willingness defensively to guard straight-up tough assignments who are stronger than him. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='2421244' first='Leo' last='Fauver'] also has some intriguing offensive upside with his enticing off-the-dribble shooting game. He also can come off screens and knock down shots while also getting to the basket in transition and attacking the passing lanes on defense which will make him viable for Hotchkiss in certain games and matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->