New England's Under-the-Radar Game Changers

We wrap up our Under-the-Radar series with a look as some of the areas top Game Changers.   These are some of the best athletes in New England, the type of prospects that can swing the course of the game with just one play.   As has been the case throughout this series, prospects covered below will only come from the state associations in New England.    Maiwen, who burst onto the regional scene this summer, is one of the most impressive vertical athletes in the MPA. A standout at Edward Little, Maiwen has played his way onto the radar of college coaches throughout New England with his combination of athleticism, burst, length, and motor. Defensively, he's a game changer with his ability to anticipate plays before they happen. He's a terrific shot blocker that covers ground quickly and rise way above the rim to deter opponents shots. He has a great first step into passing lanes and turns takeaways into highlight reel plays in transition. Offensively, he's best in the open floor or when attacking the rim as a slasher, utilizing his length and bounce to finish at or above the rim. While he's improved his skill this offseason, he still shines through with his ability to make game changing plays above the rim. He's a prospect of note in the MPA and undoubtedly will be on a college floor somewhere next year.     Lenus, one of the RIIL's up and coming prospects, impresses with his athletic gifts in the open floor. A shifty guard, Lenus has done a nice job of developing his skillset to compliment his athleticism. He's a big lead guard with impressive length that utilizes his athleticism to fly up the floor in transition. He's quick, has great burst, and can navigate tight spaces incredibly well with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he utilizes that quickness to be a terrific on ball defender. While he doesn't pop vertically, he's a dynamic lateral athlete that is able to make plays in tight spaces. He's a well rounded prospect that can score on the offensive end of the floor, make plays for his teammates in the half court, and be disruptive defensively. He'll be a big piece to North Providence's success this winter and should be among the state's top performers.     Clement, a versatile wing with the ability to impact a game on both ends of the floor, has quickly become a standout in the RIIL. Long, with good positional size, Clement makes an impact with his ability to make plays in space. He's one of the more versatile prospects in Rhode Island and has some serious long term potential due to his budding skillset and athletic gifts. He has the ability to control the glass, corralling rebounds by the rim with his length and vertical presence. He's another good shot blocker that can cover a lot of ground from the help position. Most impressively, he covers a ton of ground in the open floor with long, fluid strides. He's capable of initiating the break off of his own rebounds and does a great job of pushing the pace. He's a terrific shooter from behind the arc and utilizes his athleticism to navigate tight spaces as a driver. One of the top 2026's in Rhode Island, he'll be a major factor in Moses Brown's success this winter.     Osafo, a budding big wing out of Shrewsbury, is an intriguing long term prospect due to his combination of length and bounce on the perimeter. A terrific vertical athlete, Osafo is arguably one of the region's best help defenders. His athleticism shines through on the defensive end, where he has game changer ability as an on and off ball defender. At 6'4", he's a terrific helpside shot blocker that has great vertical athleticism and a plus wingspan. He's active in passing lanes, has quick hands, and does a great job of jumping in front of passes for easy steals. Offensively, while a little raw, he does a great job utilizing his burst to get into the paint and is an impressive finisher and offensive rebounder due to his ability to capitalize on a quick second jump. He's a game changer and a sleeper and heads into his senior season as one of the MIAA's best kept secrets.     Nimaga, a versatile forward at Kolbe Cathedral, was a standout performer at multiple showcases this summer. An athletic prospect from Connecticut, Nimaga has the chance to be one of the top paint performers in the CIAC this winter. A terrific rebounder, he has a college ready frame and know how to utilize his strength and strong base to his advantage. He aggressively pursues the basketball on both ends of the floor and does a good job of rebounding above the rim and out of his area. He covers a lot of ground with long strides, allowing him to do a great job as a rim runner in transition. Defensively, his activity level and motor, combined with his positional size and length, allow him to make plays both on and off the ball. He's a well rounded prospect that should be able to help Kolbe Cathedral win a lot of games this winter before heading to the college ranks next fall.

We wrap up our Under-the-Radar series with a look as some of the areas top Game Changers.