(5) Worcester Academy defeats (4) St. George's School

As I stated in my <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/03/napsac-class-aa-playoff-preview/">NEPSAC Class AA playoff preview</a> article, I thought this would be the best matchup in this bracket. And, it was probably the best playoff game in all of the NEPSAC on Wednesday. Worcester got off to a huge lead before St. George's rallied back to tie the game late. Some clutch free throws and shots got Worcester the 78-76 win, but not without a minor heart attack.   Here are my standouts from the game.    Kamin was without a doubt the best player on the floor for Worcester Academy, as he has been for much of the season. The uncommitted senior showed his full repertoire of scoring; he bullied smaller guys underneath the basket for easy finishes, he picked his spots in the mid-range for jumpers, and he rained it in from three. He's such a well-rounded player and just doesn't have any weaknesses on that end, besides the fact that he isn't a big time athlete (who cares, though? He gets the job done). Kamin also showed some solid passing chops once the defense started to overplay him on threes. He really has it all.     Jenkins couldn't get his shot falling in the first half, but everything else was working well for him. He's so shifty with the rock and has some amazing deceleration/slow-step moves in the paint that completely throw off shot blockers; he also has an excellent left hand, so his finishing options at the rim are endless. In the final minutes of the second half, Jenkins hit a massive three and two clutch free throws to help put away the game, which is so impressive considering how he was shooting it from deep the rest of the game. Can't wait to watch him battle with [player_tooltip player_id='2465117' first='Ryan' last='Moesch'] on Saturday.     Njenga came up with big play after big play in this contest. Whether it was massive offensive rebounds, getting to loose balls, or getting steals, he does all of the little things and plays his butt off. He also had multiple really nice takes to the rim where he showcased his quick first step and high touch off the glass. Most impressive was his passing ability, which is very advanced for his age. The sophomore has such a bright future ahead, and I'm mad at myself for not noticing that until now; it's easy for him to fly under the radar on this squad until you realize the effort and unselfishness he plays with day after day.     Loer was a big part of the scoring punch for St. George's. He's very good in transition and takes long strides to the hoop before using his excellent wingspan to finish at the rim with ease – he also has some really solid hops. Most impressive, though, is his three-point shot. He has a picture-perfect release and can shoot it well on the move or in standstill positions, as well as off the dribble. If Loer improves his off-the-dribble game and gets a little more comfortable attacking second-side closeouts (some added muscle to keep his line would help here), he could get some minutes next year at Rhode Island.     Chess started off the game quiet before erupting in the second half. He's such a strong driver and is super physical when going to the hoop, which allows him to finish and drive against players who are taller than him. He also hit some really big buckets from the mid-range and three down the stretch. I love his shot release, especially when he really elevates off the ground; with someone his size and athletic ability, elevating that high makes his shot that much more difficult to contest. Now, if he can make it more consistent, sky's the limit.

As I stated in my NEPSAC Class AA playoff preview article, I thought this would be the best matchup in this bracket. And, it was probably the best playoff game in all of the NEPSAC on Wednesday. Worcester got off to a huge lead before St. George's rallied back to tie the game late. Some clutch free throws and shots got Worcester the 78-76 win, but not without a minor heart attack.