NEPSAC Showcase: 5 athletic 2026 wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday and Saturday, I attended the NEPSAC Showcase at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. There were four courts going on at once and games going from 8:00am to 9:00pm. Though I tried to watch as many games and teams as possible, I didn't get to see everyone — so my coverage this weekend will be reflective of the games I saw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-individual-performances-that-stood-out/">5 individual performances that stood out</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-6-young-breakout-candidates/">6 young breakout candidates</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-transfers-helping-big-name-schools-retool/">5 transfers that will help out powerhouses Brewster and New Hampton.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-old-faces-in-new-places-ready-to-shine/">5 old faces in new places ready to shine</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-old-faces-in-new-places-ready-to-shine-pt-2/">5 old faces in new places ready to shine (part 2).</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-players-ready-for-more-responsibility/">5 players who will take on a lot more responsibility this season</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/06/nepsac-showcase-5-bigs-with-major-upside/">5 big men with major upside</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are 5 athletic 2026 wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341415"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685db809c26bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery-Turner is a well-rounded wing on MacDuffie who should have a very effective season for them. The 6-foot-4 athlete has really excellent down court speed and was one of the better rebounding wings I saw at the showcase. He also has really good touch off the backboard and good elevation at the rim in transition. He didn't knock down his three balls against St. George's, but his shot looks great and I think he's probably going to shoot it pretty well this season. No real weaknesses for two-way wing Avery-Turner, who should be garnering scholarship interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2695271"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685db809c2761"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Padgett is an extremely well-rounded, two-way wing for Bridgton Academy. He can play on and off the ball as a result of his shooting and closeout driving ability but also his change of speed and handle in the pick and roll. He loves getting downhill and finishing at the hoop, but he also has the IQ to make simple passes for his teammates. And, he does some little things, too, like rebounding phenomenally well for his position and therefore allowing him to guard 1-4. Definite scholarship prospect who will make a college coach very happy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2610674"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685db809c27b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love Te Ratana ability to play in a variety of situations. For BABC, he does all the little things, like flying around defensively, getting 50/50 balls, and rebounding aggressively on both ends. But with Darrow, he showed off some really impressive scoring chops in the mid range, and I was especially impressed with his fallaway shot off of one foot that he hit with tons of consistency. He also gets off the floor SO quickly and surprises everybody with his athleticism. Watch your head if he's driving at you in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2407052"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685db809c2816"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Merrick was one of the better all-around athletes I saw all weekend. He has ridiculous end-to-end speed and consistently gets rebounds and then goes all the way down the floor for finishes Giannis-style. Despite his freak athleticism, he's under control at the rim and has great touch, which makes him a great finisher. He also always has the willingness and IQ to make kickout passes on the break if the defense collapses. And on the defensive end, Merrick slides his feet incredibly well and can comfortable guard 1-4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2325855"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685db809c287d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Green is one of the better jumpers in New England and should have some insane dunks for PSA this season. The 6-foot-6 wing has insane hops off of one foot and great timing and aggression when it comes to attacking the hoop. Like Merrick, he's effective in transition because of his combination of speed, athleticism and body control. But in the half court, he differentiates himself by cutting very well off the ball which will only give him more opportunities for posters. BIG time athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->