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<p>We wrap up our <em>Program Profiles</em> series with a look at one of New England's most highly regarded programs, the <em>Mass Rivals</em>.</p>
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<p>Based out of Boston, Massachusetts, the <em>Mass Rivals</em> were founded in 2007 and are led by their director, Vin Pastore.</p>
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<p>A member program of the <em>adidas 3SSB</em>, the <em>Mass Rivals</em> are a program that focuses on developing better students, athletes, and people. While the <em>3SSB</em> teams garner most of the attention, they also have teams that play on the <em>MADE HOOPS Showcase League</em> and the <em>Zero Gravity Exposure League</em>.</p>
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<p>Claiming major <em>adidas</em> championships in 2016 and 2022, the <em>Mass Rivals </em>have developed over 500 student-athletes that went on to play at the college level, as well as 14 future pros. In their 2025 class alone, they produced prospects that will go on to play at <strong><em>Duke</em></strong>, <strong><em>Brown</em></strong>, <strong><em>American</em></strong>, <strong><em>Northeastern</em></strong>, and <strong><em>Vermont</em></strong>.</p>
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<p>Below are five prospects from the <em>Mass Rivals</em> that have stood out so far this spring.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Payne, a member of the <em>16u 3SSB</em> squad, is a dynamic combo guard out of <em>Brimmer & May School</em> in Massachusetts. A blur in the open floor, Payne is an impressive athlete that does a great job of making plays with the ball in his hands. He's got real wiggle as an isolation ball-handler, knows how to use ball screens to his advantage, and has a full package of finishing moves in the paint. He continues to improve as an outside shooter and makes good decisions with the basketball in his hands. Defensively, he's competitive, willing to sit in a stance, and does a good job at the point of attack. He's been impressive this spring and will be a scholarship level player when it's all said and done.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Castillo, a member of the <em>16u MADE HOOPS</em> squad, is a versatile wing out of <em>Central Catholic High School</em> in Massachusetts. A versatile defender, he has the ability to guard any spot on the perimeter with his combination of positional size, length, and lateral mobility. He's disruptive on the ball and in passing lanes, and, does a great job of quickly converting in transition. Offensively, he's a good off-ball mover that uses screens to get open and cuts hard to the rim. He's a strong perimeter shooter that does a nice job of sliding into passing windows and gets into his shot quickly. When he's knocking down threes with consistency, he becomes a tough guard for opponents. He's been really good this spring and is a prospect that seems to still be unlocking different elements of his game.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Bennett, a member of the <em>15u 3SSB</em> squad, is a creative lead guard out of <em>St. Sebastian's School</em> in Massachusetts. One of the better on-ball defenders in his class, he's so good moving laterally and has such quick hands, that it's incredibly difficult for opposing guards to initiate offense. Once he creates turnovers, he does a good job of pushing the pace and getting out in transition, where he balances creating for others with an attacking mindset as a ball-handler. He can get to his spots off the bounce in isolations, turns the corner consistently out of ball screens, and makes high level passes on the move. He's a true floor general and a definite prospect to monitor going forward in the <em>Class of 2028</em>.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Roud, a member of the <em>16u 3SSB</em> squad, is a shot making guard out of <em>Andover High School</em> in Massachusetts. After breaking out as a freshman in the MIAA, he took another jump this winter, adding new elements to his game offensively. He's a terrific perimeter shooter that gets into his shot quickly, moves well without the basketball, and has solid mechanics on his jumper. He's now doing a better job of leveraging his shooting to open up driving lanes, where he makes good decisions as a passer and shows the ability to finish over size with touch. Defensively, he does a good job with his positioning and is an impressive rebounder at the guard spot. He's smart, skilled, and makes winning plays, a combination that should catch the attention of plenty of college coaches over the next few years.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Keel, a member of the <em>17u 3SSB</em> squad, is a heady lead guard out of <em>Putnam Science Academy</em> in Connecticut. One of the most experienced guards in the region, Keel burst onto the scene as a freshman and has done nothing but win at a high level ever since. He's confident with the ball in his hands, makes things easier for his teammates on the offensive end of the floor, and has proven to be an efficient scorer at multiple levels. He does a nice job of limiting turnovers and letting the game come to him. Defensively, he can guard either back-court spot and does a nice job of making plays on the ball without fouling. He's a high level scholarship prospect that should have a strong following this summer.</p>
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We wrap up our Program Profiles series with a look at one of New England's most highly regarded programs, the Mass Rivals.
HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
PG/CG
CLASS
2027
State:
New England
School:
Brimmer & May School
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HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
SF
CLASS
2027
School:
Central Catholic
Club:
Mass Rivals
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
PG
CLASS
2028
State:
New England
School:
St. Sebastian's
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
SG
CLASS
2027
State:
New England
School:
Andover
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
PG
CLASS
2026
State:
New England
School:
Putnam Science Academy
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