NMH Tip-Off Classic: Winchendon School Standouts

Last weekend, Northfield Mount Hermon hosted the NMH Tip-Off Classic, a mini-tournament that included four boys teams: NMH, MacDuffie, Winchendon, and Wilbraham and Monson. Though I was only able to watch some of the games, I'll have some coverage over the next two days from the event.   Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/11/nmh-tip-off-classic-macduffie-standouts-vs-winchendon/">NMH Tip-Off Classic: MacDuffie Standouts vs. Winchendon</a>   Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/11/nmh-tip-off-classic-wilbraham-monson-standouts-vs-winchendon/">NMH Tip-Off Classic: Wilbraham + Monson Standouts vs. Winchendon</a>   Let's finish with some Winchendon standouts from their 2-0 weekend. This squad is going to make A LOT of noise this season.    Gibson wasn't known by many around New England before the NMH Tip-Off, but that has changed quite a bit since. After his two dominant performances this past weekend, mid major D1 programs should be taking a hard look at the 6-foot-6 wing. There isn't a thing Gibson can't do. Offensively, he shoots it well, handles it comfortably for his size, has above average athleticism and finishing chops at the rim, and is a very heady passer. Defensively, he works his behind off and is ALWAYS around the basketball. He has the IQ, skill, athleticism and desire. Gibson is the biggest riser of the prep season so far.     Penix might've been Winchendon's second most impressive player. The 6-foot-5 guard is a SHOOTER who gets his looks off super quickly and has great footwork when he's relocating for shots. He hit a bunch of contested shots and shoots the same no matter what situation he's in. The senior also passes the ball extremely well and sees cuts before they're happening, which makes me think he could be even more effective with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he plays extremely hard and rebounds quite well for his size. Another scholarship guy if I had to guess who should grow into his own over his next two years at Winchendon.     Wow, Johnson is fun to watch. The NMH Tip-Off was the first time I've ever seen him play, and I can assure you it won't be my last. The 5-foot-10 point guard is ridiculously quick with the rock in his hands and looks like he's been dribbling the thing since he was a toddler. He makes live-dribble, one-handed passes in his sleep with both his right and left hand, and he has some pretty special passing vision. He's also able to shoot it and finish with contact, though. He has the upmost confidence in his game and it's going to take him a long way. Heck of a player.     Winchendon doesn't necessarily have a traditional big man at the center position, but they get away with having Blankenberg in that spot because of his strength, toughness and defensive acumen. He does an unbelievable job protecting the rim for his size, and he even slides his feet like a guard on the perimeter and can take charges. Offensively, he attacks the glass like a madman and is a really solid finisher in the paint. He's as solid as they come and should be getting scholarship looks. He might not fill up the stat sheet in all the notable ways, but he makes winning plays.     Faison is built like a brick wall, and you can see how those physical tools allow him to impact the game. Offensively, he floats in the air for finishes and takes contact ridiculously well in the air—he's an and-one machine. He also passes the ball very well and is supremely unselfish. Defensively, he provides 94 feet of pressure for the entire game and never takes any possessions off. The junior guard is getting some big time reps this year for Winchendon, and I wouldn't be surprised to see scholarship schools be intrigued as a result.

Last weekend, Northfield Mount Hermon hosted the NMH Tip-Off Classic, a mini-tournament that included four boys teams: NMH, MacDuffie, Winchendon, and Wilbraham and Monson. Though I was only able to watch some of the games, I'll have some coverage over the next two days from the event.