POTY Races: NEPSAC AAA

Today, we'll begin to take a look at the Player of the Year races from multiple classes in the NEPSAC.   Over the course of the next week, we'll work our way from Class AAA down to Class B.   The emphasis here will be on highlighting prospects from the top ranked teams in each class, as team success often leads to individual recognition.   As always, we'll try to keep the focus on prospects from New England, which means that we won't be looking at the Hoosac School or the Darrow School. Also, while South Kent is at the bottom of the AAA standings, we'd be remiss to not shout out [player_tooltip player_id='1358460' first='Christopher' last='Birden'], who has had a fantastic season so far.   Below are five prospects that we have our eyes on in the Player of the Year race in Class AAA:    Costello, a senior forward out of Newman in Massachusetts, has followed up his meteoric rise last summer with a standout final season in the prep rankings. Newman sits at the top of the AAA standings with a 9-1 record in league games, with Costello playing a foundational role in their success. The 6'10" forward has the ability to take over games with his scoring, both in the paint and from the perimeter. He's spent the winter playing harder and more physically than ever before, has turned himself into a high level rebounder, and finds ways to impact winning even when he isn't leading his team in scoring. Costello was recently named a McDonald's All-American and will continue his career next season at the University of Michigan.     Crowdis, a senior guard out of Bridgton Academy in Maine, has been phenomenal in his first year of prep ball in the states. Bridgton may be the surprise team of the season out of AAA, with Crowdis being a big reason why they sit in 2nd place at 6-4 in league games. Crowdis is a big and athletic guard that has done a great job of getting into the paint off the bounce and making plays for himself and others. He can score it in a variety of ways around the rim, makes tough shots in isolation situations, and, on top of that, is a high level and multi-positional defender on the other end of the floor. Few guards in the region are filling up the stat sheet night in and night out like he is. Crowdis remains uncommitted at this point in time, but recently picked up an offer from Cal State Bakersfield.     Harrington, a senior guard out of New Hampton in New Hampshire, continues to take strides in his overall game and has turned himself into one of the top perimeter prospects in the region. New Hampton is part of a group of teams tied for 3rd in the standings at 5-5 in league games, with Harrington helping them to stay competitive each and every night. Harrington's ability to shoot the basketball has always been a standout skill, but it's his improvement with the ball in his hands and in his decision making that has stood out this winter. He plays in a way that allows the offense to operate smoothly and aids in the success of his teammates. He's made a commitment on the defensive end of the floor and to rebounding that has elevated his game this winter. Harrington is another uncommitted prospect and, at this point in time, is one of the top ranked uncommitted guards in New England.     Whyte, a junior guard out of Vermont Academy in Vermont, has impressed every time he's taken the floor with his combination of energy, skill, and two-way tenacity. Vermont Academy also sits at 5-5, tied for third in AAA and playing well on both ends of the floor behind Whyte. An elite perimeter defender, Whyte is one of the more impressive guards in the region on that end of the floor. He's disruptive at the point of attack, jumps passing lanes to create turnovers, and can really get out and run in transition. He continues to improve as a decision maker with the ball in his hands, while also showing the ability to take over games as a scorer when asked to. Whyte should attract plenty of attention at the scholarship level this spring and summer.     Otey, a junior guard out of St. Thomas More in Connecticut, has made a splash in his return to the region, reminding everyone of his ability to take over games on the offensive end of the floor. St. Thomas More is the last team in the four way tie for 3rd and relies on significant youth throughout their roster, including Otey, who is one of the nation's top prospects. Otey is a smooth operator on the offensive end of the floor, showcasing the ability to get a basket almost at will. He gets it done in transition, in the half-court, and late in the shot clock as a scorer, but also shows the ability to break down defenders off the bounce and create for others. His ability to rebound on one end and initiate offense in transition allows him to elevate the play of his teammates offensively. Otey has put together an impressive list of offers and should continue to gain interest on the travel circuit this spring and summer.    Keep an eye out tomorrow as we unveil our Player of the Year candidates in Class AA.

Today, we'll begin to take a look at the Player of the Year races from multiple classes in the NEPSAC.