NEPSAC Showcase Notable Forwards

Chartier got off to a somewhat rocky start in the game I watched, but as the contest progressed, he settled in and began to make a much bigger impact. He was not shy about letting shots fly from beyond the arc and, while he was somewhat volume-oriented as a shooter, he connected on several three-pointers and showed the confidence needed to be a perimeter threat. What makes Chartier particularly intriguing is his blend of size, length, and skill. Those physical tools, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, make him an appealing prospect for college coaches evaluating long-term upside. He has the framework of a player who should garner significant attention at the low-major level as he continues to develop. I would like to see Chartier continue improving his body and adding strength to better handle the physical demands of the next level. I would also like to see him become more active on the glass. There were too many instances where he appeared content to watch the play unfold rather than getting involved in the rebounding battle. If he increases his activity level in that area and consistently impact possessions beyond his shooting, it will only enhance his overall value as a prospect.     I really liked the two-way versatility Hopkins displayed in the two games I watched in Worcester. He showed the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it was finishing around the basket, knocking down shots from beyond the arc, or utilizing his in-between game. He also flashed some impressive off-the-bounce scoring ability that caught my attention and highlighted his offensive upside. One of Hopkins' biggest strengths is his positional versatility. He can play multiple spots on the floor and impact the game in different roles depending on what his team needs. Defensively, his length becomes a major factor. It makes it difficult for opponents to drive past him cleanly, and he does a nice job using his reach to disrupt passing lanes and make difficult passes even tougher to complete. He looks like the type of player who could be an excellent late addition for a college program in the Class of 2026, while also profiling as someone Division one programs should prioritize early if he is a member of the Class of 2027. His blend of tools and production gives him significant value on both ends of the floor.     Edmonds is a bullish forward who uses his sheer size and strength to impose his will on opponents. He consistently finds ways to bully his way to the basket and is difficult to keep out of the paint once he gains momentum. Offensively, he showed the ability to play both inside and out, giving his team some versatility in how he can be utilized.I would like to see him improve is simplifying his offensive approach at times. There were occasions when he appeared to overdribble, and I think he could be even more effective by making quicker decisions and allowing his physical tools to do the work. Keeping things simple would help him play with more efficiency and maximize his strengths. Edmonds is a prospect who should draw significant Division I interest. I could see some college programs utilizing him as a small-ball four, where his combination of size, strength, and versatility could create matchup problems. If he embraces that role and continues to refine his game, he has the potential to be a highly productive player at the next level     Prince has been highly productive throughout the spring, and it has been interesting to see the different roles he has taken on depending on the team he is playing for. With HoopRoots HGSL, he often serves as their biggest player, which leads to him spending much of his time operating on the interior. In that setting, you do not always get to see the full scope of his skill set, particularly his perimeter game. Playing with Cushing, however, Prince has shown that he is capable of impacting the game both inside and out. He does an excellent job attacking closeouts and putting pressure on the defense off the dribble. He also has a knack for tracking down second-chance opportunities and making winning plays around the basket. Prince already holds several Division I offers, and based on the way he has performed this spring, I expect his recruitment to continue gaining momentum heading into the second live period and throughout July.     McNamara showed flashes as a floor spacer and proved to be a legitimate threat from beyond the three-point line. His ability to knock down perimeter shots helps stretch the defense, but he also demonstrated that he can score on the interior when opportunities present themselves. That inside-out versatility makes him an intriguing offensive piece. Defensively, it allows him to cover ground with ease, contest shots, and disrupt passing lanes, while offensively it helps him finish plays around the basket. combination of shooting ability, length, rebounding, and positional versatility, McNamara is a prospect who should continue to attract attention from programs at both the low-major and mid-major levels. As he continues to develop physically and add consistency to his game, his recruitment should only continue to gain momentum.     Noel has put together a productive spring and, perhaps more importantly, has been remarkably consistent every time I have seen him. You know what you are going to get when he steps onto the floor, and that reliability is one of his biggest strengths. His shooting ability is his calling card, as he is a legitimate threat to stretch the floor and make defenses pay whenever he is left open from beyond the arc. hat also stands out is the edge he plays with. Noel has a noticeable chip on his shoulder and competes with a level of toughness that shows up in a variety of ways throughout the game. He is not afraid to get in the mix, battle for loose balls, or do some of the little things that help teams win. Offensively, I liked how aggressive he was coming off ball screens looking for scoring opportunities, putting pressure on defenders and forcing them to stay attached. He sets screens away from the ball, keeps the offense moving, and does not allow the ball to stick in his hands. When teammates are open, he is willing to make the extra pass and keep possessions flowing. One area I would like to see him continue to improve is his foot speed, which could help him become even more effective on both ends of the floor. I would imagine a number of high-academic Division three programs will be hoping he slips through the cracks because he possesses many of the traits coaches covet in winning players.