New England School Team Preview: The Newman School (MA)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the spring and summer AAU season coming to a close, sooner rather than later the 2024-25 high school basketball season will be just around the corner as we quickly approach the fall. Schools and coaches will prepare their student-athletes for the fun and competitive season ahead all over the six states in the New England area. In this School Team Preview series, I hope to highlight individual teams in the region and give insights on which players I expect to make an impact in the upcoming season. Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Team</em></strong>: The Newman School (MA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach</em></strong>: Jackson Johnson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023-24 Season Record</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Big Dogs on Campus</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are four players I expect to make a major impact on Newman. Leading the squad will be junior center [player_tooltip player_id='2341292' first='Collins' last='Chidera Onyejiaka']. A force on both ends of the court, he thrives near the rim with powerful dunks and terrific blocks and should be a reliable and constant presence on the interior. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1532411' first='Timmy' last='Bollin'] looks to put up big scoring totals for the squad with his bucket-getting instincts. His ability to score off-the-dribble from mid-range and three, be a knockdown off-the-catch shooter, and display a tough mentality as a driver should set the tone for Newman on the offensive side. Junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1532640' first='Quinn' last='Costello'] has guard skills for his size and a well-rounded approach. With a solid handle, a nice stroke from beyond the arch, high effort on the boards, and good footwork defending opposing wings, he should be primed for big moments as his frame continues developing. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1532428' first='Reggie' last='Grodin'] will also bring perimeter shooting to the table and will be helpful with floor spacing. In addition, his off-the-ball cutting and quick decision-making as a passer should stabilize the team and create flow within the half-court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Difference Makers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five other players should be very important for Newman this upcoming year on a loaded and deep team. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1202209' first='Jalen' last='Harper'] has sweet athletic gifts and big-time bounce around the basket. He should be a force running the break in transition and provide rim pressure in the half-court. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2341371' first='Chase' last='Geremia'] is buzzing with high energy and showcases that with skill on both ends. With a dependable outside shot, he is effective both on and off the ball while putting in the work for rebounds and guarding aggressively on the perimeter. Junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2553689' first='Louis' last='O'Keefe'] is a tone-setter who plays good pace and has great feel for the position. He can make plays out of the pick-and-roll while also being able to create for himself off the bounce with good balance and posture. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2325875' first='Carson' last='McDonald'] is a versatile defender with size who can guard up and down the line. He also provides weak-side rim protection, rim finishing, and passing in the half-court. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1532432' first='Aidan' last='Losiewicz'] is a bulldozer at the basket and brings toughness to the floor at all times. His competitive mindset with the scoring bursts he provides should be huge for Newman all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Underclassmen To Keep an Eye On</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a pair of underclassmen, in particular, to watch next season for Newman. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2470860' first='Preston' last='Bollin'] brings a well-developed body for his age with a balanced skill set that should help off the bench. He will be beneficial on the hardwood with good shooting form from the outside, efficient interior scoring, and slick passing out of the post. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2568326' first='Xavier' last='Sanchez'] is a smooth ball handler who brings confidence whenever he touches the basketball. He is hard to stop with a head of steam and already can recognize double teams to find teammates on the outside for open shots which should be powerful even in limited opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->