Breakout Candidates: Massachusetts

Our Breakout Candidates series continues as we head to Massachusetts.   We continue to look to highlight prospects that have a chance to shine in new roles or take on an increased level of production in the upcoming season throughout the region.   Today, we'll look at five prospects from Massachusetts that are primed for a big jump this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2875024' first='Allen' last='Brown Jr.']   The 2026 prospect out of Holbrook has a chance to cement his status as one of the top scorers in the MIAA this winter. Brown, who passed the 1,000-point mark as a junior, is a true creator with the ball in his hands, capable of getting to his spots both as a facilitator and as a scorer. He has some wiggle off the bounce, a quick first step, and the ability to make plays in tight spaces. As a scorer, he does a nice job of using touch to finish over the defense, while also proving to be a capable shooter in catch and shoot situations. Defensively, he has the ability to guard in space and be disruptive at the top of a press. He'll put up big scoring numbers this winter and could lead Holbrook on a deep playoff run.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568526' first='Niklas' last='Boateng']   The 2027 prospect out of Lexington Christian Academy burst onto the scene last winter and appears ready to take his game to another level after a strong showing this summer. Now the unquestioned leader of a talented LCA squad, Boateng has the opportunity to settle in as not only one of the top prospects in his division, but also one who has the greatest impact on winning. He'll have the ball in his hands a lot, and with his solid frame, should be able to get into the paint at will. He scores around the rim in a variety of ways, can put pressure on the defense as a downhill driver, and creates space for his perimeter jumper with shot fakes and jab steps. On the other end, he isn't afraid to sit in a stance and work, being disruptive both at the point of attack and in passing lanes. LCA should compete for a NEPSAC crown this winter and if they do, Boateng will be a key reason why.   [player_tooltip player_id='2818538' first='Abe' last='Camara']   The 2026 prospect out of Malden Catholic play a key role on squads that made it to back-to-back state finals and now looks to step into a marquee role as a senior. Camara, a long and lean 6'6" hybrid forward, has the ability to make plays on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he uses his length to his advantage, and, as a plus athlete, is capable of guarding guards, wings, and forwards. He has the size needed to mix it up as a rebounder, the agility to be a disruptive force at the top of a press, and the instincts to make plays in passing lanes. On the other end, he does a nice job of making decisions with the ball in his hands, continues to improve his consistency as a perimeter shooter, and is a tough cover for opposing forwards with a quick first step when attacking the rim. If Malden Catholic wants to stay in the discussion amongst the state's top teams, there's no doubt that Camara will play a big role in them doing so.   [player_tooltip player_id='2879085' first='Thomas' last='Denton']   The 2027 prospect out of Masconomet Regional followed up an impressive sophomore season with a strong spring and summer on the travel circuit. Denton joins with [player_tooltip player_id='2874990' first='Jimmy' last='Farrell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2696716' first='Jamason' last='Vella'] to form a high scoring trio that has a chance to make some noise this winter. At 6'5", he has great positional size and plus athleticism, that when combined with his skillset, makes him one of the more unique scorers in the state. He can get it done at the rim, has the handle needed to score in isolation situations, and is a strong shooter, with range, from behind the arc. He can play on or off the ball, defends multiple positions, and even makes the little plays that contribute to winning but don't show up in a box score. Continued improvement out of Denton should have Masconomet Regional in a place where they can duplicate, and maybe even improve on, last season's success as they chase a state championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='2465136' first='Foster' last='Wilinski']   The 2026 prospect out of Needham is one of the most versatile prospects in the state and should have the opportunity to prove just how talented he is this winter. A high IQ prospect, Wilinski impacts the game on both ends of the floor with solid decision making, good communication, and an impressive feel for the game. He can score it at multiple levels, knocking down threes in catch and shoot situations and posting up smaller defenders with his back to the basket. He has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass and shows impressive vision and handle with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he does a nice job in rotation, uses his length to his advantage, and has great positioning as a rebounder. Always in the hunt come the post-season, Needham will rely on Wilinski for heavy contributions as they aim to win a state title.   Stay tuned later this week as we unveil our Breakout Candidates for the last three states in the region.

Our Breakout Candidates series continues as we head to Massachusetts.