Hynes was absolutely huge in Sunday’s championship game. The 6-foot-6 wing was bigger than most of Cheshire’s front line, so he was able to bully his way to the front of the rim for offensive rebounds and finishes. He has continuously improved his athleticism and strength over the past couple of years, and he knows exactly where to be on the court at all times. Hynes is an A+ role player who should walk into a similar role on Bentley next season that he currently plays for Cushing.

A year ago, I wrote about Hynes as a high level D3 prospect. I’ll take the L on that one, because the Bentley commit has come to Cushing and been able to compete against high level scholarship players on a consistent basis. The 6-foot-6 wing is strong and sturdy, so he’s a solid post defender and rebounder for his size and athleticism (which has improved, for what it’s worth). Offensively, Hynes is a wonderful ball connector and can drive closeouts, score at the rim, and make shots from long range. He doesn’t give up much on either end, and he’s additive in every way. Hynes is an awesome player who can fit in anywhere.

+64 (#108 to #44)

Hynes, a wing out of Cushing Academy, jumped 64 spots in this rankings update. Versatility is his calling card, as he makes plays inside the paint and on the perimeter on both ends of the floor. He has good positional size, plus athleticism, and the ability to operate as a secondary ball-handler. Offensively, he can do a bit of everything, as he’s a physical finisher at the rim, shows good vision as a passer, and knocks down shots in catch and shoot situations. On the other end, his ability to defend up and down a position, as well as to rebound it at a high clip, makes him a plus defender.

Hynes is playing with Middlesex Magic’s top team now and looked really good in a role player situation off the bench. He’s a great three point shooter who has really nice touch in the lane and can guard above his position as a result of his strength and size. I’m so curious to see what Hynes will look like on Cushing Academy next season (and this was a taste) — I think playing with excellent players around him could really unlock his shooting and off-ball movement, two skills he’s really good at. He’ll probably get some scholarship level looks but I bet he’s best served as a really high level D3 player. Either way, how Hynes performs this summer and next season will likely determine his college level.

Hynes, a high IQ wing from Cushing Academy, makes his first appearance in the 2026 rankings at #114. After recently making the move to the Middlesex Magic and the UAA, he’s continued to impress as a versatile scorer that gets it done at all three levels. A well-built 6’6″ wing, he has the strength needed to make plays through contact, shows a high basketball IQ as a playmaker in the half-court, and continues to knock down shots as a high clip from behind the arc. Defensively, he is a strong rebounder that can defend up and down a position.

To start, has a developed body ready for college with a strong lower half and absorbs contact with his shoulders. He can finish in a variety of ways even stretching the floor. Changes gears in a instant lulling his opponent to sleep effectively. Has a good second bounce to grab offensive boards. Vision was impressive as he anticipated where his teammates would be especially the trust factor.

Hynes is a joy to watch play the game of basketball. He’s so skilled with the ball in his hands and even though he won’t blow you away with quickness or crazy hops, he does an excellent job getting to his spots and finding a way to score. He’s also quite lethal out of the high post as an offensive hub; he has great vision and really understands how to move the rock. I’ll be so curious to see how he fits into the Cushing system next season – I think being around other great players will only maximize his game.

When I’ve seen Hynes play AAU, he’s been a wing for White Mamba. But with Roxbury Latin, he plays more of a big-man role, something his skill set is actually quite good for. He has excellent footwork and craft in the paint, which allows him to maneuver around larger guys and finish with touch. But he’s also able to step out and hit the three ball and create for himself and his teammates with the dribble. I’ll be very curious to see how Hynes transitions into a role at Cushing next year, where he’ll likely be more of a wing/forward. Whatever position he’s playing, he can shoot it, pass it, and dribble it, so he’s super versatile offensively.

Hynes was potentially the most skilled player at the entire tournament; he doesn’t have an offensive weakness and is a cerebral, decisive, high IQ playmaker offensively. He can shoot it from the three, the midrange, and he can finish at the hoop. He’s also got good vision. Hynes plays incredibly hard defensively but is undersized for the center position and won’t necessarily wow you with athleticism, but I could still see scholarship schools wanting him as a role playing stretch four or wing. The highest level D3 is probably more likely for Hynes if I had to guess.

Hynes is a polished scorer with a beautiful offensive repertoire, despite not being a big time athlete in any regard. He’s got a great handle, he can stroke it from the midrange and three, and he has a bunch of crafty footwork in the lane when he gets the defender on his hip. I could imagine Hynes playing at the highest of the highest level D3’s, but I personally think he should find a way onto a scholarship team despite his athletic shortcomings. Very fun player to watch who should fit well in a ton of different offensive systems.