The next stars of college basketball are littered throughout NEPSAC Class AAA. But before they head off to college, they have business to take care of New England.
Class AAA, the top division of NEPSAC, is annually loaded with the best top-end talent in the region as recruits chase the best competition – and this season is no different. There’s incredible size, skill and talent from top to bottom.
Newman’s Lucas Morillo took home our first Class AAA Player of the Year award last winter, and he’s back this season. Who else might challenge him for the award? There are several familiar faces in this class, and some fresh ones looking to make a name for themselves.
Here are 10 candidates to win the 2026 Class AAA Player of the Year.
Chris Birden, South Kent
Class of 2026, 6-10 forward
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
The best returning player for South Kent, Birden is an athletic big who has evolved as a confident 3-point shooter and rim protector who can also put the ball on the floor and create offense. On a roster full of newcomers, Birden will be looked at for production and leadership. He’s receiving high-major interest.
Quinn Costello, Newman
Class of 2026, 6-10 forward
Hometown: Medford, Mass.
NCAA: Michigan
Costello enters his third season at Newman after a life-changing spring and summer, when he transformed into one of the best prospects in the country. With renewed confidence, the skilled and high-level shooting big man is a matchup nightmare who could have a monster winter.
Jayden Harrington, New Hampton
Class of 2026, 6-5 guard
Hometown: Glen Ridge, N.J.
One of the best uncommitted prospects remaining in the region, Harrington is one of NEPSAC’s top 3-point shooters after hitting 38.4 percent from deep last season. A three-year program fixture, the high IQ Harrington committed to his body and other parts of his game this offseason and there’s plenty of runway for him to break out at New Hampton this winter.
Q&A: Jayden Harrington on upcoming season at New Hampton, training with Jimmy Butler
DJ Hawkins, St. Thomas More
Class of 2027, 6-8 wing
Hometown: Farmington, Conn.
One of the most athletic recruits in the region, Hawkins played a significant role as a sophomore for the Chancellors in their run to the national prep championship game last summer and should take another big step this winter. With a combination of guard and shot creation skills, he’s hoping to become a more consistent 3-point shooter, and an above the rim threat on both ends as a scorer and rebounder and defensively as a shot blocker and switchable wing. Hawkins holds an offer from Syracuse; he has special tools and if he puts it all together, he could have a breakout junior campaign.
Lucas Morillo, Newman
Class of 2026, 6-7 guard
Hometown: Mount Vernon, N.Y.
NCAA: Illinois
Our reigning Class AAA Player of the Year averaged 16 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game to lead Newman to its first Class AAA championship last season. What does he have for an encore? The coaching staff hopes he can be more consistent with his 3-point shooting and offensive efficiency before he heads to Illinois.
Patrick Otey, St. Thomas More
Class of 2027, 6-5 guard
Hometown: Westwood, Mass.
After briefly leaving New England and recovering from an injury, Otey is back in NEPSAC and looks ready to prove himself again. A nationally-ranked guard, Otey’s strengths are in his offensive attributes. He’s a three-level scorer and high IQ playmaker who St. Thomas More coach Jere Quinn described as an “old soul.” He should make an immediate impact in Class AAA.
Cheick Sylla, Bridgton
Class of 2026, 6-11 center
Hometown: Bamako, Mali
NCAA: UMass
Sylla was one of the best big men in his debut NEPSAC season last winter as he averaged a double-double, including signature performances against Newman and New Hampton. A strong grassroots season with The Club New England helped him develop his footwork, post moves and defensive ability. He’s a high-major-caliber center who should dominate again.
Hunter Te Ratana, Darrow
Class of 2026, 6-5 guard
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
NCAA: Mercyhurst
Te Retana is the best returning player for a Darrow team that continues to be on the rise. An athletic hybrid who can score at all three levels, provide defensive versatility and has pro-like skills and IQ, he should emerge as the Ducks’ top scoring option.
Wesley Waddles, New Hampton
Class of 2026, 6-6 wing
Hometown: Northridge, Calif.
NCAA: Maine
Waddles hasn’t yet played in NEPSAC, but the potential is huge for a player of his size and skill. He had games over the summer where he led New Hampton in scoring, and he can create and make shots from all three levels. He’s a versatile, high-effort defender who should rack up a lot of rebounds. Look for him to be a double-double threat every night for the new-look Huskies.
Kamari Whyte, Vermont Academy
Class of 2027, 6-4 guard
Hometown: Harlem, N.Y.
After an All-NEPSAC honorable mention selection in his first season playing in the region, Whyte is already a proven scorer who could be even better this season. He can score from everywhere on the court and he showed this summer on the Adidas circuit that he’s one of the best in the country at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. He’ll have the ball in his hands often for an exciting Vermont Academy squad that will look to him for leadership.
Five more names to watch: Greg Brooks, Hoosac; Dillon Callahan, St. Thomas More; Chad Cook, New Hampton; Colton Crowdis, Bridgton; Haisi Mayben, Darrow
