The NEPSAC boys basketball season only just started, but there’s already movement inside our power rankings.
All of Class AAA and a handful of teams from Class AA have started their 2025-26 campaigns, with the rest of NEPSAC starting later this week or early next month. But last weekend’s NEBL games, in addition to a notable result in Class AA on Monday night, have given us enough to update the rankings after we released last week’s first Top 10.
MacDuffie, which debuted at No. 9 in our first power rankings, dropped out after going on the road and falling to NEPSAC newcomer Albany Academy, 65-58, on Monday night. There are no easy road games in Class AA, though, and I’m still excited about the Mustangs this season. But their defeat allowed a new team to enter the fold.
Here’s our new NEPSAC Boys Top 10 ahead of a busy week for the region’s top teams, which includes the National Prep Showcase at Albertus Magnus this weekend.
NEBL STANDOUTS: 10 prospects who shined in league's opening weekend
1. Newman (2-0)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: vs. Bright School, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Despite earning double-digit victories over Brimmer & May and Darrow over the weekend, Newman wasn’t at its best. The Cardinals went 6-for-36 from deep against Brimmer, and struggled to find a rhythm facing foul trouble vs. Darrow. But they won’t care about style points this early in the season, especially with nationally-ranked star Lucas Morillo sidelined with a wrist injury. Wins are wins. Tough out-of-region tests against Sunrise Christian (Postgraduate) and Knox School await this weekend in Connecticut.
2. New Hampton (2-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: vs. IMG Academy Postgrad (FL), Nov. 21, 8:30 p.m (at Albertus Magnus)
There were plenty of unknowns about the Huskies entering this season, but through three games, this is what we learned: Stetson Merritt, who scored 32 points in his NEPSAC debut against Darrow on Nov. 8, is a stud. And Jayden Harrington and Chad Cook look ready to lead this team to great things this winter. A 13-for-26 effort from 3-point range certainly helps matters, too, as New Hampton scored the best win of the NEBL’s opening weekend over Cushing. This start is very encouraging for this group given how many new faces they have.
3. Cushing (1-1)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: vs. Western Reserve (OH), Nov. 22, 4 p.m. (at Albertus Magnus)
It’s not that the Penguins played poorly on Sunday, but that New Hampton played a little better – and it’s never easy to win when an opponent shoots 50 percent from deep. The connection of Ryan Moesch and Theo Edema picked up where it left off, and there was great promise from their surrounding pieces. They weren’t sharp on Saturday against Darrow, but they found a way in overtime. Their early-season gauntlet against Class AAA and national prep teams – including five-star Ohio State commit Anthony Thompson and Western Reserve this Saturday – will serve them well.
4. St. Thomas More (3-0)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: vs. Hoosac, Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m.
The Chancellors have taken care of business against inferior competition to start the season, beating Bright Academy, Redemption Christian and Premier Prep by an average of 36 points. Newcomers Greyson Pierce (West Hartford, Conn.) and Patrick Otey (Westwood, Mass.) have performed well in their debuts with the school. The opening slate was a good warm-up test for Jere Quinn’s group. After Hoosac, the Chancellors get Western Reserve and Link Academy at the National Prep Showcase.
CLOSER LOOK: What to expect from St. Thomas More in 2025-26
5. Vermont Academy (1-1)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: vs. Redemption Christian Academy (NY), Nov. 18, 6 p.m.
The Wildcats earned their first win of the season on Nov. 8, beating Montmorency College, 75-70. Star guard Kamari Whyte had 20 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, while newcomer Mamadou Camara chipped in 15 points and four steals. That backcourt will get a great early test this week against Blair Academy, which features Deron Rippey Jr., the top-ranked point guard nationally in the 2026 class.
6. Darrow (0-4)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. Spire (OH), Nov. 22, TBD
It’s certainly not the start that head coach Antonio Anderson and the Ducks wanted, but these are the challenges they wanted. They don’t want it to be easy. Three of their losses came to Newman, Cushing and New Hampton, all teams ranked in the top 11 of the preseason national prep coaches poll. The fourth loss came on the road to Bridgton, where no one is safe. All of the losses have been close. No need to panic for this group.
FROM THE MAG: Inside Darrow's rise to New England prominence
7. Kimball Union (0-0)
Previous ranking: 7
Next game: vs. Albany Academy, Nov. 20, 3 p.m.
The Wildcats will be without star point guard Brandon Arnold for a little longer as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. They open the season Thursday at home, but then don’t play again until Dec. 6 vs. Cheshire, allowing him more time to get back without missing games.
8. Winchendon (0-0)
Previous ranking: 8
Next game: at Worcester Academy, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Head coach Alex Popp and the Wapiti don’t have an easy start to the season, heading on the road to face defending Class AA champion and retooled Worcester Academy on Wednesday before heading to Northfield Mount Hermon’s showcase this weekend for a Friday night 9 p.m. date with MacDuffie before a Saturday test against Wilbraham & Monson.
NEW ERA: Inside Alex Popp's arrival to Winchendon
9. Bridgton (3-0)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: vs. Central Maine Community College, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Don’t sleep on the Wolverines, who are already 2-0 in Class AAA, which includes erasing a second-half double-digit deficit to beat Darrow in their home opener. Newcomer Colton Crowdis has been excellent in his NEPSAC debut, tallying 26 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in Bridgton’s win over Hoosac.
10. Wilbraham & Monson (0-0)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: vs. Premier Prep, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
After Wednesday’s opener, the Titans have two big Class AA games this weekend against NMH and Winchendon. I’m excited to see the return of Sam Fleming (Springfield, Mass.), who’s had a very encouraging fall after recovering from a torn Achilles.
The next five: MacDuffie, Lawrence Academy, Mount St. Charles, Northfield Mount Hermon, Albany Academy
