HoopWise from New England Basketball Journal

Steve and Ethan are joined by Shane Laflin, Director of Evaluating Services at Premier Basketball. They discuss Shane’s journey in basketball, his insights on talent evaluation, and the ascendance of the girls' game over the past decade. Shane shares his thoughts on key attributes for successful recruits, the impact of NIL, and provides detailed evaluations of top New England prospects. They also delve into critical issues and pote...

This crossover episode between New England Hockey Journal's Rink Wise and New England Basketball Journal's Hoop Wise podcasts. The hosts discuss the idea of merging the discussions around the two sports, focusing on the differences and similarities in player development, recruitment, and the unique challenges each sport faces. Topics covered include the yearly schedules for basketball and hockey, the impact of club and prep teams o...

The guest is Ella Peper, who is ranked fourth nationally in the class of 2028 by ESPN. Peper discusses her busy summer schedule, player development, and her experiences with AAU and national team tryouts. The conversation also covers her recruitment process, training routines, and future aspirations in basketball. The episode concludes with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions, offering insights into her personal interests and hab...

Steve and Ethan delve into the paths of standout players Ryan Altman and Jay Jones. Both guests are former teammates at Rivers School and current teammates on the Middlesex Magic as well as future roommates and teammates at Penn. The conversation covers their high school success, handling adversity, the evolution of their friendship, their experiences in various competitive settings, and their excitement for the future at Penn. The...

Steve and Ethan recap the recently concluded AAU basketball season in New England. They discuss their experiences covering the season, highlighting top tournaments, standout players, and noteworthy performances from various regional teams. The episode features an in-depth look at specific players who significantly raised their stock, including award-winning prospects and rising stars. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and ins...

Steve and Ethan talk with Tara Brisson, the Class AAA Champion and Coach of the Year at Tilton. Tara shares her experiences and insights on the basketball landscape in New England, her coaching journey, and the growth of NEPSAC girls' basketball. They discuss her approach to coaching, building team culture, and managing highly talented players. Tara also offers advice for new coaches entering NEPSAC and reflects on significant mome...

The guest is Matt Droney, head coach of Dexter Southfield’s boys basketball team. The discussion covers Droney’s impressive resume, including his successful playing career and coaching stints at various institutions. Droney reflects on his transition from college coaching to high school coaching, Dexter Southfield’s strong first season under his leadership, and the positive team dynamics he fostered. Additionally, the conversation ...

Ethan and Steve interview Liana Cunningham, the girls coach at North Quincy High. She, shares her journey from wanting to be a coach at a young age to leading her team to an impressive season culminating in the Division Two Final Four. She discusses the dynamics of being a young coach, her coaching philosophy, and the importance of confidence both for herself and her players. The episode also highlights her connection with other co...

The guest is PREP basketball's Cory Heitz, founder of Prep Athletics. Cory shares his extensive experience in placing student-athletes into prep schools, highlighting his personal journey and the evolution of basketball recruiting. Key topics include the foundational benefits of prep schools, the impact of financial considerations, the transformation brought by the transfer portal and NIL deals, and the future of three-point shooti...

Steve and Ethan sit down with Kenya Jones, head coach of the Brooks School's basketball team, fresh off their Class B Championship win. The conversation delves into the thrilling journey to the championship, including Alex Wilkins's game-winning shot, the team's emotional rollercoaster season, and the contributions of key players. Additionally, they discuss the strong community support at Brooks School and the future of the team. T...

Ethan and Steve discuss the transition from the school basketball season to the AAU circuit. They highlight key players, teams, and prospects from recent events, including standout performances and recruiting potential. They also delve into specific player developments and the dynamics of different AAU teams across New England. Additionally, the episode features a fun quiz on college basketball nicknames. Join the hosts for an insi...

Steve and Ethan provide an in-depth recap of the MIAA championship weekend in Lowell. They discuss key games and standout performances across the boys and girls divisions, including the thrilling Division 1 girls rematch between Wachusett and Bishop Feehan, Somerset Berkeley's shocking upset of Malden Catholic in boys Division 2, and Franklin's triumphant victory over Newton North in boys Division 1. Emotions ran high throughout th...

Steve, Ethan and guest Matt Doherty recap an exciting weekend of NEPSAC basketball championships. They discuss thrilling boys and girls games across various classes, including a dramatic last-second win for Tilton in the AAA girls' final and Newman's overtime victory over New Hampton in the AAA boys' final. The episode also highlights standout players like Lucas Morello and Amir Jenkins, remarkable coaching performances from first-...

Ethan Fuller and Trevor Hass provide a comprehensive preview of the girls basketball state tournament. They cover all five divisions, discuss top teams and players, and make their predictions for championship and final four picks. Key highlights include in-depth analysis of powerhouse teams. The hosts also spotlight breakout players, potential upsets, and under-the-radar teams to watch. The episode concludes with a 'Full Court Pres...

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller, Steve Hewitt, and guest Matt Feld delve into a comprehensive preview of the upcoming MIAA playoffs. They cover key teams, players, and matchups in divisions one through five, focusing particularly on the competitive landscape in New England high school basketball. Notable discussions include predictions for division winners, the impact of home court advantages, and potent...

Steve and Ethan provide a comprehensive update on the New England Prep School Athletic Council (Nepsac) girls basketball season as it heads into the final weeks before playoffs. They delve into the top teams across different classes, discussing key players, standout performances, potential upsets, and playoff predictions. The hosts emphasize the unpredictable nature of the upcoming playoffs, especially highlighting the chaotic comp...

Ethan and Steve  provide an in-depth look at the basketball landscape in New England as the regular season concludes. They discuss the upcoming NEPSAC playoffs by analyzing the top teams across various classes, the key players, and recent performances. The podcast also features insights into specific players and teams to watch, setting the stage for an exciting playoff season. Tune in for comprehensive analysis and early prediction...

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, Ethan Fuller interviews Kelley Macdonald, head coach of the breakout Braintree girls basketball team. Coach Macdonald reflects on her long tenure at Braintree, her transition from assistant to head coach, and the strategies that have contributed to the team’s impressive 15-1 record this season. The discussion covers key players, particularly the leadership of Spidorsha, and pivotal games tha...

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into January's basketball highlights across New England. They recount their experiences at the Whoopal Classic, discussing games, standout players, and remarkable performances, including Bryce James and Amir Jenkins. The episode also covers pivotal upcoming games, significant team achievements, and rising stars in NEPSAC and MIAA territories. The hosts share previews and recaps of important matchu...