Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt discuss the top prep basketball teams, players and surprising developments across different classes and leagues as the 2025 calendar year comes to a close. Key topics include standout performances, emerging talents and intriguing championship races in both boys and girls basketball. Looking ahead to 2026, the hosts are excited for potential marquee matchups and key player commitments. Topics 00:27 Holiday Reflections and Winter Challenges 01:36 Prep Basketball Season Overview 02:47 AAA Boys Basketball Highlights 07:51 AAA Girls Basketball Highlights 12:17 AA Boys Basketball Insights 21:25 AA Girls Basketball Insights 24:26 Class A Boys Basketball Overview 25:15 Nobles' Strong Start and Key Players 26:15 Phillips Andover's Impressive Performance 28:04 Milton Academy and Other Contenders 29:40 Class A Girls Basketball Insights 32:32 Class B Boys Basketball Highlights 36:58 Class B Girls Basketball Highlights 39:56 Breakout Players to Watch 44:32 Reflecting on 2025 Highlights 47:45 Looking Forward to 2026

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt provide a comprehensive preview of the 2025-26 high school basketball season in New England. The episode covers top teams, including Central Catholic, Beverly and Bridgewater-Raynham, as well as sleeper teams and standout players to watch. The hosts discuss changes within key programs, potential breakout stars, and significant matchups, such as the Commonwealth Motors Classic. Additionally, they touch on statewide coverage expansions and provide updates on new contributors covering various states. The episode concludes with a trivia showdown featuring NCAA tournament schools and their nicknames. Topics 00:47 Recap of Last Season and Excitement for the New Season 01:44 Changes and New Faces in MIAA Boys Basketball 03:12 Expanding Coverage Across New England 03:51 Introducing New Writers and Coverage Plans 08:46 MIAA Season Preview: Top Teams and Players to Watch 28:34 Lowell's Reloading Strategy 28:58 Top 10 Teams Breakdown 29:16 Burlington's Rising Stars 31:03 Springfield Central's Talent Pool 33:27 Newton North's New Era 34:18 Winchester's Key Players 35:23 Conference Highlights 36:25 Sleeper Teams to Watch 41:08 Promising Players to Follow 45:49 NCAA Tournament Trivia 50:23 Final Thoughts and Season Excitement

Ethan Fuller and guest host Trevor Hass provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming basketball season in New England. They discuss top teams and players to watch in the MIAA across all divisions, share their all-time favorite players that they've covered, and reflect on memorable state championship games. The episode also includes fun trivia about basketball in movies and TV. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the basketball scene in New England, complete with rankings and expert analysis. Topics01:04 Viral Moment Recap: What's Up, Trevor?03:06 MIAA Girls Basketball Season Preview05:04 Top Teams and Players to Watch10:35 Division 1 Contenders17:29 Division 2 Powerhouses23:06 Division 3 Breakdown27:14 Division 4 and 5 Highlights28:27 Spotlight on Top Players29:25 Patriot League Excitement30:02 Shoutouts to Standout Players31:36 Team Rankings Breakdown33:39 Reflecting on All-Time Greats43:16 Full-Court Press Trivia48:13 Season Preview and Wrap-Up

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller preview the upcoming girls New England prep school basketball season. They reflect on their first year covering the sport and discuss the refined strategies they're bringing into year two. The episode covers in-depth analysis and championship predictions for the NEPSAC girls' teams across different classes (AAA, AA, A, B Large, B Small, and C). Additionally, the episode features a trivia showdown between the hosts to wrap things up.   Topics 00:26 Reflecting on the Past Year 00:55 Previewing the Girls' Basketball Season 01:33 Insights on Team and Player Development 08:31 Class AAA Teams to Watch 09:42 Tilton: The Defending Champions 15:58 New Hampton: A Strong Contender 19:30 Other Notable AAA Teams 24:13 Class AA Overview 26:53 The Overachievers 29:33 Worcester Academy's Underrated Potential 30:17 Austin Prep: Rising Contender 32:40 Class A Championship Predictions 36:54 Class B Large and Small Breakdown 42:00 Class C Championship Pick 46:18 Full Court Press Trivia Showdown 53:47 Closing Remarks and Season Excitement

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller are joined by Brad Feldman to delve into a comprehensive preview of NEPSAC basketball. The conversation covers key prospects, teams and potential champions across various divisions, including AAA, AA, A, B Large, B Small and C. Highlighting standout schools like Newman, St. Thomas More, Cushing and Milton Academy, the hosts and guest provide insights on players to watch, sleeper picks and breakout stars for the upcoming season. The episode is packed with detailed analysis, predictions and stories from the basketball landscape in New England.   Topics 00:27 Special Guest: Brad Felman 00:39 Prep Boys Preview Show 00:54 Brad's Busy Fall and Open Gyms 02:08 Local Food Recommendations 03:37 Class AAA Basketball Preview 04:17 Newman School's Dominance 07:34 St. Thomas More and Other Contenders 08:48 Darrow School's Rising Talent 09:28 Vermont Academy and Other Teams to Watch 17:01 Putnam Science Academy's Strong Start 20:17 Class AA Basketball Preview 29:58 Electric Performance and Potential 30:16 St. George's and ISL Champs Discussion 31:46 Cushing Academy's Depth and Potential 33:08 Class A Championship Contenders 44:05 Class B Large and Small Teams 51:25 Sleepers and Breakout Players 55:52 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

Steve and Ethan welcome Lindsay Miller, newly appointed head coach at Needham High School. Lindsay discusses her background as a player from Westwood High School with multiple records, her playing days at Harvard, and her coaching experiences at Harvard and Rivers. She delves into her work as a certified mental performance consultant, focusing on how she helps athletes, coaches, and teams maximize performance and manage anxiety. Lindsay shares insights on the importance of positive self-talk, mindfulness practices, and the impact of community in sports. The conversation also covers her thoughts on intentional fouling and flopping in basketball. The episode concludes with a fun segment discussing rules with producer David Yas.   Topics 00:27 Introducing Lindsay Miller: New Head Coach at Needham 01:38 Mental Performance Consulting Explained 04:16 Common Stressors Among Young Athletes 05:41 The Impact of Social Media on Athletes 08:19 Differences in Mental Health Between Male and Female Athletes 13:11 Mindfulness and Mental Exercises for Athletes 20:24 Lindsay Miller's Return to Coaching at Needham 24:56 Lindsay Miller's Unique Career Path 26:22 Lessons from Harvard Coach Kathy Delaney Smith 27:54 The Legacy of Kathy Delaney-Smith 30:43 Harvard's Tournament Run and Coaching Rivalries 32:11 Memorable Players and Toughest Matchups 34:12 Full Court Press: Basketball Rules and Strategies 46:36 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt sit down with John Carroll, the sporting director for basketball at Masters Academy International (MAI). The conversation delves into Carroll's role in creating a top-tier sports academy poised to be the 'IMG Academy of the North,' which is set to launch in fall 2026. They explore the vision for MAI, discuss its potential impact on the New England basketball landscape, and compare it with existing academies like IMG. Carroll shares insights into his dual roles at Newman School and MAI, and the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode also touches on Carroll's scouting experience with the WNBA's LA Sparks and his thoughts on fostering athletic excellence.   Topics 00:29 Introducing John Carroll and Masters Academy International 01:31 The Vision and Development of Masters Academy 02:32 Challenges and Opportunities in New England Basketball 04:59 The Impact of Masters Academy on Local Talent 15:28 Current Progress and Future Plans for MAI 17:41 Basketball Program Structure and Recruitment 29:33 Balancing Roles at Newman and Masters Academy 32:48 Reflecting on Career Transitions 33:12 Embracing New Opportunities 33:44 Exciting Roles and Experiences 34:54 Newman Basketball Team Insights 35:25 Building a Winning Culture 39:27 Challenges and Changes in Prep School Sports 41:30 Future of Prep School Athletics 45:48 Full Court Press: Basketball Icons and Moments 57:44 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Ethan sits down with Clinton Lassiter, the all-time winningest coach in Massachusetts high school basketball history. With co-host Steve Hewitt absent, Fuller explores Lassiter's unique approach to coaching, balancing competitive excellence with genuine care for his players, many of whom face significant personal challenges. Lassiter, who serves as the vice principal and head coach at Cathedral High School, shares his commitment to maintaining a winning culture, navigating obstacles, and providing low-cost opportunities for inner-city youth through his AAU program, the Boston Showstoppers. The discussion also touches on the growth of women's basketball, the importance of role models, and the intrinsic relationship between sports and life skills.   Topics 00:29 Meet Clinton Lassiter 00:51 Coach Lassiter's Fashion and Coaching Philosophy 02:40 Balancing Coaching and Personal Life 03:39 Building a Winning Culture 09:35 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching Inner City Girls 22:32 Overcoming Stereotypes and Representing Boston 30:56 The Importance of Low-Cost Opportunities in Basketball 33:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller provide an in-depth look at the latest trends and updates in New England basketball recruiting. They discuss recent player commitments, notable prospects in the 2026 class, and the increasing impact of revenue sharing on mid-major schools' recruiting capabilities. Both Steve and Ethan share insights from recent visits to open gyms and the New England Recruiting Report showcases. Additionally, they play an NBA trivia game, highlighting the lighter side of their basketball discussions.   Topics 00:20 Hosts Catch Up and Episode Overview 00:44 Recruiting and Commitment Updates 01:40 Fantasy Football Banter 02:14 Boys' Basketball Commitments 05:03 Girls' Basketball Commitments 14:08 Impact of NIL and Revenue Sharing 29:59 Upcoming Prospects to Watch 33:51 Top High School Basketball Prospects 35:21 Rising Stars in Girls' Basketball 38:34 Upcoming Talent to Watch 39:51 Exciting Open Gym Visits 42:51 Spotlight on Chance Finlayson 50:18 NBA Trivia Challenge 56:42 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

The guest is Lambros Papalambros, the boys' head coach at Nobles and coach of the Middlesex Magic Hoop Group team. The discussion touches upon Papalambros's coaching journey, the dynamics of AAU and NEPSAC basketball, his approach to fostering team culture and player development, and reflections on the current state of youth basketball. The episode also includes engaging segments on favorite playing memories, overlooked players, and NBA conspiracies.   Topics 00:31 Guest Introduction: Lambros Papalambros 00:50 Coaching Journey and Achievements 01:13 Challenges and Successes with Middlesex Magic 08:09 Key Players and Their Development 14:49 Transition to School Season at Nobles 24:04 Building Team Culture and Goals 31:22 Positive Coaching Philosophy 35:21 Embracing Positivity in Coaching 35:35 The Role of Positive Reinforcement 37:55 Challenges and Rewards of High School Basketball 39:47 Specialization in Youth Sports 43:37 The Evolution of Youth Athletes 46:01 Rapid Fire Questions 51:55 Full Court Press: NBA Conspiracies and More 01:03:55 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Steve and Ethan interview blue-chip basketball star AJ Dybantsa. AJ shares his recent activities, including trips to Monaco for the Grand Prix and Jamaica, as well as his workouts at BYU. The discussion covers AJ's experiences with Kevin Young, his personal development on defense, strategic insights from NBA players like Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Edwards, and the differences between US and international basketball. The podcast also delves into AJ's perspective on college basketball, future goals, the importance of ranking first in the NBA draft, and his engagement with fans and media. The episode concludes with a segment of 'Full Court Press,' where AJ shares favorite basketball memories and movie recommendations.   Topics 00:34 AJ's Busy Summer 01:16 Monaco Grand Prix Experience 02:04 Transition to College Life at BYU 03:56 Defensive Skills and NBA Insights 08:30 NBA Playoffs and Player Analysis 13:29 Future NBA Prospects and Draft Goals 16:03 Memories from NEP Sac and St. Sebs 16:44 Reconnecting with Old Teammates 17:29 Toughest Matchups and Players to Watch 18:49 International Basketball vs. US Basketball 20:26 Excitement for College Basketball 20:54 Embracing Public Life and Giving Back 22:35 Full Court Press: Fun and Games 31:23 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 potential future developments in girls' basketball and grassroots tournaments. The episode closes with a fun rapid-fire segment exploring favorite basketball players and games.   Topics 00:36 Guest Introduction: Shane Laflin 01:41 Shane Laughlin's Background and Career Path 02:27 The Evolution of Premier Basketball 12:41 Insights on Talent Evaluation 19:03 Importance of Intangibles and Leadership 23:57 Advice for Top Recruits 33:01 Spotlight on New England Players 36:37 Analyzing Defensive Rotations and Offensive Schemes 36:55 Player Development and Shooting Mechanics 37:31 Concerns and Potential of Young Players 39:19 The Value and Impact of Player Rankings 40:34 Responsibilities and Challenges in Player Evaluation 46:34 Future of Girls High School Basketball 54:06 Full Court Press: Quickfire Questions 01:01:57 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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 on player growth, the role of advisors and agents, the rising cost of playing these sports at elite levels, and the potential of future changes in the structure and governance of these youth sports.   Topics 01:13 Basketball vs. Hockey: Seasonal Differences 01:38 Open Gyms and Recruitment in Basketball 04:18 Fall Hockey Showcases and College Scouting 05:33 The Role of Club Teams in Player Development 12:05 Prep School and Club Team Dynamics 16:52 Balancing Multiple Sports and Commitments 26:46 Shoe Circuits and Sponsorships in Basketball 31:25 Exploring Brand Influence in Basketball and Hockey 31:53 The Business of AAU and College Recruiting 35:09 Junior Hockey Pathways and College Eligibility 46:38 The Role of Advisors and Agents in Youth Sports 51:46 The Rising Costs of Youth Sports 57:45 The Impact of Club Teams on Local Hockey Programs 59:46 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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 habits.   Topics 00:27 Introducing Ella Peper 01:10 Ella's Summer and Training Regimen 02:06 Player Development and Skills 03:41 Strength Training and Nutrition 08:09 U16 National Team Tryouts Experience 10:48 AAU Season Highlights 14:40 Recruiting and College Prospects 18:25 Leadership and Future Goals 22:29 Dunking and Athleticism 24:42 Dreams and Aspirations 25:26 WNBA Expansion and Pro Dreams 26:34 Full Court Press: Rapid Fire Questions 29:09 Favorite Basketball Movies 31:18 Game Day Superstitions 35:17 Outdoor Basketball Games 36:49 Favorite Jersey Numbers 38:34 Excitement Beyond Basketball 40:50 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

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. They also discuss coach transitions and their goals for playing collegiate basketball, emphasizing their aspiration to make it to the NCAA March Madness.   00:00 Introduction to the Hoop Wise Podcast 00:25 Meet the Guests: Ryan Altman and Jay Jones 01:08 High School Basketball Memories 01:49 Preparing for College Basketball at Penn 04:02 Reflecting on Key Games and Rivalries 06:12 The Rivers School Experience 17:40 The Middlesex Magic Experience 18:03 Lessons from Middlesex Magic 18:41 Jay's Season at Cushing Academy 19:46 Basketball Family Backgrounds 20:07 Growing Up Around Basketball 21:16 BU Memories and Player Connections 22:21 Penn Connections and Excitement 24:08 Choosing Penn Together 25:28 Roommate Dynamics 26:13 Playing for Coach McCaffery 27:04 Building Confidence in Basketball 32:51 Goals and Aspirations at Penn 33:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 insights on the dynamics of AAU basketball, player development, and the rigors of the competitive circuit. Additionally, the episode includes a segment on the challenges and joys of basketball reporting, offering listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of their work and the questions they ask to get the best stories.   Topics 00:30 Reflecting on the AAU Season 01:32 Steve's First Live Period Experience 02:13 Adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships Recap 02:50 BABC and Mass Rivals Performance Highlights 08:36 Expressions Elite's Cinderella Run 14:21 Other Notable Boys Teams Performances 17:04 Girls AAU Season Highlights 22:42 Final Thoughts on the AAU Cycle 29:23 Top 5 Stock Risers 34:38 Adidas Live Period Recap 35:07 Addison Brennan: Rising Star 36:40 Breaking News: Ty to Ballis Reclassifies 40:50 Jay Scott's Impressive Season 42:46 Lucas Marillo's Big Year 46:24 Quinn Costello: National Sensation 53:00 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts 55:45 Full Court Press: Behind the Scenes

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 moments in her coaching career. The episode concludes with a fun segment, 'Full Court Press,' where they discuss favorite pump-up songs, basketball shoes, and childhood posters.   Topics 00:34 Interview with Tara Brisson: Summer Heat and Coaching Achievements 01:44 Reflecting on the Championship Season 04:34 Tara Brisson's Coaching Journey 07:48 Impactful Relationships and Coaching Philosophy 13:39 The Evolution of NEPSAC Girls Basketball 17:50 Motivation and Daily Wisdom 25:41 Preparing for the Next Season 31:18 Managing Expectations for a Top-Ranked Player 32:05 Fostering Personal Growth Beyond Rankings 35:23 Highlighting Other Promising Players 36:01 Balancing High Standards with Patience 38:03 Preparing for the Upcoming Season 44:35 Full Court Press: Fun and Games 52:25 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

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 touches on the evolution of high school and prep basketball, and the challenges Droney faced along his coaching journey. The episode concludes with a fun segment of Full Court Press, where the hosts and guest discuss rule changes, fantasy teams, and potential documentary subjects.   Topics 01:05 Matt Droney's Coaching Journey 01:32 Reflecting on the First Year at Dexter Southfield 03:54 Key Players and Team Dynamics 10:47 Recruitment and Player Development 18:15 High School Basketball Memories 27:23 Coaching Influences and Philosophy 31:12 Dexter Southfield's Basketball Programs 32:55 State-of-the-Art Facilities and Training 35:24 Upcoming NSAC Showcases and Team Expectations 37:31 Full Court Press: Rule Changes and Basketball Fantasies 45:36 Basketball Documentaries We'd Love to See 51:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 coaches, her favorite basketball moments, and her experiences with her supportive coaching staff. The team wraps up with a fun segment called Full Court Press where they share personal anecdotes and favorite basketball nicknames.   Topics 00:20 Welcoming the Guest: Coach Liana Cunningham 00:45 Gen Z in Coaching: A Unique Perspective 01:57 North Quincy High's Remarkable Season 03:27 Early Aspirations and Coaching Influences 04:46 Balancing Coaching and Playing Experience 06:46 Rivalries and Community Support 08:44 Building a Strong Team and Staff 12:34 Coaching Philosophy and Inspirations 16:50 Challenges and Lessons Learned 22:39 Coaching Aspirations and Community Impact 23:31 High School Basketball Memories 25:01 Full Court Press Introduction 25:47 Heartbreaking Basketball Moments 30:03 Favorite Basketball Nicknames 33:23 Unpopular Players We Love 38:25 Episode Wrap-Up

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 shooting in basketball. Cory also shares memorable success stories and offers candid advice for families making critical decisions about their children's basketball and educational paths. Topics 01:01 Cory's Journey: From High School to Prep School 03:41 The Impact of Prep Schools on Cory's Family 05:41 The Changing Landscape of Prep Schools 08:17 Factors Influencing Prep School Decisions 11:58 Financial Aspects of Prep Schools 15:43 Comparing Prep School and College Recruiting 20:01 The Importance of Reclassing and Extra Year 23:40 Common Questions from Families 28:34 The Role of Trust in the Recruitment Process 32:47 New England Basketball and NEPSAC Discussion 34:25 Comparing Prep Schools Across the Country 36:44 Success Stories of Placed Students 40:03 The Impact of Post-Grad Years 41:18 Full Court Press: Basketball Insights 49:53 The Future of Three-Pointers in Basketball 55:36 Conclusion and Wrap-Upstories