Over the past two weeks, MassLive took a position-by-position look at some of our picks for the best players in Massachusetts high school boys basketball.
Earlier, we asked coaches to tell us about the players who have stood out for their teams during the 2025-26 season. These lists were compiled based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond. (Most statistics are as of late January.)
Think you belong on this list? Encourage your coach to fill out our survey! If you are an MIAA high school boys basketball coach who believes you did not receive a survey, email jhumburg@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists as appropriate.
BEST GUARDS IN MASSACHUSETTS BOYS BASKETBALL (COACHES’ PICKS)
Jace Austin, seventh grade, Baystate Academy Charter
Austin is a 12-year-old middle-schooler starting for the varsity team. “He is our floor general and an extension of the coach on the basketball court,” Baystate Academy Charter coach Eric Newkirk said.
Cole Boudria, jr., Westport
Boudria is averaging 18 points, four rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game. “He breaks presses, sees box-and-ones often and allows us a chance to win every game,” Westport coach Scot Boudria said.
Sam Brigham, sr., Pope Francis Preparatory
Pope Francis Preparatory coach Justin Dalessio highlighted Brigham, a 6-foot-3 combo guard and captain, as one of the team’s leaders. He’s averaging 24 points, five rebounds and four assists per game.
Gael Buford, sr., Amherst-Pelham Regional
In his third season on the varsity team, Buford is averaging 15 points and five assists per game. “He’s quietly one of the best point guards in the region this year,” Amherst-Pelham Regional coach Jamahl Jackson said. “He has tremendous speed, ball-handling and the ability to score it from anywhere on the floor. He’s a mid-range jump-shooting assassin.” The coach said Buford also stands out as a teammate. “He’s mature, a vocal leader and a staunch defender, often guarding the opposing team’s best guard,” Jackson said.
Chase Canon-Smith, so., Easthampton
Entering the season, the sophomore was expected to be the team’s most important player. “He is a true point guard, with the ability to shoot,” Easthampton coach Nicholas Whitney said. Canon-Smith is shooting 37 percent from the field and has a 1.87 assist-to-turnover ratio. He also leads the team in charges taken.
Gio Centeio, sr., Neighborhood House Charter
In his fourth season with the team, Centeio is averaging 18 points per game. “A walking bucket when confident,” Neighborhood House Charter coach Kat Walket said. “Three-point shot like a modern-day Steph Curry.”
Antonio Ceruolo, sr., Essex Tech
The senior captain is the team’s leading scorer at 14.5 points per game, including a personal-high 28-point game last month. “His improvement since we took over the program has been crazy,” Essex Tech coach Mike DeMartinis said. “He’s a real three-level scorer who does it all for us while also usually guarding the other teams’ best guys to start games. Awesome kid who works hard and is starting to see the results of that work.”
Eric Coward, jr., Argosy Collegiate Charter
As of early February, Coward was at 869 points and was on pace to become the first player in school history to reach 1,000 points. “Eric is the team leader and is the leading scorer in our conference,” Argosy Collegiate Charter coach Ryan Santos said. “He might be one of the most effective scorers in the state.” Coward has two 50-point games this season and several 40-point games. He is averaging 29.8 points per game overall.
Aizel DeVaughn, fr., Weymouth
This is a name to remember for the next three years. As a freshman, DeVaughn had a 29-point game against Framingham. “He has a very bright future,” Weymouth coach Jimmy Dolan said.
Charles Dobre, so., Revere
Dobre started as a freshman. As a sophomore, he is averaging 10 points, six rebounds and three steals per game. “He is a very athletic and talented wing player,” Revere coach David Leary said.
Max Fergus, so., Minnechaug
Minnechaug coach Mike Orzech said Fergus is having a “tremendous” sophomore season. “He continues to get better each and every day,” Orzech said. “He has an excellent basketball IQ and is constantly sharing his knowledge with his teammates.” Fergus is averaging 11 points and six rebounds per game. “He is also well-respected by his teammates, coaches and teachers,” Orzech added.
Miles Fergus, sr., Minnechaug
Fergus suffered a dislocated ankle early in the season. “He has put in so much work trying to come back from his injury, and finally as of Jan. 27 he is looking like the player he has been throughout his career,” Minnechaug coach Mike Orzech said. Fergus is averaging 11.6 points and four rebounds per game while serving as a team captain. “He is well-respected by his teammates, coaches and teachers,” Orzech said. “He practices and plays to his fullest potential each and every day, and that effort is recognized by his teammates.”
Nick Flannery, so., Holliston
As a freshman, Flannery was the second or third player off the bench. Now, he’s in the starting lineup, and he’s averaging eight points, six rebounds and three assists per game. “Nick is a workhorse on both ends of the court and is a tenacious defender,” Holliston coach Chris Vanesian said. “His athletic ability makes him a great defender and a rebounder for us, and he gets multiple second chances during games.”
Angel Garcia, sr., Madison Park TVHS
“A senior combo guard, good shooter and playmaker,” Madison Park TVHS coach Dennis G. Wilson said. “Quick, good anticipation, leads the team in steals and assists.”
Julian Goodridge, jr., Somerville
Goodridge is one of the most dynamic players in Division 2, according to Somerville coach Mark Antonelli. “He is lightning quick and in constant motion,” Antonelli said of the point guard. As a sophomore, Goodridge averaged 15.7 points per game and was a GBL all-star on a state tournament team. He picked up right where he left off, averaging 15 points per game as a junior.
Ryan Gray, sr., Wilmington
Gray was an all-conference guard as a junior. He’s averaging 18 points per game this season and shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. “Three-level scorer,” Wilmington coach Anthony Faradie said. “Awesome kid, teammate and captain. One of the top scorers north of Boston.” According to Faradie, Gray could play in college, but he decided to go to a bigger school and not continue basketball.
Tommy Griffin, sr., Somerville
Griffin has battled injuries for a year and half. “He played most of his junior year on a severely sprained ankle and earned GBL all-star accolades,” Somerville coach Mark Antonelli said. “This year his season started off slowly with another foot injury, but he has returned to form the past three weeks, leading the Highlanders with his selfless play and filling up every category of the stat sheet. Tommy makes big shots, defends other teams’ best guards, rebounds and moves the ball. He is the ultimate glue guy.”
Brady Guimond, sr., Ware
Guimond is described by his coach as a versatile guard with good size and speed. “Capable of making outside shots, but he has really developed his game as a slasher to the basket,” Ware coach Eugene Rich said. “Solid defender, leading the team in steals and assists, second on the team in scoring, and third on the team in rebounding.”
Trevor Guthrie, so., Essex Tech
Guthrie is averaging 9.5 points and four assists per game, and he’s in the top 10 on the North Shore in 3-pointers made, according to Essex Tech coach Mike DeMartinis. “Trevor has been imperative in our success so far this season,” DeMartinis said. “He has made huge improvements from very rarely playing as a freshman to very rarely coming off the floor as a sophomore. He will do whatever is asked of him, whether that means playing the point guard spot for us or off the ball.”
Jacoby Haney, jr., Chicopee Comp
Haney has made a substantial leap this season — from 7.3 points and two rebounds per game as a sophomore to 11.5 points and 3.6 rebounds as a junior, and his shooting percentage has gone from 35 to 46. “He has quickly emerged as our primary perimeter threat and is a true sniper from beyond the arc,” Chicopee Comp coach Gavin Miller said. “Coming off the bench, he has provided a much-needed spark and energy, playing a key role in our team’s success thus far.”
Shane Harrington, jr., Walpole
Harrington is averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game. “Tough, gritty defender who has taken on more of a scoring/shot-making role for us offensively,” Walpole coach Scot Schaming said. “He plans to play college baseball at the D1 level and already has interest.”
Connor Houle, sr., Attleboro
Houle is the point guard, a team captain, a two-time Hockomock League all-star, a three-year starter and a four-year varsity player. “Connor’s court awareness, ability to facilitate and skill set routinely create advantages for our team,” Attleboro coach Mark Houle said. “He plays the role needed to make our team successful. He can impact the game with his defensive and his offensive skills — passing or scoring at all three levels.” He scored his 1,000th point in January and is averaging 18.2 points, 5.5 assists and four rebounds per game this season. He’s a 91 percent shooter from the free throw line. “He consistently makes the best decisions for our team,” Houle added. “He’s a solid teammate and leader for our program.”
Ci’mani Justice, sr., Neighborhood House Charter
Justice is averaging 22 points and three rebounds per game in his second season with the program. “His mid-range game is lethal,” Neighborhood House Charter coach Kat Walket said.
Elijah Kleps, jr., Chicopee Comp
According to Chicopee Comp coach Gavin Miller, Kleps plays a vital role on the team. “He is consistently tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player while also serving as our primary point guard,” Miller said. “His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor sets him apart.” After averaging 12 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game as a sophomore, Kleps is averaging 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.2 steals and one blocked shot per game this season. “His development from last season to this year has been significant,” Miller said. “He is demonstrating increased offensive responsibility, improved playmaking and a greater defensive impact.”
Brody Koczur, sr., Ware
Ware coach Eugene Rich said Koczur stands out for his strong basketball IQ. “Capable of playing multiple positions, controls the tempo of the game for us,” Rich said. “Slowly developing into one of our most consistent shooters from the perimeter.”
Nathaniel Lane, sr., Salem
Lane is a team captain and a three-year starter. “He is a wing player that is very versatile and can play almost any position,” Salem coach Tom Doyle said. “He can knock down the 3 or take it in the post.” Lane is averaging 14 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. “He is a big reason for our success during his tenure,” Doyle said.
Kai LauQuan, sr., East Boston
LauQuan is a 1,000-point scorer who is averaging more than 20 per game this season. “He has been our leader all season,” East Boston coach Tyrone Figueroa said. “He is a lights-out shooter from 3-point range and has been able to get all our players involved despite our record.”
Burke Lombardi, so., Nantucket
Lombardi scored 250 points as a freshman. This season, he had 223 points through 11 games — an average of more than 20 per contest — with a high of 27. “Very good basketball IQ for a young player and is the team leader in many stats,” Nantucket coach Willis Ferreira said.
Trevor Manning, jr., Ipswich
Ipswich coach Alan Laroche calls Manning the team’s defensive specialist. On offense, “he attacks off the dribble well and knocks down open threes,” Laroche said. Manning is averaging 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Jackson Maurer, sr., Pope Francis Preparatory
Maurer is averaging 11 points and five rebounds per game. “Captain, lockdown defender, four-year varsity player, very good shooter, winner — has won more than 70 games in the past four years,” Pope Francis Preparatory coach Justin Dalessio said.
Kingston Maxwell, sr., Abington
Maxwell surpassed the 1,000-point mark as a junior and became the program’s all-time leading scorer as a senior. He’s averaging more than 30 points per game. “Routinely gets a double-double despite seeing the focus of teams’ defenses,” said Abington coach Peter Serino, who added that Maxwell is trying to decide where to play in college.
Ryan McDonald, sr., Walpole
The senior captain was approaching 1,000 points as of early February. He is averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game this season. As a junior, he averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals and was a Bay State League all-star. He’s an all-around great athlete. “Ryan is being recruited by multiple D3 schools for basketball,” Walpole coach Scot Schaming said. “He is also a captain on the Walpole baseball team and won a D2 championship last season.”
Will Olinto, so., Boston Latin Academy
As a sophomore point guard, Olinto led the team in scoring at the midway point of the season with 17.6 points per game. He started every game as a freshman last season and averaged 8.7 points and 4.5 assists.
Donte Ortiz Jr., jr., Weymouth
Ortiz leads the team in scoring at 15 points per game. “Very tough lead guard that can score at all three levels,” Weymouth coach Jimmy Dolan said. “Despite the team struggling, he continues to work hard each and every day.”
Xavier Palmer, jr., Neighborhood House Charter
Palmer is a junior in his third season with the varsity team. He’s averaging 10 points, three rebounds and three assists per game. “The glue of the team and facilitator,” Neighborhood House Charter coach Kat Walket said. “Really the light of the team. A modern-day Rajon Rondo.”
Will Poyant, sr., Wilmington
Poyant is averaging 9.3 points per game. “Lights-out 3-point shooter,” Wilmington coach Anthony Faradie said. “Awesome kid, teammate, captain.”
Elian Rodriguez, jr., Salem
Rodriguez scored his 1,000th point halfway through his junior season. “He is a point guard with explosive quickness,” Salem coach Tom Doyle said. “He is a leader both on the court and in the school. He does it all for us.” Rodriguez is averaging 20 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game while serving as a team captain. He averaged 21.5 points as a sophomore, including a 50-point game.
Sean Ryan, sr., Millis
The senior captain has been “a steady and reliable presence in our backcourt, setting the tone through his approach and style of play,” Millis coach Connor Moroney said. Ryan is averaging 15 points per game and shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. “Sean has a strong feel for the game, understands how to move without the ball and consistently puts himself in position to get open and find his rhythm within the flow of the offense,” Moroney said. “Sean leads by example every day in practice and competition. His consistency and competitiveness help elevate those around him and raise the standard for our program.”
Rex Satter, jr., Ipswich
Satter is averaging 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. “Versatile guard who shoots it well from 3 and attacks off the dribble to create his own shots and shots for his teammates,” Ipswich coach Alan Laroche said.
Danny Schmidt, sr., Somerville
Schmidt was a starter but has “accepted a role for the good of the team as a sixth man and offense off the bench,” Somerville coach Mark Antonelli said. He is averaging 10.6 points per game. “Danny is a knockdown shooter,” Antonelli said.
Tyler Staiti, sr., Abington
Staiti is the second-leading scorer in school history, behind classmate Kingston Maxwell. Staiti was the fastest in program history to 1,000 points. “Elite shooter,” Abington coach Peter Serino said.
Ethan Suhajda, jr., Holliston
Suhajda is a combo guard and team captain as a junior. He’s averaging 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. “He has had some big games for us with multiple 20-point and 10-rebound games,” Holliston coach Chris Vanesian said. “He has improved a ton as a scorer from his sophomore year and is the role model leader for our team.” According to the coach, Suhajda’s goal is to play college basketball, and some programs already are showing interest in him. “He has an unbelievable work ethic, loves the game and works hard to make himself and his teammates better,” Vanesian said.
Mekhi Sumter, jr., Madison Park TVHS
“A very athletic 6-foot-4 combo guard,” Madison Park TVHS coach Dennis G. Wilson said. “Shoots well from long range and mid-range. He can get to the basket, and he dunks effortlessly.”
Grayson Thomas, so., Greenfield
As of midseason, Thomas was leading the state in scoring at nearly 33 points per game — as a sophomore. He also was averaging six rebounds and five assists per game. He averaged 19 points per game as a freshman. “He’s a captain for us this year, and he wants to play college basketball at the highest level,” Greenfield coach Angelo Thomas said. “A hardworking player who dedicates himself to the game year-round. A sign of a great player is if he makes his players around him better, and Grayson does that.”
Manny Valentino, jr., New Mission
New Mission coach Eleazar Clayton described Valentino as an extremely talented “point God” who is an extension of the coaching staff in every way. “Very good ball-handler, exceptional off the pick and roll, and shoots the ball well from the 3 and mid-range but is very good at getting his teammates involved in the offense,” Clayton said. Valentino is averaging 12 points and six assists per game. “He is the captain of the basketball team, leading by example in games and practice, and he’s our energy guy,” Clayton said.
Jacob White, sr., Medway
White is the team’s main point guard and leading scorer — he’s averaging 16 points, six rebounds and three steals per game. “Jacob is a true gamer,” Medway coach Shane Jackson said. “When the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands, and he has hit numerous buzzer-beaters for us over the past two years.” The coach said White also stands out for his character. “Jacob is a great leader by example and as competitive but humble as they get,” Jackson said. “He is a respectful, positive teammate and inquisitive player.”
Lucas McNally, sr., and Egan Gill, jr., Bishop Feehan
McNally is averaging 9.1 points and three assists per game as a returning CCL all-star and team captain. “Excellent 3-point shooter and passer,” Bishop Feehan coach Dean O’Connor said. Gill is a point guard averaging 6.3 points and 5.6 assists per game, with a 2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. “Excellent playmaker and tough on-ball defender,” O’Connor said.
Ethan Bargatti, sr.; Evan Miller, so.; Maiki Gomez, fr., Westfield
Bargatti is a point guard, captain and National Honor Society student. He’s averaging two charges taken per game. Miller is a 6-foot-7 shooting guard who leads the team in scoring. “Ability to score from multiple positions, good footwork, shoots the 3-balls very well, with 47 made already,” Westfield coach Nate Martins said. “Ability to block shots and rebounds well. Also a great student.” Gomez has emerged as a key player as a freshman, averaging five points, three rebounds and two steals per game. “Rebounds the ball well, good speed, good teammate by being the energy guy supporting his teammates,” Martins said.
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