Introducing the 18 boys basketball players nominated for the 2024 Dave Cowens Award
Eighteen male athletes have been nominated for the prestigious Dave Cowens Achievement Award, which is presented each year to the top senior male and female high school basketball players in the area.
The annual ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 15 at GNB Voc-Tech.
Here’s a look at the 18 male nominees:
Nathan Levesque, Apponequet
A three-year starter, Levesque has developed into a strong inside threat and relentless rebounder through the years with hard work and dedication. He has led the Lakers into postseason play all three years with a No. 7 seed in the Div. 3 power rankings during his senior season. As a senior captain, Levesque averaged 15.1 points per game and 14.5 rebounds per game. He averaged a double-double for three straight years. Levesque had a career total of 850 points (11th all time as a Laker) and 827 career rebounds at the end of the regular season. He has also excelled in the classroom, maintaining a 4.16 GPA in college and honors prep coursework as a member of the National Honor Society. A three-sport athlete in cross country, basketball and baseball, Levesque has been a multiple South Coast Conference all-star in all three sports with various all-scholastic recognitions. He will continue his education at Franklin Pierce University, where he plans to study sports management/accounting on a baseball scholarship.
Frank Vollaro, Bishop Stang
Vollaro was a catalyst for Bishop Stang this season. He came up big when the Spartans needed him down the stretch and finished the season averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game, earning Catholic Central League All-Star honors. On the season, Vollaro shot 37% from the 3-point line and 48% from the field. He exploded for a career-high 34 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals against a talented Archbishop Williams this season. Vollaro also was a major contributor defensively. Day in and day out he guarded the other team's best player, whether they were a center or a point guard. He maintained a standard of excellence on both sides of the basketball, and this standard rubbed off on the rest of Stang’s basketball team. He led by example for all of the younger players in our program. Next year, Vollaro plans to attend Emmanuel College, where he will play basketball and study dentistry.
'The story is not over': Wareham gets to defend its state title after overtime buzzer beater
Dom Quelle, Bourne
Much like Dave Cowens himself, Quelle was an extremely hard worker for the Canalmen. His numbers do not reflect his importance and overall influence on our team. As a captain, he was tasked to lead a team that had many returning varsity players, not always the easiest of situations to be in. He was fantastic in his role leading by example early in the season and becoming a vocal leader during the stretch run which culminated with a No. 2 seed in the state tournament. Quelle gave up personal numbers for the good of the team. He averaged 9 pts, 3.5 assists and 3 rebounds per game while being one of our best defenders.
Ryan Donovan, Bristol Plymouth
A senior guard with three years of varsity experience, Donovan was instrumental to Bristol-Plymouth’s success this season, averaging 16.1 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists per game while connecting on 35 3-pointers. His tenacity, hustle and desire to win cannot be taught; these are all adjectives used to describe Dave Cowens, who this award is named for. Coming into this season, we knew Donovan would be the linchpin of his team, and he has exceeded our expectations in every aspect. Not only does he lead B-P statistically, but his leadership on and off the court has been invaluable. Donovan is not only an outstanding basketball player, but also an excellent football player. His athletic success has been matched by his efforts in the classroom where he is the top 25% of his class. Donovan has made plans to work in the carpentry field when he graduates from B-P.
Hunter Matteson, Dartmouth
A four-year varsity starter, Matteson finished his career as Dartmouth’s all-time scorer in boys basketball with 1,477 points (21.4 ppg). He also had 705 career rebounds (10.2 per game) despite playing in just 69 games because his freshman year was limited to nine games because of COVID. Matteson served as team captain his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. This year, Matteson averaged 23.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and shot 65.9% from 2’s and 58.5% from the field in the 18 games he played in. He was a three-time Southeast Conference All-Star and two-time SEC MVP. He led Dartmouth to a 17-5 record during the 2022-2023 season which was one of the most successful seasons the team has had in the past 15 years and helped Dartmouth advance to the round of 16 in the Division 2 tournament. This season Matteson helped Dartmouth to a 10-11 record while having the second toughest strength of schedule in all of Division 2 based off of the MIAA ratings and clinching another Division 2 tournament appearance. On top of all his accolades, Matteson has helped out at multiple camps and has helped volunteer at the Special Olympic Games and Unified Basketball. Matteson currently has a 4.06 GPA and plans on attending Springfield College to continue his basketball career.
Anthony DeJesus, Diman
DeJesus’ skill set goes beyond the statistics as he provided senior leadership for a young and inexperienced team. He took his role as captain seriously and was a steady presence at practice and on the floor during games. He worked exceptionally hard to improve his footspeed, man-to-man defense and shooting ability. A scoring small forward, he acted like a coach on the floor, settling the team down and playing with poise, particularly late in games. DeJesus averaged a team-high 14.6 points per game. For the year he scored nearly 300 points. He also rebounded at a steady clip and was Diman’s best free throw shooter hitting on 73% from the charity stripe. He hit the game-winning shot at Wayland with less than 10 seconds left. DeJesus was awarded the Team MVP and Captain’s Award at the conclusion of the season. He was also named a Mayflower League All-Star. An honor roll student, DeJesus is a member of the Electronics Shop at Diman, works at a co-op job and plans to attend one of the many colleges and universities that he has been accepted into. He plans to study Electrical Engineering.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Butler, Mourao go berserk as Old Rochester punches state-title spot
Jeyden Espinal, Durfee
Espinal, a three-time Southeast Conference All-Star, wrapped a stellar career for the Hilltoppers this past season after leading the team to a 13-7 record (6-2 SEC) with a team-high 19.2 points per game. He also averaged 5.8 rebounds at the guard position. Espinal’s presence and tough play led the Hilltoppers to this season’s SEC title as well. His elite shooting ability, ball handling skills, court vision, ability to get to the basket, selflessness, basketball IQ and overall play proved to be vital to the overall success of the Hilltopper program over the past three seasons. He finished his career with 949 points, which ranks in the top 20 all-time. Off the court, Espinal is enrolled in all AP level courses and currently has a 3.4 GPA. He has also volunteered on multiple occasions with the youth in the community. His work ethic, leadership and commitment to winning has been proven to be top notch over the past three seasons.
Ryan Ptaszenski, Fairhaven
A two-year starter and senior captain, Ptaszenski led the South Coast conference in 3-point field goals made for the second straight season, connecting on 59 this year.His ability to shoot from behind the arc garnered the respect from opposing coaches who implemented the box and one defense solely to keep him from shooting. Ptaszenski still managed to average a little over three made 3’s per game and just under 13 points per game. He also earned All-Star honors during his time playing for the Blue Devils. Off the court, Ptaszenski is involved in helping and playing on the Fairhaven High School Unified Basketball team. During the summer, he offers his time as a camp counselor at the Dennison Memorial Community Center in New Bedford as well as working for a local landscaping company. In the classroom, he has a 3.0 GPA taking college prep and honors courses. Next year Ptaszenski plans to attend college to study criminal justice with plans of becoming a MA State Trooper. Currently he has been accepted into UMass Boston, Bridgewater State and Emmanuel but hasn’t committed to a school yet.
Jhaden Reis, GNB Voc-Tech
Reis experienced growth and made exceptional contributions over the past three-year career. As a senior captain, he led the Bears in critical categories, averaging 13 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. His leadership and performance have been pivotal in his team’s successes, showcasing his dedication, skill, and determination. Beyond the basketball court, Reis has demonstrated his academic prowess as a Robotics Engineering student, maintaining a commendable 3.5 GPA throughout his high school career. His academic achievements, coupled with his athletic excellence, speak volumes of his discipline and commitment to excellence in all facets of his life. Reis’ athleticism extends across multiple sports, having been named captain for the varsity teams in football, basketball, and baseball in his senior year. For football, he had the distinguished honor of being the first recipient of our school’s Perseverance Award. What truly distinguishes Reis is his transformation into a role model who prioritizes health, leadership, and a winning mindset.
Landon Cayton, Joseph Case
Cayton not only led his team in scoring and rebounding but also achieved the momentous milestone of scoring 1,000 points in his career, solidifying his status as the boys’ most prolific scorer in school history. This year, his exceptional scoring and leadership propelled the Cardinals back to the playoffs, solidifying his status as a true force on the court. Throughout his career, he consistently dazzled opponents with his offensive prowess. Cayton finished second in the South Coast Conference in scoring at 20.3 points per game. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals. His offensive repertoire is a blend of finesse and power, adept at getting into the paint and finishing around the rim. Cayton was a two-time SCC All-Star and two-time Rick Jalbert All-Star.
Matt Youngquist, Middleboro
A senior captain, Youngquist finished his career as a two-time South Shore League All-Star and the Sullivan Division Most Valuable Player for the 2023-2024 season. Youngquist averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game during his senior season. He had a season-high 41 points against Randolph.He controlled the tempo and was our vocal leader on the court. Youngquist is a class act student on and off the court, sporting a 3.8 GPA and going the extra step to help his teammates and coaches with whatever is needed. His sportsmanship and team player attitude excels above the rest. When he’s not on the court or in school, he spends his time working with the young up-and-coming Sachems at the town day summer camp. Still undecided on a college choice, Youngquist would like to continue his basketball career at a Division 2 or 3 college.
Craig Baptista, New Bedford
Over the past four years, Baptista “left it on the floor,” from sprints in practice, to putting his body on the floor in the games — his presence was felt through his hustle and lead by example attitude. The two-time Southeast Conference All-Star is a two-year captain. As a senior, Baptista averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals per game while making over 60 3-pointers on the season. Baptista was also a four-year varsity member of the golf team and a two-time MVP. Not only does Craig give his all on the basketball court and the golf course but he’s also an outstanding student who has maintained a 3.0 GPA while being a dedicated varsity athlete. Baptista is also a very active member with the TJL Memorial Foundation, a non profit that helps suicide awareness and prevention. He also volunteers for various athletic events within the community. He has been a basketball coach at many Future of New Bedford clinics offered to children within the community. He also volunteers at the New Bedford Half Marathon. Baptista’s impact on the community is just as impressive as his impact on the court. Baptista plans on attending Bridgewater State University and would like to focus his studies in Physical Education.
Chris Darcy, Old Colony
Darcy is a tremendous leader on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. As a four-year varsity player, he had an exceptionally successful high school career. He was instrumental in the Cougars winning back-to-back league championships and a State Vocational title this year. Darcy was named captain his senior year and is the epitome of the word captain. He finished his career with 456 points, 74 3-pointers, 323 rebounds, 206 assists and 73 steals. Academically, Darcy is an excellent student in all Honors classes, posting a 4.03 GPA, and ranking in the top of his class. Darcy has spent numerous hours after his own workouts to mentor and help his younger teammates with their game. Giving back is a priority as Darcy focuses on helping the youth in our area. He is also an integral member of the Cougar Community Service group and is a student peer mentor. Most recently, he has volunteered for the Old Colony Frosty Runner Road Race. Additionally, he has volunteered at numerous basketball camps and clinics. He intends on furthering his education at either Stonehill, UMass Dartmouth or Bridgewater State University.
John Butler, Old Rochester
A two-year varsity player, Butler went from the team’s sixth man his junior year to ORR’s most valuable player during his senior year. He was an integral part of a South Coast Conference championship and Final Four team his junior year. As a senior, Butler led the Bulldogs to a 17-4 regular season record and an SCC championship at 12-1 and a trip to the Div. 3 state finals. This year, Butler has averaged 16.6 points a game which was sixth best in the league along with 7.1 rebounds (sixth) and hit 34 threes. He had games of 32 and 29 points being unstoppable at times as a dual threat and often guarded the opponents best player. His value as a captain was evident in practice daily with a great work ethic and always stayed late to get more work in, developing his game and never being satisfied. Butler is the model of a student-athlete who has maintained a 3.6 GPA with AP and Honors courses taking a lead role in class as he does on the court. He has committed hours of community service as a member of ORR’s Unified Basketball Team, volunteering for the nonprofit organization Gnome Surf Therapy, teaching the disabled to surf and as a counselor with summer basketball camps. Butler will be furthering his career as he has been accepted to the business schools at the College of Charleston and UMass Amherst.
Mason Medeiros, Somerset-Berkley
A three-year starter and two-year captain, Medeiros averaged 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game his senior year. He also added 29 3-pointers, 14 blocks and 55 steals. He shot 63% from the field, including 45% from long distance. Medeiros also shot 85% from the free throw line. His leadership and great rapport with his teammates led Somerset Berkley to the postseason in each of his three varsity seasons. Medeiros was voted as an honorable mention all-star in the South Coast Conference in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Medeiros changed his game his senior year to make his team more well rounded. His defense was stellar, often playing against the opposing team's best player. He has also played varsity baseball for three years. Medeiros is a solid student with a GPA of 3.9. In addition to his excellence in the classroom and on the court, Medeiros is active in his community, helping disperse food at our local food pantry and participating in our team food drive for four seasons. He organized and ran a basketball clinic during Christmas vacation for 71 boys and girls grades 2-8. Medeiros is planning to study business and is considering many schools, including Emerson and UMass Dartmouth.
Troy Santos, Taunton
Through hard work in the offseason and during the season, Santos enjoyed a breakthrough year, averaging 24.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2 steals per game in the Hockomock League. He had some monster games for the Tigers including a 35-point second half performance ending the game with 42 against Durfee. Off the court, Santos was part of the first ever officiating course where students learn how to officiate multiple sports and receive certification. He also has run multiple basketball clinics for the youth and has helped coach Metrowest basketball. Santos took part in our first annual winter toy drive and is always first to volunteer for community events. He has a 3.7 GPA and will further his basketball career at the University of Hartford.
Ajay Lopes, Wareham
Lopes has had a storybook career and been Wareham’s unquestioned leader over the last four years. With him at the helm, the Vikings averaged 19 wins a season, won two South Coast Conference Championships, earned two overall No. 1 seeds in Division 4 and captured a State Championship with a chance to win another one this weekend. Lopes’ individual numbers and accomplishments are impressive. Over his time at Wareham, he has been the MVP of the South Coast Conference, a 1,000 point scorer, a three-time SCC All-Star and two-time Standard-Times Boys Basketball Player of the Year all before his senior year. He averaged 16.8 points, 6.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game this season. Although Lopes has racked up some unbelievable individual numbers, his best attribute is his ability to make the others around him better. These individual numbers could be even better but he chooses to be the ultimate teammate. He cares for the team more than he cares for himself, he hates losing more than he likes winning and he leads by example every day on and off the court. In the classroom, Lopes has been an honor roll student this year. He has also been a volunteer coach with the Wareham Travel Basketball Team fourth grade team all season. He was a great example for those young kids who strive to be like Ajay.
Christopher Duarte, Westport
As a two-year varsity player, Duarte was a part of two Mayflower Athletic Conference championships for the Wildcats. He has been a player who always gives 100%. Over his career, he has always put his team first. This past season, he averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds per game. More importantly, Duarte led by example, showing great leadership qualities and always keeping his teammates focused and accountable. He was one of the most consistent defensive players, guarding various players from 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-5. In the classroom, Duarte is ranked 35th in his class. Last year Duarte was the only player to volunteer to help coach a youth program in Westport that took six weeks. In addition to athletics, he is a member of the Filmmakers Club and the International Exchange Club, where he traveled to various parts of the world including Japan and Germany. Duarte has a part time job working for Lee’s supermarket. Next year he will attend Bridgewater State University where he will major in communications.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: 2024 Dave Cowens Award nominees for Boys Basketball
