League all-stars: These are the Cape Cod high school boys basketball players to watch

The bad news is that the fall season for Cape Cod has concluded. The good news is that means it's time for the winter season to kickoff, and more specifically the transition from the field to the hardwood with boys basketball.

Eight teams made the postseason last year. Those teams combined for only four playoff wins, with Division 4 Bourne (No. 4) accounting for half of those teams as they made it the furthest to the Round of 8. Martha's Vineyard won their first playoff matchup and made it to the Round of 16 (Division 3), and Nauset won their preliminary round matchup (Division 2).

The other playoff teams included Nantucket, Cape Cod Academy, Upper Cape, Cape Tech and Falmouth Academy.

Here are players to watch out for who can take their teams on deep playoff runs this season.

Evan Briggs, Barnstable

As a sophomore forward last season, Briggs averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game. He had career highs in points (24) against New Mission and rebounds (14) against Nauset.

"Briggs is an academic honor roll junior who should have an athletic breakout season. He has taken on the challenge of being a dominant player. Briggs is very consistent with being one of the hardest workers and makes it look effortless," Barnstable head coach Alik Taylor said.

Ka'Ron Ford, Barnstable

Ford brings his football athleticism to the hardwood for the Red Hawks.

"Ford is an academic honor roll junior who is the emotional engine of the team. He has taken on the challenge of being the team leader this season. Ka'Ron is becoming a positive role model in the community," Taylor said.

Akeem Forskin, Barnstable

Forskin is ready to finish off his varsity career in a strong way this season.

"Forskin is the sleeper senior who has risen to be the sixth man of year. He comes off the bench and brings the extra energy that is needed," Taylor said.

Leo Andrade, Bourne

Andrade scored 268 points (11.7 points per game) and knocked down 38 threes in 23 games last season as a junior. In his playoff debut against Whittier, Andrade scored a team-high of 22 points (10 in the first quarter).

"He is combo guard and can shoot it and get out on the break," Bourne head coach Scott Ashworth said.

Michael Dankert, Bourne

In his debut season with the Canalmen last year as a sophomore after transferring from Sturgis West, Dankert averaged 14.7 points (338 points) and 11.3 rebounds per game (262 rebounds).

"Dankert is a combo player outside and inside, and defends," Ashworth said.

Nate Reynolds, Bourne

Reynolds has one of the best post games on Cape Cod and averaged 16.5 points (380 points) and 15 rebounds per game (345 rebounds) for the Canalmen over 23 games last season as a sophomore.

"He has great hands and touch in the sewer (paint)," Ashworth said.

Jameson Cassidy, Cape Cod Academy

Cassidy may be a sophomore, but with his height (6'6"), the center will cause problems all season for opponents.

"Jameson has worked tirelessly on his skillset this offseason. A tough-minded student athlete with soft hands around the rim, and a solid jump shot from outside. Jameson is excited for this year's opportunities while working towards being CCA's go-to player," Cape Cod Academy head coach Adam Rose said.

Harrison Lauf, Cape Cod Academy

Another six footer (6'0") will run the point for the Seahawks this season.

"Another young man who has worked harder than anyone this offseason. Harrison is a strong ball handler, can shoot well from the outside and is looking to make his mark this season with a team anxious to prove themselves," Rose said.

Caleb Rodrigues, Cape Cod Academy

Rodrigues is another six-foot (6'2") guard who causes problems in the back court with length alongside Lauf.

"Caleb is our top two-way player, with his staple coming on the defensive end. Caleb's leadership has really set the tone for the start of our season," Rose said.

Trevor Ryone, Cape Tech

Senior guard Ryone will serve as one of the captains for the Crusaders this season.

"He is a player that plays the whole court. He is the person who wants the ball when the game is on the line. He can shoot as well as drive," Cape Tech head coach Brent Warren said.

Alex Valdivinos, Cape Tech

Valdivinos is the other senior center and will be in the paint as the center for the Crusaders.

"His presence in the paint is game changing for other teams. A great leader, and led the league in blocked shots last year," Warren said.

Jackson Falcone, Falmouth

Falcone was a Cape and Islands League all-star honorable mention last season.

"Jackson competes at both ends of the floor, and is a leader on the floor and an honor roll student in the classroom," Falmouth head coach Paul Lundberg said.

Sam Stoermer, Falmouth

Stoermer will play at forward for the Clippers in a bigger role this season.

"As a freshman, Sam saw limited action but has worked extremely hard in the offseason to improve all his skills. Sam is also an honor roll student," Lundberg said.

Matt Brown, Falmouth Academy

The sophomore guard is looking to be a key piece for the Mariners this season.

"Matt worked hard to improve his jumpshot this offseason. He was our third leading scorer as a freshman last year, and is looking forward to a bigger role as a scorer this year," Falmouth Academy head coach Jon Olson said.

Nate Holmes, Falmouth Academy

Holmes is the reigning Lighthouse Division MVP as he averaged 23 points and 10 rebounds a game last season.

"Nate has worked hard in the off season to improve," Olson said.

Drew Reeves, Falmouth Academy

The senior guard is a three-year starter and was a Lighthouse Division all-star last year with 13 points per game and nine rebounds per game.

"He is the emotional leader of our team and he nearly averaged a double double last year while playing the point. Drew is also a sneaky good help defender," Olson said.

Josh Lake, Martha's Vineyard

The senior forward averaged 9.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season.

"Lake is a team leader that put in a lot of work in the offseason to get stronger. He is a great shooter and highly skilled all around," Martha's Vineyard head coach Mike Joyce said.

Nate Story, Martha's Vineyard

The senior point guard is looking to improve on a junior season where he averaged 10.5 points, 5.4 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.

"He is the floor general who really controls the tempo of the game, can score and distribute, and never runs out of gas," Joyce said.

Sam Zack, Martha's Vineyard

The senior forward will be one of the players that steps up this season to fill the departure of Maritime Division MVP Matheus Rodrigues, who averaged 17 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.

"Zack is the biggest improver from last year. He is long and lanky on defense and a sniper on offense," Joyce said.

Michael Barron, Mashpee

Barron could be an X-factor on how successful the Falcons will be this season.

"A returning starter who is only a sophomore, but will be one of the better scorers on the team," Mashpee head coach Jordan Rezendes said.

Dantae Clarke, Mashpee

At 6’9" Clarke was a force down low last season as he finished with averages of 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks per game.

"A returning starter that can score, rebound and block shots," Rezendes said.

Ryan Triveri, Mashpee

The junior will look to take the next step in his game for the Falcons this season.

"A tough point guard that will run and lead the team," Rezendes said.

Finn Hyora, Monomoy

Last season as a sophomore guard, Hyora led the Sharks in total minutes played, field-goal percentage and assists. He was second on the team in rebounding and scoring. He has been a two-year starter and has 346 points over 43 games for his career.

"Finn has been starting on varsity since his freshman year. He’s a returning captain and major leader on and off the court for the Sharks," Monomoy head coach John McCarthy said.

Jackson Rocco, Monomoy

Last year as a sophomore guard, Rocco had seven games with over 15 points and drained 39 three-pointers. He led the Sharks in scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks and three-pointers made. He has 398 career points in 38 games over two seasons.

"Jackson has been starting varsity since freshman year. His sharpshooting, competitive spirit and athleticism makes him a top guard in the area," McCarthy said.

Tamarr Washington, Monomoy

Last season for Cape Cod Academy, Washington averaged 14.5 points (289 points), 4.1 assists and 3.4 steals. He shot 38% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and 73% from the free-throw line.

"Tamarr has been starting on his team since eighth grade and he’s poised to have another breakout season. His offensive and defensive ability to control games make him one of the best guards on Cape Cod," McCarthy said.

Carlos Aguilar, Nantucket

Last season a junior, the point guard averaged 11.8 points per game, and led the Whalers in assists with 59 and steals with 47. He was also the third-leading scorer with 235 points.

"A very good ball handler who can shoot the three and finish in transition. He is a solid defender and a three-year starter at the point," Nantucket head coach Willis Ferreira said.

Jayquan Francis, Nantucket

As a junior last season, Francis led the team in blocks with 34, to go along with 47 steals and 49 assists. Francis also averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game.

"An athletic lefty with great leaping ability who can finish at the rim. He is a good rebounder and defender and should have a strong senior year," Ferreira said.

Jack Halik, Nantucket

Halik led the Whalers in scoring at 13 points per game, and was the leading rebounder at 8.4 (160 total) last season. He had a career-high 33 points in a 80-52 win over Cape Cod Academy.

"Jack is a athletic 6’6" kid with a huge upside. He can play inside and out, is a good rebounder and can finish around the basket," Ferreira said.

Joey Berardi, Nauset

The junior will run the show at point guard this season as the only starter returning from last year's team.

"Joey is already considered to be one of the best defenders in the area. He’s taken a huge leap in the offseason in terms of his shot-making and overall playmaking ability," Nauset head coach Kevin Harrigan said.

Kieran Handville, Nauset

Handville was a key contributor off the bench last season, and will look to improve in his senior season at guard.

"Kieran looks to build on that experience this year. He’s a clever passer, a real three-point threat and makes winning plays all over the court," Harrigan said.

Liam Johnston, Nauset

Johnston will play at forward in his final varsity season for the Warriors.

"Liam is a contagious energy on and off the court that helps shapes the team's identity. He’s athletic, creative and wreaks havoc in the passing lanes," Johnston said.

Matt Curley, St. John Paul II

Curley is a senior forward returning from last year's team, and will be a captain this season.

"Matt is a leader and brings a confident, steady influence from his success on the golf team to the gym every day. He has good scoring skills and a strong rebounding presence," JPII head coach Jeff Dillon said.

Felipe Ferari, St. John Paul II

Ferari is a junior forward that will be making his debut for the Lions this season.

"A first-year player on the team with international playing experience. He will be a major contributor on offense and will be looked upon to anchor the front court on the defensive end of the floor," Dillon said.

Connor Finn, Sandwich

The senior is coming off a season where he was captain as a junior and led the team in assists. He was a Cape and Islands all-star honorable mention last season.

Connor came on with his scoring at the end of the season and runs the team like a coach on the floor with his leadership and basketball IQ. Connor will be the leader of a younger team this upcoming season," Sandwich head coach John Tzimorangas said.

Daniel Oman, Sandwich

Oman is a senior forward who was an all-star in the holiday tournament in Abington at the end of last season.

"Daniel got better and better as the season progressed and became more aggressive and looked for his scoring as he got more comfortable in the offense. Looking for Daniel to continue the progress in his offensive game," Tzimorangas said.

Cole Rodgers, Sandwich

The 6-foot-2 sophomore averaged 13.4 points (team-high) and four rebounds per game, and had a career-high of 18 points in three different games last season. He was a first team Cape and Islands all-star.

"Cole is tough and plays physical and has a nice scoring touch from the outside as well. Cole will be counted on to improve on his fine sophomore year with a big junior year for the Blue Knights," Tzimorangas said.

Gabe Codjoe, Sturgis East

Codjoe is a returning starter as a junior and will be the point guard for the Storm.

"After a successful soccer season his game looks sharp. His game's quickness and speed, combined with his ability to read and react to live situations, will serve him well in his role this year," Sturgis East head coach Ben Hinckley said.

Wascar Jiminian-Perez, Sturgis East

Jiminian-Perez returns from last year's team and will be the big man down low at center for the Storm in his junior season.

"Wascar, or 'Big Waz,' as he is becoming known, is one of our most dedicated players. He loves the game of basketball, and with the work he put in this offseason, he is ready to contribute in a big way. With a few new post moves, Waz is going to be a problem for undersized bigs around the league," Hinckley said.

Jack Sullivan, Sturgis East

Sullivan will play at forward in his final season for the Storm.

"Jack is a dynamic athlete with excellent footwork, speed, and decision making capabilities. His defensive instincts are the strongest part of his game, mostly because defense relies on effort. He consistently takes every rep at game speed and has set himself up for a rewarding senior year," Hinckley said.

Matt Nawoichik, Upper Cape

As a junior last season, Nawoichik averaged 15.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game despite the Rams making the leap from the Mayflower Small Division to the Mayflower Large Division. He is a returning Mayflower all-star and third-year varsity player and a two-year captain.

"He led the Rams in scoring last year. He is a dynamic player who can play multiple positions at 6'4." He is a leader at crunch time and the guy we want with the ball in the biggest moments," Upper Cape head coach Billy Macuch said.

Damin Tavares, Upper Cape

Tavares is a returning two-time Mayflower all-star and a third-year varsity player. The senior power forward is also a captain.

"Damin has had an incredible offseason working on his game. He has slimmed down and changed his game at 6'5." He now possesses the speed of a guard with his Zion Williamson-like frame. He is no longer just a post player," Macuch said.

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod high school boys basketball players to watch in 2023-2024