A new sky of stars: These are the Cape Cod high school boys basketball players to watch
With the fall season ending, it's time to make the transition from the football field to the hardwood : high school basketball season is officially underway.
Last season, nine teams (Nauset, Martha's Vineyard, Sandwich, Sturgis West, Bourne, Nantucket, Cape Cod Academy, Cape Tech, Upper Cape) made the playoffs. Cape Cod Academy was the only team to make it past the Round of 32. The team lost in the Round of 16 to state-finalist Saint Joseph Prep. This season, the Seahawks will be without their star Jaeden Greenleaf, who graduated with 2,311 career points, the most points on Cape all-time.
More: Harwich's Glenn Rose reflects on Jaeden Greenleaf beating the Cape's high-scoring record
Here are some players who will help their respective teams make a push for the postseason.
JJ Martin, Barnstable
"Martin is a senior guard who has a different edge about him this year. Last year, he was that transfer student who had to find his way as a team member. This year, he feels very comfortable and accepted which is allowing him to really be himself. In the track world, there is someone called a 'rabbit' who sets the pace and everyone has to catch up, forcing other to run faster and harder. JJ is our rabbit. He leads the charge offensively and defensively," said Barnstable head coach Alik Taylor.
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Ka'Ron Ford, Barnstable
"Ford is a sophomore guard who received some varsity minutes last season. He is the soul of our team this year, encouraging and motivating team members on and off the court. When he talks, the team listens. He ignites us with his aggressive style of play especially on defense," said Taylor.
Evan Briggs, Barnstable
"Briggs is a sophomore forward who received some varsity minutes last season. This year he is expected to carry a heavier load where he will need to be more aggressive. Evan is an all-around player and his presence on the court will be noticeable," said Taylor.
Shea Ullo, Bourne
Ullo is a senior captain shooter. "He has exhibited great leadership skills," said Bourne head coach Scott Ashworth.
Nate Reynolds, Bourne
Reynolds is a sophomore post player and a returning league all-star. "He has good hands and touch in the sewer," said Ashworth, referring to the key/paint. "It's nasty in there, like a sewer."
Quinn Moriarty, Bourne
"Moriarty is a sophomore point guard who started last year as a freshman. He runs the offense smoothly and can shoot from the perimeter," said Ashworth.
Trey Merritt, Cape Cod Academy
Merritt is a junior guard.
"He has ultimate anticipation on defense. As soon as you feel comfortable with the ball, is when he puts the pressure on. (Merritt is the) best on-ball defender on the Cape (with a) very quick first step and deadly pull-up jumper," said Cape Cod Academy head coach Adam Rose.
Michael Berry, Cape Cod Academy
Berry is a guard/forward who is coming off an ACL injury.
"A touted freshman that is anxious to show everyone what he can do. Mike can score on all three levels, and has an amazing basketball IQ," said Rose.
Tamarr Washington, Cape Cod Academy
Washington is a sophomore point guard and already is a captain for the Seahawks.
"He is the extension of the coaching staff, and sets the tone every day in practice and holds guys accountable. Has the full tool kit in his bag and is one of our hardest workers on the defensive end," said Rose.
Trevor Ryone, Cape Tech
Ryone is a junior guard for the Crusaders.
Josh Wiggin, Cape Tech
Wiggin is a senior forward who will bring leadership to the Crusaders.
Darius Azor, Dennis-Yarmouth
Azor is senior captain and a guard/forward.
"Darius has grown each year as a student-athlete. He is now a 6-5 knockdown shooter with good ball-handling skills to go with. He has improved his game to set himself up to have a great senior season," said D-Y head coach Donta Phillips.
Jack Watson, Falmouth
Watson is a junior guard and was a Cape & Islands All-Star last year.
"Jack is a competitor who helps make his teammates better. He's a tough defender who can also score anywhere on the floor," said Falmouth head coach Paul Lundberg.
Jayden Bernhardt, Falmouth
Bernhardt is a senior forward and a third-year varsity player. He suffered a leg injury during the Thanksgiving Day football game last month, but the Clippers are hopeful he recovers and can play this season.
"Jayden is a strong kid who rebounds at both ends of the floor. Last year, he did most of his scoring around the basket but has improved his perimeter shooting," said Lundberg.
Nate Holmes, Falmouth Academy
Holmes is a 6-5 junior forward and center, a three-year starter and now a captain. Last season, he averaged 13 points per game.
"A player with a vastly improved jump shot and has the ability to take it to the basket. This year he will have a bigger role on the offense," said Falmouth Academy head coach Jon Olson.
Matheus Rodrigues, Martha's Vineyard
Rodrigues is a senior center. He averaged a double-double over the final eight games last season.
"Matheus finished last year putting a string of good games together. He is a tenacious rebounder and has improved as a shooter coming into this year," said Martha's Vineyard head coach Mike Joyce.
Josh Lake, Martha's Vineyard
Lake is a junior forward and played on the varsity team as a sophomore last season.
"Josh is coming off a good season. He is a great shotmaker, who has added some strength in the offseason and further developed his offensive skill set," said Joyce.
Nate Story, Martha's Vineyard
Story is a junior guard and will take over as the primary ball-handler for Nico Arroyo, who graduated last year.
"He is a relentless defender who never gets tired. We are looking for him to really push the tempo on offense this year," said Joyce.
Jack Spencer, Mashpee
Spencer is a senior wing player.
"Jack is going to be a solid scorer as a returning veteran on the Mashpee squad. He is a leader on both ends of the court," said Mashpee head coach Rick Boulrisse.
Otis Longman, Mashpee
Longman is a senior swingman who will provide scoring inside and out.
"He attacks basket and a solid shooter," said Boulrisse.
Dantae Clarke, Mashpee
Clarke is a 6-7 junior.
"Dantae is a player who has a nice touch from outside, and can be a force around the rim on both offense and defense," said Boulrisse.
Michael Desir, Monomoy
Desir is a senior captain guard/forward and a third-year varsity player.
"Michael has been a tremendous leader. He is a ferocious on ball defender and a menace on the fast break," said Monomoy head coach Dan Taylor.
Finn Hyora, Monomoy
Hyora is a sophomore guard/forward and a captain.
"Finn anchors our defense in the middle and is a tremendous playmaker for us on offense," said Dan Taylor.
Jackson Rocco, Monomoy
Rocco is a sophomore guard/forward.
"Jackson is an absolute weapon on offense with a great ability to score on all three levels. In the preseason, he has proven to be a hard-nosed perimeter defender and tenacious rebounder as well," said Dan Taylor.
Jack Halik, Nantucket
Halik is a 6-6 junior forward.
"He is an athletic big that can stretch the floor, and is a solid defender and rebounder. He will be a problem (for opponents) on most nights," said Nantucket head coach Willis Ferreira.
Karson Wellington, Nantucket
Wellington is a senior player who can do it all.
"He is a great defender and can rebound with the best of them. Going to be asked to do a lot for us. Great leader," said Ferreira.
Carlos Aguilar, Nantucket
Arguilar is a junior point guard.
"He is a quick guard that sees the floor and can shoot the three. It should be a breakout year for him," said Ferreira.
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Andrew Berardi, Nauset
Berardi is a 5-11 senior captain and point guard. He's been on varsity since his freshman year.
"This is the first year the team has really been his team. A standout lacrosse player (committed to playing at Babson pending admission), Andrew is an elite athlete and the consummate senior leader. A steady jump shot, suffocating defense, and a crafty finishing game, makes Andrew stand out on the court," said Nauset head coach Kevin Harrigan.
Dillon White, Nauset
White is a a 6-4 senior captain and forward. He has been getting minutes on varsity since his sophomore year and is poised for a breakout year.
"He was MVP of the Cape Cod Summer League this year. Dillon is a menace on the boards, and the lefty is a super tough interior finisher," said Harrigan.
Nico Harrington, Nauset
Harrington is a 6-8 senior center.
"As a coaching staff, we often refer to Nico as Cape Cod Rob Williams. An incredible above the rim threat, Nico is as talented a player as I've coached over the last five years. He runs the court exceptionally well, blocks a ton of shots at the rim and will absolutely lead all of Cape Cod in dunks this year. Nico has a ton of interest from D-3 programs in the area including Suffolk, Salem State and Roger Williams," said Harrigan.
Zane Thomas, St. John Paul II
Thomas is a senior and was a league all-star last season and he's the only starter returning from last year's team.
"I expect him to lead us in scoring this year and provide a lot of rebounding," said JPII head coach Rich Fazzi.
Quinn Mayo, St. John Paul II
Mayo is a senior and will be the starting center this year.
"Mayo should be my top rebounder for the season. He also should provide some solid scoring for us throughout the season," said Fazzi.
Cameron O’Malley, Sandwich
O'Malley is a senior center/forward and co-captain for the Blue Knights.
"Cam is the senior leader of this young team. He started several games as a junior last season and is a good rebounder and shooter. He is starting the season injured from football, but should be back to help the Knights in late December. He brings toughness and experience to the team," said Sandwich head coach John Tzimorangas.
Connor Finn, Sandwich
Finn is a junior point guard and a co-captain. He played varsity last season and will step into the starting role this year for the first time.
"He is the leader on the floor and will run the show for the Knights. He has played in this system for several years and understands the offense. He is a good outside shooter and possesses the ability to get to the basket off the dribble," said Tzimorangas.
Dominic Bruni, Sandwich
Bruni is a senior shooting guard and played varsity last year in a limited role.
"He is going to be counted on for his outside shooting and toughness this year. Dom is a good defensive player and will draw the assignment on the opponent's best player," said Tzimorangas.
Damin Tavares, Upper Cape
Tavares is a junior power forward and a returning starter. He averaged a double-double as a sophomore with 10 points and 10 rebounds per game.
"He is a 6-4 power forward with guard-like speed and has a dominating presence in the paint," said Upper Cape head coach Billy Macuch.
Keno Glenn, Upper Cape
Glenn is a senior guard and a returning starter.
"Keno is the anchor of the Rams defense and a shut down defender. His quickness creates a lot of turnovers," said Macuch.
Matt Navoichek, Upper Cape
Navoichek is a junior guard and a returning starter as the captain. He averaged 11 points per game as a sophomore
"He is a great all-around player. He can shoot the three ball as well as drive to the basket. His unselfishness gets other teammates involved," said Macuch.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod high school boys basketball players to watch in 2022-2023
