Explore every episode of the podcast HoopWise from New England Basketball Journal

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller welcome Michael Crotty, director and head coach of the Middlesex Magic 17U team. Crotty discusses the history and impact of the Middlesex Magic program, established by his father in 1993. They delve into his summer experiences, commitment season, and the developmental journey of standout players like Alex Wilkins and Ryder Frost. Additionally, Crotty shares stories involving NBA players Pat Connaughton, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Kolek, who are Magic alumni. The conversation also highlights the evolving landscape of grassroots basketball, the importance of mental toughness and role definition, and future goals for the program.

Topics

00:28 Special Guest: Michael Crotty of Middlesex Magic

00:40 Middlesex Magic's Impact and Achievements

00:56 Mike Crotty's Journey and Career

01:44 Summer Activities and Current Season

02:08 Commitments and College Recruitment

04:44 Challenges and Gratification in Coaching

08:34 Managing Multiple Players and Expectations

12:11 Alex Wilkins' Journey to Division I

15:20 Ryder Frost's Development and Success

19:18 The Importance of Physical Development

21:47 Joining the Under Armour Circuit

27:12 Defying Stereotypes in Grassroots Basketball

30:49 Building a Team Culture

32:26 Legacy and Values

33:21 NBA Success Stories

34:22 Lessons from Pat and Duncan

38:52 Memorable Moments

44:47 Future of the Program

47:42 Full Court Press: Panel Discussion

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive deep into the basketball scene in New England with special guest Vinh Bui. They explore Vin's significant impact on the Boston City basketball community, his experiences with Shooting Touch, and his coaching journey at Nobles and other institutions. The conversation takes a personal turn as Vin shares insights about his niece, Christina Pham, and the relationships and challenges that shape inner-city Boston basketball culture. They also discuss the impact of three-point shooting and analytics on modern basketball, highlighting both positive changes and potential drawbacks. The episode wraps up with a fun segment, 'Full Court Press,' where the hosts and Vin share their thoughts on favorite non-star players.

Topics

00:24 Guest Introduction: Vin Bui's Impact on Boston Basketball

01:01 Vinh Bui's Hong Kong Experience

03:16 Nobles Basketball Success and Challenges

07:12 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

15:09 Building an Independent Program: Shooting Touch

22:56 Game Planning and Toughest Opponents

26:31 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Personal Reflections

33:09 Reflecting on Parental Influence in Sports

33:44 Balancing Support and Criticism

34:43 Coaching Philosophy and Responsibilities

37:18 Challenges of Growing Up in Boston

41:13 Community and Basketball in Boston

44:26 Christina's Basketball Journey and Aspirations

49:13 The Impact of the Three-Point Revolution

53:45 Analytics in Basketball: Boon or Bane?

57:27 Favorite Non-Star Players

01:02:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive deep into the New England basketball scene. They are joined by their first guest, Leo Papile, the founder of the Boston Amateur Basketball Club (BABC), established in 1977. Leo shares insights from his storied career, including his time working with the Celtics and Clippers, and his role in US men's national development team. The conversation covers the BABC's recent season, standout players and future prospects. The podcast also touches on the broader basketball landscape, AAU misconceptions, NIL impacts, and the evolution of recruiting. A light-hearted ‘Full Court Press’ segment wraps up the episode with rapid-fire questions about rules and memorable moments in basketball.

Topics

00:26 Introducing the First Guests: Leo Papile and Cotton

01:13 Leo Papile on Basketball Downtime and Olympic Insights

05:21 Discussing BABC's Season and Performance

09:06 Highlighting Top Players and Their Prospects

17:42 Recruitment and Academic Challenges

24:53 The Philosophy of Team and Individual Success

31:01 The Misnomer of AAU Basketball

32:27 Evolution of Grassroots Basketball Leagues

35:31 NIL Deals in Amateur Basketball

39:23 Coaching Philosophy and Longevity

43:44 Full Court Press: Rapid Fire Questions

54:45 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller discussing the basketball landscape in New England, with a focus on top girls basketball prospects. The conversation includes insights on covering girls basketball, player development, and the differences between MIAA and NEPSAC leagues. The hosts also reflect on their favorite stories, the rising interest in women's basketball, and the impact of players' commitments.

Topics

00:19 Highlighting Memorable Stories

03:34 Spotlight on Orla Gormley

04:53 Rising Stars in New England

13:06 The Debate: NEPSAC vs. MIAA

17:58 Top Prospects to Watch

20:54 Spotlight on Jasmine Cooper

23:23 Nobles' Key Players

25:30 Natalia Hall Rosa: A Rising Star

28:05 Alicia Mitchell: The Reliable Post Player

30:08 Cam Nelson: The Fast and Fearless Guard

31:30 High Motor Player: Theory from Haverhill

32:36 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

In this debut episode of the Hoopwise podcast from New England Basketball Journal, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller introduce the newly launched venture aimed at covering high school, prep school, and AAU basketball in New England. They discuss the schedule complexities and the year-round nature of youth basketball, as well as their goals for the podcast and online content. The episode highlights top boys basketball prospects for the class of 2025, providing insights into their backgrounds and potential future moves. Both Steve and Ethan share their backgrounds and experiences leading up to the launch, building excitement for the future of the New England Basketball Journal.

00:00 Introduction to Hoopwise Podcast

00:26 Excitement for New England Basketball Journal

01:27 Challenges of Covering Local Basketball

02:41 Spotlight on Top Prospects

05:01 Hosts' Backgrounds and Journey

07:05 Steve Hewitt's Journalism Journey

16:35 Ethan Fuller's Basketball Background

23:06 Excitement Over New Pod

23:16 Introducing Top Basketball Players in New England

24:22 Spotlight on AJ Dybantsa 

25:22 AJ Dybantsa's High School Journey

26:32 AJ Dybantsa's College Decisions and Family Roots

31:23 Dwayne Aristode: A Rising Star

32:35 Oswin Erhunmwunse: The Defensive Powerhouse

35:45 Jaylen Harrell: Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year

37:41 South Kent's Promising Talents

40:56 New Hampton's Dynamic Duo

45:09 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

The HoopWise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal is here. Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller explore the local amateur basketball scene — and the many talented prospects who are in the pipeline to play high-end college basketball. Steve and Ethan discuss the launch of New England Basketball Journal and their plans to bring you coverage in this podcast and out our site — BasketballJournal.com. 

In this episode of the Hoopwise podcast, hosted by Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal, two standout college basketball players from Duke, Oluchi Okananwa & Taina Mair of Duke basketball, join the discussion. The episode covers a comprehensive look at their basketball journey, experiences playing in New England and at Duke, their perspectives on recruitment, memorable games, and the impact of influential coaches like Kara Lawson. Both players share insights on their growth, mental toughness, and the experiences that shaped their college careers. The episode also dives into fun segments with light-hearted questions about basketball memories and preferences.

Topics

00:34 Meet the Guests

02:24 March Madness Memories

05:04 Facing Top Competition

08:08 Coach Kara Lawson's Impact

13:23 Lessons from College Basketball

18:24 Recruitment Insights and Experiences

23:09 Intense Competition 

23:53 Memorable Matchups and Games

25:29 Coaching and Transition to College

27:35 New England Basketball Recognition

29:27 Full Court Press: Fun Questions

36:49 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming NEPSAC Girls Basketball season. They discuss the excitement for the season to begin, the competitive landscape across different classes (AAA, AA, A, and B), and the key changes, transfers, and players to watch. Ethan shares his title predictions for each class, highlights the most exciting matchups, and emphasizes the depth and talent present in New England girls' basketball. The episode covers major teams like Tabor, Nobles, Tilton, Dexter Southfield, Northfield Mount Hermon, Wilbraham & Munson, and more.

Topics

00:31 Excitement for the Upcoming Basketball Season

01:47 NEPSAC Girls Season Overview

02:38 Significant Changes in NEPSAC Girls Basketball

03:24 Class AAA Breakdown

06:19 Tabor Academy: The Team to Watch

11:41 Top Contenders in Class AAA

20:02 Class AA Insights and Predictions

21:52 Top Contenders in Double A

22:16 Northfield Mount Hermon and Wilbraham & Monson

25:49 Storm King and Marianapolis: Teams to Watch

28:13 Class A Favorites: Loomis Chaffee and Challengers

32:47 Class B Excitement: Rivers and More

37:04 Playoff Predictions and Final Thoughts

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive into the New England prep school basketball season with guest Brad Feldman. The discussion covers a wide array of topics including team previews, key players, and upcoming showcase events. Brad Feldman, the play-by-play voice of the New England Revolution and a pivotal figure in high school sports broadcasting, shares exciting updates about the New England Basketball League's new streaming ventures. The episode features an in-depth analysis of top NEPSAC teams across different classes, highlighting intriguing matchups and standout student-athletes to watch this season.

Topics

00:43 Special Guest: Brad Feldman

01:04 Exciting News for NEBL Streaming

03:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Prep School Basketball

07:57 New Hampton School: Team Analysis

14:15 Spotlight on Newman School

19:01 Top Contenders in Class AAA

22:10 Emerging Teams and Players to Watch

25:51 Transition to Class AA

26:34 Player Highlights and Team Dynamics

27:28 Team Talent and Challenges

30:13 Exciting Teams to Watch

30:25 Cushing Academy's Rising Stars

33:16 Worcester Academy's Key Players

34:19 Northfield Mount Hermon Insights

35:50 St. George's and Other Double A Teams

38:16 Class A and B Teams Overview

43:41 Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

Hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt are joined by Harvard Women's Basketball Coach Carrie Moore. They discuss the upcoming college basketball season, Moore's impressive coaching and playing career, and her current tenure at Harvard. Topics include preparing for the season opener, Moore's recruiting strategies, managing expectations, and the competitive landscape of New England basketball. Coach Moore shares personal insights on balancing the demands of coaching, the importance of relationships in recruiting, and her experiences living in the Boston-Cambridge area.

Topics

01:36 Carrie Moore's Impressive Resume and Playing Career

05:05 Carrie Moore's Journalism Background

06:08 First Impressions of Boston and Cambridge

08:36 Honoring and Building on Kathy Delaney Smith's Legacy

13:07 Adding Analytics to the Coaching Strategy

18:20 Managing Expectations and Team Dynamics

21:50 The Role of the Lead Guard

23:19 Harmony Turner's Senior Year

25:55 Non-Conference Schedule and Local Rivalries

28:36 Recruiting Philosophy and Process

36:09 Challenges and Rewards of Recruiting

42:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Hoop Wise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller sit down with Babson College basketball legend Joey Flannery. The discussion covers Flannery’s busy summer transitioning into his new role as Associate Head Coach at Babson, his collegiate success as a D3 national champion, and his professional career. The conversation provides insights into the evolving basketball landscape, the influence of the transfer portal, and the operational dynamics at Babson. Flannery shares stories from his tenure at Villanova, detailing his growth from graduate assistant to Director of Basketball Operations, and provides a unique perspective on coaching under Coach Jay Wright. Memories from coaching NBA prospects, participating in a pre-draft workout with the LA Clippers, and playing professionally in Spain are also highlighted. The episode concludes with nostalgic reflections on basketball memorabilia, memorable dunks, and the vibrant community support during major tournaments.

Topics

00:38 Welcoming Joey Flannery: Babson Basketball Legend

01:02 Joey's Return to Babson as Associate Head Coach

01:23 Reflecting on Babson's Basketball Program

02:26 Coaching Dynamics and Changes Over the Years

05:34 Recruiting and Team Preparations

13:01 Impact of the Transfer Portal on D3 Basketball

14:02 Joey's Journey at Villanova

20:22 Memorable Moments and Lessons from Villanova

27:52 Reflecting on a Championship Journey

29:38 The Importance of Team Chemistry

30:56 Community Support and Media Coverage

31:55 The Championship Game and Key Moments

34:47 Post-College Career and Draft Experience

36:25 Playing Overseas and Transition to Coaching

39:51 Full Court Press: Fun and Memorable Moments

49:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

Steve and Ethan sit down with Kenya Jones, head coach of the Brooks School's basketball team, fresh off their Class B Championship win. The conversation delves into the thrilling journey to the championship, including Alex Wilkins's game-winning shot, the team's emotional rollercoaster season, and the contributions of key players. Additionally, they discuss the strong community support at Brooks School and the future of the team. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of 'Full Court Press' where the hosts and Kenya Jones share their favorite highlights in basketball history, including memorable dunks, buzzer-beaters, and steals.

Topics

00:27 Introducing Special Guest: Coach Kenya Jones

01:18 Reflecting on the Championship Win

02:39 Overcoming Adversity Throughout the Season

04:28 The Emotional Journey and Key Moments

10:49 The Impact of Alex Wilkins

22:49 The Team Effort Behind the Victory

25:55 Community Support and School Spirit

27:22 Phenomenal Kids and Supportive Community

28:00 Challenging Road Games and Team Resilience

29:31 Planning for Next Season

30:48 Reflecting on Key Players and Team Dynamics

32:35 Full Court Press: Fun Q&A Segment

33:40 Memorable Dunks and Dunkers

38:33 Iconic Buzzer Beaters

42:55 Greatest Steals in Basketball History

47:00 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into January's basketball highlights across New England. They recount their experiences at the Whoopal Classic, discussing games, standout players, and remarkable performances, including Bryce James and Amir Jenkins. The episode also covers pivotal upcoming games, significant team achievements, and rising stars in NEPSAC and MIAA territories. The hosts share previews and recaps of important matchups, insights into team dynamics, and exciting prospects in the basketball scene. They emphasize the need to watch for looming February games and share personal recommendations for must-see players and teams.

Topics

00:29 Recap of Recent Basketball Events

01:12 Hoop Hall Classic Highlights

07:20 Brewster Academy's Dominance

15:16 Worcester Academy's Rising Star

24:29 Upcoming February Matchups

25:05 Recap of Recent Games and Matchups

27:09 Upcoming Exciting Games in February

29:12 NABL Weekend Relocation and Key Matchups

30:41 Big MIAA Rematches to Watch

32:30 Exeter's Dominance and Upcoming Challenges

38:38 Shoutouts to Outstanding Players and Teams

45:57 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal provide a comprehensive breakdown of the New England basketball scene. The discussion includes detailed recaps of recent games, insights on player performances, and future game previews. Key highlights are Franklin's victory over Attleboro, Javi Lopez's game-winner for Central Catholic, and upcoming excitement surrounding the Tabor vs. Nobles matchup. The hosts also dive into topics such as the new NBA All-Star Game format and the overrated or underrated status of Doc Rivers' Hall of Fame resume. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to the prestigious HoopHall Classic tournament and its must-watch games.

Topics

00:30 Busy January Basketball Schedule

01:54 Exciting Weekend at TD Garden

02:30 Tabor vs. Dexter Recap

10:56 Exeter's Shocking Win Over Newhampton

16:50 Upcoming Tabor vs. Nobles Showdown

22:18 NEPSAC Observations

26:08 NEPSAC Milestones and MIAA Power Rankings

29:58 The Competitive Spirit in Basketball

30:47 Analyzing the Rankings

31:40 Merrimack Valley Conference: A Closer Look

32:47 Power Rankings and Underrated Teams

37:57 Upcoming Games and Key Matchups

44:28 Hoophall Classic: A Must-See Event

48:05 Full Court Press: Overrated or Underrated?

57:11 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up 

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller bring on Ben Farmer, head coach at Williston Northampton, to reflect on the tragic passing of Thayer Academy’s head coach, Mike Babul. Farmer shares fond memories of Babul and discusses the impact he had on the New England prep basketball community. The conversation transitions to Williston Northampton’s strong start to the season, the influence of prep school basketball, recruiting insights, and valuable advice for prospective student-athletes. The episode concludes with a lively 'Full Court Press' segment, where panelists predict future trends in high school basketball, discuss must-see players, and share their favorite game-time snacks.

Topics

00:33 Welcoming the Guest: Ben Farmer

01:10 Remembering Mike Babul

07:12 Wilson Northampton's Strong Start

14:54 Challenges of Prep School Basketball

18:58 The Evolution of Prep School Basketball

19:13 The Exeter Game That Wasn't

25:15 Key Players and Team Dynamics

29:37 High School Basketball Standouts

30:09 Challenges in College Recruitment

30:53 Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL

33:10 Advice for Prep School Admissions

35:40 Balancing Coaching and Admissions

37:46 Recruiting Pitch and Player Development

43:56 Full Court Press: Predicting the Future

48:19 Full Court Press: Players to Watch

51:39 Full Court Press: Ultimate Game Day Snacks

54:54 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into the latest developments in New England high school basketball. They discuss the standout performances and progress of various teams and players across the region. On the girls' side, standout programs like Tabor Academy, Nobles, and Tilton are highlighted, along with events like the Nickerson Showcase. On the boys' side, Williston Northampton's rise to prominence is a key focus, as well as notable individual performances from rising stars such as Alex Egbuonu and Peyton Kamin. The hosts also touch on exciting buzzer-beater moments and significant coaching milestones. This episode provides a comprehensive update on the basketball season, offering insights and anecdotes from recent games and events.

Topics

00:27 Holiday Catch-Up and Season Overview

01:26 Recap of Recent Games and Events

01:48 Nickerson Showcase Highlights

04:04 Top Teams and Players Analysis

11:50 Tilton's Performance and Potential

18:40 Worcester Academy vs. New Hampton Recap

22:19 Standout Players and Future Prospects

24:14 Analyzing a Unique Player's Skills and Potential

25:08 Spotlight on NMH Team and Key Players

25:37 Underrated Players Making Waves

27:32 Exciting Prospects 

29:11 Showcase Weekends and Boys Basketball Highlights

29:38 Williston's Impressive Performance

37:33 Rising Stars and Breakout Players

43:25 Buzzer Beaters and Memorable Moments

46:48 Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

Steve and Ethan are joined by special guest Trevor Hass from the Boston Globe to discuss the upcoming season of MIAA Girls Basketball. They cover various topics, including standout players, team previews, and predictions for divisions one through four. The trio reminisce about their experiences covering past seasons and share stories, such as an encounter with Larry David at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. They also touch on unique aspects of certain teams, breakout players to watch, and noteworthy stories.

Topics

00:22 Introducing Special Guest Trevor Hass

00:45 Trevor and Ethan's Basketball History

01:56 The Larry David Encounter

03:47 MIAA Girls Basketball Preview

05:43 Bishop Feehan's Dominance

09:21 Division 1 Contenders

13:55 Medfield and Division 2 Insights

16:05 Medfield's Youth Basketball Program

17:00 Foxborough's Championship Prospects

19:19 St. Mary's Rising Stars

20:41 Fenwick's Comeback Story

21:31 Norwell's Underrated Talent

23:02 Cathedral's Dominance in D4

26:03 Notre Dame Hingham's Orlando Sisters

27:07 Whitman Hanson's Breakout Players

32:18 Season Predictions and Rivalries

Steve and Ethan delve into the high school basketball scene in New England, with a focus on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). They discuss the upcoming season, major teams, and standout players, including a detailed overview of Malden Catholic's quest for a four-peat, the competitive landscape of the Merrimack Valley Conference, and promising freshmen to watch. The hosts also highlight key players returning to their teams and cover the turnover and transitions affecting various schools.

Topics

00:26 Holiday Season and NEPSAC Recap

00:41 MIAA Season Previews

01:51 Steve's High School Basketball Background

02:43 Excitement for MIAA Atmosphere

04:18 MIAA vs. NEPSAC Dynamics

04:46 Turnover in MIAA Teams

08:09 Malden Catholic's Quest for a Four-Peat

15:48 Merrimack Valley Conference Teams to Watch

16:38 Merrimack League Showdown

17:33 Central Catholic and Lowell: Teams to Watch

20:34 Strength of Schedule and Other Teams to Watch

24:43 Spotlight on Key Players

30:16 Rising Freshmen to Watch

31:32 Final Thoughts and Season Preview Wrap-Up

Ethan and Steve discuss the transition from the school basketball season to the AAU circuit. They highlight key players, teams, and prospects from recent events, including standout performances and recruiting potential. They also delve into specific player developments and the dynamics of different AAU teams across New England. Additionally, the episode features a fun quiz on college basketball nicknames. Join the hosts for an insightful deep dive into the regional basketball scene as they gear up for exciting AAU action this spring and summer.

Topics

00:28 Transition from School Season to AAU

00:46 Spring Weather and AAU Excitement

02:17 First AAU Event Insights

02:48 Player Performances and Team Dynamics

09:11 Spotlight on Expressions Elite

14:06 Emerging Talent and Notable Performances

17:33 Sneaker Teams and Top Prospects

25:24 Upcoming Girls' AAU Events and Expectations

30:53 Projecting Future Basketball Stars

31:44 Spotlight on Jay Scott

44:28 Under the Radar Prospects

47:47 College Basketball Nicknames Quiz

55:17 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Steve and Ethan provide an in-depth recap of the MIAA championship weekend in Lowell. They discuss key games and standout performances across the boys and girls divisions, including the thrilling Division 1 girls rematch between Wachusett and Bishop Feehan, Somerset Berkeley's shocking upset of Malden Catholic in boys Division 2, and Franklin's triumphant victory over Newton North in boys Division 1. Emotions ran high throughout the weekend, creating an unforgettable end to the basketball season with several historic achievements, including Somerset's first title since 1954 and Cathedral's three-peat in Division 4 girls. The episode encapsulates the excitement and intensity of high school basketball in New England, spotlighting the athletic talent and community spirit that define the sport.

Topics

00:27 Recap of the MIAA Championship Weekend

02:27 Friday's Games: D3 Girls Championship

02:54 Spotlight on St. Mary's Victory

06:34 D3 Boys Championship: Norwell vs. Old Rochester

12:08 Saturday's Games: D5 and D4 Boys Championships

19:02 D2 Girls Championship: Medfield vs. Worcester South

23:54 Epic D1 Girls Championship: Wachusett vs. Bishop Feehan

27:11 Mixed Reactions to the Play

27:21 Breaking Down the Game-Winning Play

28:44 Player Highlights and Performances

29:49 Bishop Feehan's Tough Loss and Key Players

31:17 Wachusett's Unexpected Success

33:32 Sunday's Chaotic Game: Hoosac Valley vs. Renaissance

38:41 Division 4 Championship: Cathedral's Dominance

40:32 Division 2 Boys Championship: Somerset Berkeley's Upset

46:25 Division 1 Boys Championship: Franklin vs. Newton North

56:32 Reflecting on the 2025 Girls Class

57:46 Wrapping Up the Season

Steve, Ethan and guest Matt Doherty recap an exciting weekend of NEPSAC basketball championships. They discuss thrilling boys and girls games across various classes, including a dramatic last-second win for Tilton in the AAA girls' final and Newman's overtime victory over New Hampton in the AAA boys' final. The episode also highlights standout players like Lucas Morello and Amir Jenkins, remarkable coaching performances from first-year head coaches, and notable comeback stories. The hosts give detailed analysis on key games, top performances, and the resilience shown by players and teams during critical moments of the championships.

Topics

00:26 Weekend Recap with Matt Doherty

01:12 Championship Sunday: NEPSAC Boys Class B and Class A

02:50 Class B Thriller: Brooks vs. Rivers

09:44 Class A Showdown: Williston Northampton vs. Phillips Exeter

14:45 Player Highlights and Future Prospects

17:49 Steve's Coverage at Western New England

19:01 Worcester Academy's AA Championship Victory

24:22 Epic AAA Battle: Newman vs. Newhampton

26:21 The Intense Final Minutes

28:47 Overtime Drama Unfolds

29:55 Newman's Triumph and Reflections

31:11 Lucas Morello's Heroics

33:24 Tilton's Stunning Victory

39:57 Worcester Academy's Gritty Win

44:40 Loomis Chaffee's Continued Dominance

48:27 Rivers' Defensive Masterclass

52:57 Wrapping Up the Season

Ethan Fuller and Trevor Hass provide a comprehensive preview of the girls basketball state tournament. They cover all five divisions, discuss top teams and players, and make their predictions for championship and final four picks. Key highlights include in-depth analysis of powerhouse teams. The hosts also spotlight breakout players, potential upsets, and under-the-radar teams to watch. The episode concludes with a 'Full Court Press' segment where the hosts answer philosophical and personal questions about basketball fandom.

Topics

00:33 Special Guest: Trevor Hass

00:49 State Tournament Excitement

01:55 Division Five Breakdown

06:36 Spotlight on Division Four

13:27 Division Three Contenders

25:50 Medfield's Dominance in Division Two

30:37 North Quincy vs Quincy: A Thrilling Matchup

31:48 Notre Dame Hingham: A Team to Watch

34:02 Dartmouth's Road to the Finals

34:49 Division Two: A Competitive Bracket

38:45 Division One: Championship Rematch?

43:41 The Rise of Natick and Other Contenders

48:39 Final Thoughts and Predictions

51:02 Full Court Press: Basketball Fandom

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Ethan Fuller, Steve Hewitt, and guest Matt Feld delve into a comprehensive preview of the upcoming MIAA playoffs. They cover key teams, players, and matchups in divisions one through five, focusing particularly on the competitive landscape in New England high school basketball. Notable discussions include predictions for division winners, the impact of home court advantages, and potential Cinderella stories. Feld shares intriguing stats and insights, while Hewitt offers his fresh perspective on the tournament. The episode culminates with both hosts sharing their excitement for the high-energy environments and potential upsets that make the state tournament a thrilling experience.

Topics

00:26 MIAA Playoff Preview Discussion

02:36 Division One Boys Playoff Race

05:00 Top Teams and Potential Matchups

11:05 Star Players to Watch

17:26 Championship Picks and Predictions

32:11 Mansfield and Other Contenders

33:37 Oliver Ames and Other Teams to Watch

34:11 Tewksbury and North Quincy

35:11 Malden Catholic's Historic Run

36:35 Division Three Overview

37:06 St. Mary's and Norwell

44:03 Clinton and Other Division Four Teams

49:58 Division Five Insights

54:18 Excitement and Predictions for the State Tournament

Steve and Ethan provide a comprehensive update on the New England Prep School Athletic Council (Nepsac) girls basketball season as it heads into the final weeks before playoffs. They delve into the top teams across different classes, discussing key players, standout performances, potential upsets, and playoff predictions. The hosts emphasize the unpredictable nature of the upcoming playoffs, especially highlighting the chaotic competitiveness of Class B. The episode also teases upcoming MIAA previews and the rigorous coverage the podcast will have leading up to and during the Nepsac playoffs.

Topics

00:16 In-Studio Catch-Up and Season Overview

01:38 NEPSAC Girls Season Insights

02:15 Class AAA Breakdown

07:31 Class AA Highlights

12:42 Class A Contenders

15:36 Class B Chaos

20:27 Class C Shoutouts

21:26 Upcoming Matchups and Final Thoughts

Ethan and Steve  provide an in-depth look at the basketball landscape in New England as the regular season concludes. They discuss the upcoming NEPSAC playoffs by analyzing the top teams across various classes, the key players, and recent performances. The podcast also features insights into specific players and teams to watch, setting the stage for an exciting playoff season. Tune in for comprehensive analysis and early predictions before diving into the reaction pod when the playoff brackets are released.

Topics

00:28 Winter Season and Playoff Preview

02:25 NEPSAC Class AAA Breakdown

09:04 NEPSAC Class AA Insights

17:41 NEPSAC Class A Analysis

24:57 NEPSAC Class B Overview

28:15 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Content

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, Ethan Fuller interviews Kelley Macdonald, head coach of the breakout Braintree girls basketball team. Coach Macdonald reflects on her long tenure at Braintree, her transition from assistant to head coach, and the strategies that have contributed to the team’s impressive 15-1 record this season. The discussion covers key players, particularly the leadership of Spidorsha, and pivotal games that signaled their successful run. Additionally, Macdonald shares insights on coaching style, dealing with star players in foul trouble, and making game-time decisions. The episode concludes with a segment on situational basketball challenges facilitated by the producer.

Topics

01:14 Kelley Macdonald's Coaching Journey

02:15 Memorable Moments and Players

04:38 Life as an Assistant Coach

08:03 Transition to Head Coach

11:05 Breakout Season Reflections

14:38 Spotlight on Spidorsha

17:01 Key Players and Their Impact

18:26 Crucial Games and Turning Points

20:21 Coaching Strategies and Inspirations

24:46 Situational Basketball Scenarios

33:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up