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

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