We're excited to bring you our latest episode featuring Connor Merrill, Head Basketball Coach at Deerfield Academy, where we dive deep into the world of prep school basketball and player development. From Coach Merrill's own journey as a post-grad at Vermont Academy to his coaching stops at Springfield College and Middlebury, we explore what makes Deerfield's program unique in NEPSAC Class A. Our conversation covers everything aspiring student-athletes need to know - from reclassing benefits to college placement strategies - plus we get some fascinating insights about The Holdovers movie filmed on campus and what it really takes for guards to make it at the D1 level.

📌 Key Topics:

✅ Connor Merrill's journey from Vermont Academy post-grad to becoming Deerfield Academy's head coach
✅ Deerfield Academy's prestigious academic standing (12-13% acceptance rate) and competitive Class A basketball program
✅ The differences between NEPSAC divisions (AAA, AA, A) and finding the right fit versus focusing on division classification
✅ College placement process and coach's active role in student recruitment

🗒️ About Connor:

Connor Merrill has served as the head boys varsity basketball coach at Deerfield Academy since summer 2022, bringing extensive experience in both prep school and collegiate basketball. His journey began as a post-graduate student at Vermont Academy, where he later returned as an assistant coach, working with future NBA talents like Bruce Brown and Marcus Santos Silva. During his collegiate playing career at Skidmore College, Merrill was part of historically successful teams that made two NCAA tournament appearances and won two Liberty League championships. His coaching career includes six years at the collegiate level, serving as the top assistant men’s basketball coach at Middlebury College for four years and as a graduate assistant at Springfield College for two years. Under his leadership at Deerfield, Merrill has focused on building a championship culture while maintaining the school’s prestigious academic standards.

🔗 Connect with Connor:

Email | comerrill@deerfield.edu
Twitter | https://x.com/connormerrill33
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/cmerrill33/?hl=en
Twitter | https://x.com/DeerfieldHoops
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/deerfieldbasketball/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In our annual State of the Union episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we take you through our extensive tour of prestigious prep schools across the country, sharing exclusive insights and emerging trends in the prep school basketball landscape. During our journey, which started at IMG Academy in Florida and stretched through New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, we uncovered fascinating developments in program expansions, coaching changes, and the evolving NIL landscape. We're particularly excited to share observations about the growing emphasis on girls' programs, innovative NIL proposals, and the changing dynamics of prep school recruitment. Our travels included meaningful visits to historic institutions and conversations with influential coaches who are reshaping the future of prep school athletics

📌 Key Topics and Highlights

✅ Our fifth visit to IMG Academy revealed their significant expansion into girls' programs, marking a growing trend we're seeing across multiple institutions
✅ Former Bryant head coach Jared Grasso is leading an aggressive program rebuild at Knox School, situated just 200 yards from the beach in Long Island
✅ The Masters School, Manhattan's closest prep school at just 15 miles away, offers unique opportunities under Coach Joey Kuhl, former Pitino assistant at Iona
✅ Kiski's transition to co-education and appointment of new coach Joe O'Shea from St Anselm marks significant institutional changes
✅ We're tracking fascinating NIL developments, including an innovative proposal for live-action player tipping through QR codes during games
✅ The rise of high school players securing agents for NIL deals is becoming more prevalent, with some top-tier players now looking at six-figure opportunities
✅ Our visit to West Virginia University provided unique insights into creative engagement strategies, including their successful elementary school outreach program

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

Join us for an insightful conversation with Coach Jon Stone, who's been leading the Hun School basketball program for 25 years. We dive deep into the Maple League, one of prep basketball's most competitive conferences, and explore how Hun balances elite academics with high-level basketball. Coach Stone shares his journey from playing hockey in Rochester to professional basketball in Europe, before finding his home at Hun.

Learn why Hun only takes two post-graduates per year and how they maintain their stellar academic-athletic balance. We explore what makes a D1 guard in today's game, the unique aspects of Hun's academic curriculum including their innovative Next Term program, and how the school prepares student-athletes for both college academics and athletics.

📌 Key Topics:

✅Maple League competition and two post-graduate system
✅College recruitment strategies
✅Multi-sport athlete development
✅Academic curriculum and Next Term program
✅International student integration

🗒️About Coach Stone:

Coach Stone has transformed Hun School basketball into a powerhouse program while maintaining exceptional academic standards. His international playing experience in Germany, England, and Northern Ireland, combined with his master's degree and coaching experience at the University of Rochester, brings a comprehensive approach to player development

🔗 Connect with Coach Stone:
Website | jonstone@hunschool.org
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hunboysbasketball/
Twitter | https://x.com/hunbasketball?lang=en

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this powerful episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Chris Herren, former NBA player and recovery advocate, to discuss the critical issues of substance abuse and addiction among young athletes. Chris shares his personal journey, offers invaluable advice for parents and players, and provides insights into current trends in youth substance use. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in youth sports or concerned about addiction prevention.

📌Key Topics:

✅Youth substance abuse trends
✅Addiction prevention strategies for parents and athletes
✅The importance of early intervention and wellness education
✅Personal experiences with addiction in professional sports
✅Recovery and maintaining sobriety
✅Resources for those struggling with substance use disorder

🗒️About Chris:

Chris Herren is a former NBA player and high school basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, whose promising career was derailed by substance abuse. After scoring over 2,000 points in high school and being named a McDonald's All-American, Herren played college basketball at Boston College and Fresno State before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999. He later fulfilled his dream of playing for his hometown Boston Celtics, but his struggles with addiction continued throughout his professional career, which included stints in several countries. After achieving sobriety, Chris has dedicated his life to sharing his story and helping others overcome addiction. He founded Herren Talks, Herren Project, and Herren Wellness to provide education, support, and treatment for those affected by substance use disorder

🔗Connect with Chris:

Website | https://herrentalks.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/herrentalks/?hl=en
Twitter | https://twitter.com/herrentalks
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/herrentalks/
Website | https://chrisherren.com/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/c_herren_
Twitter | https://twitter.com/c_herren
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/chrisherren24

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Cade Lemcke from Blue Ridge School. Cade dives into his journey from Rochester, New York, to Hargrave Military Academy, where he played alongside future NBA stars, and then on to the University of Virginia. With over a decade at Blue Ridge, Coach Lemcke shares his insights into developing high-level basketball talent within a rigorous academic setting. We explore the advantages of a post-grad year, the competitive dynamics of prep school basketball, and the unique aspects of a boarding school environment that goes beyond just athletics. Cade's passion for molding players’ skills, character, and work ethic shines through in this conversation, making it a valuable listen for players, families, and coaches alike.

📌Key Topics:

• Advantages of prep school for basketball exposure
• Importance of competition in player development
• Navigating decisions between various school options
• Emphasis on holistic development at Blue Ridge
• Impact of NIL and transfer trends on prep schools

🗒️About Cade:
Coach Cade Lemcke has led Blue Ridge School's basketball program since 2014, creating a culture of high performance and holistic student development. After a standout post-grad year at Hargrave Military Academy, Cade played Division I basketball in the ACC with the University of Virginia. With coaching experience at both the high school and D1 levels, Cade brings an extensive background in player development, having coached numerous players who went on to excel in college and professional basketball. His dedication to fostering a competitive yet balanced environment at Blue Ridge has helped establish the school as a leading prep program in the country.

🔗Connect with Cade:
Email | clemcke@blueridgeschool.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/coachcade
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/lemckec/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we sit down with Coach Harry Morra of Perkiomen School. Coach Morra shares his journey from playing and coaching basketball at various levels, including his extensive experience as an Associate Head Coach at Lehigh University, where he played a key role in recruiting and developing high-level players. We discuss his unique coaching philosophy, his first season at Perkiomen, and what it takes to build a competitive basketball program at the prep school level.

Coach Morra also reflects on his playing days at DeSales University and his experience playing overseas, including a stint with the Belfast Star of the Sea in the Irish Superleague. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development both on and off the court, particularly for student-athletes seeking to succeed at the next level.

📌Key Topics:

✅Coach Morra’s Move to Perkiomen: Transitioning from Lehigh University to lead Perkiomen’s basketball program.
✅Coaching Philosophy: How personal growth and a growth mindset are core to player development.
✅Recruiting Strategy: Coach Morra’s approach to recruiting and building a competitive team.
✅D1 Basketball Insights: What it takes for players, particularly guards, to compete at the Division I level.
✅Balancing Academics and Athletics: How Perkiomen emphasizes both to prepare student-athletes for college.
✅Future of Prep School Basketball: Trends in prep basketball, including reclassing and post-grad opportunities.

🗒️About Coach Morra:
Coach Morra comes to Perkiomen School after serving as the Associate Head Coach at Lehigh University for eight years, during which time the team played in three Patriot League Championship games. He’s worked with players who went on to play professionally, including NBA star CJ McCollum. Coach Morra has extensive experience as both a player and coach, having also played overseas in the Irish Superleague and coached with PeacePlayers International. His dedication to student-athlete development and fostering a strong academic and athletic balance makes him a respected leader in the prep school basketball community.

🔗Connect with Harry:
Email | HMorra@perkiomen.org
Twitter | https://twitter.com/harrymorra
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/harrymorra/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachmorra/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

This episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast features an engaging conversation with Coach Max Gordon from St. Paul’s School. We dive into Coach Gordon’s journey through New England prep schools, his insights into coaching, and what sets St. Paul’s apart. Topics covered include the differences between reclassing and post-grad years, finding the right fit for players, and the development of high academic and athletic programs. Coach Gordon also shares his thoughts on recruiting strategies, the balance of academics and athletics, and how to prepare athletes for the next level in college basketball. If you're navigating the world of prep school basketball, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

📌 Key Topics:
✅Revitalizing a Program: Coach Max Gordon's journey transforming St. Paul's Boys Basketball into a competitive New England team.
✅Historic Success: Achievements including St. Paul's first winning season in over a decade, NEPSAC Class A Playoff berth, and victories over Class AAA opponents.
✅Balancing Academics & Athletics: The approach to developing student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.
✅Recruiting and Player Development: Strategies for developing versatile players and finding the right fit for college-bound athletes.
✅Community & Fundraising Efforts: Contributions to the American Cancer Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program and fostering a strong team culture.

🗒️About Max:
Since taking over as head coach in 2017-18, Coach Max Gordon has revitalized the St. Paul’s Boys Basketball program, achieving its first winning season in over a decade, three consecutive Top-3 finishes in the Lakes Region League, and a historic 2022-23 season with 15 wins and a berth in the NEPSAC Class A Playoffs. With experience as a camp and AAU coach, a USA Basketball Gold Certification, and a successful playing career at Carnegie Mellon University, Coach Gordon has led St. Paul’s to become one of the most competitive prep teams in New England.

🔗 Connect with Max:
Email | mgordon@sps.edu
Twitter | https://twitter.com/spsmbb
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/spsmbb/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gordon-846983161/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic

In this episode of the PREP Athletics Podcast, we welcome back Joe Mantegna, the head coach of Blair Academy and assistant coach for the South Sudan Men's National Basketball Team. Joe takes us on an incredible journey from the team's humble beginnings in the Afro Basket qualifiers to their historic participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. We dive into how South Sudan went from being ranked 83rd in Africa to securing a top 25 spot in the world, almost beating Team USA in a thrilling warm-up game. Joe shares his unique perspective on the dedication, talent, and teamwork that made this journey possible and how these experiences will shape his coaching at Blair Academy.

📌Key Topics:

✅ The remarkable rise of South Sudan Men's Basketball from 83rd in Africa to the top 25 in the world
✅ Joe Mantegna's role and experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics
✅ Coaching and leadership insights from an international competition
✅ The influence of Blair Academy players in the South Sudan team
✅ The importance of playing for a cause bigger than oneself
✅ How Joe plans to incorporate Olympic experiences into Blair Academy's basketball program

🗒️ About Joe Mantegna:

Joe Mantegna is the head coach of Blair Academy's varsity boys' basketball team, and boasts an impressive record with over 400 wins against a nationally ranked schedule. He also plays a significant role on the international stage as an assistant coach for the South Sudan Men's National Basketball Team, helping guide them to notable successes in AfroBasket and World Cup qualifying tournaments. With a background that includes coaching stints at colleges like Boston University and Lehigh University, Joe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his players.

🔗 Connect with Joe:

Email | mantej@blair.edu
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/coachmantegna/?hl=en
Twitter | https://x.com/coachmantegna
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mantegna-1aab482b9/

🔗 Connect with Cory:

Website | https://www.prepathletics.com
Twitter | https://twitter.com/PREP_Athletics
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/prep.athletics/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PrepAthletics
Email | coryheitz@gmail.com
Phone | 859-317-1166

🔖 Subscribe to the PREP Athletics Podcast:

iTunes | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prep-athletics-podcast/id1546265809?uo=4
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/6CAKbXFiIOhoHinzsReYbJ
Amazon | https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c37179d-3371-47f9-9d97-fd569e8802a7/prep-athletics-basketball-podcast #AmazonMusic