A Key Player From Each NEPSAC Class AA Team Pt. 1

The prep season is loading and there are some incredible teams constructed in what's known to be one of the best conferences in the country. NEPSAC AA includes Austin Prep, Worcester Academy, Darrow, Newman, NMH, Winchendon, WMA, Storm King, Marianapolis and MacDuffie. Below are 5 key players mentioned from the powerhouse conference.    [player_tooltip player_id='599981' first='Ruby' last='Thompson'] (2027) | 5'9 SG/SF | Austin Prep   An extremely solid 2-way wing who's play leads to winning basketball. Thompson is beneficial on both ends due to her complementary abilities. She plays excellent team defense and the offense helps supplement the team in crucial moments. Ruby has the ability to change the momentum of the game in a second. Nearly every game, she is outworking opponents and her will win to win definitely affects her teammates as well. She's one of the fiercest competitors in the entire region. Not too many players have the hustle that Ruby brings. Her skillset isn't easily replicated and she'll serve as an important additional factor for Austin Prep. With AP having a nationally ranked player on their squad, Thompson will surely get some solid looks this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='340828' first='Gracyn' last='Barnes'] (2027) | CG/Wing | Worcester Academy   Gracyn is one of the most versatile players in her class. She has a tremendous long-range shot that can be heavily relied upon, crisp passing skills, excellent dribble penetration and can also play smothering defense. Barnes is effective with or without the ball in her hands, but is just as essential in both roles for her team. As a primary ballhandler, Gracyn is one of the elite players with the ability to properly use screens. She keeps her body tight off the screen and gives herself the greatest number of options after turning the corner. Overall, Barnes is a tremendous talent that has made great strides recently. The improvement has only made her even more of a daring prospect coming into the year and teams that play Worcester should beware of Barnes.     [player_tooltip player_id='1048962' first='Daniella' last='Harcourt'] (2027) | 6'4 C | Darrow   Of Nigerian descent and transferred into Darrow this year, the star center Harcourt is poised for a big season. Typically, it isn't the safest bet to pencil in a transfer player as an instant impact player, but Daniella is an exception. Most aren't familiar with how much of an effect she can have over the game on both ends of the floor and that's why she could be Darrow's x-factor this year. The dominating size, athleticism, plus the polished skills on both sides of the ball make her a top talent in the class, especially at the position. There's a very high ceiling with a player like Harcourt and she is in the beginning of her total overall development. Daniella already has a couple Division 1 offers and will certainly have more after this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='496195' first='Sophie' last='Mahar'] (2025) | 5'6 SG | Newman School   Mahar is in a distinctive position coming into a new year on freshly new squad after transferring from Rocky Hill to Newman for her senior season. She comes in a champion from last year, but is hungry for more success. The 5'6 shooting guard has an optimal shot that allows her to rise her level of play to match the play of even the highest ranked players in the region. Sophie brings a premier skillset that can lead Newman forward this year. Mahar is unquestionably a player to watch out for this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='490485' first='Zariah' last='Ottley'] (2027) | 5'7 Wing | NMH   Zariah is a mismatch nightmare for many opponents. The strength combined with the knack for creating for herself and others off the dribble. A sturdy wing that has great ball control plus an excellent attack game that can penetrate multiple layers of the defense. She is proficient in floaters and drop-off dimes to bigs hanging behind the defense. Ottley can also slide to the short corner herself to add versatility to the offense. She has a strong body that allows her to play bigger than she is. That frame also allows her to pick up multiple players on defense. Watch out for Zariah this season, she can be a key ingredient for NMH's recipe for success.

The prep season is loading and there are some incredible teams constructed in what's known to be one of the best conferences in the country. NEPSAC AA includes Austin Prep, Worcester Academy, Darrow, Newman, NMH, Winchendon, WMA, Storm King, Marianapolis and MacDuffie. Below are 5 key players mentioned from the powerhouse conference.