Over the next few days we will be releasing a new set of rankings for both boys and girls, Mass. and NH, and in all four classes (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013).
We start off with the NH Boys rankings. We highlight the top 10 players in each class, but full rankings can be seen on the site via the drop-down menu.
Class of 2010
1. Zach Mathieu, Pinkerton - The 6'7" Mathieu was a dominating force all season, and especially in the playoffs. He had 30+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ blocks in both the semi-finals and title game to lead Pinkerton to the championship. Mathieu would be a scholarship player in basketball, but he is a major league prospect in baseball. He has a full scholarship to play on the diamond at Franklin Pierce.
2. Alex Burt, Dover - Burt will be a very good Division III player, with an outside shot at D-II. He is still up in the air as far as whether he will do a post-grad year somewhere or go to college now. He's a very good player though, an excellent shooter and an extremely hard worker.
3. Jake Nelson, Nashua South - The foot injury that Nelson suffered really hurt what could have been a spectacular senior season. He is fully recovered now, and will be a very good D-III point guard.
4. Richard Valentin, Manchester West - If this were based strictly on talent alone Valentin would be ranked either 1 or 2, and would likely be a scholarship player. He's the fastest, most explosive player NH has to offer. But does a college coach take a chance on a kid that has had a troubled past off the court?
5. Kevin Cressy, Merrimack Valley - Cressy has the ability to face up from 20 feet and go by you off the dribble, and if you back off of him he can drain the three...and he's 6'7"!
6. Alex LaRosa, Salem - Can play the 1 or the 2, more of a scorer though than someone who can create for teammates. Very smart player and excellent shooter. LaRosa takes his game to Salve Regina University.
7. Scott St. Lawrence, Bishop Guertin - Tough, versatile player. St. Lawrence is 6'4" 1/2 and at times he played all 5 positions on the floor for BG.
8. Jake Woodward, Lebanon - You wonder how good Mathieu could have been at hoops if he didn't focuse so much on baseball...you wonder the same thing about Woodward. This kid is 6'4" and can flat out play. He's strong, he's fast, he's atheltic, he can shoot, he can drive, he can rebound....and he'll be playing baseball at St. John's University.
9. Ben Proulx, Pinkerton - The 6'5" Proulx is a force inside and can also step out and hit the three. He would be a very good D-III player...if he wasn't a Division I football player. Proulx will take his game to the gridiron at Sacred Heart.
10. Tom Poitras - Poitras is 6'6", has a big, strong frame and is tough down low where he can score, rebound and block shots. At the same time he can also put the ball on the floor and drive or step out and hit the three.
Class of 2011
1. David Madol, Trinity - Excellent combination of size, athleticism and skill.
2. Connor Green, Bishop Guertin -Tremendous upside and grades for the 6'4" Green.
3. Mike O'Loughlin, Milford - The 6'3" wing is getting D-I interest.
4. Stephen Spirou, Pelham - Tough 6'4" wing with extremely well rounded game.
5. Jamie Holder, Milford - Most explosive player in the class, getting D-II interest.
6. Ben Hill, Pittsfield - The 6'8" Hill still has a raw game but D-I potential.
7. John Wickey, Manchester Central - The 6'6" Wickey has gotten quicker and added an outside shot in last few months.
8. Sean McClung, Bishop Guertin - Tough kid with good speed and shooting ability.
9. Mike Mitchell, Milford - The 5'7" point guard is receiving D-II interest
10. Joe Gallant, Salem - The 6'4" forward has improved a lot of the past year.
Class of 2012
1. Javon Williams, Nashua North - He can handle the ball, he can jump out of the gym, he can shoot and he's as fast and athletic as anyone in the state.
2. Devin Gilligan, Souhegan - The 6'3" wing can beat you off the dribble and can really finish at the rim.
3. Kyle DiCesare, Portsmouth - DiCesare was huge down the stretch and in the playoffs, and showed he belongs near the top of this list.
4. Ryan Gauthier, Nashua North - 5'11" combo-guard who has improved a ton in the last year.
5. Tony Beaulieu, Alvirne - Beaulieu has a college-ready body, and goes very strong to the bucket.
6. Gabe LaCount, Manchester Central - Silky smooth two guard who plays mistake free ball and can flat out score the basketball.
7. Curtis Arsenault, Berlin - Another kid with a college-ready body. Arsenault is 6'1" though and plays in the paint. If he can develop his perimter skills he could be a top 3 player in his class.
8. Alex Patrikis, Pinkerton - The 6'4" Patrikis has improved a ton over this past season, and had the benefit of learning from fellow bigs Mathieu and Proulx.
9. Anthony Muccioli, Nashua South - He's quick, athletic and an excellent defender. At 5'9" though he'll have to develop better point guard skills to move up.
10. Tyler Gendron, Merrimack - A player on the rise if he keeps working hard, Gendron is 6'4" but has the quickness and shooting skills of a guard.
Class of 2013
1. Dimitri Floras, Merrimack - Had one of the best freshman seasons in recent NHIAA memory.
2. Kaleb Joseph, Nashua South - Tons of potential for Joseph, who is a jumping jack with athleticism to burn.
3. Mike Auger, Hopkinton - He's a 6'4" bull, and he's only going to get better.
4. Travis Descoteaux, Trinity - Getting significant minutes for a team like Trinity as a freshman is a big deal.
5. Rene Maher, Pembroke - Terrific young player. Would be higher but he's not likely to get much taller than the 5'7" he is now.
6. Matt Persons, Pembroke - Plenty of upside for this solid 5'11" two guard.
7. Tate Jozokos, Kingswood - This past year he was the starting quarterback and starting point guard for Kingswood's football and varsity teams...as a freshman!
8. Mabor Gabriel, Trinity - Raw game but he's 6'5" with lots of upside.
9. Brandon Malloch, Merrimack - He's 6'2" with the skills of a guard and good athleticism.
10. David Hampton, Lebanon - 5'10" combo-guard might be the top shooter in the class.
