2024 MaryAnn "Mama" Farroba Holiday Classic Player Profiles
The New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), established in 1942, is an athletic association of accredited New England prep schools. It spans seven states in the Northeast. For basketball, it has become a highly regarded, de facto feeder system for college basketball prospects. NEPSAC runs multiple levels of play. Its Class B Division is derived from its mid-sized, in terms of male-student-population, schools.
NEPSAC, much like the NCAA, sanctions championship post-season tournaments in March. NEPSAC has committees choose and seed its top eight teams in each division for these tournaments. The challenge for the seeding committees for these tournaments is that their pool of candidates is spread over seven states, and thereby, don’t routinely play a full schedule against all the other candidates. To help that process, a number of efforts are made to get the likely contenders to play each other in various events. To that end, on December 20 and 21, Wheeler School is hosting an nine team, Class C-focused event named the MaryAnn "Mama" Farroba Holiday Classic. Below, we profile those teams and their players.
Farroba is one of the inaugural inductees into the Wheeler School Athletics Hall of Fame. She positively impacted the experience of generations of Wheeler student-athletes, and her work laid the groundwork to the development and growth of girls sports in the state of Rhode Island.
Berwick Academy (ME)
Head Coach: Phil White 2024-25 game schedule and results
Noah Daniel (2025) 6'1 guard - A do-it-all guard who can handle, shoot it, and score around the basket adeptly with both hands. He has nearly unlimited shooting range and can get downhill. He is an excellent on-ball defender. A 2024-2025 Captain as selected by his teammates, Daniel is also in Berwick's school leadership as a prefect.
Jacob Purington (2026) 6'8 forward/center - Purington is a big who has all of the offensive tools. He has the inside game, handles the ball and is able to step out and knock down the three. He is an excellent passer and has a great feel for the game. e is a leader-selected as a Captain and serves the Berwick Academy through volunteer work with the Lower School and is a member of leadership.
Tucker Demers (2025) 6'2 guard - A team leader who is the quintessential Three-and-D guard. He is an outstanding defender who can also pull form distance. He is a 2024-25 Captain as selected by his teammates and serves in school leadership.
Brandon Ventura (2027) 6'0 guard - Unlimited motor, often guarding the opponent's best guard. Tough, strong, and built to score and defend, he is a crafty finisher around the rim and has a knack for knocking down the midrange shot and stepping out to the three point line.
Connor Hansen (2025) 6'3 wing - He can play and defend 2 through 5. He is a hard nosed defender both on the ball and in the paint. A great rebounder who is athletic and able to defend bigger opponents.
Dominic Lorello (2028) 5'10 guard - From Wells, ME, he is an adept ball handler who is tough. He has the ability to finish in traffic while also able to knock down the "3."
Kavery Daniel (2028) 5'7 guard - The younger Daniel brother is a quick pass-first guard with an excellent ball handler and has a high basketball IQ. Able to step out and knock down an open three.
Head Coach: Artis Street 2024-25 game schedule and results
Kyle Martin (2026) 6'2 guard - Martin is a smooth athlete. He is a long guard with a steady handle and a crisp jump shot. He can get a good shot off over anyone, which complements his ability to get to the rim at will. In transition, he is an unstoppable force putting endless pressure on the rim. And guards must protect the ball around him, because he is an expert at getting on-ball steals without fouling,and getting in the passing lanes to get deflections. His 6 steals per game lead the team by a wide margin.
Ceadan McCusker (2025) 6'0 guard - McCusker has been BTA's vocal leader and captain, holding the team accountable to a high standard of play and building them up to reach their potential. Along with his leadership comes a scorching jump shot. In his previous contest, he hit 9 threes to propel BTA to a win against Christ Church Grammar School. A modern playmaker, his scoring gravity opens up passing lanes to his teammates. All this offensive firepower almost overshadows his 9 rebounds per game, he really is a jack of all trades, while still mastering the shooting. has been our vocal leader and captain, holding the team accountable to a high standard of play and building them up to reach their potential. Along with his leadership comes a scorching jump shot. In his previous contest, he hit 9 threes to propel BTA to a win against Christ Church Grammar School. A modern playmaker, his scoring gravity opens up passing lanes to his teammates. All this offensive firepower almost overshadows his 9 rebounds per game, he really is a jack of all trades, while still mastering the shooting.
Greens Farms Academy (CT)
Head Coach: Ryan Errico 2024-25 game schedule and results
Brendan Bartley (2025) 6’3’ 180lb, guard - A lefty guard who can score at all three levels. He is a skilled ball-handler who can create his own shot and create for others. A good shooter from beyond the arc and a strong rebounder for his size. A tenacious defender with good instincts. He is a versatile player who can contribute in a variety of ways. Plays AAU with Riverside Hawks Select. 3.9 gpa Highlight video RTB profile
Scott Conopask (2025) 6’3', 185lb, guard – A dynamic guard who can score in multiple ways. With a lightning-quick release, he's a constant threat beyond the arc, and his off-the-dribble step-back adds versatility. Tenacious attacking at the rim and with several counter moves, he is a multifaceted scorer. Defensively, he is a fierce competitor and has the versatility guard multiple positions. A well-rounded player, and his positive demeanor and attitude contribute to a cohesive environment. Plays AAU with Academic Basketball Club. 3.9 gpa Highlight video RTB profile
Tyler Vassel (2025) 6’5, 195lb, wing - A multi-talented player with an impressive skill set, Vassel has the ability to play multiple positions and contribute in a variety of ways to his team's success. His physical attributes are impressive: good size, athleticism, and length. His ability to shoot from the outside is particularly noteworthy, as is his ability to penetrate the defense from the perimeter and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has strong work ethic and a willingness to take on any challenge. A true competitor who is never satisfied with mediocrity. Tyler has become a vocal leader and is competing at a high level on the defensive end of the floor. He leads the team in charges early in the season and is extremely active on the backboards. Highlight video RTB profile
Zach Fallquist (2026) 6’3', 180lb, wing, Greens Farms Academy (CT) - A versatile player with lethal shooting skills and a knack for attacking the hoop. Fallquist's high basketball IQ and relentless work ethic make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. A dynamic force who excels at creating scoring opportunities and disrupting opponents defensively. Stellar academic record and team-first attitude round out his profile. Fallquist impacts winning on both sides of the floor continuously makes the right play at the right time. Highlight video
Jack Nally (2026) 6’5', 185lb, wing - Nally is a long, athletic wing that can shoot from beyond the arc and attack the basket from multiple angles. He competes on both ends of the floor and never backs down from a challenge. His defensive toughness and defensive prowess are impressive for his size. His jumping ability helps him protect the rim while also cleaning up on the glass at both ends of the floor. Loves the game and the grind. Plays AAU with CT Energy. 3.8 gpa Highlight video RTB profile
Hamden Hall Country Day School (CT)
Head Coach: Sean Doherty 2024-25 game schedule and results
Jaden Iannaccone (2025) 6’1 guard - Iannaccone is a strong bodied guard with size. He is a pest on a defense and hustles every play. He is both a good 3 point shooter and can score off bounce. High IQ and can facilitate. Plays AAU with Project Triple Threat. 3.8 gpa.
Ben Miller (2025) 6’0 guard - Miller is a strong shifty guard, who possesses a strong mid-range shot and an elite 3 point game. He also finishes well around the rim. All NEPSAC Class C Honorable Mention as a junior. Plays AAU with Project Triple Threat. 3.6 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Caleb Chapman (2027) 6'3 guard - A big guard-small forward type. He has a good midrange game, gets to his spots easily and has a consistent 3 point shot. He can guard 1-4 positions. Plays AAU with High Rise Elite. High gpa
Christian Cournoo (2027) 6’2 guard - Cournoo is versatile big guard/wing player who excels in multiple facets of the game. He demonstrates a strong ability to drive to the basket effectively, while also maintaining consistency in his long-range shooting. Plays AAU with New Heights NYC. High gpa
Lexington Christian School (MA)
Head Coach: Robert Scaro 2024-25 game schedule and results
Geo Meikle (2025) 6'5 forward - Meikle is a powerful physical presence and versatile performer who combines a post game with face up skills and a smooth shooting stroke that extends to three point range. Thanks to his length and athleticism, he is a good rim protector and rebounder. Plays AAU with Team Sims. 3.3 gpa
Jakari Clark (2026) 6'1 guard - Clark is a physical combo guard who can dominate both ends of the floor and is an exceptional rebounder for his size. Quick, shifty and strong, he is a tough matchup with his ability to finish at the rim and knock down shots from the perimeter. Blessed with superior vision he is also an outstanding passer and playmaker who makes his teammates better. Plays AAU with Team Sims.
Nik Boateng (2027) 6'1" guard - Boateng is a dynamic combo guard with a high compete level. A knockdown shooter from three point range and an explosive athlete with the ability to attack the basket and finish above the rim, he is a threat all over the floor. Thanks to his length, quickness and anticipation, he is also a disruptive force on the defensive end. Plays AAU with Mass Rivals.
Head Coach: Clarence Chenoweth 2024-25 game schedule and results
Malcom Maboula (2026) 6’7 small forward - Maboula is a big with guard skills. He's dominant in the low-post with incredible footwork and strong hands with a light touch. His range goes beyond the 3-point line, and he can handle the ball against pressure. Malcom is passionate about the game and is always looking to get better. He's just scratching the surface of what he can do. In the early part of the season, he's averaging over 25 ppg.
Miles Ventura (2026) 5'10" point guard - Ventura has incredible leadership intangibles and crazy handles. New to PAS this year from Rodgers School in Newport, he organizes the team on both ends of the floor, pushing the pace when necessary and otherwise patiently getting us into our offense. He's unfazed by ball pressure, and he gets to the rim with ease where he exhibits creative finishing. He can hit the open 3, and he has quiet bounce on the defensive end. He has several highlight blocks at the rim already this season.
Rocky Hill County Day School (RI)
Head Coach: Mark Streich 2024-25 game schedule and results
Omar Grullon (2025) 5'10 combo guard - Grullon is RHCDS's only returning starter from last season. He is a high level athlete with a 43 inch vertical. He does a little of everything on the court. He can shoot it, handle it and finish just as well with either hand. He is a very dedicated basketball player and will do whatever the team asks of him. Grullon is an extremely hard worker who is still getting better every day.
Devin Sone (2026) 6’0 combo guard - Sone is new to RHCDS, coming from an undefeated public school championship season last year. In addition to his basketball talent, Sone has been a great addition to the team culture and program. A captain who leads by example. Tremendous kid to coach who is always a sponge soaking up every ounce of coaching. He can score at all 3 levels and continues to improve every day. His work ethic and love for the game is second to none as he is an off the charts worker. RCHS's coaching staff looks forward to working with Sone for the next two years.
Wheeler School (RI)
Head Coach: Sean Kelly 2024-25 game schedule and results
Drew Herren (2028) guard - Herren joins a long line of competent Wheeler guards. Herren, who started half the 23-24 season at point guard as just an 8th grader, is a crafty playmaking point guard who scores inside and out. With a 40-point game under his belt from last season, which included a school record 11 three-pointers, is off to a strong start this season with 5 double-digit scoring games.
King Tiah (2027) 6'2 guard - With 75% of last year's rotation no longer on the court for the Warriors, there is some building to do, but the coaching staff was fortunate to have two ready and able players, in Herren and Tiah, eager and able to step up. Tiah played on the varsity team last season and saw increased minutes toward the end of the season. Tiah is a strong 6'2' guard whose athleticism matches his intelligence. He can knock down threes, take people off the bounce, and lock down the opposing team's perimeter offensive threats with an effortless approach.
EJ Carvalho (2025) 6'1 guard - Leading the Warriors is their co-captain, EJ Carvalho who also returns from last year's NEPSAC Championship team. The senior embraced his role last season as a versatile defender and someone who could create and score when needed. This season he should take on more of a scoring role to complement his overall offensive and defensive presence and impact.
Worcester Academy (MA)
Head Coach: Jordan Monts 2024-25 game schedule and results
Aadarsh Yalamanchili (2027) 6’7 forward - Yalamanchili is a long, lanky and versatile forward that’s able to bring the ball up at times. He has crafty finishes and being able to finish with either hand makes him a match up nightmare. Improving outside range. He had 14 and 19 in games won against International School of Boston and Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall. With a couple blocks in both games. Plays AAU with Stay True.
Wes Stromme (2028) 6’3 guard - Stromme is a dynamic guard who can play on and off the ball. He can guard multiple positions. Great athlete that is tenacious going to the glass. Finishes with either hand in the open court. Plays AAU with ASA
Cole Callahan (2027) 5’9 guard - Callahan is a quick and crafty guard with deep range. He has ability to get to his 1-2 pull up and makes very good use of his floater. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic.
Ben Nwosu (2026) 6’6 forward. Nwosu is a great rebounder with the ability to finish with his right hand. He is a stretch forward with improving three point shot. Plays AAU with Central Flight.