2024 Thomas Blackburn Invitational Basketball Tournament.
The New England Prep School Athletic Conference (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. It runs various levels of play. In its Class A, B and C Divisions, participation is determined by the school's male-student-population. Alternatively, in Class AA and AAA, teams opt in. In doing so, they get expanded rules in terms of longer seasons and/or longer games in terms of minutes played.
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 15-16, Worcester Academy will host a NEPSAC Class AA level event in the form of the 24th annual Thomas Blackburn Invitational Basketball Tournament. The tournament honors former WA athletic director (and coach) Tom Blackburn who served in that capacity from 1973 to 2000. During that time, student-athletes and others were inspired and influenced to exemplify the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. It is in this spirit that the Blackburn Tournament was founded and continues to thrive.
In addition to Worcester Academy, the other Class AA participating teams include MacDuffie School (MA), Tilton School (NH) and Kimball Union Academy (NH). As typical of the NEPSAC Class AA level of play, all four teams will be loaded with college prospects, which we profile below.
Schedule
Saturday, December 14:
1:00pm Tilton School vs. Kimball Union Academy
2:30pm MacDuffie School vs. Worcester Academy
Sunday, December 15:
1:00pm Consolation Game
4:00 pm Championship Game
Worcester Academy from Worcester, MA
Head coach: Jamie Sullivan 2024-25 game schedule and results
Jake Blackburn (2025) 6'3 guard - (SUNY - Binghamton commit) All-NEPSAC Class AA last season. High-level shooter on the move and off the bounce. Straight-line driver at this point, but has shown the ability to make plays for others in the half court (positive A/T ratio). Improving core strength. Underrated defender. Takes charges. Talks and is active defensively. 4-year player for WA. Plays AAU with The House We Built (Hoop Group circuit). Video highlights NERR profile
Dylan Cote (2025) 6'6 190lb forward - A shooter with good length. Cote plays hard and is a very hard worker. Good leader. 5-year player for WA. Academic. D3 interest and D1 walk-on opportunities. Plays AAU with Stay True Basketball (ZGXL circuit). Good gpa Video highlights
Anthony DeJohn (2026) 6’3 shooting guard - DeJohn, who had a solid sophomore season at Worcester Academy, has showcased real 3-and-D potential. An intriguing prospect that has good size on the wing, DeJohn is a scoring threat from behind the arc and as a cutter off the ball. His shooting stroke is compact and smooth and he does a nice job of elevating into his jumper. He’s a willing ball mover that has a good feel for how to play within the flow of an offense. Defensively, he has a high IQ and does a great job of defending within team concepts. He’s a capable rebounder, can guard multiple positions on the perimeter, and does a great job of creating turnovers off the ball. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic. 3.1 gpa PH profile
Michael Ellerbrook (2025) 6'1 160lb guard - Ellerbrook is a pest defensively. Very quick feet. Good shooter. Can handle. Quick first step. Creative finisher around the basket. Experienced. Great leader. 4-year player for WA. High gpa Video highlights
Cam Hailey (2026) 5’11 point guard - #30 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. Pass-first point guard who gets everyone involved. Great vision off ball screens. Above average 3pt shooter. Very good in the midrange vs. drop coverage. Quick 1st step and under control on his drives. Holds D1 offers. Plays AAU with BABC (3SSB). Good gpa Video highlights NERR profile
Amir Jenkins (2026) 6'2 point guard - #12 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. Jenkins comes to WA after repeating as MIAA D1 state champions, a 45-0 run over the past two seasons and earning the 2024 tournament's MVP. He is a pure point guard and leader. MaxPreps 2023-24 Massachusetts Player of the Year. Offered by Assumption College. Plays AAU with BABC. Video highlights NERR profile
Chris Leman (2025) 6'8 forward - (Mercyhurst University commit) Leman is a smooth left-handed player. A pick-n- pop 4 man. Good skill. 43% 3pt shooter last year. Had big games against better teams on the schedule (St. Thomas More, New Hampton, WMA, St. Andrew's). Good rebounder. Great timing to block shots. From New Orleans originally, winning two state titles in LA before repeating his junior year at WA. Plays AAU with The House We Built (Hoop Group circuit). Good gpa NERR profile
Ryan Sullivan (2025) 6'9 forward - A lefty who started every game for WA last year. Bouncy. Screens very well and displays good hands while rolling to the basket. Rebounds well out of his area and blocks shots. 47% from 3pt last season. 4-year player for WA. High academic. Plays AAU with BABC (3SSB circuit). 3.8 gpa Video highlights NERR profile
Connor Swider (2025) 6'9 forward (Youngstown State commit) - A shooter who is still growing (expected to add at least another inch or two). In his second year at WA and has definitely matured since his arrival. Underrated creator for others and feel for the game. Brother plays in the NBA with Indiana Pacers. 2-year player for WA. Plays AAU with Basketball Club of Rhode Island (Hoop Group circuit). NERR profile
Anthony DeJohn (2026)- 6'4 190lb guard - DeJohn is an improved wing with a good physical build and improving ball skills. Good shooter. Great teammate. Plays with energy. Tough, physical defender. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic (Hoop Group circuit). Video highlights
Kimball Union Academy from Meriden, NH
Head coach: Cory McClure 2024-25 game schedule and results
Malcolm Albert (2025) 6’4 guard - Albert is a post grad from Seattle, WA and will find his way into college coaches' notebooks with his ability to knock down threes and display a solid feel for how to play in the back court. Currently, he is pursuing academic DIII opportunities.
Brandon Arnold (2025) 6’3 guard - Arnold has been in the lead guard role since arriving at KUA. He can score on all three levels, is a steady floor general, and has been a disruptive force on the defensive end during his time in this program. Offered by Quinnipiac. Plays AAU for Crown HGSL. NERR profile
Tobey Bellows (2025) 6’4 wing - Bellows is a Vermont native that as a late bloomer physically, had a very strong senior campaign at his hometown high school and is pursuing the best academic and basketball situation at the collegiate level having deferred some college decisions to attend KUA.
Declan Brandis (2025) 6’2 guard - Brandis is a native of the Upper Valley where KUA is located. He is a top student that is driven to combine academics and athletics at the collegiate level through either basketball or baseball.
Nathan Clay (2025) 6’2 guard - While Clay has the ability to score in double figures either from the three-point line or finishing off physical drives to the rim, his true value to any team is going to be the intangibles. His consistent work ethic, competitive drive, and coach-ability are undoubtedly going to serve him well at the next level! Plays AAU with New England Storm HGSL.
Isaiah Henderson (2025) 6'6 wing - Henderson has proven to be a scorer on all three levels. His Tight End frame provides him an advantage anytime he puts the ball to the floor and quite often results in a trip to the free throw line. He has consistently shown the ability to drive close outs and show off his mid-range game. It is all set up by his elite ability to knock down threes at a very efficient level. All NEPSAC honorable mention as a junior. Offered by Quinnipiac, Siena and Lemoyne. Plays AAU with Albany City Rocks EYBL. Video highlights NERR profile
John Kelley (2025) 6’9 forward - Kelly is a classic, late blooming big man with loads of skill and natural feel on the offensive end of the floor. He can stretch defenses out regularly with his 3-point shooting, execute as a playmaker with the ball in his hands for others, and is gaining confidence in his back to the basket ability. Defensively he has the size and feel to become a valuable defensive player in time.
Charlie Williams (2025) 6’ 6” wing - (Bates College commit) A lefty, Williams is the quintessential Jack of all trades! His superpower is his first step and has a knack for catching flat footed defenders on back door cuts on a regular basis. His relentless attack on the rim regardless of the competition often results in ATHLETIC above the rim finishes or a trip to the free throw line. Receiving interest from academic Division III/ DII schools coming out of April. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic HGSL.
Christian “Mouse” Williams (2025) 5’11 point guard - A St. Louis, MO product that holds offers from Ivy to HM schools. A true senior that is finishing his high school career in New England. A dynamic floor general that can do a little bit of everything. His efficient shooting ability from range combined with his ability to get by his opponent with ease, makes him a very exciting prospect for the next level. Plays with Gateway AAU.
Merrick Smith (2026) 6’10 forward - Smith is transferring in and reclassifying. The extra year is going to give this talented big man an opportunity to realize what his ceiling could be. He currently runs the floor effortlessly, is gifted with soft hands and a soft touch around the rim, while also showing an ability to shoot from behind the three-point line. Disrupts shots around the rim on the defensive end and will continue to extend his defensive ability beyond the paint. Several early DI calls. Plays AAU with New England Storm-HGSL.
Gideon Vonderheid (2026) 6’3 guard - This Pennsylvanian product is reclassifying and will no doubt find his way onto college radar screens due to his overall basketball IQ. While physically he has some maturing to do, his decision making, shot making, and competitive spirit will stand out.
MacDuffie School from Granby, MA
Head coach: Kurt Steiner 2024-25 game schedule and results
Dayn Campbell (2025) 6’0 point guard - Campbell is a shifty and reliable point guard from Brooklyn, NY who doesn’t lose his pose during crucial moments in a game. He plays with great pace and has unsuspected athleticism. He has NBA 3-point range which opens up his driving ability and he has had several clutch buckets down the stretch for the Mustangs this winter season. He averaged 14ppg with 6apg this year in the NEPSAC AA. Campbell is also a great on ball defender that can chest up bigger guards and creates turnovers in the open court. Plays AAU with Pro Level Titans. 3.1 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Javon Perry (2025) 6’9 forward - Perry is a Springfield, MA native who led the NEPSAC AA in blocks in the winter season, averaging 2.5 blocks a game. He is a high-level rim protector with a high ceiling as a pick-and-roll big man, finishing everything above the rim. He is quick off the ground on the second jump and has great timing defending the rim in help defense. An excellent rim runner who cleans up the glass every time. Perry is developing an offensive game on the block and has gained interest from several D1 programs. Video highlights NERR profile
Elijah Avery-Turner (2026) 6’4 guard - Avery-Turner is a tenacious guard that possesses the ability to finish above the rim with impressive athleticism. His intense work ethic is outmatched on and off the court. Defensively, he forces turnovers and crowds the passing lanes. Fast twitch guard off the dribble with fluid shooting form on all spots of the floor. He has great court vision finding his teammates in transition. MacDuffie considers Avery-Turner to be one of the top combo guards in New England. 3.8 gpa Video highlights NERR profile RTB profile
Julian Dent (2026) 6’7 small forward - Dent is a transfer from Wilbur Cross High (CT) and is an athletic high level scoring threat from the wing and plays with a high motor as a lockdown defender. He is a slasher and a threat from behind the arc. He gets the job done on both ends of the floor. Slithery guard can finish above the rim and consistently makes exciting hustle plays for his team. He adds leadership and high-energy character for the Mustangs this year. He has gained interest from several D1 schools. Plays AAU with Team Spartan. 3.5 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Sam Thompson (2026) 6’5 wing - Thompson is a southpaw sniper from 3pt land who has developed in the MacDuffie system. Reliable shooter and defender on the wing. He has shown that he can knock down 3s off pin downs and double screens. Thompson is projected to be 6’6-6’7 and has been working constantly in the weight room to add muscle. Video highlights
Johnny Akot Bol (2027) 7’0 center - #9 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. Bol is from South Sudan and is receiving interest from high-major schools. He has an active motor and is an active shot blocker with a 6’10 wingspan. Great shooting touch around the rim and can consistently make a hook shot over either shoulder. He is excellent at forming a wall when he jumps to contest in the driving lane. Moves well without the ball and can hit a 3pt shot off a pick and pop. This past winter season, he shot over 90% from the free-throw line and finished with over 50 blocks this year in the NEPSAC AA. Receiving recruitment from Iona, NJIT, Iowa and Florida Gulf Coast. Plays AAU with PSA Cardinals EYBL. 3.1 gpa Video highlights NERR profile RTB profile
Jackson Lockett (2027) 6’8 small forward - Lockett is developing his game into a stretch forward. He has great length for his position and shoots the ball really well from 3 point range and midrange. Lockett has a good handle, sneaky athleticism and finishes well over either shoulder in the paint. Video highlights NERR profile
Tilton School from Tilton, NH
Head coach: Michael Byrnes 2024-25 game schedule and results
Enzo Boudouma (2025) 6’9 forward - From Switzerland. Plays on the U18 national team. Tough, rugged player. Can play inside or out. Scholarship level player who can hit threes and play in the post. Very strong defensive player and can guard multiple positions.
Tomasso D’Arcangeli (2025) 6’2 guard - From Italy, a post grad. He is a very strong pick and roll player who can distribute and find his teammates at a very high level player. He is good at finding his teammates in the open court and in transition. He has a strong feel for the game and is a very strong 3 point shooter.
Ryan Grubb (2025) 6’2 guard - Grubb hails from Northern VA. He is a good 3 point shooter and solid defender. Strong gpa
David McMahon (2025) 6’2 guard - McMahon’s best skill is his ability to shoot threes from long range. He is a very hard worker who can run the point. A solid defender that is improving his strength. Plays AAU with Team NSSA. Strong gpa
Edwin Muric (2025) 6’9 forward - A Post Grad from New York. He is a forward who has a soft touch and a strong passer. He can step out and shoot a 15 footer. Has the potential to be a scholarship player and his best basketball is in front of him.
Kadin Burnard (2026) 6’3 guard - Burnard is a physical two prospect who has the ability to score and play lock down defense. He has tremendous energy, an excellent motor, is very active in passing lanes, gets 50/50 balls and is always creating contact. His skillset, defensive IQ and ability to be coached have the Tilton coaches raving about him. We liked him a lot and think he could be a big time prospect in 2026. Two way prospect. Plays AAU with Team Sims. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Naffees Padgett (2025) 6’5 wing - Padgett is been off to a hot start this spring in AAU. He is a rangy and athletic wing plays and rebounds bigger than his size. He can step out and hit threes and can slash to the rim. Plays AAU with Black Bear.
Rory Terry (2025) 6'7 power forward - A post grad from Florence High (AR). His father is an assistant coach for Boston College. A big body who rebounds well. A can score around the basket with either hand. He is a very physical defender in the post. 3.0 gpa
Aidan Oliveira (2026) 5’7 point guard - Oliveira is a strong and tough point guard who can make open 3’s and can get to the rim. He is great in transition, finding teammates for open looks. He’s a great on-the-ball defender, picks up full court, and can really disrupt the opponent's offense.
CJ Azor (2026) 6’1 guard - A combo guard out of New York. He is a tenacious defender who can pick up in the full court. He is a strong shooter who can step out and hit threes. Very athletic and can get to the rim and can play through contact. Has a high basketball IQ and high academic schools should be all over him. 4.0 gpa NERR profile
Anthony Vick (2027) 6’4 guard - Vick is a big, athletic guard who has a very high ceiling. He can shoot from distance and is becoming a strong defender. Is a very good athlete who is a very hard worker. Plays AAU with Team New England. Good gpa