Steve and Ethan sit down with Cary Herer, the Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations at CATS Academy Boston. They discuss the excitement around the upcoming EYBL Scholastic Boston Showcase, set to take place from February 13th to 15th at Curry College, featuring top national high school programs. Coach Herer shares insights on CATS Academy’s transition to the EYBL Scholastic circuit, the rigorous travel and preparation involved, the high-level competition, and the evolving landscape of college recruitment influenced by the transfer portal. Additionally, they dive into the development of CATS Academy's players, the importance of international recruitment, and the challenges and strategies behind building a top-tier basketball program. The episode concludes with a fun segment of ‘Full Court Press’ where the panel picks their ideal NBA players and coaches for crucial game moments.

Topics

00:26 Welcoming Coach Cary Herer

00:49 Excitement for the EYBL Scholastic Boston Showcase

02:49 Behind the Scenes of Organizing the Event

03:21 Spotlight on National High School Teams

06:17 Challenges and Preparations for CATS Academy

14:20 Player Highlights and Team Performance

16:53 International Recruitment and Team Dynamics

19:07 Standout Players and Future Prospects

25:46 Spotlight on Rising Basketball Talents

26:55 Navigating the Changing Landscape of College Recruitment

29:11 The Future of EYBL Scholastic and National Competitions

36:18 Game Seven Scenarios: Picking the Best Players and Coaches

45:35 Wrapping Up: Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into the current New England Prep School Athletic Council playoff races across various classes for both boys and girls basketball. They discuss key teams, players and recent developments affecting the standings and playoff scenarios. Following the basketball updates, the hosts participate in a thrilling trivia contest focused on New England Patriots Super Bowl heroes, covering memorable moments and key players from the team's championship victories. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the high school basketball scene in New England while also celebrating the most successful era in Patriots history.

Topics 00:26 NEPSAC Postseason Preview 01:31 Super Sunday and Venue Discussion 02:10 Class AA Boys Basketball Overview 02:32 Bridgton Academy's Remarkable Season 07:41 Girls AAA Basketball Insights 09:36 Class AA Boys Basketball Contenders 14:14 Class AA Girls Basketball Analysis 17:07 Class A Boys Basketball Chaos 22:36 Class A Girls Basketball Standings 26:26 Class B Boys Basketball Highlights 28:13 Shoutout to Brooks and Kenya Jones 29:16 Emerging Teams in Class B 29:59 Class B Small Highlights 31:41 Class B Large and Small Playoff Contenders 37:17 New Teams in the Playoff Mix 40:01 Patriots Super Bowl Trivia

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive in to the state of MIAA girls basketball amid a snowy Boston winter. The discussion spans top teams including undefeated Medfield and Springfield Central, standout players and potential state championship contenders. They also preview the highly anticipated Comcast Tournament featuring powerhouse matchups, and they share thoughts on key surprises this season, including breakout teams Needham and Walpole. Additionally, Ethan reveals his personal journey of training for the Boston Marathon, running in support of the Dream Big charity.

Topics

01:32 MIAA Midseason Reports Overview

02:16 Top Teams in the MIAA Girls Season

02:57 Medfield's Dominance and Key Players

04:49 Springfield Central and Other Contenders

08:38 Division 1 and 2 Championship Predictions

12:50 Division 3 to 5 Insights

15:22 Surprise Teams and Coaches' Impact

17:19 Coaching and Systems: Overcoming Talent Gaps

18:01 Player of the Year Race: Midseason Contenders

19:27 Breakout Stars and Rising Prospects

21:21 Comcast Tournament Preview

23:37 February Break Basketball Excitement

26:19 Looking Ahead: State Tournament Predictions

29:01 Ethan's Boston Marathon Journey

33:25 Wrapping Up: Exciting Weeks Ahead

Ethan and Steve delve into the mid-season status of MIAA boys basketball. Key highlights include in-depth looks at standout programs like Malden Catholic, St. Mary's, Central Catholic, and others. The hosts also break down the competitive landscape of Division 1, 2, and 3, spotlighting top players. They additionally touch on potential dark horses and surprise teams in each division. The episode wraps up with anticipation for the upcoming Comcast tournament and other significant matchups as the season progresses.

Topics

01:12 Mid-Season Grind and Reflections

01:22 MIA Season Overview and Surprises

02:46 Spotlight on Malden Catholic and St. Mary's

10:08 Central Catholic's Dominance

16:27 Division One Contenders

18:56 Key Players and Teams in Division One

20:21 Division Two Overview: St. Mary's and Challengers

25:11 Division Three Contenders and Surprises

27:41 Top Players to Watch This Season

32:48 Division Four and Five Highlights

33:55 Upcoming Tournaments and Final Thoughts

Ethan Fuller interviews Alex Gallagher, the head coach and athletic director at Noble and Greenough School. They discuss Gallagher's extensive experience in coaching, his achievements with Nobles’ girls basketball team, and the importance of culture, teamwork and character-building in sports. Gallagher reflects on the evolution of NEPSAC girls basketball, the increasing competitiveness, and the importance of maintaining a focus on the well-being and development of student-athletes. The episode also highlights specific players and programs that exemplify the high standards and growth within NEPSAC.

Topics

01:27 Interview with Alex Gallagher: Background and Achievements

02:54 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics

06:25 Challenges and Growth in NEPSAC Basketball

11:08 Building Team Culture and Values

18:31 Inspiration and Learning as a Coach

24:53 Evolution of NEPSAC Girls Basketball

28:19 Coaching Stars and Rising Talent

28:58 Depth of Talent in NEPSAC

32:19 Honoring Great Players and Coaches

33:43 Challenges and Growth in NEPSAC

40:51 Future of NEPSAC and High School Basketball

48:15 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

The guest is Cheshire Academy coach Jim McCarthy. Coach McCarthy reflects on the season's successful start and the challenges of the competitive Class AA league. He discusses the importance of team chemistry, the style of play, and key players such as John Spinoza, Justin Brown, and Aidan McGuire. The conversation also covers coaching philosophies, the evolution of basketball towards positionless play, and memories from McCarthy's extensive college coaching experience. A segment of true/false questions on basketball trends, led by producer David Diaz, rounds out the episode. Enjoy an in-depth look at the strategies and dynamics fueling Cheshire Academy's standout season.

Topics

00:42 Interview with Coach Jim McCarthy

01:01 Reflecting on the Season's Start

02:11 Team Dynamics and Style of Play

12:41 Player Highlights and Contributions

19:40 Challenges and Adjustments

26:11 Reflecting on the Importance of Film in Coaching

26:52 Memories and Lessons from College Coaching

28:13 Transition to High School Coaching

30:46 Challenges and Competitiveness in Class AA

33:48 Impact of Early Season Success on the Program

37:23 Full Court Press: True or False Predictions

46:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Ethan and Steve discuss the top high school basketball teams, players, and surprising developments across different classes and leagues as the 2025 calendar year comes to a close. Key topics include standout performances, emerging talents, and intriguing championship races in both boys' and girls' basketball. Looking ahead to 2026, the hosts are excited for potential marquee matchups and key player commitments.

Topics

00:27 Holiday Reflections and Winter Challenges

01:36 Prep Basketball Season Overview

02:47 AAA Boys Basketball Highlights

07:51 AAA Girls Basketball Highlights

12:17 AA Boys Basketball Insights

21:25 AA Girls Basketball Insights

24:26 Class A Boys Basketball Overview

25:15 Nobles' Strong Start and Key Players

26:15 Phillips Andover's Impressive Performance

28:04 Milton Academy and Other Contenders

29:40 Class A Girls Basketball Insights

32:32 Class B Boys Basketball Highlights

36:58 Class B Girls Basketball Highlights

39:56 Breakout Players to Watch

44:32 Reflecting on 2025 Highlights

47:45 Looking Forward to 2026

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt provide a comprehensive preview of the 2025-26 high school basketball season in New England. The episode covers top teams, including Central Catholic, Beverly and Bridgewater-Raynham, as well as sleeper teams and standout players to watch. The hosts discuss changes within key programs, potential breakout stars, and significant matchups, such as the Commonwealth Motors Classic. Additionally, they touch on statewide coverage expansions and provide updates on new contributors covering various states. The episode concludes with a trivia showdown featuring NCAA tournament schools and their nicknames.

Topics

00:47 Recap of Last Season and Excitement for the New Season

01:44 Changes and New Faces in MIAA Boys Basketball

03:12 Expanding Coverage Across New England

03:51 Introducing New Writers and Coverage Plans

08:46 MIAA Season Preview: Top Teams and Players to Watch

28:34 Lowell's Reloading Strategy

28:58 Top 10 Teams Breakdown

29:16 Burlington's Rising Stars

31:03 Springfield Central's Talent Pool

33:27 Newton North's New Era

34:18 Winchester's Key Players

35:23 Conference Highlights

36:25 Sleeper Teams to Watch

41:08 Promising Players to Follow

45:49 NCAA Tournament Trivia

50:23 Final Thoughts and Season Excitement