This boys basketball season offered up plenty of heat through the first two weeks.
Whoever made the schedule guaranteed some immediate drama when Classical-La Salle and La Salle-Bishop Hendricken were among the opening games of the 2024-25 campaign.
Those three teams have been among the state title contenders since the Open Tournament was introduced in 2010-11. Tiverton’s storybook run to the first final at the Ryan Center immediately validated the format as the little guys certainly belonged while challenging the big boys. St. Raphael’s victory over the Tigers did nothing to diminish any future editions.
Who will be left standing this March? That’s what we’ll find out over the next few months. Returning stars will lead their teams and new names will emerge on the road to those championship occasions. Part of the fun is watching and finding out exactly who they’ll be.
Here are 10 boys players to watch in Division II, and they come with a caveat — this could have been a longer list. It has nothing to do with who might be on top when nets are cut down and banners are hung. That’s decided on the floor like in every other Interscholastic League season for more than 90 years.
Tyler Broady, Coventry, senior
Broady already has a couple of 20-point games under his belt this season. He’s a matchup problem for opposing defenses as he has guard skills to play on the perimeter, and enough size at 6-foot-3 to score inside. The Oakers will go as far as he can take them.
Jordan Chaloux, South Kingstown, senior
Chaloux is a true three-sport standout — football in the fall, baseball in the spring, basketball in the winter. His competitiveness and strength developed in those different settings serve him well as a scoring guard.
Patrick Cranson, Middletown, senior
Cranson is a dynamic lead guard who can set up his teammates or create his own shot. The Islanders will lean on his ability to strike from 3-point range, defend on the perimeter and find the open man off the dribble.
Logan Gelinas, Burrillville, senior
Gelinas features the type of game you would expect from a standout football quarterback. He’s smart, a leader and able to beat you in multiple ways. Leaving him open from 3-point range wouldn’t be wise.
Addison Hazziez, St. Raphael, senior
Hazziez was an instant hit after a transfer from La Salle, earning all-division honors as a junior. He can score on the wing and in the paint thanks to his skill with the ball in his hands and length at 6-foot-5.
Jeremiah Lenus, North Providence, junior
Lenus starred in the postseason as a freshman and followed that up with another strong year as a sophomore. The Cougars captured a pair of Division III titles and are now up to Division II, giving Lenus and his teammates a fresh challenge.
Rees Maccarone, East Greenwich, senior
The Avengers moved down from Division I and feature a veteran player who will be at the top of every opposing scouting report. Maccarone has been a steady scorer throughout his career thanks to his left-handed touch and 6-foot-5 frame.
Keke Silva, Shea, senior
The Raiders always seem to be in the postseason mix, and that’s thanks to a long line of players like Silva. He’s a tough, quick guard who can score and direct his team. That experience tends to pay off in February and March.
Owen Stearns, West Warwick, junior
The Wizards are up from Division III and should feature plenty of firepower. Stearns is a three-level scorer with good feel for the game. He earned first-team all-league honors as a sophomore last season.
Donovan Clement, Moses Brown, sophomore
The Quakers are up from Division III and could have a budding star in Clement. He’s a rangy wing player with projectable size at 6-foot-5 who can score and hit the glass. Clement’s growth could help determine how comfortable Moses Brown finds its new home.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
