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 – 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 III, 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.
Lucas Andreozzi, Mt. Hope, senior
The attention paid to an opposing team’s leading scorer won’t be anything new for Andreozzi. He handled that responsibility last year for the Huskies and will do so again thanks to his shooting range and skill on the perimeter.
Leon Cargoe, Paul Cuffee, senior
Cargoe was an all-division selection as a junior and should be poised for a big final season with the Navigators. He has good size for a guard at 6-foot-2, a frame he uses to score off the dribble and plays a key role on defense.
Dylan Carr, Exeter-West Greenwich, senior
Carr is likely to top the scouting report for any opponent facing the Scarlet Knights this season. He can score it off the dribble and from 3-point range, a versatile offensive threat who can make the difference in any game.
Jamilson De Pina Almeida, Central Falls, senior
What would you expect from an athlete who stars in basketball and volleyball? De Pina Almeida features good size at 6-foot-5 and the bounce off the floor to both score around the rim and protect it.
Ziahair Gibau, Davies, senior
If you’ve seen Gibau on the football field you’ll have a pretty good idea of his strengths on the basketball court. He’s jet quick, strong and capable of harassing opposing guards at the defensive end.
Sire Hazard, Central Falls, sophomore
Hazard earned all-division recognition as a freshman and could be just getting started. He’s quick and decisive with the ball in his hands, a guard who can put opposing defenders on their heels in a split second.
Charlie Horne, Prout, senior
Horne was named to the all-division first team as a junior and figures to extend that form into his final season with the Crusaders. He’s a sharpshooter from 3-point range and a guard who can lead at both ends on the perimeter.
Ryan Larsh, Scituate, junior
Larsh could be a player who makes a significant jump as he enters the second half of his high school career. His shooting range extends to the 3-point line and his 6-foot-3 frame allows for some easy buckets at the rim.
Gabe Mongeon, Ponaganset, freshman
It’s a lot to ask of a player to come right in and make an impact, but Mongeon could do it for the Chieftains. He was a star in middle school who scored it in bunches – let’s see how quickly that translates to the next level.
Lawson O’Hearn, Prout, senior
O’Hearn is a veteran leader on a team that should contend for a place at or near the top of the league. He’s a capable scorer and consistent rebounder from his spot in the Crusaders frontcourt.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
