HoopWise from New England Basketball Journal

HoopWise, from New England Basketball Journal, covers all levels of amateur basketball around the region, including the prep school and AAU circuit. Its hosts will bring listeners advice and insight from basketball influencers and leaders at all levels.

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Episodes

10 hours ago

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, Ethan Fuller interviews Kelley Macdonald, head coach of the breakout Braintree girls basketball team. Coach Macdonald reflects on her long tenure at Braintree, her transition from assistant to head coach, and the strategies that have contributed to the team’s impressive 15-1 record this season. The discussion covers key players, particularly the leadership of Spidorsha, and pivotal games that signaled their successful run. Additionally, Macdonald shares insights on coaching style, dealing with star players in foul trouble, and making game-time decisions. The episode concludes with a segment on situational basketball challenges facilitated by the producer.
 
Topics
 
01:14 Kelley Macdonald's Coaching Journey
02:15 Memorable Moments and Players
04:38 Life as an Assistant Coach
08:03 Transition to Head Coach
11:05 Breakout Season Reflections
14:38 Spotlight on Spidorsha
17:01 Key Players and Their Impact
18:26 Crucial Games and Turning Points
20:21 Coaching Strategies and Inspirations
24:46 Situational Basketball Scenarios
33:07 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Monday Jan 27, 2025

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into January's basketball highlights across New England. They recount their experiences at the Whoopal Classic, discussing games, standout players, and remarkable performances, including Bryce James and Amir Jenkins. The episode also covers pivotal upcoming games, significant team achievements, and rising stars in NEPSAC and MIAA territories. The hosts share previews and recaps of important matchups, insights into team dynamics, and exciting prospects in the basketball scene. They emphasize the need to watch for looming February games and share personal recommendations for must-see players and teams.
 
Topics
 
00:29 Recap of Recent Basketball Events
01:12 Hoop Hall Classic Highlights
07:20 Brewster Academy's Dominance
15:16 Worcester Academy's Rising Star
24:29 Upcoming February Matchups
25:05 Recap of Recent Games and Matchups
27:09 Upcoming Exciting Games in February
29:12 NABL Weekend Relocation and Key Matchups
30:41 Big MIAA Rematches to Watch
32:30 Exeter's Dominance and Upcoming Challenges
38:38 Shoutouts to Outstanding Players and Teams
45:57 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

January Basketball Roundup

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025

Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller from the New England Basketball Journal provide a comprehensive breakdown of the New England basketball scene. The discussion includes detailed recaps of recent games, insights on player performances, and future game previews. Key highlights are Franklin's victory over Attleboro, Javi Lopez's game-winner for Central Catholic, and upcoming excitement surrounding the Tabor vs. Nobles matchup. The hosts also dive into topics such as the new NBA All-Star Game format and the overrated or underrated status of Doc Rivers' Hall of Fame resume. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to the prestigious HoopHall Classic tournament and its must-watch games.
 
Topics
 
00:30 Busy January Basketball Schedule
01:54 Exciting Weekend at TD Garden
02:30 Tabor vs. Dexter Recap
10:56 Exeter's Shocking Win Over Newhampton
16:50 Upcoming Tabor vs. Nobles Showdown
22:18 NEPSAC Observations
26:08 NEPSAC Milestones and MIAA Power Rankings
29:58 The Competitive Spirit in Basketball
30:47 Analyzing the Rankings
31:40 Merrimack Valley Conference: A Closer Look
32:47 Power Rankings and Underrated Teams
37:57 Upcoming Games and Key Matchups
44:28 Hoophall Classic: A Must-See Event
48:05 Full Court Press: Overrated or Underrated?
57:11 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up 

Thursday Jan 09, 2025

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller bring on Ben Farmer, head coach at Williston Northampton, to reflect on the tragic passing of Thayer Academy’s head coach, Mike Babul. Farmer shares fond memories of Babul and discusses the impact he had on the New England prep basketball community. The conversation transitions to Williston Northampton’s strong start to the season, the influence of prep school basketball, recruiting insights, and valuable advice for prospective student-athletes. The episode concludes with a lively 'Full Court Press' segment, where panelists predict future trends in high school basketball, discuss must-see players, and share their favorite game-time snacks.
 
Topics
 
00:33 Welcoming the Guest: Ben Farmer
01:10 Remembering Mike Babul
07:12 Wilson Northampton's Strong Start
14:54 Challenges of Prep School Basketball
18:58 The Evolution of Prep School Basketball
19:13 The Exeter Game That Wasn't
25:15 Key Players and Team Dynamics
29:37 High School Basketball Standouts
30:09 Challenges in College Recruitment
30:53 Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL
33:10 Advice for Prep School Admissions
35:40 Balancing Coaching and Admissions
37:46 Recruiting Pitch and Player Development
43:56 Full Court Press: Predicting the Future
48:19 Full Court Press: Players to Watch
51:39 Full Court Press: Ultimate Game Day Snacks
54:54 Conclusion and Farewell

N.E. Prep Mid-Season Recap

Friday Jan 03, 2025

Friday Jan 03, 2025

In this episode of the Hoopwise Podcast, hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller dive into the latest developments in New England high school basketball. They discuss the standout performances and progress of various teams and players across the region. On the girls' side, standout programs like Tabor Academy, Nobles, and Tilton are highlighted, along with events like the Nickerson Showcase. On the boys' side, Williston Northampton's rise to prominence is a key focus, as well as notable individual performances from rising stars such as Alex Egbuonu and Peyton Kamin. The hosts also touch on exciting buzzer-beater moments and significant coaching milestones. This episode provides a comprehensive update on the basketball season, offering insights and anecdotes from recent games and events.
 
Topics
00:27 Holiday Catch-Up and Season Overview
01:26 Recap of Recent Games and Events
01:48 Nickerson Showcase Highlights
04:04 Top Teams and Players Analysis
11:50 Tilton's Performance and Potential
18:40 Worcester Academy vs. New Hampton Recap
22:19 Standout Players and Future Prospects
24:14 Analyzing a Unique Player's Skills and Potential
25:08 Spotlight on NMH Team and Key Players
25:37 Underrated Players Making Waves
27:32 Exciting Prospects 
29:11 Showcase Weekends and Boys Basketball Highlights
29:38 Williston's Impressive Performance
37:33 Rising Stars and Breakout Players
43:25 Buzzer Beaters and Memorable Moments
46:48 Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

MIAA Girls Basketball Preview

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024

Steve and Ethan are joined by special guest Trevor Hass from the Boston Globe to discuss the upcoming season of MIAA Girls Basketball. They cover various topics, including standout players, team previews, and predictions for divisions one through four. The trio reminisce about their experiences covering past seasons and share stories, such as an encounter with Larry David at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. They also touch on unique aspects of certain teams, breakout players to watch, and noteworthy stories.
 
Topics
 
00:22 Introducing Special Guest Trevor Hass
00:45 Trevor and Ethan's Basketball History
01:56 The Larry David Encounter
03:47 MIAA Girls Basketball Preview
05:43 Bishop Feehan's Dominance
09:21 Division 1 Contenders
13:55 Medfield and Division 2 Insights
16:05 Medfield's Youth Basketball Program
17:00 Foxborough's Championship Prospects
19:19 St. Mary's Rising Stars
20:41 Fenwick's Comeback Story
21:31 Norwell's Underrated Talent
23:02 Cathedral's Dominance in D4
26:03 Notre Dame Hingham's Orlando Sisters
27:07 Whitman Hanson's Breakout Players
32:18 Season Predictions and Rivalries

MIAA Boys Preview

Thursday Dec 05, 2024

Thursday Dec 05, 2024

Steve and Ethan delve into the high school basketball scene in New England, with a focus on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). They discuss the upcoming season, major teams, and standout players, including a detailed overview of Malden Catholic's quest for a four-peat, the competitive landscape of the Merrimack Valley Conference, and promising freshmen to watch. The hosts also highlight key players returning to their teams and cover the turnover and transitions affecting various schools.
 
Topics
 
00:26 Holiday Season and NEPSAC Recap
00:41 MIAA Season Previews
01:51 Steve's High School Basketball Background
02:43 Excitement for MIAA Atmosphere
04:18 MIAA vs. NEPSAC Dynamics
04:46 Turnover in MIAA Teams
08:09 Malden Catholic's Quest for a Four-Peat
15:48 Merrimack Valley Conference Teams to Watch
16:38 Merrimack League Showdown
17:33 Central Catholic and Lowell: Teams to Watch
20:34 Strength of Schedule and Other Teams to Watch
24:43 Spotlight on Key Players
30:16 Rising Freshmen to Watch
31:32 Final Thoughts and Season Preview Wrap-Up

NEPSAC Girls Preview

Friday Nov 22, 2024

Friday Nov 22, 2024

Hosts Steve Hewitt and Ethan Fuller provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming NEPSAC Girls Basketball season. They discuss the excitement for the season to begin, the competitive landscape across different classes (AAA, AA, A, and B), and the key changes, transfers, and players to watch. Ethan shares his title predictions for each class, highlights the most exciting matchups, and emphasizes the depth and talent present in New England girls' basketball. The episode covers major teams like Tabor, Nobles, Tilton, Dexter Southfield, Northfield Mount Hermon, Wilbraham & Munson, and more.
 
Topics
 
00:31 Excitement for the Upcoming Basketball Season
01:47 NEPSAC Girls Season Overview
02:38 Significant Changes in NEPSAC Girls Basketball
03:24 Class AAA Breakdown
06:19 Tabor Academy: The Team to Watch
11:41 Top Contenders in Class AAA
20:02 Class AA Insights and Predictions
21:52 Top Contenders in Double A
22:16 Northfield Mount Hermon and Wilbraham & Monson
25:49 Storm King and Marianapolis: Teams to Watch
28:13 Class A Favorites: Loomis Chaffee and Challengers
32:47 Class B Excitement: Rivers and More
37:04 Playoff Predictions and Final Thoughts

Friday Nov 15, 2024

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt dive into the New England prep school basketball season with guest Brad Feldman. The discussion covers a wide array of topics including team previews, key players, and upcoming showcase events. Brad Feldman, the play-by-play voice of the New England Revolution and a pivotal figure in high school sports broadcasting, shares exciting updates about the New England Basketball League's new streaming ventures. The episode features an in-depth analysis of top NEPSAC teams across different classes, highlighting intriguing matchups and standout student-athletes to watch this season.
 
Topics
 
00:43 Special Guest: Brad Feldman
01:04 Exciting News for NEBL Streaming
03:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Prep School Basketball
07:57 New Hampton School: Team Analysis
14:15 Spotlight on Newman School
19:01 Top Contenders in Class AAA
22:10 Emerging Teams and Players to Watch
25:51 Transition to Class AA
26:34 Player Highlights and Team Dynamics
27:28 Team Talent and Challenges
30:13 Exciting Teams to Watch
30:25 Cushing Academy's Rising Stars
33:16 Worcester Academy's Key Players
34:19 Northfield Mount Hermon Insights
35:50 St. George's and Other Double A Teams
38:16 Class A and B Teams Overview
43:41 Season Predictions and Final Thoughts

Friday Nov 01, 2024

Hosts Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt are joined by Harvard Women's Basketball Coach Carrie Moore. They discuss the upcoming college basketball season, Moore's impressive coaching and playing career, and her current tenure at Harvard. Topics include preparing for the season opener, Moore's recruiting strategies, managing expectations, and the competitive landscape of New England basketball. Coach Moore shares personal insights on balancing the demands of coaching, the importance of relationships in recruiting, and her experiences living in the Boston-Cambridge area.
 
Topics
01:36 Carrie Moore's Impressive Resume and Playing Career
05:05 Carrie Moore's Journalism Background
06:08 First Impressions of Boston and Cambridge
08:36 Honoring and Building on Kathy Delaney Smith's Legacy
13:07 Adding Analytics to the Coaching Strategy
18:20 Managing Expectations and Team Dynamics
21:50 The Role of the Lead Guard
23:19 Harmony Turner's Senior Year
25:55 Non-Conference Schedule and Local Rivalries
28:36 Recruiting Philosophy and Process
36:09 Challenges and Rewards of Recruiting
42:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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