Kamari Robinson and Central Catholic return after winning the Division I state title last season.
Photo by Ken Rutt
Richard Nault
2011-12 finish: 22-2, Division I north semifinalist
A perennial favorite, the Raiders return a number of key contributors and are the favorites to come out of what is sure to be the state’s toughest section in March. Central will aim for its first title since state championship wins in 2008 and 2010. The Raiders will rely heavily on returning big men
Joel Berroa (6-4, Sr., G/F) and
Nick Cambio (6-5, Jr., PF). Additionally, Central Catholic may have the state’s steadiest point guard in
Tyler Nelson (6-0, Jr.).
View the MaxPreps Preseason Xcellent 25 National Boys Basketball Rankings2. St. John's (Shrewsbury)Head coach: Robert Foley
2011-12 finish: 19-6, Central Massachusetts champions, state semifinalists
Last year, St. John’s won its fifth-straight sectional championship and did so with a slew of underclassmen. Sophomore point guard
Davon Jones (6-0) is a floor general who played well above the level as a freshman last year. He’ll have returners
Ken Harrington and
T.J. Kelley as his key contributors as the Pioneers aim to make it six straight trips to the state’s final four.
View all of our Massachusetts boys basketball photo galleries3. Boston College High (Boston)Head coach: Bill Loughnane
2011-12 finish: 16-6, Lost in Division I South tournament
Yes, the Eagles finished well off their typical postseason success last season. Still, it’s hard not to like what BC High and Loughnane return in 2012. They’ll have what could be the state’s best backcourt with
Charles Collins (6-1, Sr., PG) and
Jameilen Jones (6-3, Sr. G/F) and have the pedigree of one of the state’s top coaches in Loughnane, who has four state titles -- including one at BC High in 2007 -- in his 27-year coaching career.
View last season's Massachusetts boys basketball Freeman Rankings4. MansfieldHead coach: Michael Vaughan
2011-12 finish: 15-8, Lost in Division I South Quarterfinals
The Hornets were a potential underdog in a loaded South sectional tournament last year and this year, they may be considered a favorite. The Hornets return
Brendan Hill (6-6, So., PF) and
Michael Hershman (6-3, Jr., G/F), two versatile pieces that will create havoc for opposing defenses in the Hockomock League this winter.
View last season's Massachusetts boys basketball stats leaderboard5. Central (Springfield)Head coach: Mike Labrie
2011-12 finish: 24-1, Division I State Champions
The Golden Eagles graduated a slew of top producers, including All-State selection Tyrell Springer, but remain the team to beat in Western Massachusetts. State championship game hero
Cornelius Tyson (5-11, Sr., PG) returns as the region’s top guard and a threat to score at a moment’s notice.
Kamari Robinson (6-5, Sr. PF) is among the most versatile players in the state.
View last season's Massachusetts boys basketball playoff brackets
