32 Seacoast boys basketball players to watch from 12 high schools in 2023-24

A new high school boys basketball season is set to tip off, and there is a fresh group of talented players hitting the Seacoast hardwood this season.

There were no state champions from Seacoast schools last year, but a few made deep tournament runs, including Oyster River and St. Thomas Aquinas in New Hampshire, and Marshwood High School and York High School in Maine.

With a new season, there are new players, and here’s a look at 32 area players to watch — 16 seniors, 11 juniors, and five sophomores — representing nine Seacoast high schools in Maine and New Hampshire:

James Allen, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, senior, guard

Allen, according to St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Dave Morissette, is a "smart basketball player who really understands the game." Allen is also the son of University of New Hampshire associate head coach Jimmy Allen.

"He shoots the ball, and he can really pass it," Morissette said. "He just brings a dimension to the team that we didn't have last year."

Lukas Bouchard, York High School , junior, center

Bouchard was a double-double machine — racking up points and rebounds — for the Wildcats last season. He is ready to take over again during his junior season.

"(Bouchard) is tough inside around the basket," York head coach Jerry Hill said. "He's a great rebounder and shot blocker. He will also open up the offense for us, he's a terrific player."

Hill said the offense is primarily going to run through Bouchard.

"We expect big things out of Lukas," Hill said. "He had a breakout season last year, especially after Kevin (Burke) got hurt. We expect him to take the next step up, offensively and defensively ... we're going to be looking for him for a lot on both ends of the floor."

Ethan Brewer, Oyster River High School, senior, guard/forward

Brewer will see his time on the court split between the guard and forward positions this season.

"He can shoot the basketball, and he's improved a ton from last year to this year," Oyster River coach Lewis Atkins said. "Really good defensive player, and super fast and super quick. If he can bring that defensive intensity, make open shots and create for others, I think he'll be a big key component for our team."

Atkins said Brewer's quickness will give opposing defenders the toughest time while trying to contain him.

"He's improved on his decision-making as well, and he's shooting the ball a lot better this year; a lot more consistent," Atkins said.

Alex Brown, Somersworth High School, junior, guard

Brown will be one of the top players for the Hilltoppers as he enters his junior season.

"We've been waiting for a guard like Alex," Somersworth head coach Leon Shaw said. "He's a more traditional point guard. He's a soccer player, so he sees the floor in a very unique way compared to a lot of guards today ... he just has great vision of the floor. If someone is making a cut, he knows where the ball is supposed to be and how to find them in an open space."

Shaw said Somersworth is a smaller team this year, but Brown has no problem taking the ball to the basket.

"No matter who is in front of him, he's looking to finish," Shaw said. "He has great handles, and no one's going to be able to just 'D' us up 1-on-1 with (Brown) at the point and keep us from getting into our sets."

Cam Brown, Somersworth High School, junior, guard

Shaw labeled Brown as one of the best shooters on the team and skilled as a combo guard.

"He's probably going to get the bulk of his baskets on the fast break," Shaw said. "He's really good at just getting out there into open space. He's a thin kid, so he can slash between folks. He's really good off the ball running the floor, taking advantage of his speed and athleticism."

But, Brown is also dangerous in the halfcourt set and can attack defenses that way.

"If a team goes into a zone, he's going to be able to start draining 3s," Shaw said.

Paul Butler, Spaulding High School, senior, guard

Butler has been starting for the Red Raiders since his sophomore season, and head coach Lorne Lucas said big things are going to continue to come this year for Butler, who averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds a game last season.

"He put in a lot of time working on his game this offseason and the team will be relying on Paul to provide leadership and experience this season," Lucas said. "We'll be looking for Paul to score more this year and to continue to be one of our best defenders again this year."

Miles de Iongh, Portsmouth High School, senior, guard

De Iongh is the top returning scorer from last season at 12.5 points per game. He also shot 34 percent from 3-point range.

"He is a 6-foot-4 athletic sharpshooter who put on about 15 pounds this summer," Portsmouth first-year head coach Tyrece Gibbs said. "He's looking to play around the basket more."

Ryan Essex, Marshwood High School, junior, guard

Essex suffered an injury last year at the beginning of the season, and never returned. But Essex is the type to show up every day to practice and is a great teammate, Marshwood head coach Bobby Pratt said.

"Ryan is a three-year varsity player and is our hardest working player," Pratt said. "His athleticism and strength make him a tough matchup. He attacks the basket with force. We are looking for him to lead us offensively and defensively."

Pratt and the staff are excited for Essex to get going and to kind of take over, not only a leadership role, but also with his play.

"He's strong on both ends of the court," Pratt added. "Offensively, we'll look to him to score a lot, and defensively, we'll look to him to probably defend the other team's best wing player."

Ronan Garrett, Marshwood High School, junior, center

Pratt said Garrett is one of the Hawks' most impactful players.

"He's worked tremendously on his offensive game and we're really hoping he's going to take another step in his development this year," Marshwood head coach Bobby Pratt said. "He can score in the paint, just another unbelievable leader. He's a great kid, and we're looking to Ronan this season for sure.

"He improved drastically last year playing with (Andrew Perry and Jared Herrin)," Pratt said. "His height and length make him impact the game both offensively and defensively. We wouldn't be surprised if Ronan leads our team in points, rebounds and blocks this year. Ronan works extremely hard and is a great leader."

Sam Grube, Dover High School, senior, forward

Grube is a second-year varsity player for the Green Wave, and head coach Matt Fennessy likes what Grube brings to the court on a consistent basis.

"He improved a great deal from the beginning of last year to the end of the season," Fernnessy said. "He's our top returning defender, and he’s worked on his jump shot and has become more consistent offensive player."

Connor Hickey, Portsmouth Christian Academy, senior, forward

Hickey's junior season was a dominant one as the guard averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists a game.

"He can score from the outside and can get to the rim, making him a tough matchup for our opponents," PCA head coach Derek Summers said. "He's one of our best defenders as well, and will often be asked to guard our opponent's best player."

Summers also said Hickey can post up, and score "from many different angles and ways."

Dylan Jabre, Dover High School, senior, guard

Jabre is the Green Wave's top returning scorer at 15 points per game, and Dover will look for him to continue to put up points during his senior campaign.

"Jabre is a player to watch for us," Fennessy said. "He's a three-year varsity player, and has worked hard this off-season to improve his playmaking, defense and leadership. We need him to excel in all those areas for us to have a successful season."

Matthew Jernigan, Oyster River High School, sophomore, guard

Jernigan saw some good time as a freshman last season, and even showed some flashes of strong play in the Division II tournament.

Being the lone returner with varsity experience, Jernigan was named the starting point guard and will be counted on to lead the Bobcats.

"He's our best ball handler," Oyster River head coach Lewis Atkins said. "He's a really good decision-maker. He shoots the ball pretty well, and he's grown 3 inches since last year. We're looking for a big year out of him."

Jernigan played well in the tournament, and continued that in the off-season.

"He carried that experience into the summer as a leader on the floor," Atkins said. "Hopefully, he can take that into this season and lead as we go."

Sam Jordan, Traip Academy, junior, guard

Traip first-year head coach Riley Donovan said Jordan is a vocal team leader and a captain, which adds to his on-court ability.

"He can shoot from the outside and has a good mid-range jump shot," Donovan said. "Sam brings a high level of intensity to his team on a daily basis."

Donovan mentioned that Jordan is a little taller for guards, and it certainly helps Jordan.

"Sam is an excellent defender," Donovan said. "He's very aggressive, but he's a very smart player. He's a very good outside shooter, and has a good range pull-up jump-shot."

Brendan Kirby, Oyster River High School, junior, guard

Oyster River head coach Lewis Atkins said Kirby shoots the ball really well, and will also look to be counted on for a larger role with the Bobcats this season.

"He probably is one of the top five or six athletes in our division," Atkins said. "He's very athletic, shoots it well and he's started to come into his own and figure out where he can be effective on the floor."

Atkins said Brewer's shooting ability will give the opposition trouble.

"He can shoot it with range as well," Atkins said. "So if teams get out to him before he can get the shot off he can drive. He's athletic once he gets to the hoop."

Tyson Khalil, Winnacunnet High School, senior, guard

Khalil transferred to Winnacunnet last season and was a huge impact for the Warriors. Head coach Jay McKenna expects even more this season.

"He's a great leader and a great basketball player," McKenna said. "He had a tremendous season last year running the point for us. He's worked really hard this offseason, and he leads us on and off the floor."

Khalil can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, and can shoot from deep.

"He's just as good at setting up teammates," McKenna added. "He's going to kind of be our engine this year."

Timmy Kollmorgen, Winnacunnet High School, senior, guard

Winnacunnet head coach Jay McKenna said Kollmorgen is a really solid athlete who brings a lot of experience to the Warriors.

"He's very strong and he shoots the ball well," McKenna said. "He's been a great leader."

McKenna said team's will struggle when it comes to guarding Kollmorgen.

"If you leave him open, he's going to knock it down," McKenna said. "He added things to his skillset this offseason. He's looking to penetrate, he's looking to get into the paint and he's looking to set teammates up as well. It makes him that much more effective offensively,"

Jaron LaBranche, Newmarket, junior, guard

LaBranche is another player for the Mules to keep an eye on, as he will lead the unit from the point guard position.

"He's really stepped up this winter and this season, already producing and becoming a leader for us," Newmarket head coach Nick Farrar said. "He play makes for everyone and is capable scoring himself, but he's really looking to get everyone better, so he's been really impressive."

Nick Martine, Traip Academy, senior, guard

Martine is one of two team captains for Traip this season.

"Nick brings experience and leadership," Traip head coach Riley Donovan said. "He can shoot from the outside and has the quickness to get to the basket."

Donovan added of Martine, "he really has some good offensive ability. He handles the ball well, and I just think he's an all-around good player. He's a good defender, and plays with kind of a quiet confidence to him."

Nate McNeff, Exeter, junior, guard

McNeff will be Exeter's starting point guard this season.

"(McNeff) bring intensity on both ends," Exeter head coach Jeff Holmes said. "He's just a really solid overall point guard."

Along with being a good floor general, Holmes said McNeff gets after it on the defensive side of the ball as well.

"He's a leader, and he's worked really hard," Holmes said. "I think he's going to have a really good year for us."

Will Mollica, St. Thomas Aquinas, senior, forward

St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Dave Morissette said Mollica, a Division III all-state honorable mention pick last year, is a leader who does everything on the floor.

"He's worked on his game and he's gone to another level," Morissette said. "We're going to rely, not just on his points, but his leadership. He can dominate a game without scoring, so he's going to be a big, big factor for us."

Derek Parsons, York High School, senior, guard

York head coach Jerry Hill said not only can Parson can handle the ball, but he can penetrate and can be effective from the perimeter.

"His defense has improved as well," Hill said.

Parsons was the leading scorer for the Wildcats last season and was a Class B South first-team selection.

"We expect a lot out of (Parsons) as well," Hill said. "Both on offense and defense."

Logan Perrault, Somersworth High School, senior, forward

Somersworth head coach Leon Shaw said Perrault is a Dennis Rodman-type of player as a gritty, hard-working big man.

"When we play teams that have dynamic point guards, (Perrault) is going to (guard) the point guard, but at the same time, he's going to be our leading rebounder on both the offensive and defensive end," Shaw said. "He's not the guy we might be looking for to make the big basket, but he's going to make so many baskets for us just by doing the dirty work."

Isaiah Reis, Portsmouth High School, sophomore, guard

Reis stands 6 feet tall and transferred from Sanborn Regional High School. Portsmouth head coach Tyrece Gibbs thinks Reis will be a great addition to the Clippers.

"He's a tough guard who runs the show for us," Gibbs said. "He has great quickness getting to the basket and can stretch the defense with his ability to shoot it deep. He could be a double-double guy any given night."

Connor Roberge, York High School, senior, guard

Roberge is one of York's captains this season, a player the Wildcats will look to lead them on and off the floor.

"(Roberge) can get to the basket, and can help us on the perimeter as a shooter," York head coach Jerry Hill said. "He plays very good defense and can handle against pressure. He's well rounded and we're going to look to him to do a lot for us this year, both offensively and defensively."

Brady Rogers, Exeter High School, senior, guard

Rogers, a Newfields resident who attended Exeter as a freshman, has transferred back from St. Thomas Aquinas, and hopes to bring the same impact to Exeter this year.

"Brady has been a great addition," Exeter head coach Jeff Holmes said. "He's very athletic and is an outstanding shooter."

Holmes calls the 6-foot-2 Rogers a "nice addition."

"He's an athletic two guard, and a very good shooter," Holmes said. "His strength is his ability to shoot the ball, and use his athleticism as a good defender and rebounder."

Marcel Rose, Spaulding High School, sophomore, guard

Rose moved into the Spaulding lineup early last season, and is now one of the Red Raiders' captains heading into this year. He averaged 9.4 points, 4 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game last year. He was Spaulding's second-leading scorer.

"Marcel has put in a lot of time this offseason to become a better shooter and ball handler," Lucas said.

Anthony Settineri, St. Thomas Aquinas, junior, guard

Settineri won't be the biggest player on the court, but that won't stop him from being able to put up points and also play defense at a high level.

"He can really shoot the ball," STA head coach Dave Morissette said. "Not only that, at times, he is the best defender and energy player for us."

Andrew Simmons, Winnacunnet, junior, center

Simmons, at 6-foot-7, will be the tallest player on the floor most nights.

"He's a kid who has worked really hard in the offseason," McKenna said. "He's very strong, and he's added some post moves to his game."

Simmons rebounds really well, and sets the tone defensively by protecting the paint. Also, McKenna said Simmons makes the team more versatile because team's can't key in solely on the guards.

McKenna labeled Simmons a "really talented kid on the block."

"He can be disruptive defensively due to his size and ability around the rim," McKenna said. "He gives us a great and physical presence defensively. He's had a really good preseason."

Cai Summers, Portsmouth Christian Academy, sophomore, guard

Last season as a freshman, Summers' 13.1 points per game ranked second on the team.

"He will need to adjust as opponents will be game-planning for him," PCA head coach and Cai's father Derek Summers said. "Last year, he kind of took what the defense gave him. This year, I think he's developing to be more of a playmaker."

Melkato Swanson, Newmarket, junior, guard

Swanson is an offensive threat at all times, according to coach Nick Farrer.

"Really good handle and his shot has really improved," Farrer said. "He's going to be our offensive spark."

Farrer added that the way Swanson can spread the floor will cause headaches for teams.

"He can drive and play make, but he's really been impressive with his shooting so far this season," Farrer added.

Ryan Swartz, Portsmouth High School, sophomore, forward

Gibbs said Swartz has the most potential on the Clippers this season, and can be one of the players who shines the most in Division I.

"His 6-foot-4 frame makes him a tough matchup night-in and night-out," Gibbs said. "He's a dual-threat who is willing to do the dirty work needed to win. He can truly do it all. We're looking for him to have a breakout year."

Parker Sweitzer, Newmarket, senior, guard/forward

Coach Farrar said Sweitzer is the Mules' most impactful player.

"He's one of those cool, calm and collected guys who kind of does everything for us," Farrar said. "He's kind of our most versatile guy where he'll play some guard, some forward and just really our leader of the whole program."

Opposing defenders will struggle with Sweitzer's size and athleticism.

"He's a strong kid, but he's able to handle the ball, so he's able to play multiple positions," Farrer added.

Liam Tiernan, Marshwood High School, junior, guard

Tiernan saw valuable varsity minutes last year as a sophomore.

"His size, strength, and toughness along with his offensive skills will prove to be a quality piece of our offense," Marshwood head coach Bobby Pratt said.

An "awesome kid" and another great athlete for the Hawks basketball team, Tiernan will certainly be a force.

"Liam plays extremely hard and is willing to do anything to help his team win," Pratt said. "He's a great leader and competitor."

Dylan Whelan, Exeter High School, senior, forward

Exeter head coach Jeff Holmes is expecting a big year out of the senior forward this season.

"Dylan has worked hard this off-season and has improved a lot," Holmes said. "Dylan will be able to score at all three levels for us."

Holmes added that Whelan, who stands around 6-foot-1, is a "jack of all trades" type of player.

"He does a little bit pf everything," Holmes said. "He can rebound, he can shoot, and he can defend."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 32 players high school boys basketball players to watch in NH, ME