Steve and Ethan recap the recently concluded AAU basketball season in New England. They discuss their experiences covering the season, highlighting top tournaments, standout players, and noteworthy performances from various regional teams. The episode features an in-depth look at specific players who significantly raised their stock, including award-winning prospects and rising stars. The hosts also share personal anecdotes and insights on the dynamics of AAU basketball, player development, and the rigors of the competitive circuit. Additionally, the episode includes a segment on the challenges and joys of basketball reporting, offering listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of their work and the questions they ask to get the best stories.

Topics

00:30 Reflecting on the AAU Season

01:32 Steve's First Live Period Experience

02:13 Adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships Recap

02:50 BABC and Mass Rivals Performance Highlights

08:36 Expressions Elite's Cinderella Run

14:21 Other Notable Boys Teams Performances

17:04 Girls AAU Season Highlights

22:42 Final Thoughts on the AAU Cycle

29:23 Top 5 Stock Risers

34:38 Adidas Live Period Recap

35:07 Addison Brennan: Rising Star

36:40 Breaking News: Ty to Ballis Reclassifies

40:50 Jay Scott's Impressive Season

42:46 Lucas Marillo's Big Year

46:24 Quinn Costello: National Sensation

53:00 Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts

55:45 Full Court Press: Behind the Scenes

The guest is Matt Droney, head coach of Dexter Southfield’s boys basketball team. The discussion covers Droney’s impressive resume, including his successful playing career and coaching stints at various institutions. Droney reflects on his transition from college coaching to high school coaching, Dexter Southfield’s strong first season under his leadership, and the positive team dynamics he fostered. Additionally, the conversation touches on the evolution of high school and prep basketball, and the challenges Droney faced along his coaching journey. The episode concludes with a fun segment of Full Court Press, where the hosts and guest discuss rule changes, fantasy teams, and potential documentary subjects.

Topics

01:05 Matt Droney's Coaching Journey

01:32 Reflecting on the First Year at Dexter Southfield

03:54 Key Players and Team Dynamics

10:47 Recruitment and Player Development

18:15 High School Basketball Memories

27:23 Coaching Influences and Philosophy

31:12 Dexter Southfield's Basketball Programs

32:55 State-of-the-Art Facilities and Training

35:24 Upcoming NSAC Showcases and Team Expectations

37:31 Full Court Press: Rule Changes and Basketball Fantasies

45:36 Basketball Documentaries We'd Love to See

51:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ethan and Steve interview Liana Cunningham, the girls coach at North Quincy High. She, shares her journey from wanting to be a coach at a young age to leading her team to an impressive season culminating in the Division Two Final Four. She discusses the dynamics of being a young coach, her coaching philosophy, and the importance of confidence both for herself and her players. The episode also highlights her connection with other coaches, her favorite basketball moments, and her experiences with her supportive coaching staff. The team wraps up with a fun segment called Full Court Press where they share personal anecdotes and favorite basketball nicknames.

Topics

00:20 Welcoming the Guest: Coach Liana Cunningham

00:45 Gen Z in Coaching: A Unique Perspective

01:57 North Quincy High's Remarkable Season

03:27 Early Aspirations and Coaching Influences

04:46 Balancing Coaching and Playing Experience

06:46 Rivalries and Community Support

08:44 Building a Strong Team and Staff

12:34 Coaching Philosophy and Inspirations

16:50 Challenges and Lessons Learned

22:39 Coaching Aspirations and Community Impact

23:31 High School Basketball Memories

25:01 Full Court Press Introduction

25:47 Heartbreaking Basketball Moments

30:03 Favorite Basketball Nicknames

33:23 Unpopular Players We Love

38:25 Episode Wrap-Up

The guest is PREP basketball's Cory Heitz, founder of Prep Athletics. Cory shares his extensive experience in placing student-athletes into prep schools, highlighting his personal journey and the evolution of basketball recruiting. Key topics include the foundational benefits of prep schools, the impact of financial considerations, the transformation brought by the transfer portal and NIL deals, and the future of three-point shooting in basketball. Cory also shares memorable success stories and offers candid advice for families making critical decisions about their children's basketball and educational paths.

Topics

01:01 Cory's Journey: From High School to Prep School

03:41 The Impact of Prep Schools on Cory's Family

05:41 The Changing Landscape of Prep Schools

08:17 Factors Influencing Prep School Decisions

11:58 Financial Aspects of Prep Schools

15:43 Comparing Prep School and College Recruiting

20:01 The Importance of Reclassing and Extra Year

23:40 Common Questions from Families

28:34 The Role of Trust in the Recruitment Process

32:47 New England Basketball and NEPSAC Discussion

34:25 Comparing Prep Schools Across the Country

36:44 Success Stories of Placed Students

40:03 The Impact of Post-Grad Years

41:18 Full Court Press: Basketball Insights

49:53 The Future of Three-Pointers in Basketball

55:36 Conclusion and Wrap-Upstories

Steve and Ethan sit down with Kenya Jones, head coach of the Brooks School's basketball team, fresh off their Class B Championship win. The conversation delves into the thrilling journey to the championship, including Alex Wilkins's game-winning shot, the team's emotional rollercoaster season, and the contributions of key players. Additionally, they discuss the strong community support at Brooks School and the future of the team. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of 'Full Court Press' where the hosts and Kenya Jones share their favorite highlights in basketball history, including memorable dunks, buzzer-beaters, and steals.

Topics

00:27 Introducing Special Guest: Coach Kenya Jones

01:18 Reflecting on the Championship Win

02:39 Overcoming Adversity Throughout the Season

04:28 The Emotional Journey and Key Moments

10:49 The Impact of Alex Wilkins

22:49 The Team Effort Behind the Victory

25:55 Community Support and School Spirit

27:22 Phenomenal Kids and Supportive Community

28:00 Challenging Road Games and Team Resilience

29:31 Planning for Next Season

30:48 Reflecting on Key Players and Team Dynamics

32:35 Full Court Press: Fun Q&A Segment

33:40 Memorable Dunks and Dunkers

38:33 Iconic Buzzer Beaters

42:55 Greatest Steals in Basketball History

47:00 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Ethan and Steve discuss the transition from the school basketball season to the AAU circuit. They highlight key players, teams, and prospects from recent events, including standout performances and recruiting potential. They also delve into specific player developments and the dynamics of different AAU teams across New England. Additionally, the episode features a fun quiz on college basketball nicknames. Join the hosts for an insightful deep dive into the regional basketball scene as they gear up for exciting AAU action this spring and summer.

Topics

00:28 Transition from School Season to AAU

00:46 Spring Weather and AAU Excitement

02:17 First AAU Event Insights

02:48 Player Performances and Team Dynamics

09:11 Spotlight on Expressions Elite

14:06 Emerging Talent and Notable Performances

17:33 Sneaker Teams and Top Prospects

25:24 Upcoming Girls' AAU Events and Expectations

30:53 Projecting Future Basketball Stars

31:44 Spotlight on Jay Scott

44:28 Under the Radar Prospects

47:47 College Basketball Nicknames Quiz

55:17 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Steve and Ethan provide an in-depth recap of the MIAA championship weekend in Lowell. They discuss key games and standout performances across the boys and girls divisions, including the thrilling Division 1 girls rematch between Wachusett and Bishop Feehan, Somerset Berkeley's shocking upset of Malden Catholic in boys Division 2, and Franklin's triumphant victory over Newton North in boys Division 1. Emotions ran high throughout the weekend, creating an unforgettable end to the basketball season with several historic achievements, including Somerset's first title since 1954 and Cathedral's three-peat in Division 4 girls. The episode encapsulates the excitement and intensity of high school basketball in New England, spotlighting the athletic talent and community spirit that define the sport.

Topics

00:27 Recap of the MIAA Championship Weekend

02:27 Friday's Games: D3 Girls Championship

02:54 Spotlight on St. Mary's Victory

06:34 D3 Boys Championship: Norwell vs. Old Rochester

12:08 Saturday's Games: D5 and D4 Boys Championships

19:02 D2 Girls Championship: Medfield vs. Worcester South

23:54 Epic D1 Girls Championship: Wachusett vs. Bishop Feehan

27:11 Mixed Reactions to the Play

27:21 Breaking Down the Game-Winning Play

28:44 Player Highlights and Performances

29:49 Bishop Feehan's Tough Loss and Key Players

31:17 Wachusett's Unexpected Success

33:32 Sunday's Chaotic Game: Hoosac Valley vs. Renaissance

38:41 Division 4 Championship: Cathedral's Dominance

40:32 Division 2 Boys Championship: Somerset Berkeley's Upset

46:25 Division 1 Boys Championship: Franklin vs. Newton North

56:32 Reflecting on the 2025 Girls Class

57:46 Wrapping Up the Season