Blair Academy Flies High as one of the Nation's Best
Blair Academy is a coeducational, boarding and day school for students from ninth through twelfth grades as well as a small post-graduate class. The school's campus is located on a 463 acres campus in Blairstown, NJ, approximately 60 miles west of New York City. The school's enrollment generally runs around 465 students.
Their mens basketball program has an impressive history of success. They compete in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MPAL) and they vie annually for a seed in the New Jersey Open Division State Championship tournament. They have won the MAPL title 16 times and the State title six times, including winning both the past two seasons. They have produced over 80 D1 players, 5 NBA players and 4 Olympians. 5 Final Four participants. Last year, they went the entire season computer ranked as the #1 or #2 team in the nation, and all indications are they will be performing at a similarly high level this year.
The team is head coached by Joe Mantenga and his lead assistant is Jon DeJesus. Coach Mantenga's coaching resume is very impressive, both at Blair and in coaching in the USA Basketball programs. It's also global in that he coached the South Sudan team in the Paris Olympics.
Blair's 2026-27 roster, as we profile below, is once again loaded with high level college prospects.
Kamsi Awaka (2027) 6'10 forward - #70 ranked player in the nation by Rivals.com. 2026 All 3SSB 17u First Team, 2026 3SSB 17u Defensive MVP. We've seen this big-bodied, strong, hard playing and intelligent player story before...from Awaka's big brother, Tobe (Tennessee and Arizona starter). He is a big body with a soft touch around the rim. He uses size and strength to really impact the game. Has received multiple High Major offers, including UConn, Michigan State, Georgia Tech and Arizona. Plays club ball with New Heights NYC. RTB profile
Ray Fernandez (2027) 6'4 guard (committed to Cornell University) - Fernandez is one of the most polished perimeter shooters in his class, capable of scoring efficiently from deep and in the midrange. He uses his size and high release to shoot over defenders, maintaining balance and composure even under heavy pressure. Received multiple other D1 offers, including UPenn and Boston University. Plays club ball with PSA Cardinals. High gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Peter Rosta (2027) 6'10 forward (committed to UPenn in August) - 2025 Hungarian National 18u team's top player. Rosta is a skilled forward with a ton of upside. He can shoot the 3, guard multiple positions. He also can really pass the ball as a point forward. He averaged 12.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.2 apg this summer playing 18u ball in Romania. Projected as a potential Power 4 player.
Walker Swann (2027) 6'1 guard - Swann is a lefty shooter. Plays AAU with NEPA Elite.
Kamari Whyte (2027) 6'5 guard (committed to Georgia Tech) - #93 ranked player in the nation by Rivals.com. 2026 3SSB Session III 17u MVP. Transferred in from Vermont Academy, Whyte consistently gets downhill, using his strength and athleticism to finish through contact while controlling the game with his physical presence. He also makes an impact on the glass and defends multiple positions. Whyte produces against high-level of competition. His combination of size, toughness, and two-way ability makes him a High Major prospect. Received multiple other D1 offers, including Marquette, Villanova, UAB and Virginia Tech. Plays club ball with New Heights NYC. RTB profile
Cam Anderson (2028) 6’3 guard - Transfer from Roosevelt High (CA) - Anderson looks to be a key contributor on this loaded Blair squad. He is crafty with the ball, elite passer with a natural feel for the game. Good defensive instincts on the ball. Has been offered by Fresno State, UNLV and San Jose State. Plays club with Vegas Elite. PH profile
Ian Archbold (2028) 6'6 small forward - One of the best 2028's in the country. Archbold is a lengthy, athletic wing who uses his tools to influence the game in multiple ways. His mobility and reach allow him to guard several positions effectively. Offensively, he attacks gaps, finishes above the rim, and provides valuable versatility. With his ability to impact both ends, he is a dynamic two-way contributor. 2025 USA Basketball team invitee. Offered by Syracuse as a sophomore and tracking to be a High Major player. Plays club ball with New Heights NYC. PH profile RTB profile
Dylan Cowell (2028) 6'10 forward - Another key weapon, Crowell was All State last year at the Pingry School (NJ). He has high major potential. He is springy athlete with a quick second jump. Has been offered by Albany, Bucknell, Hampton and Florida A&M. Plays club ball with NJ Beasts-Puma . PH profile
Lenox Nickles (2028) 5'10 point guard - Nickles impacts the game both on and off the ball. Nickles creates for himself and is a floor spacer. He knocks down outside shots in a multitude of ways - off the catch, on the move, and off the bounce. He also attacks off the bounce and finishes in traffic with craftiness around the basket despite being undersized. A versatile guard that can play either position. Plays club ball with NJ Panthers. PH profile
Bray Brown (2029) 6'2 guard - Brown is an elite three sport athlete (football and track). He attacks the basket with a purpose and he finishes strong around the rim. Brown can also play off the ball as he moves into open space to get free shots for himself. He is a tough on-ball defender and works for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Brown projects to be a major contributor. Plays club ball with NJ Scholars. PH profile
Zack Wasserman (2029) 6'4 guard - Wasserman is a shooter with range. He is a sneaky athlete who will only improve playing every day with and against Blair's level of competition. Plays club ball with New Heights NYC. RTB profile
To accommodate college scout visits, Blair holds a schedule of Fall Open runs, the details of which can be found here.
The team's 2026-27 game schedule and results will be found here.