Cushing Academy (MA) 2026-27 Player Profiles
Founded in 1865 by a bequest from Thomas Parkman Cushing, a Boston merchant, Cushing Academy is a private, college-preparatory boarding and day, grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year, roughly 400 students on a 162-acre campus in north-central Massachusetts, 60 miles from Boston.
The Penguins basketball program is one of the premier college basketball prep programs in the nation. Last year, their team finished the season computer ranked as #5. They compete in one of the country's toughest leagues, the New England Basketball League (NEBL), and they vie annually for a seed in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AA division. Last year, they went 14-0 in the regular season vs NEPSAC AA opponents and then swept their way to the AA post season tournament championship. They also earned a bid into the 2026 National Prep School championship tournament.
The team is head coached by James Cormier and his associate head coach is Fabian Lara. This coaching staff and Cushing are prolific producers of high level college prospects. For example, last year's point guard, Ryan Moesch went to Syracuse and a forward, Theo Edma is heading off to St. John's (despite Rick Pitino claiming to not recruit freshmen in this upper classmen-via-the-portal driven environment).
The 2026-27 roster is again filled with high level talent, as profiled below.
Nate Blenman (2027) 6'8 forward - #11 ranked player in New England by NE Basketball Journal. #3 ranked player in Massachusetts by NERR. A skilled inside-out frontcourt presence, he's spent much of the year playing his way back into peak shape after missing extended time over the spring and summer with a foot injury. His ability to initiate offense from the post or operating in dribble handoffs is valuable. Has been offered by Boston University, Siena and Detroit Mercy. Plays club ball with Team New England. 3.2 gpa PH profile
Sam Brigham (2027) 6’3 point guard - Brigham is a standout from Pope Francis Prep (MA) committed to Cushing for a postgraduate year following his stellar 2025-2026 senior season. He is a 3-level scorer known for athleticism and skill, having scored over 2,000 career points. Has been offered by American International. Plays club ball with SECC Allstars-HGSL. PH profile
Theo Edema (2027) 7’0 forward (committed to St Johns University in May) - #83 ranked player in the nation by On3. #1 ranked player in New England by NE Basketball Journal. #3 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. #1 ranked player in Massachusetts by NERR. Edema, in addition to his dominant presence on the court, is a leader on campus and stars in track and field as well. Barely scratching the surface when it comes to basketball upside. His motor, footwork and hands are incredible. Projected to play highest level D1 and then professionally. Has received multiple offers, including Kansas, Tennessee, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and California. Plays club ball with Team New England. 4.0 gpa NERR profile PH profile
Elliot Erickson (2027) 6’6 small forward - 2025-26 All NEPSAC AA Honorable Mention. Erickson is a non-reclassed, which is almost unheard of in this era of Prep basketball. Erickson is tough, skilled, athletic, loves the game and is awesome to coach. He is capable of guarding all five positions. Plays club ball with Team New England. 3.9 gpa NERR profile PH profile
Coleman Mark (2027) 7’0, 225lb, forward - #30 ranked player in Massachusetts by NERR. #37 ranked player in New England per Prep Hoops. Mark is a 7 foot shooter with incredible upside. He has gained almost 30 pounds since last summer. Terrific passer out of the post and in point actions. Working to improve his body. Shot over 40% from 3 on the season and well over 50% with Middlesex Magic this spring. Loves the game, wants to be coached. Competes, even when out matched physically, finds a way to rebound and produce. Defensively versatile as he is able to switch and defend perimeter players. One of the most intriguing prospects in all of 2027. Has been offered by Bucknell. Plays club ball with Team New England. 3.8 gpa Video highlights NERR profile PH profile
Emmett Nelson (2027) 6'3 point guard, Cushing Academy (MA) - Plays club ball with Positive Direction.
Eli Prince (2027) 6’6 small forward - From Westhill High (NJ), Prince is known for his scoring, length, and two‑way impact, emerged as one of New Jersey's Section III's top players. Prince is a magnet on the glass. Prince takes and converts high percentage shots around the bucket. He also finds ways to get to the charity stripe. A scholarship level prospect. Has been offered by Sacred Heart University. Plays club ball with HoopRoots. PH profile
Anthony Vick (2027) 6’4 guard - 2025-26 All New England Basketball League Honorable Mention. #16 ranked player in Massachusetts by NERR. #25 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. Vick is a lethal 3 level scorer. He has microwave tendencies being able to go on efficient personal scoring runs. He can shoot the 3 off the move and off the dribble and is capable of getting a pullup on a variety of defenders. He plays with a ton of passion and ferocity. Holds multiple D1 offers, including Bryant, Fairfield, UMBC, Marist and Detroit Mercy. Plays club ball with Team New England. 3.1 gpa Video highlights NERR profile
Josh Charlot (2028) 5’11 point guard - 2025-26 CIAC Coaches Association All State Team and 2025-26 South West Conference Player of the Year while at Notre Dame-Fairfield (CT). Charlot has been a starter in every game of his high school career thus far. All State player as a sophomore and a junior. #1 ranked point guard in the CIAC. He is the consummate floor general who controls the pace of play at both ends. Embraces challenges at both ends; at his best when the game is on the line. Phenomenal separator off the dribble, with outstanding court awareness and vision. Next-level on-court communicator and leader. Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Pangos Frosh-Soph East Camp. Offered by Fairfield and Texas Rio Grande Valley. Plays club ball with the Riverside Hawks. 3.2 gpa RTB profile
Michael Chiara (2028) 6'4 guard - Chiara is physically advanced and has an incredible work ethic. He has a knack for scoring the ball at all three levels, and he contributes on the defensive end due to his tenacity, competitive nature, and physical maturity. Plays club ball with NY Heights. 3.7 gpa PH profile RTB profile
Ian Gesner (2028) 6'4 guard, Cushing Academy (MA) - Gesner has a ton of upside and a great skill set for a younger player. He can really shoot the ball from 3 and has a great touch in the mid-range. He is a hard worker and a gym rat. 4.4 gpa
To accommodate college scout visits, Cushing holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found in the title graphic above.
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.