Great Barrington Academy Prep Basketball, From Vision to Reality

Nestled in the beautiful southern region of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, Great Barrington Academy (GBA)stands as a new model of excellence in education and athletics a place where young men grow as students, athletes, and men of faith. Rooted in Christian values and principles, the academy seeks to develop young leaders who embody discipline, humility, and purpose, guided by the belief that true success comes from using one’s gifts to serve others and honor God.

The journey to build a high level prep basketball program at Great Barrington began years ago with Executive Director Joan Manuel Sánchez, a visionary educator and coach whose career has spanned more than 15 years across the college, prep, and international basketball landscapes. Before founding Great Barrington Academy, Sánchez served as Head Coach at NCAA Division II Concordia College (NY), Union County College (NJ), and in Venezuela’s professional league with Marinos de Anzoátegui. In the prep world, Sánchez helped build powerhouse programs at Upper Room Christian School (NY) and later Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA), where he spent three years leading both basketball and academic initiatives. Through these experiences, he developed a passion for creating a school that could blend elite basketball competition, NCAA-approved academics, and a faith-centered, family-style boarding environment all while remaining accessible to families seeking opportunity and transformation.

In partnership with the nonprofit Ensueño Hoops, Inc. and its educational arm Ensueño Education Group, LLC, Sánchez and his team acquired and began restoring the former Eagleton School campus, an 11-acre property featuring dormitories, a cafeteria, a school building, a full gymnasium, and athletic fields framed by the stunning Berkshire Mountains. After months of renovation, upgrades, and prayerful effort, the once-vacant property has been reborn as Great Barrington Academy — a home where student-athletes can live, learn, and train under one guiding belief:

To bring that mission to life, Sánchez surrounded himself with leaders who share his passion for mentorship and spiritual growth. Coach Ray Peña, former Head Coach at Hyde School (ME), serves as Director of Admissions and Director of Basketball, bringing decades of experience and a proven ability to develop disciplined, college-ready athletes. Joining him is Alex Cruz, Director of Player Development, whose focus on personal accountability, advanced skill work, and faith-based leadership prepares players to excel both on and off the court. Together, they form a leadership team devoted to helping every student-athlete reach his full potential, academically, athletically, and spiritually.

In its inaugural season, Great Barrington Academy will compete in the Power 5 AAA Conference and participate in the Great Atlantic Conference Showcases, taking on some of the most respected prep basketball programs in the nation, including Blair Academy, Brewster Academy, and CATS Academy. Offering both high school and post-graduate programs, Great Barrington Academy provides a professional basketball environment aligned with NCAA academic standards, where players are molded not only as athletes but as young men prepared to lead with conviction and grace.

The team's 2025-26 game schedule and results will be found at this link.

Coach Sanchez believes his 2025–2026 roster has a nice blend of talent and tenacity and is a dynamic mix of international standouts and New England talented players capable of competing across all three NCAA levels. The lineup blends experience, leadership, and youthful upside, anchored by a backcourt known for its toughness and basketball IQ. They are profiled below.

Ydderick “Caricuao” González (2027) 5’10 guard  - From Venezuela - A Venezuelan National Team point guard, González is a floor general with exceptional vision and decision-making. He controls tempo, leads by example, and makes teammates better on both ends of the floor. A high-IQ guard with deep shooting range, González’s combination of leadership and toughness makes him a cornerstone for GBA’s backcourt.

César Becerra (2027) 6’2 guard  - From Venezuela, a Venezuelan National Team member, Becerra is one of the premier shooters in the class of 2027. His smooth stroke, deep range, and offensive efficiency make him a constant threat. Beyond his shooting, he’s a smart, composed player who values defense and ball security a complete guard who fits any system.

Owen Stearns (2027) 6’3 guard - From West Warwick, RI, Stearns brings grit and heart to the floor every night. A tough, athletic guard who attacks the rim with force and finishes through contact, he’s also developed a confident jump shot that makes him a dual threat. His energy and defensive edge set the tone for GBA’s style of play.

Diego Fernández (2028) 6’10 center - From Woonsocket, RI, A member of the Dominican Republic National Team, Fernández is a skilled big man with a soft touch, fluid footwork, and strong rebounding instincts. His presence in the paint provides stability on defense and extra possessions on offense. With his size, feel, and improving skill set, Fernández projects as a future DI-caliber player.

Kenton Depina (2029) 6’4 guard – From Massachusetts, Depina is a young, exciting combo guard with shifty handles and advanced playmaking instincts. He creates opportunities for others, scores with confidence, and plays the game with a natural flair. With his athleticism and competitive drive, Depina has the tools to become one of New England’s premier guards in the coming years.

Others that will make their mark and D2/high level D3’s should start recruiting are Marco Azzolini, Simon Gagneten and Joel Aura who are tough kids with great upside that compete and can add value to rosters.