Northfield Mount Hermon is Back with More College Prospects
Northfield Mt Hermon School is a co-educational college-preparatory school in Gill, MA. It educates boarding and day students in grades 9–12, as well as post-graduate students. NMH began as two institutions, both founded by 19th-century evangelist, D.L. Moody: the Northfield Seminary, which opened its doors in 1879, and the Mount Hermon School for Boys, which opened two years later on the other side of the Connecticut River, the current site of Northfield Mount Hermon. The two schools aimed to educate young people who had limited access to education due to limited financial resources. In 1971, Northfield and Mount Hermon became a single coeducational school.
Their mens basketball program has an impressive history as a college basketball feeder program. It has earned the title of being the best combination of academics and basketball in the United States. Over the past 15 years, NMH has sent 45 players to the Ivy League, which is more than three times the amount of any other program in the World. They vie annually for a seed in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AA tournament. In doing so, they face some of the toughest prep school competition in the nation.
The team's 2025-26 game schedule and results will be found here.
The team is coached by Mike Shelton. Coach Shelton has an extensive resume in developing talent and leading winning teams, and he has sent many players on to DI and D3 colleges. His 2025-26 roster is again stocked with the college prospects as profiled below.
Isaiah Aminzadeh (2026) 6'4 guard - From Wenham, MA, Aminzadeh is the ultimate glue kid who just makes winning plays. He is a high academic, projected to be an IVY, NESCAC or UAA level prospect.
CJ Azor (2026) 6'2 guard - #86 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops. From Rochester, NY, Azor brings playmaking, toughness and high-level shooting to the backcourt. He can play either guard spot. Offensively, he’s lightning-quick and extremely physical with the ball in his hands; he gets downhill and brushes off contact like it’s nothing. Defensively, he slides his feet incredibly well and was consistently beating the offensive player to the spot. Receiving D1 recruitment. Plays AAU with Team Northeast. 4.0 gpa
Nate Djanogly (2026) 6'9 forward - London, England, unfortunately, Djaogly missed most of last season due to an ankle injury. He ended up only playing in 4 games. With a lot of upside and size, he has a great 3 point shooting stroke. His consistency as a shooter will likely shape his college ball options. Projected as Patriot or Ivy League level prospect. Straight A student.
Destine Evans (2026) 6'6 small forward - From Trenton, NJ, Destine is a post-grad from the Pennington School (NJ) where he averaged 15ppg. He has a D1 college ready body and currently has a D2 offer. A lot of schools form all levels have reached out and coming this fall to the NHM Open Gyms to get a closer look. Projected to be a Patriot League, Ivy League or America East level prospect.
Will Higgs (2026) 6'11 forward - From Atlantic Highlands High (NJ) Higgs is coming off an ACL injury, which had him out all year last year. While he did miss a lot of development, he looks great now and still has the ability to reclass to '27 if he doesn't get the D1 opportunity he is looking for. Holds offers from Texas A&M, East Carolina, Fairfield, Fordham, Cal State Bakersfield and NJIT.
Imangali Imbergen (2026) 6'7 small forward - From Astana, Kazakhstan, Imbergen is coming to NMH for a post-grad year from Montverde Academy. He had a strong junior season, but unfortunately had a season-ending injury his senior year. He is a freakish athlete who thrives in transition.
Darren Moore (2026) 6'2 point guard - Was committed to Stonehill College but since has decided to open up his recruitment. He is coming from the winning powerhouse, Bullis School (MD). He is a traditional point guard that can make shots in bunches and plays 94 feet on defense. Projected as a Low Major+ prospect.
Merrick Rillstone (2026) 6'8 forward - From Hamilton, New Zealand, Merrick comes to NMH via South Lakes High (VA). He was a two time state champ there, starting and averaging 17 ppg. An ankle injury held him out this entire summer, but he is a projected starter for NMH. He has range out to the 3 and can handle the ball really well for his size. Projected as a Low Major+ prospect.
Brayden Thayer (2026) 6'3 guard - From Northfield, MA, Thayer is a Shooter! He averaged 25 ppg for state champs, Pioneer Valley (MA). He showed that he could play at the NEPSAC AA level this summer as he had a 20 point performance vs Wilbraham & Monson Academy (MA) that included four threes. He is projected as a High Academic D3 NESCAC or Liberty League level prospect.
Freddie Bacon (2027) 6'2 point guard, From Colchester, VT, Bacon is coming off a development year as a repeat sophomore at NMH. He is a natural scorer and dynamic facilitator. Bacon is increasing his efficiency as a ball handler. He gets to his spots comfortably and uses his speed and quickness to make plays for himself, or others off the Pick and Roll. While in Vermont, Bacon had an incredible sophomore campaign for the Colchester Lakers, averaging roughly 22 ppg, 5 reb, and 5 ast. He possesses a mental toughness far beyond his years. His ability to lead his team at the point guard position allows him to make plays at all three levels. Plays AAU with Team White Mamba - MHC 16u. High academic.
Blake Bastani (2027) 6'5 guard - From Orinda, CA, Bastani is a transfer from New Hampton School (NH). The wiry guard can make a lot of shots and get to his spots in the mid-range. He is looking to have a breakout junior year after recovering from an injury that slowed him during the AAU summer season, now that he will be a featured part of the rotation. Projected as a Low Major+ prospect. Plays AAU with Jalen Green Elite.
Kaya Birsen (2028) 6'1 guard - From London, England, Birsen is a repeat sophomore is regarded as one of the best point guards in the country's 16u divisions. He excels both on and off the ball, combining skill with a high basketball IQ, allowing him to effectively attack the basketball, shoot from long range, or create opportunities for his teammates.
Caiden Manning (2028) 6'2 guard - Manning is a natural born basketball player. His overall work ethic in the gym and weight room will separate him from the rest of his peers in years to come. The oldest son of a coach, he has the passion and IQ for the sport like no other. The Massachusetts native is a knockdown 3pt shooter from range and blends his high energy with coachability very well, He also has the ability to put it on the floor and create also. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic 15u. High academic.
Maxxwell Thorpe (2028) 6’9 forward – Thorpe’s potential is sky high. He runs the floor hard, rebounds and blocks shots, and competes at a very high level. Having transitioned from playing soccer, he is smoothly coordinated and has footwork well beyond his years. Projected Mid Major+ prospect. Plays AAU for Expressions-EYBL.
To accommodate college scout visits, NMH holds a schedule of Fall Open runs, the details of which can be found here.