Worcester Academy (MA) 2026-27 Player Profiles
Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy is one of the oldest day and boarding schools in the country. It hits its 200th anniversary in 2034. It is coeducational, nonsectarian, serving grades 6-12 plus postgraduates for roughly 450 upper school students, drawn from 20 countries, 12 states, and 96 Massachusetts cities and towns. It sits on 71 acres across two campuses in an urban setting. Worcester Academy’s state-of-the-art Capozzoli Athletic Center at New Balance Performance Park is now fully open and serving students, teams, and community partners. This 70,000-square-foot, two-level facility represents a bold investment in athletic excellence, student health, and neighborhood engagement. This year, for the first time ever, both NEPSAC June Scholastic Live Period Showcases were held in a single location, the Capozzoli Athletic Center.
The boys basketball program has a long history of on-court success and in feeding its alums into college basketball. This year, the program will host three teams., Varsity 1, Varsity 2 and Varsity 3. Worcester Academy Varsity 1 competes in the New England Prep School (NEPSAC) Class AA division and has been a powerhouse there. They have the best record in that division's championship tournament in recent years, winning three AA titles in four years, back-to-back in 2022 and 2023, then again in 2025. The basketball program is reaping the benefits of decades of college-coach relationship-building and a proven track record of getting athletes in front of hundreds of collegiate coaches through tournaments, open gyms, and in-house events.
Worcester Academy just might be the only high school in history to produce two NBA Championship-winning head coaches. Rick Carlisle '79, won the 2011 NBA title with Dallas, plus a ring as a player with the 1986 Celtics. 2002 NBA Coach of the Year. Michael Malone '89, won the 2023 NBA title with Denver. Worcester's current coach, Jamie Sullivan, has been in the Worcester gyms for 28 years. He arrived in 1998 as JV head coach for two seasons, then was the varsity assistant on varsity until taking over the head coaching job in 2011. He has won NEPSAC AA Coach of the Year multiple times.
The 2026-27 teams will be featuring the players profiled below.
Cole Blackburn (2027) 6’6 175lb forward - From Winchester, MA (Dartmouth College commit) - Blackburn is a versatile and athletic wing who makes an impact on both ends of the court. An explosive scorer who can attack the basket, finish above the rim, and shoot from the perimeter. Blackburn uses his size and athleticism to rebound, defend multiple positions, and create opportunities for his teammates.
Cole Callahan (2027) 5’9 165lb guard - From Westminster, MA -● Callahan is an exceptional shooter with a quick, consistent release and the ability to stretch the floor. He moves extremely well without the ball, using smart cuts and spacing to consistently find open looks. In transition, Cole pushes the pace and uses his ability to make plays to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Plays club ball with Middlesex Magic-HGSL. 3.4 gpa NERR profile PH profile
Cavan Gardner (2027) 5’10 170lb point guard (committed to Widener College in August) - From Grafton, MA, Gardner is a smart and composed left-handed point guard who does a great job running an offense. He plays with good pace, makes good decisions, and rarely forces the action. Gardner is a confident shooter who can knock down shots off the catch or dribble. He has a strong handle, good court vision, and does a nice job creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. His shooting, ball control, and decision-making make him a reliable point guard who helps his team win. Plays club ball with Worcester Sting. 3.7 gpa
Kai Johnson (2027) 6’8 210lb wing - From Frisco, TX, Johnson is a versatile and athletic wing who uses his size, strength, and skill to impact the game in many ways. At 6’8”, he can play inside or on the perimeter and has the ability to attack smaller defenders off the dribble. Johnson is a strong transition scorer who runs the floor well and can finish above the rim. He also has good touch around the basket and can score through contact. Johnson has developed into a good perimeter shooter and can space the floor while also using his ball skills to attack the basket. He has also shown the ability to make plays for teammates. Defensively, his size, length, and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, rebound, disrupt passing lanes, and protect the rim... Has been offered by UMass and Vermont. Plays club ball with Urban DFW Elite. PH profile
Gavin Wettlaufer (2027) 6’9 225lb forward - From Bellevue, WA, 2026 Prep Hoops Academic Elite 75 First-Team. Wettlaufer combines size, strength, athleticism, and skill. He is a versatile offensive player who can score around the basket, step outside and knock down three-point shots, and make plays for others with his excellent court vision. He has strong footwork and soft touch around the rim and can finish effectively with either hand. Defensively, he uses his length, strength, and mobility to guard opposing bigs, rebound at a high level, and protect the paint. Has received multiple offers, including Pittsburgh, Willamette University, San Francisco State and Metropolitan State. Plays club ball with Seattle Select. 3.5 gpa Video highlights PH profile
Jojo Reyes (2027) 6’1 170lb guard - From Worcester, MA - Reyes is a tough and athletic guard with a strong handle, quick first step, and good feel for the game. He does a great job changing speeds and attacking the basket, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Reyes can finish around the rim and has also shown the ability to knock down three-point shots. He is especially effective in transition because of his speed and ability to push the ball. Defensively, Reyes plays hard, applies pressure, and uses his quickness and active hands to create turnovers. His scoring, playmaking, speed, and toughness make him a versatile guard who can impact the game in multiple ways. On D1 watch list, receiving D3 recruitment.
Chris Vinson (2027) 6’3, 200lb guard - From Detroit, MI, Vinson is a strong, left-handed combo guard who can score and create for others. He is a good shooter with range and a smooth mid-range pull-up. He has a strong handle, changes speeds well, and can get downhill to finish at the rim. Vinson also has good court vision and does a nice job finding teammates when the defense helps. His size, shooting, ball-handling, and passing make him a versatile guard with college-level potential. Receiving D1 interest.
Aadarsh Yalamanchili (2027) 6’7 forward - From Grafton, MA, Yalamanchili has excellent size and length at the forward position and uses those physical tools to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He has the versatility to guard multiple positions while still providing rim protection, thanks to his ability to move his feet and stay in front of opponents. Offensively, he is aggressive on the offensive glass and has the ability to score effectively with his back to the basket. He can also get downhill off the bounce and uses his movement and cutting off the ball to create scoring opportunities Plays club ball with New England Elite-HGAL. 3.6 gpa PH profile
Hunter Berry (2028) 6’1 guard - From Holden, MA, Berry is a skilled guard who can impact the game with his shooting, ball-handling, and quickness. He is a strong perimeter shooter who can make shots off the catch or dribble. Berry has a smooth handle and quick first step, allowing him to create space and attack the basket. He has also improved as a finisher and can use his athleticism to finish above the rim and through contact. Berry is effective both with and without the ball, making him a good floor spacer and scoring threat. Defensively, he plays with active hands and works hard to pressure opposing guards.
Jayden Gibson (2028) 6’3 guard - From Stoughton, MA, Gibson is a strong and versatile combo guard who uses his size, strength, and quickness to create advantages. He plays with good pace and changes speeds well to get past defenders and attack the basket. Gibson is a tough downhill scorer who can play through contact and finish around the rim with good footwork and touch. He is comfortable playing with or without the ball and can contribute as both a scorer and playmaker. Gibson makes good decisions in pick-and-roll situations and can either attack the basket or find open teammates. Defensively, his size, strength, and quickness allow him to defend guards and apply pressure. NERR profile PH profile
Drew Herren (2028) 6’0”, 170lb point guard - From Providence, RI, Herren is a skilled and competitive point guard who plays with good pace, toughness, and athleticism. He has a strong handle and quick change of direction, allowing him to create space and get to the basket. Herren is a versatile scorer who can finish around the rim, score in the mid-range, and knock down perimeter shots. He also has good court vision and can create opportunities for his teammates. Herren plays hard without the ball, competes for rebounds and loose balls, and makes winning plays. Defensively, he brings full-court pressure and uses his quick hands to create steals and deflections.
Dylan Lyons (2028) 6’6 wing - From Bourne, MA, Lyons is a young and athletic big with good size, strength, and upside. At 6’6”, he can create matchup problems while also having the ability to play down low and on the perimeter. Lyons is a strong driver who uses his size and athleticism to get to the basket and finish through contact. His ability to play above the rim also makes him a threat in transition and around the basket. He plays hard on both ends of the floor and can defend multiple positions because of his size and mobility.
Aiden Prunty (2028) 6’2”, 175lb guard - From Carthage, NY, Prunty is a versatile and competitive guard who plays with good pace, toughness, and basketball IQ. A two-time state champion at Glens Falls, he brings a winning mindset and strong experience to the court. Prunty is a developing perimeter shooter with the ability to create his own shot using his handle and change of speed. He can also attack the basket and score from the mid-range. Beyond scoring, Prunty does a little bit of everything, including rebounding, passing, screening, and making winning plays.
Jack Rye (2028) 6’9 forward - From Bromley, UK, Rye is a skilled and athletic forward who combines great size with good mobility and versatility. At 6’9”, he can play both inside and on the perimeter, making him a difficult matchup. Rye is a good shooter with range and can score as a pick-and-pop option or off the catch. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor, attack the basket, and finish around the rim. In the post, he has good touch and can score with his back to the basket. Defensively, his size and mobility allow him to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and block shots.. Plays club ball with City Rocks New York-EYBL. Video highlights NERR profile PH profile
Wesley Stromme (2028) 6’1 guard - From Boylston, MA, a true junior, Stromme is a skilled and competitive guard who can shoot, attack the basket, and make plays. He is a reliable perimeter shooter and uses his quickness and ball-handling to get downhill and create scoring opportunities. Stromme does a good job finishing around the rim with his athleticism and footwork. He is also effective without the ball, spacing the floor and finding ways to contribute without needing to control every possession. Despite his size, he competes hard for rebounds and loose balls and is willing to make tough plays, including taking charges Plays club ball with ASA. 3.5 gpa NERR profile PH profile
Dyson Smith (2028) 6’2 point guard - From Maple Creek, NJ, Smith is a strong and athletic point guard who uses his size, quickness, and physicality to attack the basket. He has a quick first step and does a good job getting past defenders and finishing through contact. Smith is at his best when driving to the basket, where his strength and athleticism make him difficult to stop. He can also finish above the rim and is effective in transition. Defensively, his size, strength, and athleticism allow him to pressure ball handlers and defend multiple matchups. As he continues to develop his shooting and playmaking, Plays club ball with Dribble Drive-MHC. 3.0 gpa NERR profile
Josiah “Jojo” Bates (2029) 6’1 point guard - From Worcester, MA, Bates is a smart and unselfish young point guard who does a great job creating opportunities for his teammates. He is a pass-first guard with good court vision and a strong feel for the game. Bates plays with good control and makes smart decisions with the basketball. He is also a confident perimeter shooter who can knock down open shots and help space the floor. As he continues to develop physically and improve his ability to create his own offense, Bates has the potential to become a well-rounded point guard who can run an offense, make shots, and defend.
Jenson Green (2029) 5’10 point guard - From Cambridge, UK. Green is a skilled and competitive point guard. He is a talented shooter with a quick release and has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Jenson plays with excellent pace and feel, attacks the basket with creativity, and consistently looks to create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he competes beyond his size with active hands and a willingness to make winning plays. His experience playing for England youth teams adds valuable international experience to his developing game. Plays club ball with the London Youngbloods. 3.8 gpa Video highlights
Cullen Hughes (2029) 5’10 point guard - Hughes is a smart guard who makes good decisions. He can catch-and-shoot and is equipped with a high motor and a selfless approach. Plays club ball with Details Basketball. 3.9 gpa
Enrique Perez (2030) 5'9 point guard - From Worcester, MA, Perez is a quick and skilled young point guard with a strong handle, good feel, and playmaking ability. He does a great job changing direction and speed to get past defenders and attack the basket. Perez has good touch around the rim and can finish creatively despite his size. He is also a confident shooter off the dribble, making him a tough matchup in ball-screen situations. As a passer, Perez makes smart decisions and shows good court vision. Defensively, he plays hard, uses his quick hands, and does a good job pressuring opposing guards.
To accommodate college scout visits, Worcester Academy holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found in the title graphic above.
The Varsity 1 team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
The Varsity 2 team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
The Varsity 3 team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.