WORCESTER, Mass. – The youth movement is in full effect at Worcester Academy, in contrast to what the team used to look like. Long a home for seniors and post-graduates during its many years in the old Class A of NEPSAC, the Hilltoppers have been younger in recent years and enter their second season in Class AA with perhaps the youngest team they have had in years.
Part of the youth movement is the result of a coaching change. Long-time coach Ed Reilly stepped away and remains the athletic director, and he handed the reins over to long-time assistant Jamie Sullivan. Going with a young group was Sullivan’s strategy to put his own stamp on the program right away.
There are some veterans, both in terms of overall experience and with the program. Foremost in the former category might be Rene Castro (6’1″ Jr. PG-SG, Milton (MA)), who comes to the school after two years at Beaver Country Day School. Castro has played in a lot of big games both in school and with BABC, and Sullivan likes the leadership he has shown thus far. On this day, he led the break well, hit some early jumpers to set a tone and got some stickbacks.
A pair of point guards return this season in Olivier Betu (6’1″ Sr. PG, Montreal (Que.)) and Ausar Madison (5’9″ Jr. PG, Carson (CA)). Betu has grown since arriving and looks like he’s ready to close out his high school career well, as he slashed to the basket often with success. He used a hesitation move well and found ways to maneuver past defenders and score, and also showed an ability to hit pull-up jumpers. Madison is still a baby physically and looks more willing to shoot now, something he seems to have some success at. He also showed the ability to hit the floater in the lane.
Canaan Severin (6’3″ Sr. SG-SF, Marlboro (MA)) didn’t work out due to a football commitment but will help the team, as will Ben Mesuda (6’0″ Jr. PG, Kingston (NY)) and Kei Okeida (5’8″ So. PG, Tokyo (Japan)) in the backcourt. Severin is getting recruiting at a high level on the gridiron and is a great competitor. Local boy Tom Rivard (6’6″ Jr. SG-SF, Worcester (MA)) will also figure into the equation on the wing, as he looks improved and was more of a factor than he was much of last year.
The frontcourt has some potential among its younger players, while a senior is also in the mix. Andrew Scocca (6’8″ Sr. PF-C, Melrose (MA)) is a powerfully built post player who wasn’t a big factor on offense before going down with a right foot or ankle injury. Matt Cimino (6’9″ So. PF, Falmouth (ME)) played well at the New England Elite 75 Frosh/Soph Edition a day earlier and showed more of his potential here, while also leaving one to wish he could do a little more work inside instead of hanging on the perimeter. He’s active and has some range on his jumper. Tyreik McCauley (6’6″ So. SF, Worcester (MA)) is a plus athlete with a good body, and should get plenty of opportunities to contribute right away. Sam Joquin (6’7″ So. PF, Ashland (MA)) will also be in the mix.
Sullivan’s first team has a lot of youth, but also a lot of talent in the backcourt. That’s never a bad place to have talent, and while a lot depends on the leadership of Castro and the development of the frontcourt players, there appears to be enough talent that this team might win a few games they probably shouldn’t this year while building for the future.
