2025 Junior Elite 75 Recaps Pt.1

Monday, March 24th, 2025

The Junior Elite 75 returned this past Friday March 21st at Mass Premier Courts in Foxborough Massachusetts, as 5th-8th graders put their skills on display. The gym was loaded with future talent in the New England region (and just beyond) that we were thrilled to welcome to our Elite 75 showcase series. Over the coming days, we will be going through and highlighting those who took the court. 

Darwin Mendoza (2029) 

Mendoza played the role of a true pass-first point guard. With elite vision and unselfish play, he consistently set up teammates for easy buckets, particularly in transition. Defensively, he stepped up in critical moments. 

Rayan Taku (2029) 

Taku brought relentless energy on both ends, turning heads with his athleticism and intensity. His quick first step allowed him to blow by defenders and finish with authority, while his vocal, competitive nature stood out on defense. 

Mason Ward (2030) 

Ward commanded his teams offense with poise and control. While he prioritized setting up teammates, he wasn’t shy about letting it fly from deep, displaying a confident shooting touch.

Leonel Bom Despacho (2029) 

Despacho played with confidence and flair, showcasing a dynamic offensive skill set. His crafty handle created space for clean looks, and he consistently generated opportunities for his teammates. 

Colton Gayron (2030) 

Gayron had a knack for finding open looks on the perimeter, draining multiple threes throughout the showcase. His ability to locate space and shoot with consistency stood out. 

Justin McNamara (2029) 

McNamara is the kind of player every coach wants. He makes the right reads, elevates his teammates, and plays with grit. His ability to get to the rim consistently made him a standout this weekend. 

Trevor Gardner (2029) 

Gardner was a defensive standout, bringing relentless effort on every possession. One of the top defenders at the showcase, he also impressed offensively with his mastery of the mid-range game—a rare skill in today’s basketball landscape. 

Josh Cerene (2029) 

Cerene’s game is mature beyond his years. A natural leader on the floor, he played with confidence and decisiveness. His elite guard skills and disruptive defense allowed him to control the tempo whenever he was on the court. 

Ayden Medeiros (2029) 

Medeiros showcased a well-rounded offensive game, boasting a smooth three-point shot, tight handle, and unselfish passing. Defensively, his relentless energy and pride made him a spark for his squad. 

Preston Small (2029) 

Small embodies the ideal guard—smart, physical, and a strong communicator. He attacked the rim with power, played tough defense, and consistently got his teammates involved. 

John Fielding (2030) 

Fielding was a do-it-all weapon for his team this weekend. With three-level scoring ability and lockdown defense, he not only displayed his skill set but also led with infectious energy. 

Ryder Scalabrine (2031) 

Scalabrine impressed with his deep shooting, high IQ, and strong defensive effort—all while being one of the youngest players in the class. The future looks bright for him.

Drake Alvarez (2029) 

Alvarez excelled at attacking the paint, finishing strong at the rim with consistency. He also proved to be a reliable outside shooter, sinking multiple threes. 

Junior Jean-Phillipe (2029) 

Jean-Phillipe shined in the mid-range, confidently creating space and knocking down shots from 15 feet. He commanded the court with poise, finding his spots with ease and demonstrating high-level shot creation.