2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards 2016 Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton 2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards HockomockSports Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. TheSunChronicle.com ESPNBoston.com

2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards
Franklin junior Sean O’Leary has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the 2022-2023 season. O’Leary was the top all-around player in the league and led the Panthers to their first Kelley-Rex division title since 2016. He was also voted as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches.

“Sean really did it all for the Franklin this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He is such a talented all-around player and his fingerprints were all over the Panthers’ success this season, which included winning the Kelley-Rex division title. He can score in a variety of ways, including shooting the three, but his old-school like post game really separated him from others in the league. He is the first junior to be selected for this award in the 11 years of its existence.”

O’Leary finished second in the Hockomock League in scoring during the regular season but his impact went far beyond the scoring. He was a reliable defender that could match up against a variety of players, both on the perimeter and in the post. This season, O’Leary led the Panthers in scoring in 15 games and finished at 20.3 points per game on 54% shooting from the field, including 36% from three-point range. He also hauled in eight rebounds and dished out three assists per game, shooting at an 80% clip from the free throw line.

“Throughout the year, whenever we were in close games down the stretch, Sean was always there to make a big play,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “Sometimes it would be a huge basket but other times he would unselfishly draw double teams and find his teammates open for the big shot. He never cared who got the credit just that we won the game. He is an amazing teammate and a central component of our team’s success this year.”

O’Leary is just the second Franklin player to earn HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year honors, and the first since Sam Bohmiller in 2023. It’s the ninth time in 11 years that a player from the Kelley-Rex division title has won the award, joining Taunton’s Trent Santos (2022) and Jose Mercardo (2016), Attleboro’s Bryant Ciccio (2019), Mansfield’s Sam Goldberg (2017), Michael Boen (2015), Rocky DeAndrade (2014), and King Philip’s Jake Layman (2012).

Honorable Mention: Alex Penders (Foxboro)


HockomockSports First Team

Troy SantosTroy Santos – Taunton – Guard
Taunton junior Troy Santos made a splash in the first game of the season and kept it going throughout the entire year. Santos poured in a career-high 44 points in a season-opening win against Sharon and emerged as one of the Hockomock League’s most dangerous scorers this year. He finished in the top three in the league in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 37.2% from three-point range. He also hauled in 5.4 rebounds per game and had 2.5 assists per game for a relatively inexperienced Taunton squad. “Troy has an extraordinary work ethic combined with a relentless drive for self-improvement,” said Taunton head coach Charlie Dacey.
 


Jacob McLoughlinJacob McLoughlin – Sharon – Guard
Sharon junior Jacob McLoughlin burst onto the scene and had a terrific season in a historic year for the Eagles. After gaining some valuable experience as a sophomore, McLoughlin turned into one of the league’s best players and helped Sharon to one of its best seasons in program history. His vision and willingness to share the ball made Sharon’s offense very hard to defend, and his ability to get to the rim and finish made him one of the toughest matchups. In 22 games, McLoughlin averaged 15.0 points (on 51.2% shooting), 5.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 4.1 deflections per game. “Jacob’s development as a player took a huge step forward this year,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “His ability to command the offense, distribute, and score elevated our offensive production. His ability to disrupt other teams on the defensive end provided our team with a lot of fast break opportunities.”
 


Sean O'LearySean O’Leary – Franklin – Forward
Franklin junior Sean O’Leary did it all for the Panthers during the 2022-2023 campaign, voted as Hockomock League MVP by the coaches and selected as the HockomockSports Player of the Year (above). There were high expectations for both O’Leary and the Panthers coming into the year and both delivered. He averaged 20.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this year, helping Franklin win its first Kelley-Rex division title since 2016. “Sean is such a versatile player who can score in so many different ways,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He can go off the dribble, shoot it from three, and also is an amazing post player, which is becoming a lost art in the modern game. He also rebounds at a high level and is a very good defender.”
 


Trevor FoleyTrevor Foley – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield junior Trevor Foley had a stellar all-around season for the Hornets, leading the program to its first Davenport division title in its first season in that division. His versatility on the defensive end allowed him to guard any position, and he was selected as the HockomockSports Defensive Player of the Year (below) for his efforts. The Hornets had a balanced approach offensively this year and Foley ended up as the leading scorer during the regular season and finished the year averaging 11.4 points (on an impressive 57% shooting percentage), 7.1 rebounds (team-high 70 offensive rebounds), and 3.0 three assists per game. “Trevor is the X-factor on both sides of the floor,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “With his defensive ability to minimize our opponent’s best player while being a top rebounder, he was also able to contribute on the offensive end by getting out in transition or providing us with an inside presence. We are excited to see what his senior year has in store for him.”
 


Alex PendersAlex Penders – Foxboro – Forward
Foxboro senior Alex Penders capped off an impressive career with a stellar senior season for the Warriors. He led the Warriors in numerous statistical categories, and despite a shortened sophomore season, became just the fifth male player at Foxboro to score 1,000 career points. He finished first in the Hock during the regular season with 20.7 points per game and also was among the best with 13.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He was second on the team with 2.7 assists. In 65 career games, he amassed 691 rebounds, 156 assists, and 93 blocks. “Alex is a tireless and ferocious competitor who rarely leaves the court,” said Foxboro head coach Jon Gibbs. “He contributes to our team in every way possible on both ends of the floor and makes his teammates better in the process. His leadership on and off the court is extremely impressive, and he has had a tremendous positive impact on our program.”
 


HockomockSports Second Team

Andrew RiveraAndrew Rivera – Milford – Guard
Milford sophomore Andrew Rivera continued his impressive play this year, building off a successful freshman campaign and emerging as one of the top players in the Hock during the 2022-2023 season. With a year of experience under his belt, Rivera certainly didn’t look like a sophomore as he became one of the top scorers in the league with his ability to finish in a variety of ways. He finished at 16.1 points per game on 38% shooting from three-point range and 55% overall from the field. He went over 20 points in 14 games this year and pulled down 5.5 rebounds and dished out 2.5 assists per game. “Although he is only a sophomore, Andrew has shown an ability to be one of the better scorers and offensive players in the Hock,” said Milford coach Chris Trafecante. “His future is very bright as he continues to be a leader of this program.”
 


Will LaplanteWill Laplante – King Philip – Guard
King Philip senior Will Laplante was once again one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league this year. For the third straight year, Laplante led King Philip in scoring and was among the league leaders in that category as well as his 16.1 points per game during the regular season finished sixth in the Hock. His ability to score from just about anywhere on the court made him a difficult matchup, he finished the year at 16.9 points per game (on 42.3 eFG%) along with 6.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals. “Will has been an incredible ambassador for KP basketball,” said KP head coach Dave DeStefano. “He is a leader that pushed his teammates every day in practice and games. The way that he stepped up during the state tournament showed his passion and heart. His work ethic during the offseason helped him have a tremendous senior season.”
 


Matt BaurMatt Baur – Sharon – Guard
Sharon senior Matt Baur played a vital role in helping the Eagles have one of the best seasons in program history, reaching the Division 2 Round of 8. Baur was the leading scorer for Sharon a year ago when the Eagles won the Davenport division, but changed his game to fit the needs of the team this season. He anchored a much improved defensive effort by guarding some of the best players in the league but was still a key piece on the offensive end as he averaged 11.6 points per game in 19 games along with 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. “Matt is the personification of our Core Values, his defensive ability allowed us to mix in different defenses and he was a scorer and facilitator when we needed him to be,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “He led with his actions and unselfishness and made his teammates around him better.”
 


Chris HillChris Hill – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield senior Chris Hill capped a terrific career with a memorable senior season, leading the Hornets to the Division 2 state championship game. Hill has played more minutes over the past four years than any other player in the Hock, helping the Hornets win three division titles in that stretch. He did it all throughout his career and that continued this year as averaged 10.7 points (on 42% shooting), a team-high 7.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and blocked a team-best 35 shots. “What a career for Chris, playing in 94 games over his four years,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “He played in three sectional finals, two Final Fours, and one state championship. He’s a solid all-around player that had a great career while doing a little of everything on the floor.”
 


Nate KatznelsonNate Katznelson – Sharon – Forward
Sharon junior Nate Katznelson was a big piece in helping the Eagles have such a successful season that culminated in a spot in the Division 2 Round of 8. His presence in the paint and ability to finish around the rim not only made him a tough player to defend but also opened things up for teammates. During the season, Katznelson had a team-high 15.2 points per game (on 42.6% shooting) along with 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. “Nate’s growth from last year to this year was tremendous,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “His interior scoring and passing added an element to our offense that made us difficult to guard. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting ability created mismatches and his focus on rebounding helped us both offensively and defensively.”
 


HockomockSports Third Team

Justin AllenJustin Allen – Franklin – Guard
Franklin senior Justin Allen had a terrific season for the Panthers, helping the program win the Kelley-Rex division title — the program’s first since 2016. After getting some valuable experience during his junior year, Allen became a true leader both on and off the court as a senior and emerged as one of the most lethal shooters in the league, as seen by his eight three-pointers in a win over Weymouth. Allen was second on the team in scoring at 11.8 points per game on a very impressive 44.5% three-point shooting percentage. He added 5.7 rebounds and 3 assists per game. “Over his career, Justin may be the most improved player from freshman to senior year that I have ever coached,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He is such a hard worker and amazing leader who made big shots all year and I am really proud of him.”


Neo FrancoNeo Franco – Attleboro – Guard
Attleboro junior Neo Franco did it all for the Bombardiers this season, helping the squad get back to the postseason and win two tournament games. A true floor general with possession of the ball, Franco did a good job of running the offense. He can get downhill and convert some tough finishes while also doing a nice job getting teammates involved as Attleboro boasted a balanced offense. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, and was a reliable defender for the Bombardiers. “Neo spread his talent throughout the game, a good help defender and rebounder, and always a threat to score and take over a game with his dominate left hand and physicality, as he did several times this year, exploding for a career-high 38 points leading us to an OT win at King Philip,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle. “He led our team daily in practice with his positive and competitive attitude.”
 


Cole CraffeyCole Craffey – Oliver Ames – Guard
Oliver Ames sophomore Cole Craffey continued to be a top offensive threat for the Tigers during the 2022-2023 season. He showed glimpses of what he was capable of last year as a freshman but really had a breakout campaign this season, despite getting matched up with some of the top defenders in the league. He showed he can score in a variety of ways and can really get hot from three-point range. Despite the extra attention from opposing defenses, he was one of the top scorers in the league at 16.1 points per game while also finishing second on the team in rebounding at 5.3 boards per game. “Cole was a huge impact player for us this season,” said Oliver Ames head coach Oliver Vil. “As a sophomore captain, his leadership for someone so young was second to none. Cole was our go-to guy, he also drew the opponent’s best defender every night.”
 


Eddie McCoyEddie McCoy – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield junior Eddie McCoy got better and better as the season went on, culminating in a terrific individual postseason that helped the Hornets reach the Division 2 state championship game. McCoy is a versatile player that can score in bunches, and is very crafty and confident attacking the rim. He averaged 11.2 points during the regular season but really ramped it up for the playoffs, averaging 21.4 points in five playoff games. He had a team-high in minutes played and shot nearly 50% from the floor, including 35% from three-point range. He also averaged a team-high 3.8 assists per game and 3.3 rebounds, leading the Hornets with 65 steals. “Eddie was the true definition of getting better each day as the season went along,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “Leading our team in steals and assists along with minutes played, he was a great complementary piece to our team. His postseason performance was as good as any player we had in uniform. We are looking forward to Eddie’s campaign next year!”
 


Jayden Costa-HaywoodJayden Costa-Haywood – Stoughton – Forward
Stoughton senior Jayden Costa-Haywood emerged as one of the best offensive players in the Hockomock League during the 2022-2023 season. The Black Knights graduated most of their production from a season ago but Costa-Haywood filled that void, finishing the season as one of the best scorers despite being the focal point of opposing defenses night in and night out. He was among the league leaders with 17.7 points per game and also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. “It’s not every year you get a talent like Jayden,” said Stoughton head coach Evan Taylor. “He committed during the offseason and all of his hard work paid off. He will be missed but as a senior captain he taught valuable lessons to the underclassman that will translate to their growth on and off the court.”
 


2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards
Milford sophomore Andrew Rivera has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Underclassman of the Year for the 2022-2023 season, the first Scarlet Hawk to earn the honor in its 11-year existence.

Rivera burst onto the scene a year ago as he led Milford in scoring as a freshman. He took his game a step forward during this past season, not only leading the Scarlet Hawks in scoring again but finishing among the league leaders in that category. His ability to score in a variety of ways made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

“Andrew made huge strides from his freshman to his sophomore year going from a young player on a two-win team, to the leading scorer and top offensive threat on a playoff team,” said Milford interim head coach Chris Trafecante. “As the season progressed, Andrew became a more efficient and well-rounded threat, which not only helped him but helped our team take the next step and get into the state tournament. Andrew embraced the challenge of seeing every team’s top defensive player and was still able to make things happen night in and night out. I am very excited to see what is next for Andrew and continue to watch him grow and improve into an even better version of himself on and off the court”

A threat from three-point range (38% shooting) or a threat to get to the rim or even pull up from mid-range (61% from two-point), Rivera consistently filled up the scoring column night in and night out. He finished the year at 16.1 points per game, eclipsing the 25-point threshold four times and going over 20 points on 10 occasions. He led the Scarlet Hawks with a team-high 17 points in his playoff debut on the road at New Bedford. He also averaged 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

“Andrew didn’t look like a sophomore when he was on the court, playing with the confidence of an upperclassman and delivering big performances time and time again,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “He was dangerous from three-point range and also could get going downhill, attacking defenses and showed a scorer’s touch around the rim, finding a way to finish against some tough defenses. He is a strong defender and rebounder, and has a very high ceiling with two years left.”

Rivera is the first player from Milford to win the award and eighth from the Kelley-Rex division, joining Franklin’s Henry Digiorgio (2022), Chris Edgehill (2018), and Jay Dieterle (2016), Taunton’s Trent Santos (2020) and EJ Dambreville (2015), Mansfield’s Matt Boen (2019) and Brendan Hill (2013). Former winners from the Davenport division include Canton’s Devin Foster (2017), and Sharon’s Jordan Mello-Klein (2014) and Brian Mukasa (2012).

HockomockSports All-Underclassmen Team

CJ FarrellCJ Farrell, Milford
Milford freshman CJ Farrell wasted little time fitting right in at the varsity level, quickly becoming a top player in the league. He can score at a high level but he’s able to impact the game in a multitude of ways, including his impressive rebounding skills. He averaged 12.2 points per game this season while shooting 55% from the field (including an impressive 45% from three-point range) along with a team-high 7.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. “CJ came right in and not only asserted himself on the court this season with his tremendous impact but also off the court,” said Milford interim head coach Chris Trafecante. “CJ is a culture setter and a tireless worker who sets the tone day in and day out with his effort and dedication.”
 


Soren LolongaSoren Lolonga, Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames freshman Soren Lolonga fit right in on the varsity team, quickly becoming a starter and a go-to option for the Tigers. A crafty player around the rim, his physicality helped him look like an experienced veteran despite it being his first year on varsity. He was second on Oliver Ames in scoring at 11.9 points per game on 44.7% shooting, including a career-high 21 points against Taunton. He also finished first on the team in rebounding at 6.8 boards per game. “Soren has an unbelievable work ethic with endless potential,” said Oliver Ames head coach Oliver Vil.
 


Jakari InnocentJakari Innocent, Taunton
Taunton freshman Jakari Innocent quickly became a part of the Tigers’ lineup and turned into a reliable piece on both ends of the court. As the Tigers battled through lineup changes throughout the year, Innocent became a go-to option for head coach Charlie Dacey. He finished the year second on the team in scoring at 9.6 points per game while adding 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He also connected from three-point range at 31.3% while emerging as a top defensive option. He improved as the year went on, scoring 19 points in a win over Milford followed by a career-high 22 points in a win over KP near the end of the season. “Jakari advanced dramatically through his freshman year,” Dacey said. “His defensive tenacity was crucial to our team’s success and his offensive advancement was a key to our tournament appearance.”
 


Andrew RiveraAndrew Rivera, Milford
Milford sophomore Andrew Rivera continued his upward trajectory with a tremendous sophomore season, leading the Scarlet Hawks back to the state tournament after a two-win campaign last year. A reliable defender and strong rebounder, Rivera really separated himself on the offensive end and earned HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year honors (above). He connected at 38% from three-point range, and 63% from two-point range, finishing at 55% from the field overall. He led the Scarlet Hawks in scoring at 16.1 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. “Although he is only a sophomore, Andrew has shown an ability to be one of the better scorers and offensive players in the Hock,” said Milford coach Chris Trafecante. “His future is very bright as he continues to be a leader of this program.”
 


Cole CraffeyCole Craffey, Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames sophomore Cole Craffey had a great individual season during the 2022-2023 campaign, earning HockomockSports Second Team honors (above) and All-Underclassmen team honors. Despite getting matched up with top defenders, and going against game plans aiming to limit his production, he was still one of the best scorers in the league. He finished at 16.1 points per game and hauled in 5.3 rebounds per game. “Cole was a huge impact player for us this season,” said Oliver Ames head coach Oliver Vil. “As a sophomore captain, his leadership for someone so young was second to none. Cole was our go-to guy, he also drew the opponent’s best defender every night.”
 


2023 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards
Mansfield junior Trevor Foley has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-2023 campaign, the 11th year the award has been given out. Foley is the third Hornet to win the award, and the second consecutive Mansfield player following Matt Hyland.

Foley was a true difference-maker on the defensive end of the floor with his ability to guard against every position and do so at a high level. Mansfield was the best defensive team in the league, allowing under 47 points per game, including holding four of its five postseason opponents to 50 or fewer points.

“Trevor defensively was next level,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “His IQ, matched with his athleticism, contributed to us being a very dominant defensive team. He changed the game on the ball, but also off the ball being able to block shots and get tips and deflections while still being an active rebounder.”

Foley played in 25 games this season (with 24 starts) before an injury prematurely ended his season during the Hornets’ state tournament run. He tied for a team-high with 1.3 blocks per game while defending against various types of scorers — sometimes blocking three-point attempts, other times swatting layup bids at the rim. He had 50 steals on the season while hauling in over seven rebounds per game.

“What Trevor was able to do on the defensive end was very impressive,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “His steals and blocks stats don’t tell the entire story; his ability to defend against each and every position at a high rate was the heart and soul of Mansfield’s impressive defense. It didn’t matter if it was against a quick guard or a big in the paint, Trevor was able to make a big impact on the defensive end.”

Foley is the fourth player from the Davenport division to win this award, the first since Foxboro’s Joe Morrison in 2017. Previous winners include Hyland (2022), Franklin’s Brayden Sullivan (2020), Jalen Samuels (2019), Paul Mahon (2018), Tim Prunier (2016), and Dylan Reno (2015), Mansfield’s Kyle Wisnieski (2014), Oliver Ames’ St. Clair Ryan (2013), and Stoughton’s Marcus Middleton (2012).

HockomockSports All-Defensive Team

Ryan LeClairRyan LeClair, Foxboro
Foxboro senior Ryan LeClair has been a reliable defensive option for head coach Jon Gibbs for the past two seasons. He was always tasked with defending top talents in the league, including some of the best perimeter players in the league. He helped the Warriors qualify for the state tournament each of the past two seasons, leading Foxboro in both deflections (2.5 per game, 60 total) and steals (1.5 per game, 35 total). He averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this year. “Every single game, Ryan embraced the challenge of defending our opponent’s top perimeter scoring threat,” Gibbs said. “His relentless effort served as the point of attack for our defense, and his ability to limit the production of these players was a huge part of our success.”
 


Matt BaurMatt Baur, Sharon
Sharon senior Matt Baur has been a good defensive player since debuting with the Eagles, but he really committed to being one of the best players on that end of the court this year. After leading Sharon in scoring last year, Baur was the anchor on the defensive side of the ball this season. On top of his 11.6 points per game, Baur had 4.0 rebounds per game and added 1.2 steals and 2.2 deflections all while going against some of the best players in the league night in and night out. “Matt made our scouting easier, we identified the other team’s best player and had Matt guard them and our other matchups were based around that,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “His ability to guard guards and forwards made us more flexible defensively. His effort and sacrifice were on full display by taking charges, diving on the floor for loose balls and rebounding.”
 


Zaza FrancoeurZaza Francoeur, Canton
Canton junior Zaza Francoeur gave the Bulldogs a big boost on the defensive end of the floor during the 2022-2023 campaign season. He was very reliable for head coach Eric MacKinnon, leading the Bulldogs in minutes played this year and despite doing so, he never fouled out. He finished the season with 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game this year, including six games with three or more blocks. He also added 9.7 points per game. “Zaza guarded our opponent’s best player every game, regardless of position,” MacKinnon said. “His length, athleticism, and timing made him a tough matchup.”
 


Ben HarveyBen Harvey, Franklin
Franklin senior Ben Harvey was once again one of the top defenders in the Hockomock League during the 2022-2023 season. He’s the first All-Defensive team repeat selection since the 2018 season after earning a spot on this team as a junior. His commitment to the defensive end is contagious and helped make the Kelley-Rex division Panthers one of the top defensive teams once again this year. He averaged 6.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. “It is always great to go into a game and know that you can put Ben on the opposing team’s best player and they will have an off night,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He competes at such a high level every time he takes the court.”


Trevor FoleyTrevor Foley, Mansfield
Mansfield junior Trevor Foley really made his mark on the defensive end this season, leading the Hornets to a Davenport division title in the program’s first year in the division. He is a solid, reliable offensive option that can attack the basket but his versatility and playmaking on the defensive end helped him stand out among his peers, also earning HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year honors (above). “Trevor is the X-factor on both sides of the floor,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “With his defensive ability to minimize our opponent’s best player while being a top rebounder, he was also able to contribute on the offensive end by getting out in transition or providing us with an inside presence. We are excited to see what his senior year has in store for him.”
 


Coach of the Year – Andrew Ferguson, Sharon

Andrew FergusonSharon head coach Andrew Ferguson has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2022-2023 season; it’s the first time Ferguson has earned this award.

The Eagles entered the season with high expectations and Ferguson helped the squad exceed them as they had one of the best seasons the program has seen in recent history. Sharon came in second in the Davenport division but beat the division champs Mansfield both times during the regular season, becoming just the second team to beat the Hornets twice in a season since 2013. Sharon went 17-3 during the regular season and earned the #3 seed in the Division 2 rankings, making it all the way to the Elite 8.

“The Davenport division was the deepest it’s been in a long time, and although Sharon didn’t win the title, they were still able to accomplish a lot of success under Coach Ferguson’s leadership this year,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Ferguson has stuck to his values throughout his tenure, helping the Eagles climb out of the basement of the league and into one of the best teams in the state this year. They balanced a lot of talent on the offensive end and his players bought into his defensive scheme, which included some willingness to try new things like some zone defense.”

Ferguson is the first Sharon coach to win the award; previous winners include Franklin’s CJ Neely (2022) and Dean O’Connor (2012), Taunton’s Charlie Dacey (2020, 2014), Mansfield’s Mike Vaughan (2018, 2015, 2013), North Attleboro’s Sean Mulkerrins (2017), and Oliver Ames’ Don Byron (2016).

Honorable Mentions: Mike Vaughan (Mansfield), Mark Houle (Attleboro), CJ Neely (Franklin)