2024 HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards

Franklin senior Sean O’Leary has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season. It marks the first time in the award’s existence a player has earned the honor twice after O’Leary won it last year as well. He was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP for the second straight year by the coaches.

“Sean was the best player on the best team in the league this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He helped Franklin go undefeated against Hockomock opponents and led the Panthers to one of their best seasons in program history, which culminated in a spot in the Division 1 state championship game. His ability to do it all, and do it all at a high level, helped him stand out above the rest.”

O’Leary finished inside the top 10 in a handful of categories in the Hockomock League, including seventh overall in scoring at 15.9 points per game. Late in the regular season, O’Leary became the seventh male player at Franklin to score 1,000 career points, finishing as the fourth-highest scorer in program history with 1,126 career points. On top of his scoring (57% overall field goal percentage), he averaged 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 38% three-point shooting, taking 14 charges. His ability to play in a variety of roles was crucial in Franklin’s success this season.

“Sean is one of the most dynamic and complete players we have ever had at Franklin,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “So much of what we did on offense flowed through Sean and he had a way of making big shots in key moments but also making the right decision and sharing the ball with his teammates.”

O’Leary is the first player to ever earn this award twice and the second Franklin player overall along with Sam Bohmiller in 2013. It’s the 10th 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: Troy Santos (Taunton)

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HockomockSports First Team

Davon Sanders – Mansfield – Guard
Mansfield senior Davon Sanders capped his career with the Hornets with a terrific season, playing a vital role in a second consecutive Davenport division title for the program. Sanders got better and better as the season went on and finished with 18.4 points per game, fourth most in the Hock. He added a team-high 57 three-pointers and a team-leading 57 steals to go along with 89 assists, 107 rebounds, and 11 blocks, finishing with a 44-6 two-year record at Mansfield, including the game-winning shot against Milford this season. “I found myself more and more comfortable coming out of halftime knowing that the best part of Davon’s game was his third quarter dominance when he would completely change the game,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan.
 

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Troy Santos – Taunton – Guard
Taunton senior Troy Santos was once again one of the most gifted offensive players in the Hockomock League this season. A matchup nightmare for opponents, Santos was the main source of scoring for the Tigers at 24.3 points per game. His incredible offensive output night in and night out put him at the top of the Hock, nearly five points ahead of the next-highest scorer. He also averaged 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and an impressive 2.3 steals per game for the Tigers. “Troy Santos lives in the gym,” said Taunton head coach Colbey Santos. “He is constantly trying to get better and was an absolute pleasure to coach.”
 

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Jacob McLoughlin – Sharon – Guard
Sharon senior Jacob McLoughlin capped off a tremendous two-year stretch with the Eagles, helping orchestrate one of the best seasons in program history that culminated in a state championship appearance. He was a vital part in helping the Eagles earn 38 wins over the past two years, finishing this season averaging 17.7 points (907 career points), 5.2 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 deflections, and 2.8 steals per game, hitting nearly half (49.2%) of his shots from the floor. He set the single-season record for plus/minus (+219) and finished first all-time in program history in deflections (202), second in assists (298), and third in steals (158). “Jacob was one of the most talented players to come through Sharon High School,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “His offensive and defensive abilities made him one of the best two-way guards in the league and that was evident by how most teams defended him.”

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Nate Katznelson – Sharon – Forward
Sharon senior Nate Katznelson etched his name into program history over the past couple of seasons, completing his final year by helping the Eagles earn a spot in the Division 2 state finals. He became the first Sharon player to hit the 1,000-point milestone in a decade and started his senior year in record-breaking fashion by hitting the most field goals in a game (17) in program history in a 47-point performance (second most in program history). He finished his senior year averaging 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 assists per game, including an impressive 38.2% three-point percentage. “Nate was a tremendous player for us for the past three seasons, his size and scoring ability made him a difficult matchup for other teams,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Ferguson. “His ability to stretch the floor and to be able to score inside gave our offense multiple threats.”

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Sean O’Leary – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior Sean O’Leary made history in his final year with the Panthers, becoming the first-ever two-time HockomockSports Player of the Year (above) in boys hoops and helping Franklin go 16-0 in league play, the first time in the Hock over 20 years. O’Leary did everything for the Panthers, who reached the state championship game in the Division 1 tournament, including playing in the post and, at times, playing as the primary ball handler. On the season, he averaged 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, hitting on 57% of his shots from the floor overall and 38% from three-point range.
 

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HockomockSports Second Team

Caden Sullivan – Franklin – Guard
Franklin junior Caden Sullivan had a breakout season and emerged as one of the top all-around players in the Hockomock League this season. Not only was Sullivan one of the best scorers in the league, but he was also impressive on the defensive end and was a big reason why Franklin won the league and made a run to the Division 1 state championship game. For the season, Sullivan averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 2.0 assists, and shot 54% from the field, including 33% from the three-point line. “Caden was an explosive offensive force for us this year but I was so impressed with the level of defense he brought this season,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He had a way of creating havoc for opposing guards and making huge momentum swinging plays all season long.”

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Andrew Rivera – Milford – Guard
Milford junior Andrew Rivera was once again a top player in the Hockomock League, helping the Hawks qualify for the postseason and win a tournament game. A veteran with 68 career games played already, Rivera caused a lot of problems for opponents with his ability to score in a variety of ways; he was one of the best at attacking the rim in the league his year. This is the second straight year he’s earned HockomockSports Second Team honors and was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches. He finished as one of the top scorers in the league with 19.2 points and 4.2 assists per game, and one of the best rebounding guards in the league with 10.2 boards per game.

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Zaza Francoeur – Canton – Guard
Canton senior Zaza Francoeur had a memorable final year playing for the Bulldogs, who tied for second in the Davenport division and earned a home game in the Division 2 state tournament. One of the most athletic players in the league, Francoeur caused a lot of problems for opposing teams and did it on both ends of the court. He was second on the team with 12.4 points per game while adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game. He was also named to the HockomockSports.com All-Defensive team for the second consecutive season, becoming just the fifth player to earn multiple selections to the team. “Zaza brought great energy to every game, and he was a facilitator during all games with his on-ball defense, shooting, and his electrifying, transition dunks,” said Canton head coach Dan Kiser. “He was an awesome leader and captain.”

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Trevor Foley – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield senior Trevor Foley concluded a tremendous career with the Hornets, including winning the program’s second consecutive Davenport division title. A four-year member of the team, Foley helped the Hornets win over 80 games in his tenure and finished 12th all-time in program history for both points (868) and assists (215), third overall in rebounds (656), and second in offensive rebounds (174). He was named to the HockomockSports All-Defensive team for the second straight year, just the fifth player to earn multiple selections. “A great teammate, leader, and athlete…his stat line is impressive, but what he did for Mansfield High School over the past four years is more remarkable than any of those stats,” said Mansfield coach Mike Vaughan.

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Jeremiah Predin – Canton – Forward
Canton senior Jeremiah Predin emerged as one of the top players in the league during his final season with the Bulldogs. After a strong finish to his junior year, Predin picked right up where he left off and became a focal point for the Canton offense — and for opposing defenses. His presence in the paint made it difficult for opponents on both ends of the court, and his ability to step out and stretch the floor made him one of the toughest matchups in the Hock. For the season, Predin led Canton in scoring with 15 points per game to go along with 9 rebounds and 2 steals per game. “Jeremiah always came up with a basket when we needed one most,” said Canton head coach Dan Kiser. “Opposing coaches put him at the top of the scouting report…Jeremiah was able to finish around the basket with a variety of moves.”

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HockomockSports Third Team

Connor Houle – Attleboro – Guard
Attleboro sophomore Connor Houle enjoyed a successful second season with the Bombardiers, taking over the reins at point guard and helping the program make the state tournament. After losing a talented group from the year before, Attleboro needed players to step into expanded roles and Houle jumped right in and succeeded. His ability to score at all three levels made him a tough cover and he finished the year averaging 13.7 points and 4.4 assists per game, and was one of the best free throw shooters in the Hock at 87.3% from the line. For his efforts, he was named the HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year (below). “Being the point guard, he handles the ball exceptionally well and makes us a better team when he’s pushing the tempo, and his teammates trust his decision-making abilities to make the right play for our team,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle.

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CJ Farrell – Milford – Guard
Milford’s CJ Farrell continued to be one of the best players in the league despite being only a sophomore. Farrell burst onto the scene as a rookie last year and continued to improve as the season went on, working back from an injury during football. From the midway point on, Farrell scored in double figures in all by one game and averaged over 20 points per game down the stretch and into the postseason. For his terrific season, he earned HockomockSports.com All-Underclassmen team honors for the second straight year becoming just the third player to earn multiple selections, joining former league MVP Bryant Ciccio of Attleboro and Taunton’s Dante Law.

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Bradley Herndon – Franklin – Guard
Franklin senior Bradley Herndon had a breakout season and was a major part of the Panthers’ success this year. After limited minutes a year ago, Herndon established himself as one of the top all-around players in the league on both ends of the court and proved to be a pivotal part of the lineup for Franklin, who went undefeated in the Hock and reached the Division 1 state championship. Herndon did it all this year, averaging 7.9 points, 4.6 assists (2.7 ast/turnover), 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, hitting on 56% of his shots from the field on top of a tremendous free throw percentage (84%). “Bradley was such an amazing leader for our team,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He did such an amazing job setting the pace for our offense and creating open looks for his teammates. When we needed him to score, he was there in some of our biggest games to take over stretches of games. He may be one of the most underrated players in the league.”

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Brandon Nicastro – King Philip – Guard
King Philip junior Brandon Nicastro had a breakout season on the hardwood for the Warriors. Following a great year on the gridiron with the football team, Nicastro emerged as one of KP’s top players this year. He was a key piece in King Philip’s zone defense and took on an expanded role in the offense, and was able to fearlessly attack the rim. This season, he averaged 12.4 points (on 43.7% shooting) and 2.7 assists per game, recording 46 total steals and 37 deflections. “Brandon was critical to our success this year,” said King Philip head coach Dave DeStefano. “When he was able to get downhill, he was tough to stop. As the season progressed he was finishing through contact and was able to hit the big shots when we needed it most. He also was a key factor for us on the defensive end. He applied pressure on top of our zone that made it uncomfortable for opposing guards.”

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LaDainian Rodrigues – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro sophomore LaDainian Rodrigues burst onto the scene in a big way for the Bombardiers, emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league in his first year on varsity. Although just a sophomore, Rodrigues led Attleboro in both points (14.3) and rebounds (8.5) per game and shot 53% from the floor with 110 made field goals. He poured in a career-high 29 points against the league champs Franklin. “LaDainian became more consistent as the season unfolded and became a force on both on offense and defensively,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle. “Looking forward to his continued growth as he gets stronger and plays above the rim.”
 

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Attleboro sophomore Connor Houle has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Underclassman of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, the first Bombardier to earn the honor in its 12-year existence.

Houle had a solid rookie season a year ago but had a much bigger role this year and flourished, helping the Bombardiers win 14 games, take third in the Kelley-Rex, and qualify for the postseason despite the team losing the majority of its offensive production from the year before. As the team’s primary ball handler, Houle dealt with a lot of pressure but showed poise throughout the year and orchestrated the Attleboro offense.

“Connor continues to impress with his overall game, his ability to create for teammates,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle. “His presence on the court and basketball IQ provides our team with confidence in any situation, especially when teams try to pressure us full court. Defensively, he routinely provided pressure on the opponent’s best ball handler throughout the game. I’m looking forward to seeing how he can become even more impactful for our team next year.”

Houle was fearless attacking the basket and showed off his range throughout the year, finishing second on the team with 13.7 points per game, making a team-high 111 field goals (including 25 threes). He was also nails from the free throw line all year, hitting on 69-of-79 free throw attempts (87.3%). He was also a great facilitator and averaged 4.4 assists per game and had was a spark defensively with a team-high nine charges taken.

“Despite it being his first full year as a starter, Connor played with the confidence of a senior,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “He showed the ability to make the right decision time after time, especially in crucial situations. He had no fear going at bigger and taller defenders in the paint but was always willing to turn down a good look for himself to get a great look for a teammate.”

Houle is the first player from Attleboro to win the award and ninth from the Kelley-Rex division, joining Milford’s Andrew Rivera (2023), 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

Anthony Alessi, Stoughton
Stoughton sophomore Anthony Alessi played a crucial role in helping the Black Knights make it back to the state tournament for the first time since 2020. The Knights were in need of a scoring option after losing last year’s leading scorer and Alessi stepped right in. He poured in a career-high 30 points in just the third game of the season and closed the year by averaging 15 points per game over the final five contests. He had a team-high 12.8 points along with 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. “Anthony is a great scorer but is a lot more than just that,” said Stoughton head coach Evan Taylor. “His ability to affect the game is attributed to his willingness to do all of the little things. We’re very excited to have him coming back as we expect him to take another big leap.”

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Justin Grimaldi, Oliver Ames
Oliver Ames sophomore Justin Grimaldi burst onto the scene this season and became a viable scoring option for head coach Eric MacKinnon. The Tigers got better as the season went on and so did Grimaldi, who scored a career-high 28 points against North Attleboro and scored in double figures in 11 of the final 14 games for OA. He finished the season averaging a team-high 11.3 points to go along with 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, connecting on 41% of his three-point attempts. “Justin improved drastically throughout the season,” MacKinnon said. “He shoots the ball extremely well and is continuing to find other ways to score.”
 

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Connor Houle, Attleboro
Attleboro sophomore Connor Houle enjoyed a successful second season with the Bombardiers, taking over the reins at point guard and helping the program make the state tournament. After losing a talented group from the year before, Attleboro needed players to step into expanded roles and Houle jumped right in and succeeded. His ability to score at all three levels made him a tough cover and finished the year averaging 13.7 points and 4.4 assists per game and was one of the best free throw shooters in the Hock at 87.3% from the line. For his efforts, he was named the HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year and to the HockomockSports Third Team (above). “Being the point guard, he handles the ball exceptionally well and makes us a better team when he’s pushing the tempo, and his teammates trust his decision-making abilities to make the right play for our team,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle.

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LaDainian Rodrigues, Attleboro
Attleboro sophomore LaDainian Rodrigues had a terrific year for the Bombardiers, emerging as one of the top players both on the team and in the league. He was among the league’s leading scorers at 14.3 points per game, including a career-high 29 points in a terrific performance at Franklin, and hit a total of 26 three-pointers this season. He was also a top rebounder, hauling in a team-high 8.5 boards per game. “He plays hard and plays through contact, which allows him to be a scorer on all three levels and rebound against taller and physical players,” said Attleboro head coach Mark Houle. “His energy provided an advantage for our team on defense which led to transition, he was often sprinting the court and on the receiving end of a Connor Houle pass and fast break opportunity.”

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CJ Farrell, Milford
Milford’s CJ Farrell continued to be one of the best players in the league despite being only a sophomore. Farrell burst onto the scene as a rookie last year and continued to improve as the season went on, working back from an injury during football. From the midway point on, Farrell scored in double figures in all by one game and averaged over 20 points per game down the stretch and into the postseason. For his terrific season, he earned HockomockSports.com All-Underclassmen team honors for the second straight year becoming just the third player to earn multiple selections, joining former league MVP Bryant Ciccio of Attleboro and Taunton’s Dante Law.

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Franklin senior Andrew O’Neill has been named the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Defensive Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, the 12th year the award has been given out. O’Neill is the sixth Panther to win the award.

O’Neill became the go-to option for head coach CJ Neely and the Panthers on the defensive end of the floor, taking on the toughest matchup night in and night out. His instincts and effort on the defensive end really stood out and were a big reason for Franklin’s incredible success this year, including an undefeated league campaign and a tournament run to the state championship game.

“Even though our defense is based on all of us working together as a group, Andrew was always tasked with the toughest guard matchup and took so much pride in holding opponents below their averages,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “He was where our defensive game plans would start each night and set the tone for a great team defense this year.”

The Panthers were the best defensive team in the league, allowing a Hockomock-low 50.2 points per game, despite playing in the most games including against some top competition throughout the state tournament. O’Neill started in all but one game this season and was a big reason for limiting opponents’ offense as he often kept top scorers from the league and around the state below their average. For the season, he averaged 7.4 points (42.7% 3PT), 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists (1.65 AST/TO), and 1.1 steals per game.

“Andrew’s focus and effort on the defensive end was such a vital part of Franklin’s success this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “He did so much of the dirty work and never stopped working, both on and off of the ball. For a team to achieve the success that Franklin did this season, everyone needs to buy in and what Andrew did on the defensive end really allowed the Panthers to play at such a high level.

O’Neill joins former Panthers Brayden Sullivan (2020), Jalen Samuels (2019), Paul Mahon (2018), Tim Prunier (2016), and Dylan Reno (2015) as winners of this award. Mansfield’s Kyle Wisnieski (2014) and Matt Hyland (2022) are also previous winners from the Kelley-Rex division while Mansfield’s Trevor Foley (2023), Foxboro’s Joe Morrison (2017), Oliver Ames’ St. Clair Ryan (2013), and Stoughton’s Marcus Middleton (2012) are winners from the Davenport division.

HockomockSports All-Defensive Team

Nolan Gordon, Foxboro
Foxboro junior Nolan Gordon emerged as a reliable defensive option for head coach Jon Gibbs and the Warriors this season. Gordon led the team in minutes played the year and the Warriors made sure to have him on the court as much as possible because of the importance of his defensive contributions, working tirelessly to defend the opponent’s best player for nearly the entire game. He averaged 8.8 points and 3.0 rebounds on top of his terrific defensive efforts. “Nolan took a tremendous amount of pride in shutting down the opponent’s top perimeter scorer each game,” Gibbs said. “He typically held these players below their scoring average, which was instrumental to our team’s defensive success. Nolan’s athleticism combined with his effort, focus, and toughness made him a huge weapon for our team on that end of the court.”

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Andrew O’Neill, Franklin
Franklin senior Andrew O’Neill had a tremendous final year for the Panthers, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Each game, O’Neill was tasked with guarding top players from around the league and then in the state tournament, against some of the best scoring threats in Massachusetts. And every time, O’Neill made life difficult and often held those players under their scoring averages and certainly under their normal shot attempts per game. His ability to stay with and in front of players limited their chances and helped Franklin hold teams to 50.2 points per game, a league-best number. He averaged 7.4 points (42.7% 3PT), 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists (1.65 AST/TO), and 1.1 steals per game. For his efforts, he was named the HockomockSports.com Defensive Player of the Year (above).

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Zaza Francoeur, Canton
Canton senior Zaza Francoeur had another terrific season for the Bulldogs, taking a big step forward and helping the Dogs take second in the Davenport division and win a state tournament game. Francoeur, just the fifth player to earn a repeat selection on the HockomockSports.com All-Defensive Team, was a weapon on both ends of the court this year. His ability to score in a variety of ways made him a difficult matchup on that end, but he also provided a lot of flexibility on the defensive end with his ability to match up with speedy guards and sizable forwards. He averaged 12.4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game. “He always communicated team morale, player needs, and helped with game strategy,” said Canton head coach Dan Kiser. “Zaza will be missed, but he has helped establish and continue tradition at Canton High School.”

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Trevor Foley, Mansfield
Mansfield senior Trevor Foley was once again a defensive stalwart for the Davenport division champions Hornets. Foley’s ability to guard against any position on the court gives the Hornets a lot of flexibility, and he is just the fifth player to earn a repeat selection to the HockomockSports.com All-Defensive Team. He was a vital piece in helping the Hornets win a second straight division title and allow just 52.7 points per game, the second lowest in the league. He averaged 15 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, finishing third all-time in program history in rebounds (656) and second in offensive rebounds (174). “He knew what it was going to take for us to be the best we could be,” said Mansfield head coach Mike Vaughan. “He was as locked in as any player we’ve had in the second half of the season so that we could be the best we could be.”

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Liam Pearl, Stoughton
Stoughton senior Liam Pearl did so much for the Black Knights, playing a major role in helping the team get back to the postseason for the first time since 2020. With a lot of new faces on varsity, Pearl was a veteran presence and did a lot of the little things that Stoughton needed. He was one of the best post players because of his defense and rebounding ability. For his senior season, in which he was named a Hockomock League All Star, he averaged 8.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.5 steals, just under a block per game, and took 16 charges throughout the year. “Liam is a rare player with his size, athleticism, and work ethic, but above all his ability to lead is something that can’t be taught. He will be hard to replace,” said Stoughton head coach Evan Taylor.

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Coach of the Year – CJ Neely, Franklin

Franklin head coach CJ Neely has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Boys Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2023-2024 season; it’s second time Neely has earned this award, and second in the past three years.

The Panthers came into the year with lofty goals with the majority of its lineup back highlighted by a talented senior class. Right from the beginning, Neely had his squad focused and the Panthers went on to become the first team since Mansfield in 2011 to go undefeated in the league and the first since North Attleboro in 1999 to go 16-0 in Hockomock League games. Franklin’s only loss in the regular season was a one-point loss while in Florida against West Orange; the Panthers went 25-2 overall with the season ending in the Division 1 state championship game.

“Franklin came into the season as the team to beat and had a huge target on their back but they competed hard every single night,” said HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan. “There weren’t any hiccups and Coach Neely had them prepared for every single situation, including some close games throughout the year. Not only did they win all 16 league games, they won 10 of them by double digits and had some impressive wins over some talented teams. Neely got everyone to buy in to team success this year and it ended up as one of the best seasons in program history.

Neely becomes the third coach to earn this honor multiple times joining Mansfield’s Mike Vaughan (2018, 2015, 2013) and Taunton’s Charlie Dacey (2020, 2014). Other preview winners include Sharon’s Andrew Ferguson (2023), Attleboro’s Mark Houle (2019), North Attleboro’s Sean Mulkerrins (2017), and Oliver Ames’ Don Byron (2016), and Franklin’s Dean O’Connor (2012).

Honorable Mentions: Mark Houle (Attleboro), Dave DeStefano (King Philip), Colbey Santos (Taunton)

 

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