ASHBURNHAM, Mass. – Although it’s noticeable that Cushing Academy has had a nice influx of talent since last season, Barry Connors thinks his team isn’t very different at the top. Where the Cushing mentor sees the difference is in the depth he has after his starters and first reserve or two, and because of that they have a chance to contend in NEPSAC Class AA.
The prospect with the most upside might be floor leader Kaleb Joseph (6’2″ So. PG, Nashua (NH)), who had just scored an offer from Boston College. Already known for his passing ability, the baby-faced point guard looks more athletic and was attacking all day. His development as a scorer will only make him tougher to guard, especially as he continues to hit mid-range jumpers like he did on Thursday.
Not far behind him is the frontcourt leader, Andrew Chrabascz (6’7″ Jr. SF-PF, Portsmouth (RI)). His body is maturing and he continues to show a great feel for the game, and while he didn’t play his best basketball at this open gym he’s already established what he’s capable of. Also an excellent student, he plays very well within the team concept and has steadily improved over the course of his high school career.
Joining him up front will be a trio from Maine, led by Bentley commit Tyler McFarland (6’6″ Sr. SF-PF, Camden (ME)). McFarland sat out on the day as he’s been bothered by a minor quad injury, but he figures to be a key with his solid feel for the game and toughness. Alex Furness (6’6″ Sr. SF-PF, Wells (ME)) is a lanky left-handed forward who has some tools to play the wing although he lacks the athleticism to play there at the highest level. He knocked down some long range shots off the catch and he can score off the bounce, although his game there needs some work. Also in the mix will be Andrew Esancy (6’6″ Sr. PF, Damariscotta (ME)), who has a good frame and at times ably guarded Chrabascz.
Joining Joseph on the perimeter will be Idris Taqqee (6’3″ So. PG-SG, Snelling (GA)), who separated his shoulder playing football a day earlier and will be sidelined for about a month. A talented young guard with a lot of upside and good fundamentals, Taqqee will play a key role and is expected to be ready for the regular season. Treaven Duffy (6’2″ Sr. SG, Walnut Creek (CA)) is a well-built lefty who is very athletic and finishes well near the basket. The son of agent Bill Duffy, he found openings without the ball nicely and skillfully drove the baseline often. He doesn’t have a bad stroke, but his jumper looks streaky. Another son of a well-known basketball man on the team is Chris Mullin (6’2″ Jr. SG, Danville (CA)), son of the former NBA star by the same name. Not as talented as his father, the younger Chris will get good minutes off the bench for this team.
Also in the mix on the perimeter will be Jimmy Halliday (6’2″ Sr. SG, Bourne (MA)), who had a football commitment on the day, Bernard Mokum (6’1″ Jr. SG, Vienna (Austria)), who is missing time with mono, and Jaime Carey (6’2″ Fr. SG, Raynham (MA)), a scrappy young guard. All three are, along with Mullin and Esancy, part of the improved depth Connors talked about.
The Penguins were 21-7 last season and look to be deeper this season. In addition, Class AA in NEPSAC looks a little more wide open after Tilton, which looks like a prohibitive favorite, as a number of teams that were contenders last year are younger and/or lost several key players. With that, there’s no reason to think Cushing couldn’t be a contender this season, and at least do better than losing in the quarterfinals of the tournament as they did last year.
