In recent years, Northfield Mount Hermon has had plenty of size, and this season’s team is no different. But now there are more true guards on the roster, which should make this a little different team.

If there’s a team that appears to have a chance at topping Brewster Academy on paper, it’s a team at the other end of New England in South Kent. There is size, depth and some star power, which means Kelvin Jefferson again has a lot to work with.

It’s gotten to the point where anyone paying attention to NEPSAC fully expects Brewster Academy to have the most talent in Class AAA. This year’s team looks to fit that description, and that was true even before a recent addition made them even stronger.

St. Andrew’s has a younger group and no studs like Michael Carter-Williams or Ricardo Ledo, but Mike Hart seems fine with that. Instead, he has a team that might not pass the look test but doesn’t figure to be an easy out.

The youth movement is in full effect at Worcester Academy, in contrast to what the team used to look like. Part of the youth movement is the result of a coaching change, as new coach Jamie Sullivan is going with a younger group to put his own stamp on the program right away.

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.

Notre Dame Prep has plenty of guards once again, with a couple that can really shoot the ball. During the season, they’ll get a much-needed boost up front.

Our next stop was at the Winchendon School, a long-time powerhouse that had a tough season last year. Matt Quinn’s second team at the school looks to be better, especially if the backcourt can sort itself out.

Our first prep school open gym workout of 2011 was at St. Thomas More, who took home the National Prep Championship last year and whose home court recently got a nice facelift.