Jacari Jenkins, Sophomore, Catholic Memorial
Jenkins is a returning Catholic Conference All-Star this winter. The sophomore was one of the best freshmen in the state last season, consistently leading the Knights in scoring, including a 33-point performance against BC High in a win. Paired with Aiden Pires, Catholic Memorial had one of the best backcourts in the MIAA. The sophomore will be out with an injury for most of December, but once he is back, expect Jenkins to be involved in a lot of the program’s offense this season.
Aboubakar Nimaka, Senior, Malden Catholic
When Nimaka is coming down the lane full speed, most defenders should get out of the way.
The returning Catholic Conference All-Star has a rare blend of athleticism that allows him to grab an offensive rebound and slam it down with two hands, while also being able to beat a defender off the dribble and get into the paint for easy points.
His ability to score with finesse and strength puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses, and the senior is set to do that again for the Lancers this winter.
Malden Catholic opens its season against Burncoat on Dec. 12.
Jalil Lawson, Junior, Malden Catholic
Lawson is set to be one of the conference’s most dangerous ball-handlers this winter.
The 6-foot-1 junior can take a defender off the dribble behind the 3-point line, slice into the paint and finish with a two-handed dunk. If his defender has help and he doesn’t have space to get into the paint, Lawson can step back, take a deep shot and make it at a high percentage.
With Lawson commanding the offense and Nimaka patrolling the paint, the duo is set to emerge as one of the state’s best this season.
Jackson Fournier, Junior, Saint John’s
Fournier missed most of last season with an injury, but the junior Maryland baseball commit is set to make an impact for the Pioneers this winter, especially following the graduation of 1,000-point scorer Nick Barnes.
The junior is expected to be one of the team’s top rebounders this winter while contributing as a scorer at all three levels. Fournier joined the program at Saint John’s as a guard, and will still step out to defend on the perimeter and take deep shots, but his continued growth will make him a threat in the post as well. With his athleticism and size, the junior is one of the team’s most versatile defenders, able to defend one through five.
Saint John’s open its season on Dec. 12 against Leominster.
Niko Chaplain, Junior, Saint John’s
Chaplain is new to the conference this year but isn’t new to being an impact player.
The junior was a star at the Advanced Math and Science Academy last season, averaging 15 points and eight rebounds per game. He was a Worcester Telegram & Gazette All-Star last season.
Chaplain is strong and quick enough to slice toward the basket and finish through contact, but his biggest addition to the program is his defense. The junior has a nose for the ball and is fast enough laterally to keep most ball-handlers in front of him. Expect Chaplain to be one of the conference’s better outside defenders this winter.
