MIAA coaches on the prep school dilemma — The HoopWise Podcast

Ethan Fuller and Steve Hewitt talk with with Medfield High girls coach Mark Nickerson and longtime Andover boys coach Dave Fazio to discuss the evolving MIAA public school vs. NEPSAC prep dynamic, focusing on player retention, recruiting and program impact rather than specific teams. Nickerson describes losing top players to Nobles despite efforts like the Eastern New England Showcase, which he fears has become a scouting tool for prep programs, and notes limited engagement from Division 1 coaches. Fazio shares similar experiences, including a player reclassifying and ultimately leaving for Brewster, and argues many families believe prep is necessary for Division 1. Both emphasize relationships, community and youth pipelines, while proposing changes such as a summer coaching window, earlier season starts, exemption games, and formats like a Super 8 or statewide tournament to improve exposure and competition. Topics 01:51 MIAA vs Prep Setup 11:42 Hard Transfer Choices 17:03 Biggest Disadvantages 21:32 MIAA rule changes 32:22 Coach collaboration 46:14 Leveling the Playing Field 51:50 Would a Super 8 tournament work? 53:22 Final Thoughts The HoopWise Podcast from New England Basketball Journal is a Seamans Media production. Find more daily basketball news at New England Basketball Journal: https://www.basketballjjournal.com/ Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1djZM31... Listen on all major podcast platforms. Ethan's Boston Marathon fundraising page for Dream Big: https://www.givengain.com/project/eth...