Basketball IQ
Concept-based practice, scouting and decision training.
CATS Academy Boston · Braintree, MA
CATS BasketballBuilt for More
Elite Basketball • World-Class Education • Global Opportunity
CATS Basketball — NEPSAC varsity competition and national showcases.
The Pride
Our Lion, In Motion
One program, one standard — CATS Boston Basketball.
Why CATS · Why Boston
A Basketball Program Inside a Serious College-Prep School
CATS Academy Boston is an international co-ed boarding and day school in Braintree, Massachusetts — minutes from downtown Boston. Our student-athletes train at a national level while carrying a full American college-prep course load, supported by faculty, dorm staff and college counselors who know them by name.
Elite Academics
Elite Basketball
Boarding Experience
International Community
College Counseling
Leadership Development
50+
colleges and universities across Greater Boston
4
major professional sports franchises in one city
20 min
from our Braintree campus to downtown Boston
College Pathway
From 8th Grade Through a Postgraduate Year
Recruiting doesn't start senior year. It starts in 8th grade with a club-level experience and can run through a full postgraduate season. Here's what each stage looks like at CATS.
- 1
8th Grade
A club-style basketball experience — early skill development, exposure to the CATS standard, and a first look at what prep-level training and academics demand.
- 2
Freshman
Baseline skill and athletic testing, an academic plan built with your counselor, and an introduction to film and weight-room fundamentals.
- 3
Sophomore
Position-specific skill benchmarks, first NCAA eligibility review, PSAT sitting and course-rigor planning.
- 4
Junior
Highlight film built and distributed, college list drafted, SAT/ACT testing, and exposure at national live-period events.
- 5
Senior
Weekly coach communication managed with staff, applications and aid submitted, official and unofficial visits scheduled.
- 6
Postgraduate
A full PG year to add physical maturity, sharpen academics, and re-open recruiting for players who need one more season to land the right fit.
- 7
College
Signing support, academic and strength transition planning, and an alumni network that stays in contact.
Acceptances & Progressions 2024–25
Where CATS Graduates Go
Since 2014, more than 1,200 seniors have graduated from CATS Academy Boston. College counseling starts in Grade 9, and students visit 150+ universities and colleges each year.
- 2,400+
- University and college acceptances since 2020
- 83
- of the Top 100 National Universities have accepted our students
- Ivy League
- Brown, Cornell and Penn among student destinations
- 4 of Top 5
- World's best Art & Design schools have accepted our students
Source: US News Best National University Rankings 2025 and QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
College Placements
Our Most Recent NCAA Division I Signees
CATS Basketball student-athletes are competing at the highest level of college basketball — here are our most recent Division I placements.
Jaylen Harrell
Washington State
Pac-12 / WCC · NCAA Division I
Leo Curtis
Nebraska
Big Ten · NCAA Division I
Nicholas Mitrovic
California (Cal Berkeley)
ACC · NCAA Division I
Desmond Bellot Jr.
Fordham
Atlantic 10 · NCAA Division I
Nelson Mboudjika
La Salle
Atlantic 10 · NCAA Division I
Jaylin Williams
Towson
CAA · NCAA Division I
Jaxson Terry
Boston University
Patriot League · NCAA Division I
- CJ
Caspian Jones
Santa Clara
WCC · NCAA Division I
Headshots courtesy of each university's athletic department roster page.
Basketball Philosophy
We Don't Just Develop Players. We Develop People.
Six standards define how we practice, travel, study and represent the program.
Character
Who you are when the gym is empty.
Discipline
Habits that hold up under fatigue and pressure.
Accountability
Own the possession, the grade, the room.
Competitive Excellence
Compete to a standard, not to a mood.
Service
Give back to the campus and to the city.
Leadership
Lead teammates from every seat on the bench.
Development & Performance
Everything That Makes a Player, Under One Roof
Skill Development
Position-specific daily work with measurable benchmarks.
Strength & Conditioning
Year-round periodized programming for growing athletes.
Nutrition
Full-service cafeteria with food from around the world, built around the boarding dining schedule.
Recovery
Sleep, mobility and load management inside the school day.
Film Study
Individual and team breakdown sessions every week.
Mental Performance
Routines for focus, pressure and competitive resilience.
Leadership & Communication
On-court voice, off-court presence, interview readiness.
Fueling Our Athletes
A full-service cafeteria with food from around the world — hot lines, a grill, fresh produce and international options every day, so student-athletes from every country eat well and fuel properly.
How We Play
See the Style of Play
Live game footage from CATS Basketball — the tempo, spacing, and competitive standard our student-athletes compete with every night.
- Pace & Space
- We push tempo off every rebound and play through spacing — early offense, drive-and-kick reads, and shooters ready in the corners.
- Positionless Basketball
- Guards rebound, bigs handle and shoot. Every player is trained to make decisions with the ball in their hands.
- Defense First
- Multiple-effort possessions, ball pressure, and disciplined help rotations — the standard that travels to NEPSAC and national showcases.
Girls Basketball
Join the Founding Era of CATS Girls Basketball
This is a program being built from the first roster forward — and the players who arrive now set its standard. Varsity competition in the prestigious NEPSAC league, plus national showcase events through the winter season.
- Varsity competition in the prestigious NEPSAC league.
- National showcase events in addition to the league schedule.
- Full winter season schedule with league and non-league opponents.
- The same strength, film, nutrition and recovery resources as the boys program.
- College counseling and recruiting support built into the school week.
2026–27 Showcase Schedule
She Got Game D.C.
December 11–13, 2026
The St. James — Springfield, Virginia
She Got Game Philly
January 8–10, 2027
The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Mecca
Late January 2027
Gauchos Gym — Bronx, New York
Insider Exposure Independent Schools National Championship
February 2027
Mooresville, North Carolina
Follow the girls program on Instagram and X for game updates, highlights and commitments.
Boys Basketball
Compete With The Best
An elite premier prep program that attracts top student-athletes from around the world. Our team competes in the prestigious NEPSAC league and travels to national showcase events throughout the season.
- NEPSAC competition against the strongest academic and basketball programs in New England.
- National showcase events on top of the league schedule for added exposure.
- An Individual Development Plan for every student-athlete.
- Strength and conditioning built around fitness, endurance, core, flexibility and speed.
- Full-time coaching staff who act as mentors, not just coaches.
Game highlights, workouts and roster news post daily on the boys program Instagram.
Follow The Program
@cats.basketball
Game highlights, workouts, roster news and commitment announcements from the boys program post daily on Instagram. It's the fastest way for families and college coaches to follow our season.
2026–27 Rosters & Schedules
Who We Are And Who We Play
Varsity rosters and the full 2026–27 winter schedule for both CATS programs — NEPSAC league play plus national showcase events.
Boys 2026–27 Varsity Roster
| # | Player | Pos | Ht | Class | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | Roster announced in the fall | — | — | 2027 | — |
Boys 2026–27 National Competition Schedule
Our boys program competes against premier prep school and national academy programs across the country — elite competition and outstanding college recruiting exposure.
Gonzaga College High School
Washington, D.C. / MD
2026–27
TBA
Oak Hill Academy
Mouth of Wilson, VA
2026–27
TBA
Mount Zion Prep
Baltimore, MD
2026–27
TBA
Mount Carmel School
Essex, MD
2026–27
TBA
Highland School
MD
2026–27
TBA
Blair Academy
Blairstown, NJ
2026–27
TBA
St. James School
Hagerstown, MD
2026–27
TBA
Springdale Prep
MD
2026–27
TBA
Westtown School
West Chester, PA
2026–27
TBA
Our Saviour Lutheran School
Bronx, NY
2026–27
TBA
St. Xavier High School
Louisville, KY
2026–27
TBA
South Kent School
South Kent, CT
2026–27
TBA
The Master's School
MA
2026–27
TBA
Brewster Academy
Wolfeboro, NH
Pending date
TBA
Cushing Academy
Ashburnham, MA
2026–27
TBA
Newman School
Boston, MA
2026–27
TBA
Bridgeport Prep
Bridgeport, CT
2026–27
TBA
Woodstock Academy / Old Putnam
CT
2026–27
TBA
SPIRE Academy
Geneva, OH
Pending date
TBA
Montverde Invitational — 3 guaranteed games
Montverde, FL
National event
TBA
MADE Hoops Classic — 2 guaranteed games
TBA
National event
TBA
One of the most competitive prep slates in the country — and this does not include the Grind Session. CATS also competes in the nationally recognized Grind Session, adding more opportunities to face nationally ranked opponents in front of NCAA coaches and professional scouts throughout the season.
Rosters and game times are confirmed ahead of the season — send us the final list and we'll publish it here.
For College Coaches
CATS Basketball Recruiting Portal
catsrecruit.com is the official recruiting destination for CATS Academy Boston boys and girls basketball — everything a college coach needs in one place.
Player Profiles
Boys and girls rosters with height, position, class year and contact.
Film & Highlights
Game film and highlight reels organized by player.
Statistics & Schedules
Season stats and the full national competition calendar.
Academics & Transcripts
Academic summaries and secure transcript requests for college coaches.
catsrecruit.comOpen in new tab
School Leadership
Dr. Michael Lehan — Head of School
Dr. Lehan joined CATS Academy Boston in 2025, bringing a leadership style rooted in teamwork, resilience and shared purpose.
He began his career in Minnesota's Osseo Area Schools, advancing from Dean of Students to Principal of Osseo Senior High, where he led the school to national recognition and was named Principal of the Year. As Assistant Superintendent, he oversaw key district functions, enhancing its overall impact. He later served as Senior Vice President and Head of School at IMG Academy, driving initiatives focused on student opportunity and real-world readiness. Most recently, he managed 10 campuses across Texas and Colorado with Fusion Education Group, promoting innovation and personalized learning. A former NFL player with six seasons for the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, Dr. Lehan holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is dedicated to fostering growth, innovation and student success.
- Former Principal of Osseo Senior High and Minnesota Principal of the Year.
- Former Assistant Superintendent, Osseo Area Schools.
- Former Senior Vice President and Head of School at IMG Academy.
- Led 10 campuses across Texas and Colorado with Fusion Education Group.
- Six-season NFL player — Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns.
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Coaching Staff
Miguel Bocachica — Boys Head Coach
Head Coach of the EYBL Scholastic program. An accomplished coach with experience across high school, grassroots, and professional basketball.
A Philadelphia native and former collegiate and professional player, Bocachica has built a reputation for developing championship teams and student-athletes. After helping lead Imhotep Charter to three Public League and three PIAA State Championships as an assistant, he transformed West Catholic Preparatory High School into a statewide powerhouse, capturing the program's first PIAA State Championship in 2023 and a second in 2025 while maintaining a 100% graduation and college-placement rate. He has also coached on the EYBL circuit with Team Final, led the City Reapers at Overtime Elite, and gained NBA-level experience through Klutch Sports — earning recognition as one of the nation's most respected basketball coaches and player developers.
- Two-time PIAA State Champion head coach at West Catholic Prep (2023, 2025).
- Helped lead Imhotep Charter to three Public League and three PIAA State Championships as an assistant.
- 100% graduation and college-placement rate for his student-athletes.
- Three-time Coach of the Year honoree.
- EYBL circuit experience with Team Final; led the City Reapers at Overtime Elite.
- NBA-level experience through Klutch Sports.
Contact: mbocachica@catsboston.com
Email Coach Bocachica
Coaching Staff
Tom Garrick — NEPSAC AAA Head Coach
Second year leading the CATS Academy NEPSAC AAA program and eighth year coaching prep basketball in the NEPSAC.
A Massachusetts native, Garrick played college basketball and professionally overseas in Mexico's CIBACOPA before turning to coaching. As head assistant at Dexter Southfield, he helped lead the program to a conference finals appearance within three years. He then spent a season as an assistant at CATS Academy, guiding the team to a NEPSAC championship run and a Sweet Sixteen finish nationally. Known for his passion and mentorship, Garrick has helped develop numerous college players across all divisions. He also coaches in the Nike EYBL each summer and was recently named a Nike EYBL Top 100 Coach.
- Second year as Head Coach of the NEPSAC AAA program at CATS Academy.
- Eighth year coaching prep basketball in the NEPSAC.
- Led CATS to a NEPSAC championship run and a national Sweet Sixteen finish as an assistant.
- Head assistant at Dexter Southfield — conference finals appearance within three years.
- Played college basketball and professionally overseas in Mexico's CIBACOPA.
- Nike EYBL summer coach — recently named a Nike EYBL Top 100 Coach.
Contact: Tgarrick@catsboston.com
Email Coach Garrick
Coaching Staff
Isiah Anderson Jr. — Girls Head Coach
Senior Director of Athletics, Basketball Operations & Auxiliary Programs and Head Women's Basketball Coach at CATS Academy Boston.
Anderson leads strategic direction for the Academy's athletic department and the national expansion of the CATS Women's Basketball program — overseeing basketball development, international recruiting, and auxiliary programming. A veteran program builder with more than two decades of experience in prep, high school, AAU, and international basketball, he previously served as Athletic Director at Busche Academy, leading an international department representing eighteen countries. He co-founded the International Sports Academy at Hoosac School and founded REPS Basketball, one of New England's most respected independent programs. Most recently, he guided Prospect Mountain High School to the winningest season in program history and a Final Four appearance.
- Former Athletic Director — Busche Academy.
- Founder & Executive Director — REPS Basketball.
- Co-Founder — International Sports Academy at Hoosac School.
- Student-athletes placed at NCAA Division I, Division II, Ivy League, and professional programs.
- Former Prep School National Champion.
- Former U.S. Army Armor Officer.
"We're not simply preparing athletes for the next game — we're preparing young women for the next stage of their lives."Connect With Our Coaching Staff
Coaching Staff
Theresa I. Ekhelar — Recruiting Coordinator & Assistant Coach
Director of Residential Life, CATS Academy Boston.
Theresa Ekhelar brings a rare combination of playing pedigree, college athletics administration, and residential leadership to CATS Basketball as Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach. She also serves as Director of Residential Life at CATS Academy Boston, overseeing housing and student life for over 395 students across five dormitories — giving her a unique, whole-student view of what it takes for a student-athlete to succeed on campus and on the court.
Before CATS, Ekhelar was the Student-Athlete Development and Success Coordinator at Rutgers University, supporting over 750 student-athletes. She was also selected for the NBA's Future Basketball Operations Stars program (1 of 88 nationally) and completed the NCAA's postgraduate internship program, working with the Playing Rules & Officiating committee and as liaison to the DI Women's Volleyball Committee.
Ekhelar began her sports administration career as a Graduate Assistant with Georgia State Women's Basketball, earning her Master's in Sports Administration. A former professional player, she competed in the Turkish and Lebanese leagues, capping her career as a 2019 Arab Champion. Collegiately, she played at Ohio State and West Virginia, earning first-team All-Big 12 Academic honors.
- Director of Residential Life — 395+ students across five dormitories.
- Former Student-Athlete Development & Success Coordinator, Rutgers University (750+ student-athletes).
- NBA Future Basketball Operations Stars program — 1 of 88 selected nationally.
- NCAA postgraduate intern — Playing Rules & Officiating; liaison to the DI Women's Volleyball Committee.
- Former professional player in the Turkish and Lebanese leagues; 2019 Arab Champion.
- Played collegiately at Ohio State and West Virginia; first-team All-Big 12 Academic honoree.
Get recruited: tekhelar@catsboston.com
Get Recruited — Email Coach EkhelarCaptains' Corner
Leadership Development for Team Captains
Great teams are built by great coaches. Championship cultures are sustained by great leaders.
Captains' Corner is CATS Academy Boston's leadership development initiative, preparing student-athletes to lead with character, courage and consistency — on and off the court. It reflects a priority the Head of School holds close: developing young people not just for competition, but for lives of purpose and meaningful leadership. The program develops captains who influence culture rather than simply wear the title.
Character
Lead with integrity when no one is keeping score.
Courage
Say the hard thing to a teammate and to yourself.
Consistency
Show up the same way in September and in March.
Service
Build environments where every teammate can thrive.
SALT Model
Built on the nationally recognized Student Athlete Leadership Team framework — captains meet regularly, own team standards, and represent their teammates in program decisions.
The Trenches
Elements of The Trenches leadership framework translate leadership language into daily reps: trust-building, accountability conversations, and leading through adversity.
Mentoring & Application
Coaches, faculty and the Head of School mentor captains directly, then hand them real responsibility — practice leadership, team meetings, service and campus representation.
The goal: leaders who elevate everyone around them — at CATS and beyond.Ask About Captains' Corner
Camps & Training
Development Is A Year-Round Commitment
Our academies and training programs help athletes build skill, basketball IQ, confidence and physical preparation — with programming open to both CATS students and outside athletes.
CATS Basketball Academies
Run during major school breaks and the summer.
- Thanksgiving Elite Basketball Academy
- Winter Break Basketball Academy
- Spring Break Basketball Academy
- Summer Basketball Academy
Training & Showcases
- Small group training in position-specific skill development and competitive settings.
- Private one-on-one coaching with individualized development plans.
- Local, regional, and national showcase circuit opportunities year round.
- Open to CATS students and outside athletes.
- Led by the CATS coaching staff, with guest instructors when appropriate.
Develop your game. Compete with purpose. Prepare for what comes next.
Academics
The Education Comes First — Because It Has To
Small classes and individual attention mean a coach and a teacher can spot the same problem in the same week. Basketball at CATS is built around the academic day, not on top of it.
Small Classes
Individual attention and teachers who track each athlete's progress.
SAT / ACT Prep
Structured test preparation timed to the recruiting calendar.
Supervised Study Hall
Daily study hall with faculty and dorm staff on hand.
Academic Mentoring
Ongoing check-ins so grades never surprise a family.
Ivy Plus Program
CATS' signature track for students targeting highly selective universities.
College Counseling Prep
Dedicated counseling programming from the first year on campus.
International Community
One Campus. One Brotherhood. One Sisterhood. Many Nations.
Students arrive at CATS from across the world and share a dorm hallway, a classroom and a locker room. That mix is the point — and it's what colleges notice.
Map · 20 student-origin countries
North America
Latin America
Europe
West Africa
East Asia
South Asia
Middle East
Oceania
Facilities & Boarding Life
Where Our Athletes Train, Study and Live
Residential students live in supervised dorms with faculty and residential staff on duty, structured evening study hours and weekend programming.
Campus & facilities tour — CATS Academy Boston.
Single Rooms
A private room with its own bathroom and shower — space to rest, study and recover on your own schedule.
Double Rooms
A shared room with its own bathroom and shower — the classic boarding experience with a built-in teammate.
Every dorm room — single or double — has its own private bathroom and shower.
Parent FAQ
The Questions Families Ask First
Admissions Process
Six Steps From First Contact to Enrollment
- Step 1
Inquiry
- Step 2
Application
- Step 3
Interview
- Step 4
Visit
- Step 5
Acceptance
- Step 6
Enrollment
Scholarship and financial aid consideration is available for qualified student-athletes. Awards vary by year and applicant, so speak with admissions directly rather than assuming a figure.
Contact AdmissionsCATS Basketball
Built for More
Come see the gym, the classrooms and the dorms in person — then decide.
- Campus
- CATS Academy Boston · Braintree, Massachusetts
- Admissions
- Inquiry form below, or the CATS Academy Boston admissions office at catsacademyboston.com
Coming Soon
Player testimonials, alumni outcomes and coaching staff bios will be published here once confirmed by the program.