Syracuse, N.Y. -- Many Section III boys basketball players have come up big for their teams through the first half of the season.
We asked Central New York coaches who their team's midseason MVP is and why.
Here are the responses we received:
"While he has seamlessly stepped into the role of our leading scorer, his impact on our team extends beyond points. He is a true student of the game who continues to grow as a complete player, from finding new ways to get his teammates more involved to setting a more demanding standard for himself and those around him. Though only a 10th grader, his approach to the game reflects a player well beyond his years." -- Brian Montanaro
"Anytime he is in a Bishop Ludden-Grimes uniform, we will always have a chance. He has done a really good job rebounding the ball on the defensive end. We all know he can score, but he is certainly a willing passer and has had to play different positions for us this year and he has embraced that role." -- Gallagher Driscoll
"Aiden gives 100% each and every practice and game. Defensively, Aiden guards one of their best players, rebounds the ball very well and is great at communicating with his teammates. Aiden offensively has been extremely productive, averaging 30 points and over 10 rebounds a game, including 5 steals per game." -- Jeff Ventiquattro
"Second-year starter. He's a forward for us, he's averaging a double-double for us and only getting stronger and becoming a force." -- Cody Humberstone
"As we reach the mid-point of the season, Gino Bullock is our midseason MVP. We have gotten great contributions from many of our players, but Gino has stood out for us. He currently leads our team in scoring and assists and is shooting nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line." -- Buddy Wleklinski
"Miles works hard every day to make himself and the team better. His offensive skill set is well-known, but he has become more of a vocal leader on defense this season and that has helped our team get off to a good start." -- John Lambert
"My choice is Freddy because he is being a leader on and off the court. Working hard in the classroom, but being a leader in practice, also the games." -- Eddie Mitchell
"Theo has led the Dolgeville Blue Devils to a 7-1 start after recording only seven wins all of last year. Theo's steady leadership on the court and ability to hit clutch shots are what separate him from a lot of other players. Theo is at his best when he is getting everyone involved in the offense and is currently third in assists in Section III while also averaging roughly 13 PPG. Theo looks forward to the challenge of leading Dolgeville to a deep postseason run once again." -- Shane Morrill
"Micah is a senior leader who has dominated on both sides of the floor for us. Micah is amongst the top rebounders in Section III right now and he has yet to even hit his peak of how impactful he can be on the court. He's one of the guys that calls other teammates to make sure they are at practice on time. Micah has really accepted his role on this team and we are only going as far as he takes us. He's been spending extra time during practice working with our assistant coaches Reed and Smith trying to perfect his game in the paint. Great kid, great character, great leader." -- Brandon Hanks
"Ryan's year-over-year growth has been significant, as he is averaging career highs in scoring (16.6 ppg vs 8.7 in 2024) assists (3.6 per game vs 1.6 in 2024) and steals (2.4 per game vs .9 in 2024), while serving as one of our most consistent two-way contributors, while playing big minutes (30+ per game). His efficiency and production have been a major factor in our mid-season turnaround, particularly during our recent winning stretch. Beyond the numbers, Ryan has grown into a true leader -- setting daily standards in practice, competing every possession, and holding teammates accountable, which has elevated our entire program." -- Anthony Perioli
"Nyquan has led us in every category this season and has shown a great ability to be a leader on our team. He has been relentless in transition and has been asked to play almost every position for our team." -- Nyquan Gilbert
"Stephen Bazile has been the steady force behind our success this season. Averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, Steph impacts the game on both ends of the floor every night. Beyond the numbers, he is extremely respectful, coachable and unselfish, always putting the team first. Steph holds us together, embraces his leadership role and sets the standard for how we want to play and compete as a program." -- James Jones
"Nolan Brunelle has helped the team to a strong start. He is leading the team with 29 points per game, along with 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. Beyond the stat sheet, Nolan sets the tone as the unquestioned leader of the team, bringing energy, focus, and leadership both on and off the court." -- Ryan Brunelle
"He is our leading scorer, rebounder, shot blocker and he leads the team in assists. Cayden plays solid defense." -- Jerry Kelly
"He's one of five sophomores I have with a great work ethic and are getting better every day. He is a good teammate and most importantly, not satisfied and wants to be coached hard. He's been rebounding the ball at a very high level and his interior defense has been the anchor for us. I'm pretty sure he's averaging around 3 blocks a game! This year has been ideal for his maturation process. With that, he's starting to gain more confidence which is key. Expanding his game to the perimeter is another one of his goals. He has the ability and adding that to his game will make him a more complete player." -- Preston Shumpert
"Justin has a significant impact on the game at both ends of the floor. He is averaging 20.4 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks per game. On defense, he uses his long reach to disrupt or block shots, effectively protecting the paint. Offensively, he is difficult to guard in the paint, making him a matchup nightmare for most teams due to his size and agility. This year, Justin has taken on more leadership responsibilities by supporting and encouraging his teammates and celebrating their successes. He often faces double and triple teams, enduring physical challenges as he tries to score, and often has to finish through contact." -- Mike Strong
"Matt is the heart and soul of our team. He is the definition of the culture we are building at Nottingham HS on and off the court. An unmatched motor on the court and a true scholar in the classroom. He has made sacrifices and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He is a primary defender, a force on the boards and someone who sets the tone for us night in and night out." -- Lamar Kearse
"He impacts winning every possession. He leads the team in scoring at 20.5 points per game while also setting the tone as a playmaker with 44 assists and a relentless defender with 36 steals. What separates Howard is his consistency and responsibility; he carries the offensive load, makes the right reads, and competes on both ends without needing plays called for him. When we need a bucket, a stop, or composure, the ball and the moment find him." -- Jesse Behm
"Eddie is currently leading our team, averaging 18.1 ppg. He scored 39 points vs Morrisville-Eaton. He is a captain on the team and also brings high intensity to every practice and game. Eddie is on pace to be the next 1,000-point scorer for Oriskany." -- Marc Smith
"Eddie is off to a good start this season. If he continues to clean up some aspects of his game, he will be even better. That will add to his strong athletic ability." -- Bob Connelly
"He is our leading scorer, averaging 24 points a game. He is second on our team in assists and steals. His level of intensity often fuels the rest of the team's intensity." -- Jacob Preston
"Spencer plays every day, practice or game, with a tenacious intensity that is infectious to the team. He holds himself to the highest standard and embraces the challenge of everyday basketball life! Spencer is averaging 22.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.4 apg and 2.7 spg. He affects the game on both ends of the court and has been a huge factor in our team's success so far!" -- Jake Hess
"Hudson Hunt, averaging 20.5 points per game, has been the MVP for the Comets thus far. He leads the team in multiple categories including scoring, 3-point shooting, assists and steals." -- James Hunt
"He is averaging nearly 24 points per game while also contributing 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals per contest. While those statistics tell part of the story, they do not fully capture his impact. Our returning senior point guard, Brody Loi, was injured in the first game of the season and has been sidelined ever since. As a result, Reid has taken on increased ball-handling responsibilities and has done a tremendous job leading our offense. He has also grown into a more vocal leader, helping guide our team as we adjusted to playing without Brody." -- Jim Ryan
"He is averaging a double-double in his debut season with the Jugglers. In addition to his relentless hustle, he sets the tone for the Jugglers on both defense and offense. He is the unquestioned leader of a young team whose future is bright. Thus far this season, he is averaging over 20 PPG, 10 rebounds per game, 7 steals per game and 3 assists per game. (It is important to note that these statistics are from games played against teams that in seven of nine games were in class A or AA). Although these statistics are overwhelmingly impressive for a freshman, they pale in comparison to his character and his performance in the classroom. Notre Dame is lucky to have him and any college coach would be as well." -- Dan Curri
"He has led us in scoring in all eight games. Posting a season high at our last contest (Jan. 9, 2026 vs. Whitesboro), scoring 27 points in the game; coming up big with genius-like shot-making ability! His season average is in the low 20s and he is a very exciting player to watch! We are looking forward as the midway approaches and we believe we will be a force to reckon with as long as everyone stays healthy on and off the court!" -- Carvon Brazier
"Scott is our shooting guard and senior captain who brings all the energy to the team. Scott is averaging 20.7 PPG while shooting 55% from beyond arc. He does not only shoot the 3 well but able to convert at basket get teammates involved too. As three-year varsity starter he’s grown effective mature leader.His love game second none constantly looking ways improve." -- Jake Backus
"Brady is currently (through 8 games), averaging 13 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks per game. He has been outstanding on both ends of the floor and has been pivotal to our team success." -- Jon Sgarlata
"As a sophomore, Brady has embraced the role of being our go-to guy. Day in and day out, he comes ready to work and do what is necessary to put us in a position to be successful. Often tasked with doing a lot on the offensive end, he is also not shy to the defensive end, where he is often tasked with guarding the other team's best player." -- James Healy
"As the returning Section III large school player of the year there’s no question regarding exceptional value Eli Prince brings our team. He continues have significant influence overall success through elite on-court performance leadership.Eli consistently competes high level drawing substantial defensive attention creating opportunities teammates.Beyond statistics,set standard work ethic accountability,elevates team competitiveness instills confidence throughout roster." -- Jon Connelly
"He leads by example with his effort and positive attitude. He is our leading scorer; leading 3-point shooter with 16 makes; averaging 4.5 rebounds/game." -- Tom Blackford