Written by Paul Garwood
Photo Courtesy of Northeast Prep School Basketball

A new era in elite basketball is here — and the nation’s top programs are breaking every rule that once separated high-level prep schools from powerhouse high-school teams. For years, post-grad prep academies and traditional high-school programs rarely crossed paths on the court. But for the 2025–26 season, that old separation is gone.

Introducing The Big Six Conference — a bold, competitive alliance built on one shared belief:
“We will go anywhere to play anyone… when the opponent is really, really good.”

The conference merges three national prep powers with three elite high-school programs, forming one of the most competitive basketball groups in North America:

• Putnam Science Academy (CT)

• Bridgeport Prep National (CT)

• Lee Academy National (ME)

• Our Saviour Lutheran Jelly Fam (NY)

• Redemption Christian Academy National (NY)

• St. Jude’s Academy Post Grad (Ontario)

This blend of prep-school firepower and high-school tradition represents a major shift in national competition structure.

A New Format With High Stakes

The league will reduce travel while increasing the stakes. The season will open with a Tip-Off Gathering from October 31 to November 2 at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Teams will return to CCRI on March 6–7 for the Big Six Championship Tournament.

Each team will play a seven-game regular-season schedule, with standings determining the postseason bracket.

✅ TEAM BREAKDOWNS

Putnam Science Academy (CT)

Head Coach: Tom Espinosa
A titan of prep basketball, Putnam Science has won five National Prep Championships in the last seven years. They enter 2025–26 chasing their third straight season as the No. 1 computer-ranked prep team. Competing in the powerhouse New England Basketball League, they remain the standard of consistency and excellence.

Bridgeport Prep National (CT)

Head Coach: Greg Thomas
One of the nation’s fastest-rising prep programs, Bridgeport Prep draws talent from across the U.S. and internationally. Their alumni consistently deliver strong freshman seasons at the NCAA level. They also compete in the highly competitive Power 5 AAA Conference.

Lee Academy National (ME)

Head Coach: Dan Haynes
A long-established Maine prep school force, Lee Academy leverages its boarding-school structure to bring in national and international talent. Their model emphasizes long-term development and team cohesion.

Our Saviour Lutheran Jelly Fam (NY)

Head Coach: Peter Wehye
The Bronx powerhouse and home of the famous Jelly Fam movement. This year’s roster features multiple Division I prospects, including Saint Louis commit Jermel “Magic Mel” Thomas. OSL also competes in the Overtime Elite high-school league, giving them one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Redemption Christian Academy National (NY)

Head Coach: Tristan Wilchcombe
RCA National continues to produce Division I talent, including this season’s headline player and Rutgers commit Imahri Wooten. Their physical style and defensive identity make them a tough matchup for anyone in the Big Six.

St. Jude’s Academy Post Grad (Ontario)

Head Coach: Tarry Upshaw
A Canadian powerhouse with a long history of excellence. St. Jude’s Academy consistently competes for national titles and attracts global prospects. Their ability to blend athleticism with skill development makes them a dangerous postseason contender.

✅ LEAGUE PREVIEW SUMMARY

The Big Six Conference doesn’t just merge prep and high-school powers — it disrupts tradition, elevates the competition, and sets the stage for one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory.

Elite Hoops Spotlight will continue providing updates, team features, and season-long coverage.