Prep School Basketball Recruiting: What Every Athlete and Family Needs to Know

There’s no “best” prep school—only the best fit. Every program is different. That’s why it’s so important to dig deeper than league labels or flashy records. We touched on this topic when we sat down for an interview with Coach Lamar Reddicks, the longtime head coach and athletic director at Milton Academy.

Coach Reddicks has helped players reach top-tier academic and athletic colleges like Harvard, Princeton, Purdue, and Boston College—all without a post-grad program. His experience in both the Ivy League and NEPSAC makes him a trusted voice for any family navigating prep school choices.

Every Prep School Has Its Own DNA

Cory:
Some families ask me, “Hey, what about AAA, AA, Single A, B? Does it matter what league I’m in?” I always say pick based on the coach you like best, not the level. What do you tell families about that?

Lamar Reddicks:
I always tell them, don’t fall in love with a Roman numeral. There are good basketball players no matter where you go. We can go down the street to a litter of Division III schools in New England, and it is great basketball you’ll watch.

Division III, Division II—it’s all good basketball. I coached at Harvard and BU, and at both places, we scrimmaged Division II teams and would get our butt kicked. Especially when those D2 teams are older, they’re really good.

So same thing with Class A, AA, AAA. There are a lot of Class A teams that can compete with some AAA teams and vice versa. Trying to find the right fit and a place where you’re going to get playing time is what I consider to be the most important thing.

Lamar Reddicks coaching during a high-intensity timeout with Milton Academy.

Why School Culture and Coaching Fit Matter More Than Rankings

Cory:
Some people think all prep schools are the same. But unless you’ve been inside, it’s hard to see the real differences.

Lamar Reddicks:
It’s amazing—my own son is on my team, and even for me, it’s challenging to navigate this whole thing. Not every prep school is the same. I don’t think Milton is like any other school. And I don’t think Andover, Exeter, or Choate are like each other either.

Every school is so incredibly different. You’ve got city schools, near-the-city schools, outside-the-city schools. Day schools, boarding schools, all-boys schools. That variety alone is something families have to understand before they pick a program.

Academics Still Matter: Don’t Overlook the Education

Milton Academy players and coaches after a team practice session.

Lamar Reddicks:
Academically, Milton speaks for itself. It’s one of the better academic schools in the country. You’re not going to find many places with the combination of athletics and academics that we provide. That’s what makes this place special.

You’re around like-minded kids—competitive in the classroom, in the dorms, and on the court. Whether your roommate is a football player or hockey player, they’re all committed to their crafts. Everyone’s working to become the best version of themselves.

The Fit > The Flash: Find a Place You Can Play and Grow

Lamar Reddicks:
I’ve turned away really good basketball players when I’ve had stronger teams. I can’t play everybody. And if a kid wants to be recruited and seen by college coaches—well, they’re not coming to every practice.

So if your kid isn’t going to play, it’s not fair to them. Go somewhere where you have the opportunity to play and grow. Find a coach that fits your child. That’s what truly matters.

Milton players show passion and excitement from the bench during a key game.

Prep School Selection Advice for Families: Start With the Right Questions

Lamar Reddicks:
It’s no different than picking a college now. You’ve got to ask:

• Do I want to be in a city? Near a city? Out in the country? 
• Day school or boarding school? 
• What kind of academic environment do I want? 
• What kind of community do I want to be part of? 

I do this all the time with families—even the ones where Milton isn’t the right fit. I try to help them however I can, because it’s a huge decision.

Final Word: Every School Isn’t for Everyone—And That’s a Good Thing

Milton Academy basketball captures the trophy after a big win.

The biggest takeaway? Don’t chase rankings—chase fit. Coach Reddicks laid it out clearly: the right prep school is about long-term growth, daily development, and finding the right culture both on and off the court.

If you’re looking into prep school, reach out to us at PREP Athletics. We’re here to help you explore your potential and make choices that align with your athletic and academic future. We’ve also got a long list of resources to get you started in the right direction, so check out our latest prep basketball updates on YouTube or our podcast to dive deeper.