Finding the Right Prep School Fit for Long-Term Success
Choosing a prep school isn’t about chasing the biggest name—it’s about finding the right fit for your child’s development, both academically and athletically.
We explored this topic with Coach Connor Merrill, head coach at Deerfield Academy, whose experience across prep levels gives families a clear lens into how to evaluate a school beyond its league label.
AAA vs AA vs A vs BC: Understanding Prep School Basketball Levels
Cory: Families often ask me what level of prep school they should target. How do you describe the difference between AAA, AA, A, and BC?
Connor: “The biggest thing is understanding what those levels really mean. AAA is typically for kids who are already being recruited at the Division I level. AA and A have a mix—some D1 prospects, some D2, some high-academic D3s.”
Connor: “BC schools are still great environments but usually emphasize academics even more and may not play as national of a schedule.”
Connor: “If you’re a player who’s 15 or 16 and still figuring it out, there’s nothing wrong with playing at the level where you’ll actually get minutes and development. That’s where growth happens.”
Better late than never — the 2023–24 Deerfield Academy basketball squad is ready to compete and represent #GoBigGreen with pride and unity.
Why “Fit” Matters More Than Rankings
Cory: What do you tell families who chase AAA just because of the label?
Connor: “I think that’s where a lot of people go wrong. It’s not about letters—it’s about opportunity. If you go somewhere you’re not ready to play, you’ll get buried behind older, stronger guys.”
Connor: “You want to go to a school where you can contribute, where coaches know how to develop you, and where you can still focus on academics. That’s the sweet spot.”
Connor: “Sometimes a AA or A program with the right coach and competition is better than being the twelfth man on a AAA roster.”
Balancing Academics, Athletics, and Culture
Deerfield Academy celebrates its Class of 2024 student-athletes on College Signing Day, recognizing those continuing their athletic and academic journeys at top programs nationwide.
Cory: Deerfield’s known for high academics. How do you balance that with basketball expectations?
Connor: “We take pride in producing great students and great teammates. It’s about accountability. If you can handle our workload and still perform on the court, college coaches know you’ll succeed.”
Connor: “Every prep school has its own culture. Some emphasize travel schedules and national exposure; others focus on community and classroom rigor. Families need to visit, meet the staff, and feel that fit firsthand.”
Deerfield Academy celebrates its Class of 2024 basketball commits — Justin Odibo (University of Rochester), Sawyer Ramey (Middlebury College), and Liam McBride (Bowdoin College). #GoBigGreen
Evaluating Opportunity and Exposure
Cory: How can players get seen if they’re not in a AAA league?
Connor: “College coaches recruit players, not letters. If you can guard, shoot, and make plays, they’ll find you. We’ve had D1 and D3 recruits because we play the right events and communicate with colleges constantly.”
Connor: “That’s the beauty of prep basketball—there’s no single path. The right program for one kid might not be the right one for another.”
Cory’s Takeaway — Choose Fit, Not Fame
Deerfield Academy honors three members of its Class of 2023—Derek Long, Natrel Allen, and Travis Cobain—as they sign to continue their basketball careers at the collegiate level. #GoBigGreen
Don’t pick a prep school for the logo—pick it for the growth. Coach Merrill’s insights remind us that fit > status every time.
At PREP Athletics, we guide families through these decisions daily, helping student-athletes find environments that maximize both performance and purpose.
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.