NEPSAC Basketball Levels Explained: Playing Time vs Daily Competition
Most families assume higher NEPSAC levels automatically mean better recruiting outcomes, but that assumption misses how development actually works. We touched on this when we sat down for an interview with Shavar Bernier, head coach at Taft School, who’s coached across levels and understands how role, minutes, and environment shape long-term outcomes
NEPSAC AAA: Daily Competition Without Guaranteed Game Role
Cory: “Does it matter if you play in AAA, AA, single A, independent, B, C? I know my answer. What’s your answer on that?”
Shavar: “I don’t think there’s a black or white answer. For the kid who might be good enough to come off the bench at AAA, you have to ask if you’ll improve more by practicing against higher competition but not being in those game moments.”
Shavar: “You might be in practice every day against better players, but in the game you’re not in those moments with that experience of game pressure.”
Shavar: “You have to ask what prepares you better after nine months.”
Leadership shows up when the game gets loud.
NEPSAC A: Feature Role, Minutes, and Real Game Pressure
Shavar: “Do you think you will improve after nine months if you came to Taft, had plays drawn up for you, were thrown into a leadership role, had the ball in your hands late in games?”
Shavar: “Do you improve more by being highlighted in film, being the guy in one-possession games, or by playing fewer minutes against higher competition?”
Shavar: “That’s what families are really asking.”
Shavar: “It’s not as simple as higher level is better.”
NEPSAC AA: The Middle Ground Many Families Miss
Pressure exposes preparation.
Shavar: “If you’re not the highest-level recruit and you’re not going to be the guy at AAA, it’s a different experience.”
Shavar: “Some kids might need that feature role. Some kids need to be pushed every day in practice.”
Shavar: “It’s different for every person.”
Playing Time vs Exposure: The Question Families Are Actually Asking
Cory: “There’s no crystal ball. You have to make the decision with the limited information you have and don’t look back.”
Cory: “I backed up an All-American in high school and got pushed every day, then got more minutes later. There were pros and cons to both.”
Cory: “You don’t know which one is better until you live it.”
Recruiting Reality: Coaches Don’t Recruit Levels, They Recruit Players
Shavar: “College coaches are not taking a kid because of Taft or Deerfield or Exeter.”
Shavar: “They’re taking a kid because he’s good enough.”
Shavar: “They get fired if they get it wrong.”
Shavar: “You’re not getting buoyed because you went to a certain school.”
Growth happens in the middle of the moment.
How Families Should Frame the NEPSAC Decision
Shavar: “What does game experience mean versus playing against better players in practice?”
Shavar: “Do you want to play 32 minutes, be dinged up, and carry responsibility, or play fewer minutes against higher competition?”
Shavar: “That’s the real decision.”
The Development Lens Matters More Than the Label
Athleticism is built through repetition and intent.
Shavar: “Our job is to develop young people and prepare them for the next level.”
Shavar: “If a coach doesn’t lead with development, that should turn you off.”
Shavar: “You have to develop players and prepare them for what’s next.”
Recruiting Takeaway: Pick the Environment That Forces Growth
There’s no universal right answer between NEPSAC A, AA, or AAA. The right choice depends on role, readiness, and how much responsibility a player needs to grow. If you want help with pressure-testing where your development will actually accelerate, mapping realistic outcomes, or choosing a prep environment that fits your path, reach out to PREP Athletics and we’ll help you get aligned early so the process moves forward with clarity.
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.