High School boys’ basketball preview

Central Catholic leads field as Division 1 MIAA boys’ basketball favorite

By Patrick McHugh

Globe Correspondent / December 17, 2012

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All-Scholastic center George Merry, who averaged 19.5 ppg in the tournament, has graduated, but the Falcons do have three returning league all-stars in seniors Eric Martin (point guard), Nick McKenna (shooting guard), and Nick Bates (forward).

Wareham (23-1) suffered its only loss to Danvers in the state semifinals, but returns perhaps the most exciting player in EMass in Darien Fernandez. The shifty point guard nearly averaged a triple-double last season (20.5 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) and will be expected to carry the Vikings as far as he can.

Division 4

One year after losing the state championship, St. Mary’s returned to TD Garden last season and emerged with the hardware after downing Cathedral in the final.

The Spartans (20-6) will rely on returning all-stars Matt Manning (senior forward) and Randolph Thurman to lead the way for Coach of the Year Kevin Moran, who enters his ninth year in Lynn. Division 4 goes state-wide next season, which means the EMass Sectional champs will have to face the Central and Western winners for the state title in 2013-14.

Boys’ basketball league standings on Boston.com/schools.