Every journey starts with a belief in what’s possible. The students pictured below started with PTW at a young age and grew up in our system. At PTW these athletes turned dedication and disciplined training into real opportunities at the next level. Their stories show what can happen when ambition is matched with the right guidance, work ethic, and vision.
The Breakfast Club
Coach DeShawn was rewarded with the opportunity of attending The Breakfast Club at Harvard University. He met some NBA Royalty: David Bing and Ray Allen. This was such an honor and a moment that coach DeShawn will cherish forever. You can only teach the game if you are willing to learn it.
Charlie O’Brien
Charlie O’Brien is a Senior a Lexington High School who came to PTW at the end of his Freshman year. Charlie was coming off a tough year and dealing with some doubts about his ability. We knew in an instant that he was a special talent and just needed to be surrounded by trainers that believed in him.
Charlie has worked tirelessly for the past two years and had an absolute break out summer with New England Elite. Sadly, he sustained a season ending injury and wasn’t able to finish his senior season. Charlie is heading to Wake Forest and we are beyond proud of him.
Bryson Mercedes
There is so much we can say about Bryson (a Junior At Newton North) as he has been one of PTW’s brightest stories. He started his journey on the C team and has been with us since 12 years old. He had a breakout varsity season as one of two Sophomore’s that made the Basketball Power House Newton North team. Bryson will continue to build his basketball resume and we are excited for his future.
Mason Kaplan
Mason is one of our youngest Elite Skills Training clients. He is young in age, but his game is mature. We can’t keep Mason off the court and are excited to see what the future holds for Mason.
Braden Mercedes
Yes, Braden is the younger brother of Bryson. Just like his older brother, Braden has been with us for multiple years and his growth has been amazing to watch. Braden is now an MVP caliber player due to his endless work on the court. He is nothing short of an amazing leader in the making.
Zach Baum
Zach Baum has been with Coach DeShawn and PTW since he was 10 years old. Coach has seen all of Zach’s progression as a player. Zach is what you would call a gamer, when the lights are the brightest. Zach is going to perform at his best.
To see a kid that could barely make his AAU team and now being one of the best players in arguably the toughest prep school league in the country is a true testament to the work Zach has put in over the years. Zach is finishing up his Senior season a Nobles and has Committed to Bowdoin College to continue his basketball career. Proud is an understatement.
Mario Coppola
Mario is one of the top 8th graders in Massachusetts. You would never know it because he is one of the most humble kids. His ability to put his head down and just work is what sets him apart from everyone else. The sky is the limit for Mario. He is set to have a big summer with BABC heading into his Freshman year.
Kelsie Harris
We have Trained Kelsie Harris (a Junior at Newton South) since the 4th grade. Kelsie is going on her 3rd year as a Varsity player and it’s been amazing to see her growth. From a little shy girl, to the now deadly sharp shooter she is today. This is an important Summer for a Kelsie and we are looking to take things to another level.
Jessie Silk
Jessie has been with Coach DeShawn and PTW since the age of 5. Jessie is like family. We have literally watched this young lady grow into a young woman. It’s been amazing training Jessie as she is an incredibly talented athlete, but the relationship Coach DeShawn and Jessie have developed over the years is what stands out the most. Jessie is now a Sophomore at Emerson absolutely crushing it. I advise all clients to go catch a game. Jessie is a true product of PTW.
Click here to see a video Jesse in action through the years.
Overtime Elite
We’re always looking for ways to grow—and that means learning from the best! Our team recently took a trip to Overtime Elite in Atlanta, a premier basketball development program designed to prepare high school athletes for the next level both on and off the court. We had the opportunity to tour the facility, speak with players and staff, and gain valuable training insights.
Why did we go? Because our mission is to strengthen our athletes, and we believe that studying the top youth programs in the country is key to delivering elite development here at PTW.
