Brewster Academy Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence and NBA Talent

Brewster Academy, nestled in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, has emerged as a powerhouse in high school basketball, consistently producing top-tier talent that has made its mark on college and professional levels. Over the past 25 years, head coach Jason Smith has been instrumental in transforming Brewster into a nationally recognized program. Smith has led the Bobcats to an impressive 641 wins and seven National Prep Championships, with the most recent title secured in 2020.

How did Brewster, a sleepy academy in a rural New England town, spawn the best high school basketball team in the country? Brewster Academy, home to 357 boys and girls, has operated as an independent boarding school since 1820. Only in the past decade has it emerged as arguably the best high school basketball program in the country. Brewster administrators joined the party later than some of their peers: They didn’t make basketball a priority until the late 1990s. Internally, it’s now designated as a “leadership sport,” which means the school sets aside extra money from its operating budget and its $15 million endowment for things like travel and need-based financial aid.

A Program Built on More Than Just Scoring

One of the keys to Brewster's success lies in its emphasis on overall impact rather than individual scoring prowess. As Coach Smith notes, the program values "who had the highest efficiency because it impacts the game in terms of winning and losing more than being a volume scorer." This philosophy has allowed Brewster to identify and develop players who contribute in multiple facets of the game.

For 20 years I worked in admission, so I had access to recommendations from teachers and I put that in highest regard because teachers are the ones who see the kids everyday,” Smith said. “They’re going to let us know about strengths, weaknesses and relationships with peers. I’ve told this to kids over the last 25 years, you’re not the best 12 players that wanted to come here.

From Brewster to Division I and Beyond

Since 2001, the Bobcats have sent nearly 200 players to Division I schools, a testament to the program's ability to prepare athletes for the rigors of college basketball. The academy most recently sent ESPN’S No.70 recruit in the class of 2025 Nojus Indrusaitis to Iowa State University.

Brewster can now claim 14 players who have been drafted into the NBA and 24 alumni who have played in the league, including Donovan Mitchell and Will Barton. Even more have had professional careers in leagues around the world, including the NBA G League.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Hidden Gems

Coach Smith has a knack for identifying talent that may be overlooked by other programs. As he states, "A lot of times we have guys that are under the radar." He points to players like Semaj Christon and Donovan Mitchell, noting that they weren't widely known before arriving at Brewster. This ability to spot potential and develop players has been crucial to the Bobcats' sustained success.

Hall of Fame Recognition

The impact of Brewster Academy's basketball program extends beyond the court, as evidenced by the induction of several alumni into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, August 2, members of the Brewster community gathered for one of its most treasured traditions-the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The 2025 celebration honored seven individual inductees and one unforgettable team whose achievements and character have left a lasting imprint on the school.

Dodie Dunson II: Perseverance and Purpose

Dodie Dunson arrived at Brewster in 2005 as a postgraduate basketball player with a gift for the game and a drive to succeed. Under Coach Jason Smith, he became an All-NEPSAC Class A selection before moving on to Division I basketball at Iowa State University and later Bradley University. Dunson’s early years in college presented academic challenges, but his persistence paid off. Earning a place on Bradley’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll his first semester, he repeated the achievement every term thereafter. On the court, his senior season brought honors including MVC Scholar Athlete First Team and selection as a Lowe’s Senior CLASS All-American. After college, Dunson dedicated himself to coaching and community service, founding the Dodie Dunson II Foundation and, in 2024, becoming head coach of women’s basketball at Lewis University in Illinois.

Read also: From Soaps to Fast & Furious

Devonte’ Graham: From Wolfeboro to the World Stage

Devonte’ Graham left his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, to spend a postgraduate year at Brewster-a decision that would propel him to national championships and an NBA career. At Brewster, Graham earned First Team All-NEPSAC honors and led the Bobcats to both a NEPSAC Class AAA Championship and a National Prep Championship. At the University of Kansas, he collected a staggering list of honors, including Big-12 Player of the Year and consensus First Team All-American. Drafted into the NBA in 2018, Graham has played for the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs, and will now take his talents to Serbia’s Euroleague.

Donovan Mitchell Jr.: More Than Basketball

When Donovan Mitchell transferred to Brewster in 2013, he was seeking growth-on the court and in life. Over two years, he became a two-time NEPSAC and National Prep champion, team MVP, and, notably, Senior Prefect, a role he still calls his proudest achievement. After two standout seasons at the University of Louisville, Mitchell entered the NBA in 2017 as the 13th overall draft pick. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is a six-time NBA All-Star, an All-NBA First Team selection, and one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.

Even with his professional accolades, Mitchell told the audience, “Being able to be class prefect is what I really model my life around. Even with all the basketball accolades, it’s being class prefect that means the most to me and it’s definitely the one I brag about the most because this experience is much bigger than basketball.”

The 2015 Prep Basketball Team: A Brotherhood of Champions

The 2015 team dominated its season, winning the NEPSAC Class AAA regular season title, the championship, and the National Prep Championship-marking back-to-back national titles for the program. Five players went on to the NBA, with others finding success in the G League and overseas.

Representing the team, Donovan Mitchell returned to the podium. “Coming off a national championship, it’s easy for guys to come in relaxed, but this team wanted to work, wanted to be the best. practice, even in freezing weather.

Recent NBA Draft Success

The Brewster Academy basketball program continues to produce NBA-level talent, as evidenced by the recent success of its alumni in the NBA draft. Recent examples include Matas Buzelis and Devin Carter.

Congratulations to Matas Buzelis and Devin Carter, two recent Brewster Bobcats who are now headed to play in the NBA. Buzelis was drafted 11th overall by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, having played in the G-League after leaving Brewster. The Sacramento Kings made Carter their 13th overall pick following the 6'3" guard's stellar junior season with Providence, during which he was named the Big East Player of the Year.

Notable Alumni

Brewster Academy's basketball program has produced a long list of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in college and professional basketball. Some of the most prominent names include:

Donovan Mitchell: A current NBA star, known for his scoring ability and athleticism.
Devonte' Graham: A skilled guard who has played for multiple NBA teams.
T.J. Warren: A former first-round pick with a knack for scoring.
Will Barton: A versatile player who has had a long and successful NBA career.
Thomas Robinson: Former NBA player.

Other notable alumni include: C. J. Kadary Richmond.

tags: #Brewster #Academy #basketball #notable #alumni