Gator Athletes Make Waves in College
See how Brimmer Athletics alumni are doing in college.
Each year, 7.8 million high-schoolers play a varsity sport.
Of these 7.8 million only 7% go on to play at the collegiate level. Over the past few years, the School’s athletics program has sent many athletes to compete in college across all three divisions. This year, 13 alumni competed in college athletics.
Brian Gamble ‘23 - Cross Country, Track - Yale University (DI)
Brian Gamble is widely considered to be the School’s greatest runner, having only lost one race throughout his four years on Varsity Cross Country. His leadership took the team to three Massachusetts Bay Independent League (MBIL) championships.
Head Cross Country Coach Ted Barker-Hook expressed his feelings on coaching such a talented runner.
“I think it was wonderful and nerve-wracking and frightening all at the same time,” Barker-Hook said. “It was wonderful because I got to live in his globe, which is really cool, selfishly. He was wearing the Brimmer uniform and I was wearing the Brimmer coaching coat. At the same time, I was always worried about my workout plans leading to not maximizing his potential or, at worst, injuring him.”
During his senior year here, Gamble committed to run both Cross Country and Track at Yale.
“What I have gotten from Brian is he's been very, very happy with how the season is going,” Barker-Hook said. “He, of course, is in a whole different place where he's not the best on the team.”
Unlike when he ran in high school, Gamble is having to contend with not always being out in front.
“He's in an unusual situation for him in being in the middle of packs in cross-country, in being in the second or third heat in track races,” Barker-Hook said.
Gamble has experienced greater success in track, where he achieved Yale’s second-best 1500 from a freshman, being barely beaten by a second year freshman runner.
“He is that far from being the fastest 1500 freshman that the school has ever seen,” Barker-Hook said. “And that came from this school, in our programs, our academic programs, our athletic programs. That is incredibly gratifying.”
Gamble leads the pack in a meet. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Gamble leads the pack in a meet. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Gamble starts a race ahead of the pack. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Gamble starts a race ahead of the pack. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Gamble poses with family at a Brimmer event celebrating college-bound athletes. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Gamble poses with family at a Brimmer event celebrating college-bound athletes. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Jordan Minor ‘19 - Basketball - University of Virginia (DI)
Jordan Minor ‘19 had a successful high school career, averaging over 20 points per game, 13 rebounds per game, and over two blocks a game in his senior season. Minor went on to play college basketball at Merrimack College for four years, before transferring last year to play and earn an advanced degree at the University of Virginia.
This year, the UVA forward, who used up his extra year of eligibility from the pandemic, has been a consistent contributor, receiving 18 starts averaging over 14-minutes a game. Additionally, Minor found success in the classroom, earning him CSC Academic All-District and ACC All-Academic honors.
Minor’s efforts helped to qualify his team for the national tournament. However, UVA lost the play-in to University of Colorado.
Athletic Director and Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Tom Nelson says that Minor is looking to continue playing at the professional level.
“He's now starting to get ready to go get an agent to go be a professional,” said Nelson.
Williams takes a shot against Bradford Christian Academy. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Williams takes a shot against Bradford Christian Academy. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Ta’Quan Williams ‘23 - Basketball - Post University (DII)
Ta’Quan Williams ‘23 had an excellent high school career, highlighted by being a NEPSAC B class All-Star and a NEPSAC AA honorable mention. Last year, Williams attended Post University in Connecticut.
The point guard found significant success in his freshman year, recording 8.5 points, 1.3 assists, and one steal per game coming off the bench. This earned him two Rookie of the Week awards in the CACC, and Post University Athletics Rookie-of-the-Year. His contributions helped Post reach the second round of the DII national championship.
“Post had the best year they've ever had in the school's history,” Nelson said. “And he was a big part of that.”
Kaylee Little '23 - Soccer - Elms College (DIII)
Kaylee Little’s ‘23’ high school career was nothing short of impressive. Little was a seven-year Varsity Girls Soccer player, earning awards such as IGC co-player of the year and Boston Globe All-Scholastic recognitions.
Currently, Little is attending Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts. In her first three games, the forward found success, achieving one goal and one assist. However, an injury caused her to miss out on the rest of her freshman season.
“We're looking for her to get back healthy and get back on the soccer field and do what she does best,” Nelson said.
Nielsen plays in a game against Bradford Christian Academy. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Nielsen plays in a game against Bradford Christian Academy. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
A twitter post from The Citadel Mens Basketball highlights Nielsen. Photo courtesy of The Citadel.
A twitter post from The Citadel Mens Basketball highlights Nielsen. Photo courtesy of The Citadel.
Quinn Nielsen ‘23 - Basketball - The Citadel (DI)
Quinn Nielsen ‘23 was impressive during his years here, receiving athletic honors for his junior and senior years, during which time he also served as a National Honors Society student.
His athletic and academic success led him to the Citadel, a Division I school in the SoCon conference. In his freshman year, Nielsen played for an extremely competitive team and struggled to find consistent playing time. In the games he played in, he had some impressive performances as a center, such as his six points, nine rebounds, and one assist game against Toccoa Falls.
“He got a good first experience playing Division I at Citadel,” Nelson said.
Nielsen entered the transfer portal after the season ended and recently signed with Boston University, where he will play Division I basketball for the Terriers.
Jarrel Okorougo ‘22 - Basketball - Trinity College - (DIII)
Jarrel Okorougo ‘22 found great achievement during his high school career. Okorougo was an exceptional starter, receiving All-Nepsac AA honors in his senior season.
Currently, Okorougo just finished his sophomore year at Trinity College. The forward had a successful year, averaging 10.9 points per game. His performance was highlighted by a 26 point performance against Tufts University. His contributions helped Trinity reach the final four of the DIII national championship.
Clayton McLaren ‘21 - Basketball - UMass Boston (DIII)
A multisport athlete, Clayton McLaren ‘21 succeeded in basketball and cross country throughout his time here.
After high school, McLaren committed to run track and cross country at Lincoln University at the Division II level. After a year at Lincoln, McLaren transferred to UMass Boston to play basketball at the DIII level. At Umass, the sophomore guard provided consistent support off of the bench, shooting an impressive 60% from three.
Quezada shoots a free throw. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Quezada shoots a free throw. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Edrick Quezada ‘23 - Basketball - Merrimack (DI)
Edrick Quezada ’23 was an incredibly talented forward during his time here, contributing to the team’s NEPSAC semifinal run in 2023. After graduating, Quezada committed to play at Merrimack at the DI level.
Due to being on an incredibly talented Merrimack team, the freshman struggled to find minutes during the season. However, Quezada was still able to contribute to the team's impressive run to the NEC finals.
Kyrell Luc ‘21 - Basketball - St. Bonaventure (DI)
Kyrell Luc was phenomenal in his time at Brimmer, averaging 26 points, six assists, five rebounds per game as a junior. He was named the NEPSAC AA player of the year in the 2019-2020 season, and tallied over 1,000 points in two seasons at Brimmer.
Luc took his talents to Holy Cross for his freshman year, where he was impressive, averaging 13 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He then transferred to St. Bonaventure, where he averaged 7.4 points and 2.9 assists in two years with the Bonnies.
He is now transferring again to Longwood in Virginia, where he will play his last year of eligibility with the Lancers.
Gianni Thompson ‘21 - Basketball - UMass Amherst - (DI)
Gianni Thompson experienced a strong high school career, averaging 19 points and 9 assists as a senior, and being ranked as the number two high school senior basketball recruit in Massachusetts in 2021.
Gianni committed to and spent his freshman year at Boston College, where he averaged 1.3 points and one rebound per game with the Eagles. Gianni then transferred to play at UMass-Amherst, where in two seasons with the Minutemen he averaged 1.1 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. Gianni is now transferring to Canisius for his senior year, and has completed his college degree in three years.
Elijah Kinney ‘23 - Basketball - Endicott College - (DIII)
Elijah Kinney had a solid high school career, starting his senior year while also earning honor-roll four times in high school.
Elijah decided to play basketball locally at Endicott College, where he impressed during his freshman year. He averaged 14.5 points and 10 rebounds per game, and was recognized as the 2023-2024 D3hoops.com All Region 2 Rookie of the Year. He was also All-CCC second team and CCC Rookie of the Year as well.
“He was dominant as a freshman,” Nelson said.“He had a really good year.”
Kinney warms up for a game. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Kinney warms up for a game. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Xoren Livingston ‘23 - Basketball - Springfield College (DIII)
Xoren Livingston earned a great reputation as one of the best shooters in the NEPSAC AA. He decided to take his game to Springfield College, where he had a solid freshman year. He started five games as a freshman and averaged 5.6 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Xoren’s best game this year was in his second college appearance, where he scored 21 points, shooting seven for nine from the field against MIT.
“He went from a bench player to a role player to a starter by the end of the year as a freshman,” Nelson said.
Xoren is staying at Springfield College for his sophomore year, and he will be looking to have an increased role.
Ismani Cepeda ‘22 - Basketball - Emmanuel College (DIII)
Ismani Cepeda earned an all NEPSAC AA honorable mention and the Coach’s Awards for his senior year with the Gators. He then decided to attend Emmanuel College.
In his freshman year with the Saints, Cepeda averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game as a freshman, and improved this past year with 6.7 points per game on highly increased efficiency.
“[He] had a good year,” said Nelson. “Became a starter this year. So he's looking to even increase that role going into next year.”
Bryce Dortch '24 (Left), Andre Mills '24 (Middle), and Daemon Thomas '24 (Right) pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Bryce Dortch '24 (Left), Andre Mills '24 (Middle), and Daemon Thomas '24 (Right) pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Nelson hands Andre Mills the game ball in honor of him surpassing 1000 career points. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Nelson hands Andre Mills the game ball in honor of him surpassing 1000 career points. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Nelson poses with the Varsity Boys Basketball team. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Nelson poses with the Varsity Boys Basketball team. Photo courtesy of Brimmer and May.
Future of Collegiate Athletes From Brimmer
Next year, four more students will continue their athletic journeys in college.
Andre Mills ‘24 - Basketball - Texas A&M (DI)
Bryce Dortch ‘24 - Basketball - Rutgers University (DI)
Daemon “Moni” Thomas 24’ - Basketball - Elmira College (DIII)
Peter (Ziyue) Mou ‘24 - Swimming - Brandeis University (DIII)
Nelson expressed the feeling of sending athletes to compete in college.
“Oh, man, there's no better feeling,” Nelson said. “It's elation. When you go out there and you look and you say in their bios it says Brimmer MA or it says Brimmer, and then you go out there and you watch them play and you remember what they were like when they were 15, 16, 17, 18 years old. And to watch them go out for another program and give it their all and succeed and win accolades, it just makes us know that we did a great job here. It's a great feeling.”
Although the current slate of college athletes is very basketball-centered, Nelson is looking to change that by sending more non-basketball players to compete, especially as he takes on more responsibilities as Athletic Director.
“I want to now make sure that we have more athletes that represent Brimmer in different sports across,” Nelson said. “So we do that by hiring coaches that will allow us to train them, recruit them, and help them get into those areas, the same way that I've been doing here.”
Nelson believes this training takes place not only physically in practice, but also comes with the mental preparation to become a college athlete.
“There's going to be ups and downs,” Nelson said. “And you've got to be able to not get too high for the high and not too low for the lows. And just know that if you continue to work through it, you'll be okay.”
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