Patriot boys basketball team opens new season with depth, energy and a fresh identity

By Dom Nicastro

The Revere High School boys basketball team enters the 2025–2026 season in a dramatically different place than it ended last winter. One season removed from Ethan Day’s historic 65-point finale and his rise into the school’s 1,000-point club, the Patriots return to the court with no clear superstar, a deeper bench and a roster built on balance and defense rather than singular scoring feats.

Revere finished 8–12 last season, missing the Division 1 tournament by two games but closing with one of the most memorable individual performances in program history. Day, alongside fellow seniors Avi Lung, Josh Mercado, Erick Mayorga and Gio Alexandre, carried the bulk of the offensive load throughout 2024–25. With all five leaders now graduated, the Patriots begin the winter with an identity shift — one centered on committee scoring, backcourt depth and collective toughness.

This year’s group, however, is no stranger to varsity action. The Patriots return eight players who saw time last season, many of whom were role pieces forced to learn behind one of the most productive senior cores Revere has had in more than a decade. Now, they inherit the keys.

“It’s a great group of hardworking kids,” Head Coach David Leary said. “We do not have a ton of experience coming back, so we will be learning on the fly, but I think we will find our stride and get better day in and day out.”

New leaders emerge

The returning senior class gives Revere a physical interior presence the program has leaned on in spurts over the past two seasons. Forwards Devin Berry and Zaney Kayembe are expected to anchor the frontcourt, both capable of scoring inside and rebounding in traffic. Senior guards Nick Rupp and Isaiah Llanos provide on-ball defense and outside shooting, while senior forwards Jadrian Sanchez and Omar Attabou offer energy and production off the bench.

Leary’s roster grows even deeper with a large junior class, including guards Chris Recinos and Adnane Amimme, both quick, aggressive defenders who can score at all three levels. Junior forwards Nico Cespedes and Lucca Albano give the Patriots size and versatility, and junior guard Ryan Raduazzo brings strength and downhill scoring. Transfer big man Bryan David adds rebounding and interior defense as he acclimates to the system.

While the team expects contributions across the roster, sophomore guard Charles Dobre may be the most explosive returning scorer. After emerging as one of Revere’s top underclassmen last winter — flashing athleticism, finishing ability and defensive instincts — Dobre now steps into a much larger role.

A different kind of challenge

The adjustment from last year’s senior-heavy lineup to this season’s spread-the-floor, speed-oriented group will take time. The GBL again presents one of the toughest schedules in the region. Still, Leary sees a path forward as long as the Patriots can compensate for what they lack in size.

“For what we lack in size we will have to make up for with hustle and toughness,” Leary said. “Our seniors will lead by example.”

Leary, who is entering his 10th season alongside assistants John Leone and Bob Sullivan, has been through several roster evolutions. Last year’s team lived through tight finishes, late-season surges and the emotional milestone run for Day. This year’s group, he believes, will grow differently — steadier, more balanced and increasingly defensive-minded.

“I’m interested to see how we come together these next few months,” he said.

A deeper bench than in recent years

One of the stark changes from last winter is depth. Revere’s past two teams often relied on heavy minutes from their top four scorers. This year’s lineup has legitimate rotation options at every position, with multiple guards able to pressure the ball and several forwards capable of playing physically inside. Senior shooter Joseph Carlo, junior guard Wesley Nunez and others provide additional lineup flexibility. The Patriots enter the season with more playable bodies than they have had in years — something that could carry them during the grueling midseason stretch when GBL competition tightens.

A schedule that tests them early

Revere opens at home against Arlington Catholic on Friday, Dec. 12, before launching into back-to-back GBL road trips to Lynn Classical and Lynn English — a three-game stretch that will reveal how quickly the roster gels. The Patriots will also play in the Malden Holiday Tournament and face non-league opponents, such as Chelmsford and Northeast Voke.

Looking ahead

With a mix of veterans, emerging juniors and a high-upside sophomore, the Patriots face a transition season — but one not short on potential. Leary doesn’t expect dominance out of the gate, but he expects progress.

“I think we have potential,” he said. “We will be learning on the fly, but we will find our stride.”