Success of undefeated basketball teams has Brockton's New Heights Charter ready for more

Jason Snow, The Enterprise
·4 min read

BROCKTON – The athletic department at New Heights Charter School in Brockton is, in fact, setting new heights.

Spearheaded by two undefeated varsity basketball teams, both of which bolstered their records with blowout wins over Codman Academy (Dorchester) this week, the Phoenix are cherishing their best athletic season of the school's seven-year existence.

“It’s been a magical ride and we’re just beginning," athletic director Reggie Carter said. "I personally have a five-year plan and, hopefully, we’ll be competing on (another) level.”

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Carter's plan quickly ramps up, starting next year.

New Heights will leave the Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization (MCSAO) to transition to compete in the MIAA. To accompany its basketball teams, the school also offers soccer, volleyball, track, cheer, dance, flag football and a newly introduced golf team. Carter hopes to one day offer tackle football, too.

Siyhann Sharp of New Heights Charter takes a layup, as teammates are seen cheering in the background, during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Siyhann Sharp of New Heights Charter takes a layup, as teammates are seen cheering in the background, during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

New Heights is a middle/high school with approximately 735 students total (315 in the middle school), according to Carter, that mostly welcomes students from Brockton, Randolph and Taunton. It offers students the chance to "earn free, transferable college credits while in high school," the school website says, with many students starting the process in 10th grade.

This spring, New Heights will send off the first graduating class to spend all six years (Grades 6-12) at the school.

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“It’ll be nice to see the first full cycle," Carter said. "Hopefully, we can have them leave here with a championship," he chuckled.

Given how both the girls and boys basketball teams have cruised through the early portion of the schedule in dominating fashion, the Phoenix is priming itself for a deep tournament run. The girls are 7-0 and the boys are 6-0.

Last year, the boys squad began the season 0-3 but rallied in eight consecutive games to qualify for the league championship game, where it suffered a 68-52 loss to APR (Academy of the Pacific Rim, of Hyde Park).

Carlucci Paul of New Heights Charter boxes out with 'Push Your Limit' banner seen in the background during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Carlucci Paul of New Heights Charter boxes out with 'Push Your Limit' banner seen in the background during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

“It all starts with the coaches,” said Carter. “Just having their expertise and them changing the culture is the reason and having the kids buy in, not only on the court but also the classroom.”

The girls team is coached by Joneiha Veiga, a two-sport Hall-of-Famer at Massasoit Community College (basketball, 2007-09; softball, 2008-09) and former Brockton High standout. The boys team is run by Hosea Langham, a longtime coach in the AAU ranks.

“What I wanted to do is match the early college experience to give (students) the college experience on the athletic side," said Carter. "We try to give them the high-level, prep school feel.”

The newly-renovated court in the back of the school was once a Verizon facility, until it was eventually converted into the school before its inaugural academic year in 2016. The current location of the court was once a storage unit – the roof was raised, hardwood was added and the project finished construction last November.

“It was just in time for the season," Carter said.

Carlucci Paul of New Heights Charter dunks during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Carlucci Paul of New Heights Charter dunks during a game against Codman Academy on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

In blowout wins over Codman Academy (Dorchester) this week, a combined total of 18 players scored between the two teams – eight in double digits.

For the boys, senior captain Carlucci Paul led the way with 26 points in a win that saw the Phoenix post a whopping 113 points. Junior Isaiah Goodridge-Fernandes followed with 16 points and the backcourt duo of freshman Christian Dalton and junior Marvens Laplante combined for 30 points with 15 apiece.

Junior Jaylen Thomas (13 points), junior Khamari Gillings (8 points), senior Christian Isom (7 points) and senior captain Marckinley Toussaint (5 points) also played well. The team relinquished a total of 15 points in the win and just one point in the first half.

For the girls, sophomore captain Jizzelle Stephney led with 14 points, followed closely by junior Nevaeh Stephney (12 points) and freshman Naziah Herisse (10 points). Freshman Siyhann Sharp seventh grader Jay'La Depina also scored. The Phoenix won, 50-0.

New Heights finishes up the regular season against Codman Academy (Jan. 20), Phoenix Charter Academy (TBA) and Boston Day and Evening Academy (Feb. 7). All three games are boys/girls double-headers.

“It’s a lot of hard work," Carter said of the programs' growth. "It’s a lot of commitment on the administration, teachers, staff and students, but the culture here is special and we’re just trying to captivate it and keep it going for each class.”

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Undefeated basketball teams pace New Heights Charter for new successes