Blair Academy’s Backcourt Duo of Deron Rippey Jr. and Jaen Chatman Is Turning Heads - and Winning Big
**SPRINGFIELD, MASS. ** - If you’re looking for a backcourt that plays with chemistry, toughness, and a flair for the spectacular, look no further than Blair Academy (NJ).
The guard tandem of Deron Rippey Jr. and Jaen Chatman isn’t just good - they’re electric. And after another dominant performance at the Hoophall Classic, it’s clear this duo is one of the most dynamic in the country.
Rippey Jr., a Duke commit, and Chatman, who’s headed to the University of Rhode Island, have built something special. Their connection on the court is seamless - like two guards who’ve been running the break together for years.
Whether it’s Chatman threading a pass in transition or Rippey Jr. finishing with authority above the rim, the two feed off each other’s energy and instincts. And it’s paying off in a big way.
Saturday’s 78-52 rout of Texas Military Institute was just the latest example. Blair didn’t just win - they overwhelmed, outpaced, and outclassed their opponent in every phase.
Rippey Jr. brought the crowd to its feet with high-flying finishes on lob passes, showing off his elite athleticism and body control. But he wasn’t just a highlight reel - the 6-foot-2 guard also brought the heat defensively, applying relentless on-ball pressure and forcing turnovers that turned into easy buckets.
He finished with 13 points, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.
Chatman, meanwhile, put together a complete performance that earned him Game MVP honors. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he plays with a physicality that belies his size.
He scored 13 points, pulled down six rebounds, handed out seven assists, and added two steals - a stat line that speaks to his all-around impact. But what really stood out was his poise and decision-making.
He controlled the pace, found teammates in rhythm, and knocked down shots when the defense sagged off.
Rhode Island might have landed a gem here. Chatman’s growth - particularly as a shooter and on-ball defender - has been eye-opening.
Blair head coach Joe Mantegna, who recently notched his 500th career win, credits the guards’ unselfishness as the key to their success.
“I think it is his trust level in his teammates, which allows (Rippey Jr.) to play so well with guys like Chatman,” Mantegna said. “Ron Ron and (Chatman) like each other. They get off the ball for each other and are both completely unselfish players.”
That trust is rare, especially in today’s high school basketball landscape, where individual accolades, social media highlights, and NIL opportunities can sometimes overshadow team play. But Rippey Jr. and Chatman are cut from a different cloth. They’ve been at Blair together for a year and a half and have only lost four games in that span - a testament to both their talent and their chemistry.
Blair’s depth also deserves a nod. With a rotation that goes 10 deep and a schedule stacked with national-level opponents, this team has earned the buzz it’s getting.
But make no mistake: Rippey Jr. and Chatman are the engine. They set the tone, they lead by example, and they’re making Blair one of the most talked-about programs in the country.
If Saturday was any indication, they’re just getting started.