Blair’s Backcourt Duo of Rippey Jr. and Chatman Turning Heads at Hoophall Classic
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - Blair Academy’s backcourt isn’t just good-it’s electric. With Duke-bound Deron Rippey Jr. and Rhode Island commit Jaen Chatman running the show, Blair has one of the most dynamic guard duos in the country, and they’re proving it every time they hit the floor.
Saturday afternoon at the Hoophall Classic was just the latest showcase. Blair dismantled Texas Military Institute, 78-52, in a game that felt more like a statement than a contest.
And at the center of it all? Rippey Jr. and Chatman, feeding off each other’s energy, instincts, and unselfishness.
Rippey Jr., a 6-foot-2 floor general with elite athleticism, brought the crowd to its feet with high-flying finishes off lob passes and relentless pressure on the ball. He finished with 13 points, but his impact went far beyond the box score. His defensive tenacity set the tone early, forcing turnovers and disrupting TMI’s rhythm before they had a chance to settle in.
Chatman, meanwhile, continues to look like one of the most underrated pickups in the 2026 class. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he’s built like a linebacker but plays with the finesse and vision of a seasoned point guard. He matched Rippey Jr. with 13 points, but added six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals-earning Game MVP honors in the process.
What makes this duo special isn’t just the individual talent-it’s the way they play together. They share the ball.
They trust each other. They get off the ball willingly and make the right play, even when the highlight reel might be tempting.
In an era where individual accolades and NIL money can sometimes cloud team dynamics, Rippey Jr. and Chatman are refreshingly focused on winning.
Blair head coach Joe Mantegna, fresh off his 500th career win, knows just how rare that is.
“Ron Ron and Chatman like each other. They get off the ball for each other and are both completely unselfish players,” Mantegna said.
“When you are fighting for internet clicks and highlights and NIL money, in today’s times, there are players and teammates that can be selfish. There is none of that with Ron Ron and Chatman.”
That chemistry has translated to wins-lots of them. In the year and a half since they’ve joined forces at Blair, the Bucs have dropped just four games. And with a deep roster that can comfortably go 10-deep and a schedule packed with top-tier national opponents, Blair isn’t just competing-they’re thriving.
This team has depth, cohesion, and a backcourt that’s as polished as it is explosive. Rippey Jr. and Chatman aren’t just two talented guards-they’re the engine behind a Blair team that looks every bit the national contender.