2023 and 2024 State Champion North High Polar Bears

Early Summer Meet-Up!

The North High 25-26 squad got together for a team dinner before the school year wraps up. This group improved on the previous season’s record and continues to move in the right direction both on and off the court.

It was great to see the guys enjoy some time together, share a meal, and celebrate the progress they’ve made as a team.

Enjoy your summer, gentlemen. Have some fun, make some memories, and be sure to get some work in. The next season starts now! 💪🏀

Former North High coaches Al Pettway, Jared Wilbon, Robert Rios, and player Joe Okla enjoying the fruits of their 2026 MASCAC Championship!
Congratulations to all the coaches, support staff, and players at Worcester State for their hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and commitment in achieving this tremendous accomplishment. Championships are earned through countless hours of preparation, teamwork, and belief in one another — and this group clearly represented that every step of the way.

Seeing Aaron Nkrumah continue to climb from a one time opponent of North High School to two Worcester State University MASCAC Chips, then on to Tennessee State University and an Ohio Valley Conference championship is something the entire city can be proud of.

Winning at multiple levels says a lot about both his talent and character. Players who make that jump from local standout to contributing at the Division I level earn every opportunity they get. The fact that he’s now chasing NBA aspirations is inspiring for younger Worcester athletes who dream of following a similar path.

And you’re absolutely right — it’s always especially rewarding when success happens for someone known as a genuinely good person off the court too.

Worcester has produced a lot of tough, talented basketball players over the years, and Aaron’s journey is another reminder that high-level talent can come right out of the city gyms and high school rivalries.

Wishing Aaron nothing but success in the next chapter. Hopefully this is only the beginning.

As the seasons change and time continues to pass since the tragic loss of Carl-Hens Beliard, visiting his resting place serves as a reminder to cherish friends, family, and every meaningful moment. He was a good boy when I met him and forever a young man when he was taken. E4C!

No surprises here—Joe Okla is your Athlete of the Year at Worcester State!
A motor that never quits. The heart of a champion. And just as impressive off the court as on it, continuing to stand out academically while stacking achievements.
Two State D1 Championships, and now a MASCAC title in his first season at Worcester State University—helping his former North High coach, Al Pettway, bring home more hardware.
Tin, wood, or glass—it doesn’t matter, the trophies keep coming!
Congratulations Joe!

As both a page admin and someone who had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach alongside past and present North High coaches, I’ve seen firsthand the impact strong leadership can have on a program. Preparing North High teams year after year to compete against Wachusett—and against Coach Gibbons—was no small task.
There’s a compliment I once heard about a family growing up: “They left a good footprint.” It’s stayed with me ever since.
Coach Tom Gibbons, you’ve done exactly that. Your dedication, leadership, and influence have left a lasting mark on your players, your teams, and the community.
Enjoy your retirement.
Burncoat High School
Burncoat High School

Worcester Telegram & GazetteWachusett High School

2023 North High State Champion Tahlan Pettway is on the move! After entering the transfer portal following the season, he’s heading to UNC Wilmington.
Pettway showed steady growth all year, earning a starting role down the stretch. Now he takes his game to the coast!
Wishing you all the best in this next chapter!

A well-deserved honor for Tishaun Jenkins!

Good coach, teacher, player and his passion ranks at the top in the city!

Congratulations to Tishaun on his induction into the Worcester Public Schools Hall of Fame—an incredible and well-earned achievement!

Aaron Nkrumah has officially entered the NBA Draft — and his journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance.

From South High Community School (and trust me, it was no easy task facing South with him on the court), to prep school, then Nichols College, and Worcester State — then ultimately finishing his college career at Tennessee State, Aaron has continued to elevate his game every step of the way.

At Worcester State, he played a key role in back-to-back MASCAC Championships in 2023 and 2024, along with numerous other accomplishments. He also contributed to TN State winning the Ohio Valley Conference and going to the D1 NCAA Tournament for the first time in 32 years in 2026. The Tigers lost in the first round to Iowa State.

Congratulations, Aaron, on everything you’ve achieved so far. Excited to see what’s next — the best is yet to come!

South High girls and other Worcester players vs. an all‑star team at the Spring Jam Classic—and South pulled out the win in a strong, competitive game. Still strong. Stay strong. Worcester Strong!