Hofstra Freshman Inspires Former High School Team

Preston Edmead, a Deer Park High School graduate, helps lead Hofstra to first NCAA Tournament in 25 years.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Hofstra University freshman Preston Edmead, a graduate of Deer Park High School, is part of the Pride's men's basketball team that has qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 25 years. Edmead's former high school coach and teammates say his success is inspiring the next generation of players at Deer Park.

Why it matters

Edmead's accomplishment is a point of pride for his former high school program, showing that players from smaller local schools can make it to the highest levels of college basketball. His journey is motivating current Deer Park players to pursue their own dreams of playing in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Edmead played three years of varsity basketball at Deer Park High School before taking his game to the collegiate level at Hofstra. In his freshman season, he is helping lead the Pride to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years. Edmead's former high school coach, John McCaffrey, says Edmead's success comes as no surprise given his dedication to the sport.

  • Hofstra will face Alabama on Friday, March 18, 2026 at 3:15 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Preston Edmead

A freshman guard at Hofstra University and a graduate of Deer Park High School, where he played three years of varsity basketball before taking his game to the collegiate level.

John McCaffrey

The head coach of the boys' basketball team at Deer Park High School, where Edmead played before joining Hofstra.

Nusanti Delbridge

A junior point guard on the boys' basketball team at Deer Park High School, who says Edmead's success is motivating him and his teammates.

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What they’re saying

“Preston eats, sleeps and drinks basketball because that's what the entire Edmead family does and that's what the entire Edmead family has done for a long period of time. It's no surprise he's had success.”

— John McCaffrey, Head Coach, Deer Park High School Boys' Basketball

“It gives people like me motivation that I can get to that stage one day.”

— Nusanti Delbridge, Junior Point Guard, Deer Park High School Boys' Basketball

What’s next

Hofstra will face Alabama on Friday, March 18, 2026 at 3:15 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament, as the Pride look to continue their historic run.

The takeaway

Edmead's journey from Deer Park High School to the NCAA Tournament with Hofstra University is an inspiring story that shows how players from smaller local programs can make it to the highest levels of college basketball. His success is motivating the next generation of Deer Park players to pursue their own dreams.