Jay Tilton

Phillips Exeter Head Basketball Coach...5x NEPSAC Class A Champions 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2024

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

A sad day. I’m fortunate to have played for Whit and coached against him in NEPSAC. As with so many others, he had a profound impact on my life & career. A family friend & mentor, Whit will always be on the Mount Rushmore of NEPSAC coaches. A true legend.

[Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops]

Absolutely brutal news this morning of Bridgton Academy’s legendary coach Whit Lesure passing away suddenly at the age of 66.

This one hits really, really hard for me. Forget about the fact that he was a terrific coach, a 4-time NEPSAC champion, someone who was all about developing people.

But Whit was such a good guy. I wouldn’t be where I am today in this business, as he really helped me as a young journalist breaking into the prep school/recruiting end of things. He was a straight shooter and I going to miss seeing and talking to him. Prayers go out to Whit’s entire family.

Here’s a statement from Bridgton Academy:

“The entire Bridgton Academy community is devastated by the loss of Basketball Coach Whit Lesure, 66, who passed away early this morning after a medical emergency at his home on campus. Coach Lesure won four NEPSAC AAA championships during his 29-year tenure at Bridgton Academy, earning him admission into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He was beloved by his players, as well as the students who turned to him for support in his role as advisor, dorm parent, and college counselor. He was deeply admired and respected by his colleagues on campus and fellow basketball coaches everywhere. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Marybeth and the Lesure family. Coach Whit’s passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts and in our community.”

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

@AdamFinkelstein Much appreciated words from a basketball legend!

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

So incredibly grateful for having had the opportunity to represent Phillips Exeter Basketball, and am excited for the program’s future under Coach Rafferty. The right guy is steering the ship!

[Exeter Athletics @ExonianSports]

We are thrilled to announce Harry Rafferty ‘13 as the new head coach of our boys varsity basketball program. Rafferty takes over for his former coach, Jay Tilton, who has stepped down after more than two decades with the program.

https://t.co/TVmGZjN66i

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

Everything you want on teammate. Great fit!

[Philip Rowe @prowe444]

PLAY-OFF HENRY...This guy competes every day..#GoBigRed - NYU got themselves a good one.

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

@GentsCoachD Chin

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

I love me some solid. In 3 decades of coaching, Tyler is among the select few who consistently impacts winning.

[Robbie Hodin @robbie_hodin]

I'm excited to be @avonoldfarms for the second weekend of the @NEPrepBB @NEPSAC showcase. As soon as I walk in the gym, @DeclanGriff11 hits four shots in a row during a 2 minute span. BRIGHT future ahead for the baby-faced assassin.

[Robbie Hodin @robbie_hodin]

I'm excited to be @avonoldfarms for the second weekend of the @NEPrepBB @NEPSAC showcase. As soon as I walk in the gym, @DeclanGriff11 hits four shots in a row during a 2 minute span. BRIGHT future ahead for the baby-faced assassin.

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

Exeter Basketball:
NEPSAC LIVE @ Babson
6/21 vs Milton 530pm
6/22 vs Taft 1045am
6/22 vs TP 1235pm

https://t.co/rL4uxVGKfu?

[InsideTheLoudHouse @LoudHouseFS]

Fast-rising 2025 wing Ryder Frost (@RyderFrost7) of @ExeterHoop and @MiddlesexMagic, who was offered by Syracuse basketball last month and is interested in visiting, soars to 4 stars and into the top 100 in new class rankings. Details via @DAMNTWIN. 🔽 https://t.co/06MAJqrUDb

[New England Recruiting Report NERRHoops @NERRHoops]

6’ 4” guard Luke Soden of @ExeterHoop & @MiddlesexMagic

[Middlesex Magic @MiddlesexMagic]

Ryder Frost is officially a 4⭐️ recruit and ranked in the top 100 in 🇺🇸!! 📈📈 #MagicFamily

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

@_TomKeller @NEStormBball @Tylerbike0 @NEStormNHDir @EliteHSscouting @HGSL_HoopGroup @TheHoopGroup @brianpetro4 Yessir! Tough Dude…Throwback point guard

[Al Johnson @AlJohnsonSports]

@AlJohnsonSports prospect @javantemccoy13 @SouthBayLakers @TerrierMBB @ExeterHoop @WakelandHoops
#AlJohnsonSports
#basketballrecruiting

[Max Albinson @MaxAlbinson]

Check out a few of my clips from Pittsburgh this past weekend! (some games only partially streamed).
@MiddlesexMagic
@ExeterHoop

[New England Recruiting Report NERRHoops @NERRHoops]

Ryder Frost (@ExeterHoop & @MiddlesexMagic) picked up an offer from West Virginia yesterday.

[East Texas Gameday @ETX_Gameday]

3 seniors sign to continue their playing career after one of the most epic seasons in Lobos history.

Robert Blandburg will attend @ExonianSports, @Davisjusticell1 will head to @CoastalNorthMBB and Drew Ward will attend @FLCoastalPrep

@WardMaxward504 @coachchuckt @ExeterHoop

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

Game day accomplishments aside, Ryder brings it everyday in practice. Every. Day.

[Middlesex Magic @MiddlesexMagic]

Pro Insight interview with 6’6 Ryder Frost. Ryder is an elite shooter with a strong, athletic frame. 🔊 to his interview and you will see his mental maturity matches his physical! Special young man!

@RyderFrost7 | @UANextBHoops | @ExeterHoop | @_proinsight

#MagicFamily

[Philip Rowe @prowe4444]

Congratulations Coach Dickson and THANK YOU.. for all you have done for us on the Hilltop..So many of us have had the Privilege to be part of your journey..All the best with your next Chapter..#GOHAWKS

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

Let’s Go, Jayden! Future is bright!!

[Jayden Duverne @jaydenduverne]

Excited to announce that I will be attending Phillips Exeter Academy this fall, and joining the class of 2027! Thank you to everyone who supported me and helped me get to this point.
@ExeterHoop

[Jay Tilton @ExeterHoop]

Proud of our honored players and entire team who were behind them all season!!

[NEPSAC ® @NEPSAC]

All-NEPSAC & All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention awards for all winter sports now posted:
https://t.co/qAe0ZJY1pN