Darrow School 2026-27 Player Profiles
Founded 1932, Darrow School is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian boarding and day school, grades 9-12 plus post grad. It is located on 365 rural acres right on the New York-Massachusetts line in the Taconic Mountains, Albany, roughly 25 miles southeast of Albany. The school's enrollment is generally around 110 and runs a 4:1 student-teacher ratio.
The school, with an Adidas partnership, runs two college prep level basketball teams, their AAA team and their AA team. The AAA team competes in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class AAA division and the New England Basketball League, arguably one of the toughest opponent schedules in the nation. The AA team competes in the New England Independent Prep League.
The program head and head coach of the AAA team is Antonio Anderson. Coach Anderson played at Memphis under John Calipari alongside Derrick Rose, then in the NBA with Oklahoma City alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Anderson's head coaching path includes Lynn English High (MA) (won a MIAA Division I state championship), Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA), Busche Academy (NH). He was hired by Darrow School in October 2023 and In 2025 he was named New England Basketball Journal Coach of the Year.
The two 2026-27 teams will be featuring the players profiled below.
Nalajah Christopher (2027) 6'4 guard -2025-26 All New England Basketball League Honorable Mention. One of the most promising young two-way guards in New England. With a college-ready skill set and a mature feel for the game, he contributes on both ends of the floor—guarding multiple positions, creating shots off the bounce, and making winning plays in transition. His physicality, toughness, and unselfishness set him apart, and he’s rapidly becoming a leader within the Darrow program. Has received multiple DI offers, including Florida Gulf, Boston University, New Mexico and Albany. He plays club ball with Expressions Elite. 3.1 gpa NERR profile RTB profile
Kody Colson (2027) 5'11 point guard - Colson has all of the intangible qualities you need if you're going to be undersized. He slides his feet extremely well and does a phenomenal job walling up against bigger guards, and he has great hands and toughness. Offensively, he's a relentless rim attacker and takes contact quite well at the rim. For a guard his size, he finishes the ball effortlessly, but he also makes really heady reads once he touches the paint. Has been offered by Mississippi Valley State. Plays club ball with Max Levels Elite Philly. Video highlights PH profile RTB profile
Donte Cromwell (2027) 6’6 guard - Cromwell is a versatile and physical guard who brings a strong two-way presence to the court. With his size, athleticism, and feel for the game, he is able to create advantages on offense while using his length and physicality to defend multiple positions. Cromwell does his best work attacking the basket, finishing through contact, creating shots for himself and teammates, and making plays in transition. He is also a strong rebounder for his position and uses his size to make an impact on both ends of the floor. His competitiveness, unselfishness, and ability to play multiple roles make him a valuable piece of his team. Has been offered by Le Moyne College. 3.1 gpa
Skyler Ellis (2027) 6'6, 190 lbs wing - An elite, sharpshooting perimeter prospect who represents a major threat. After a highly decorated, All-State career at Half Hollow Hills East (NY) and a competitive senior season in the EYBL Scholastic league with Christ School (NC), Ellis brings a premium blend of size, length, and high-IQ playmaking to the floor. He is coming off a dominant spring MADE Hoops Circuit, where he put his highly touted three-level scoring ability on full display. A smooth, explosive athlete with a quick first step and impressive verticality, Ellis uses his bounce to attack the rim with authority and impact the game above the rim. A high-level rebounding guard who can instantly ignite the break. Plays club ball with Crown Basketball-MHC. 4.0 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Miles Nelen (2027) 6'1, 165lb point guard - 2025-26 New York State Class C Player of Year and State Tournament MVP at Cooperstown Central High. Nelen is a dynamic scoring point guard, averaging 28 ppg, with deep shooting range. He has high-level court vision, and a strong basketball IQ. A proven winner, he led his team to a state championship. Over his high school career, Miles totaled more than 1,500 points, 500 assists, and 300 steals, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he takes pride in guarding the opponent’s top player and understands team defensive concepts at every position. Known for his high motor, leadership, and competitiveness, Nelen consistently elevates the players around him. Plays club ball with City Rocks. 3.5 gpa NERR Profile RTB profile
Benjamin van Bulck (2027) 6’10 center – Van Buick is a powerful interior presence. He protects the rim with timing and verticality, consistently alters shots, and controls the paint on defense. Offensively, van Buick shows soft hands around the basket, where he finishes with authority, and demonstrates promise in pick-and-roll and roll-and-pop actions. With his size, skill, and emerging touch, he commands attention from Division I programs and gives Darrow a true anchor in the post as one of the most physically imposing and fundamentally sound big men in the 2027 class. Plays club ball with Expressions Elite. RTB profile
Max Beard (2028) 6’5 180 lb guard - Reclassed and transferred in from Woodstock High (IL), Beard led his team to three consecutive 20+ win seasons and a conference championship in 2026 after a 42-year drought. He surpassed scoring 1,000 points early in his junior season. 2025-26 Kishwaukee River Conference Co-Player of the Year, the only unanimous All-Conference pick. Two-time Northwest Herald All-Area team pick. Lanky and very athletic, Beard is a smart, bouncy wing with deep range who is not afraid to drive or post up on a mismatch in the paint. His high motor, unselfish play, leadership qualities and strong basketball IQ make him both a versatile threat and a teammate who elevates the play of those around him. Still growing into his frame, Beard has a tremendously high ceiling. He plays club ball with the Illinois Wolves-UAA. 4.3 gpa Video highlights PH profile RTB profile
Chase Brower (2028) 6'1, 165lbs guard - 2025-26 All New England Independent Prep League First Team. Brower shoots the ball at very high level. He is very athletic, making it easy for him to get to the rim, and play-make. He handles the ball very well is and well composed when being pressured. Last year for Darrow AA, he averaged 16.6ppg, 3rpg 3apg and shot 40% from 3. Plays club ball with City Rocks. Video highlights RTB profile
Marc Etienne (2028) 6’11 center - Etienne is a very long, developing prospect. Started the 2024-25 season at Putnam Science as a very raw prospect, but then really started figuring it out. He is a big time shot blocker and rim protector. He can control the boards. His really good hands bode well for further offensive development. Has been offered by Western Carolina. RTB profile
Abraham Taiwo (2028) 6'9 forward - Taiwo's speed and agility make him a game-changer on both ends of the floor. His dynamic playing style allows him to impact the game in multiple ways. With his skill set and athleticism, he brings a level of energy that will elevate our program. He has a high ceiling, and as he continues to develop, his potential is through the roof. Has received multiple D1 offers, including Kansas State and Illinois. PH profile RTB profile
Cooper Te Ratana (2028) 6’8, 198lb, small forward - 2025 Foot Locker New Zealand Nationals 18u All Star. 2025 New Zealand National 17u Team. 2025 Nike Asia All Star. Te Ratana offers a rare combination of physical prototype and perimeter finesse. He is a lethal shooter from three-point range and a high-level scorer who can easily create mismatches, finish above the rim with electric dunks, and push the pace by advancing the ball well off defensive rebounds. Beyond his offensive firepower, Te Ratana is a high-character individual and an excellent teammate who plays unselfishly, always making the extra pass to unlock higher-percentage shooting attempts for his squad. Defensively, he uses his length to disrupt opponents and create turnovers, anchoring his team with a gritty mindset that never backs down from a matchup. Combining a high basketball IQ with a proven international resume, makes him a complete and intriguing prospect. He plays club ball with New Heights-3SSB. RTB profile
Braylon Washington (2028) 6’2, 207lb guard - Transferring from Cats Academy, Washington is a physical, downhill scorer who brings toughness, versatility, and a high motor on both ends of the floor. A knockdown shooter with the ability to stretch the floor, he can score at all three levels while also attacking the basket and finishing through contact. His rebounding, defensive presence, and basketball IQ make him a valuable two-way player who impacts winning in multiple ways. Washington’s competitiveness and intensity elevate the play of those around him. Plays club ball with BABC. 3.4 gpa NERR profile PH profile
Isaac Anderson (2027) 6’2, 185 lb, guard - A post grad from Northern Highlands Regional High (NJ) where Anderson attended junior and senior years, starting all varsity games and contributing greatly to winning seasons. 2025 Charles Yennie Memorial Leadership Award. 2025-26 North Jersey Player of the Week. 2024 Hoop Group Academic Elite 3 Point Shooting Champion. Anderson sees the floor, facilitates and generates scoring opportunities for his teammates, as well as drive to the basket and knock down outside shots. He has an elite defensive IQ, consistently rotating flawlessly to disrupt the opponent's rhythm and wreaking the needed havoc for blocks, steals and rebounds of forced poor shots. Anderson is a positive and encouraging teammate, natural leader and hard worker. 3.6 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
William Carty (2027) 6’10 forward - Prior to reclassing, Carty broke the rebounding record at Watertown High (MA) in back-to-back seasons and earned Middlesex League MVP honors (2024–25) he was also named for the Middlesex league All-Conference team back to back years (2023-25). He is an elite rim protector and shot blocker with a strong presence around the basket. Carty is a skilled scorer inside and has the ability to stretch the floor and shoot well for a big man. High basketball IQ, relentless work ethic, and a great teammate who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Plays club ball with Middlesex Magic. NERR profile PH profile
Ty Lewis (2027) 7’0 forward - Lewis had a productive summer with Atlanta Celtics 3SSB showing court vision and high motor. He protects the rim at a high level and has shown his ability to score around the basket with touch and elite footwork. He also showed glimpses of being able to shoot from the perimeter off the pass and seems to work best out of the ball screen. Has been offered by Georgia Tech. 4.0 gpa
Osvald Hammarström (2027) 6'3 guard - Hammarström is a citizen of Swedish fwith a Lithuanian heritage. He played at GBA Academy in Czech Republic 2024-2026, which is recognized as one of the top European Academies for youth development. There he was the leading scorer in 19u club league play and successfully contributed in Czech Republic Mens Division 1 with 8.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 2.7 apg. He has excelled in international tournaments like EYBL Europe and in Vertical Hoops Europe as 2nd highest scorer. He is double Nordic Champion with Team Blackeberg SWE (2022 and 2023). He was also called to a Swedish 18u national team camp during the 2025-26 season. Hammarström is a dynamic downhill guard who consistently generates paint pressure and forces defensive rotations. He finishes well through contact, showing strong touch and creative angles around the rim. As a catch-and-shoot threat, he provides reliable floor spacing with clean, repeatable mechanics. His basketball IQ and composed mentality allow him to play within structure while making sound, instinctive reads. He brings a professional approach, responds well to coaching, and competes with a consistently high motor. 3.4 gpa
Jorge Bond (2028) 6'2, 175 lb point guard - From North Adams, MA Bond is a proven standout in Berkshire County., Bond earned Two Time All Berkshire County First Team 2025-26 All Western Mass First Team as a junior. He helped lead his team to the Western Massachusetts Championship. Across his first three years of high school, Bond amassed 1,464 career points and averaged 27 points per game as a junior. A dynamic offensive force, he’s known for clutch three point shooting, late game composure, and guiding his team to three state tournament appearances over multiple seasons. Bond’s game blends elite shooting, a strong basketball IQ, and the ability to elevate teammates through quick reads, sharp passing, and consistent playmaking. Off the court, he earns high academic honors, reflecting discipline and leadership beyond basketball. Plays club ball with Team White Mamba-MHC. 4.1 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Mike Caterino (2028) 6’1, 170lb guard -A transfer from Watertown High (MA) where he was a a sophomore co-captain who averaged over 15 ppg and led the Middlesex League in made 3 pointers. Caterino’s specialty is shooting from anywhere on the court. This lefty guard consistently moves without the ball to find space, to get into his 3 pointer or his pull-up, and can make some solid floaters. Caterino is constantly engaged on defense and defends hard. He leads by example and makes his teammates better. He plays club ball for BABC-HGSL. 3.6 gpa
Baba Diop (2028) 6’10 wing — Diop has represented Sweden at the 15u, 16u, and 18u national team levels. A long, versatile two-way player with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his length, motor, and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions and create problems both on and off the ball. Offensively, he is a three-level scoring threat who can make shots from the perimeter, attack off the bounce, and finish around the rim. His experience competing at high levels in both Europe and the United States has given him a mature feel for the game and the ability to adjust to different styles of play. A high-motor competitor who consistently brings energy, toughness, and intensity. Has been offered by UT-San Antonio and Chattanooga.
Malik Sonko 6’8 (2028) forward - Sonko is a valuable interior presence whose constant activity around the rim makes him impactful on both ends of the floor. He is a difference maker in the paint, displaying strong finishing ability inside, particularly thriving in the dunker spot catching dump offs from penetrating guards who got deep in the paint while also generating second chance opportunities on the offensive glass, ultimately showing potent touch and footwork around the basket. Sonko was also extremely impactful on the defensive boards, fighting on the glass and coming down with rebounds to secure possessions. Has been offered by Lemoyne and Stonehill.
Matthew Benson (2029) 6’2 guard - Benson is a skilled, versatile guard with size, feel, and the ability to contribute across multiple positions. A true three-level scorer, he can create offense at the rim, in the mid-range, and consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc while also serving as a capable secondary playmaker. He excels both on and off the basketball, playing with pace, toughness, and unselfishness. Defensively, Benson can guard 1 through 3, using his instincts, quickness, and competitiveness to impact the game on both ends. His combination of basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and work ethic makes him an intriguing young prospect in the NEPSAC landscape. He plays club ball for Team New England-PRO16 Circuit.
Luke Devaney (2029) 6'5, 180lb small forward - Devaney is a reclassing transfer from Washingtonville High (NY). There, as a sophomore, he earned Orange County Division II All Star honors and was named a Top 50 Player Basketball Coaches Association of New York. Plays club ball with Palisades Elite-MHC
To accommodate college scout visits, Darrow School holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found in the title graphic above.
The AAA team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
The AA team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.