High Potential NEPSAC 2029's

There are a number of high potential Class of 2029 student athletes planning to play high level NEPSAC basketball in the upcoming winter season. Here are profiles on some of those players.

Tighe Arache (2029) 6'3 guard, St Paul’s School (NH) – Coming to St. Paul’s from Lawrence, MA. Very high ceiling as he is long and his game is very fluid for his age. Smooth shooting stroke, developed playmaking arsenal, smart & tenacious worker. Will be able to carve out a role in NEPSAC basketball even at 14 years old. Straight A student.

Matthew Benson (2029) 6’2 guard, Darrow School (NY) – Benson is a versatile guard who reclassified into the class of 2029 and has joined Darrow for his next step in prep basketball. Standing out at Hopkinton Middle School and on the junior elite circuit, he’s shown the ability to play both the guard and wing positions—with ball skills, perimeter awareness, and fluid athleticism. Displaying strong character and coachability, Benson brings a high-energy and team-first approach to Darrow. His early arrival gives him time to develop within our structure and prepare for future impact. He plays AAU for White Mamba MHC.

Oliver Curley (2029) 6'7 forward, Tilton School (NH) - Curley has good skills and toughness.

Anthony Daniels (2029) 6'11 forward, Tilton School (NH) - Daniel’s terrific length, great hands, solid footwork and well developed skills for an underclassman. Intriguing future prospect.

Kelechi Dike (2029) 6'1 guard, Taft School (CT) - Dike has a strong body and dedication to the game that is rare for 9th graders. He has a high upside and will be a multiyear contributor.

Trey Dillahunt (2029) 5'10 point guard, Wilbraham & Monson Academy (MA) -. A young guard, but his play shows experience and high IQ at an early age. Shoots the ball well and has a good speed and ability to get to the basket and make plays. Plays AAU with BABC. High gpa

Bear Donovan (2029) 6'1 guard, Deerfield Academy (MA) - An incoming repeat 9th grader from Indian Mountain School (MA), Donovan is a shooter with deep range and a quick release. Tough and hard-nosed combo guard. Plays AAU with Pick Enroll.  Video highlights 

Chance Finlayson (2029) 6’6 small forward, St George's School (RI) - A rare talent for his age. He is a physically mature kid as a rising 9th grader, and ready to make an immediate impact as a freshman. He is big, strong, athletic, and skilled. Star potential. Plays AAU with Expressions Elite 14u

Trae Ford (2029) 6’6 forward, Loomis Chaffee School (CT) - Ford has good size and length. Currently, he is focused on fully developing his skill set. 3.3 gpa

Corey Hadden (2029) 6’4 small forward, CATS Academy (MA) - #7 ranked player in New England by Prep Hoops.

Naz Hilario (2029) 5'10, 160lb point guard, St Andrews School (RI) - From Providence, RI, Hilario is a tremendous point guard, an outstanding 3pt shooter and a great on-ball defender. He plays on Dominican Junior National team. Projected D1 prospect.

Thaddeus ”TJ” Holt (2029) 6’2 guard Hamden Hall Country Day school (CT) - Holt can guard multiple positions, scores coast to coast, athletic, plays with high confidence, gets to the line consistently, doesn’t take plays off, can knock down shots with range, hits floaters over big defenders and finishers at will. Plays AAU for New Heights NYC 3SSB. 3.7 gpa 

Markus Jones (2029) 6'2 guard, Hotchkiss School (CT).  Jones transferred in from Cardigan Mountain School (MA). He is a high level shooter and a good ball handler. He has a high ceiling.

Hermann Carl Kone (2029) 6’10 forward, CATS Academy (MA) - A mobile big with skill. Can shoot the 3 and finish strong at the rim. High-Major potential. Plays AAU with Expressions Elite.

Michael Leese (2029) 6’6 small forward, Noble & Greenough School (MA) - A high IQ and versatile sharpshooter who has a great sense for the game, plays unselfish and creates baskets efficiently on offense with his passing and scoring ability. He defends the rim well and almost never takes bad shots. He passes the ball very well of the bounce and uses his strength to overpower smaller defenders but can go by defenders on the perimeter. His shooting ability stands out at 6’6, he can get hot at any time and is always a threat the second he catches the ball. When he gets in the paint he plays off 2 feet very well and has very good footwork. Only 14 years old.

Justin Lei (2029) 5'10 point guard, Groton School (MA) - Justin is the brother of Groton senior Tri Capt Brian Lei. He is a combo guard who plays with good pace and is a capable shooter. Video highlights 

Xavier McCall (2029) 6’6 power forward, The MacDuffie School (MA) - Broadly built forward with length, bounce, and pedigree. Plays AAU with BABC 14u 3SSB.

Kaiden Philip (2029) 6'0 guard, Avon Old Farms School (CT) – One of the top young prospects in London for his age group. With a smooth jump shot, tight handles, and great court vision, Philip will be one of the top college prospects in the class of 2029.

AJ Rosa (2029) 6'0, 150lb, small forward, Kingswood-Oxford School (CT) - From Newington, CT, Rosa is a young but promising guard with a scorer’s mindset. He can shoot off the catch and off the bounce, and he has shown flashes of playmaking. He’s working on tightening his handle and defensive consistency but shows good instincts. A name to watch in future seasons.

Max Ryan (2029) 6'3 guard, Austin Prep (MA) - A young prospect who is still growing, hasn't scratched his potential. Catch-n-shoot 3 pt shooter with quick release and can also play off the bounce. High IQ guard who will need to gain strength. Plays for BABC program.  

Massimo Scorza (2029) 6'6, 174lb, 6'6 wing span, forward, Proctor Academy (NH) - From| Toronto, New to the NEPSAC, the 6'6" forward brings with him a rare blend of size, shooting touch, and upside. A strong and confident shooter, Massimo’s offensive foundation is rooted in his ability to space the floor and score from deep, with a smooth release. What truly separates Massimo is his motor—he competes with intent, attacks each workout with focus, and carries a clear hunger to become the best version of himself. His desire to grow, combined with his scoring instincts and frame, give him the tools to evolve into a dynamic offensive weapon at the next level.

TiErry Smith (2029) 5’10 point guard, Millbrook School (NY) - A lefty with a high basketball IQ, he plays with poise and purpose beyond his years. He excels at getting downhill, finishing through contact at the rim, and setting the tone defensively with his bulldog mentality. With a developing jumper and a fearless approach, he’s poised to make an immediate impact in the NEPSAC so expect to hear this kid’s name a lot when talking about Millbrook basketball in the years to come. Plays AAU with PSA Cardinals.

Jake Stanger (2029) 6'3 point guard, Milton Academy (MA) - Stanger has good size as a lead guard. He keeps the defense off balance with his ability to make shoots from deep while also attacking the rim. He has high energy on both ends and competes at a high level each time he takes the floor. As he continues to get stronger and quick he will really impact games for Milton.  Video highlights 

Massa Toure (2029) 6’1 Hamden Hall Country Day School (CT) - Toure is a versatile athletic point guard who can also score in bunches .Toure has added strength and can guard multiple positions. Has exceptional mid range game and confident Three point shooter. Plays AAU with BABC 3.5 gpa