Rock Solid in Windsor: Loomis Chaffee School (CT) 2026-27 Player Profiles
Chartered in 1874, The Loomis Chaffee School is a high-academic, coeducational college preparatory school for boarding and day students in grades 9-12 plus post graduate, in Windsor, CT, seven miles north of Hartford. About 70% of its 750 students live on the school's 300-acre campus, and they represent 44 countries and 31 U.S. states. In basketball, Loomis Chaffee competes in the Founders League and strives to earn a bid into the highly competitive New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A (large schools) postseason championship tournament.
Russell "Rock" Battistoni is entering his 12th season as head coach of the Pelicans. He played at George Washington University, where he was a member of the 2005 Atlantic 10 championship team, and then played professionally in Europe. He went on to work in college and professional basketball with Westfield State, the NBA G League's Springfield Armor and the Washington Wizards, and he coached at Hopkins School (CT) and Cushing Academy (MA). He then spent four seasons as an assistant at Cheshire Academy (CT), helping win the 2013-14 NEPSAC Class B championship, before arriving at Loomis in 2015. His Pelicans have reached the NEPSAC postseason every year under him and won Founders League titles in 2017-18 and 2019-20, along with the 2019-20 NEPSAC Class A championship. He has sent 25 players to D1, six have played professionally, extending a long Loomis tradition of producing college basketball talent. Its 2026-27 players are profiled below.
Benji Grayer (2027) 6'1 guard - From Delray Beach, FL, Grayer is a tough-nosed lefty guard who uses his physical frame to finish off two feet. He is an improved three-point shooter and a gritty defender. He made a jump from his sophomore to junior season, and his coaches expect a bigger one as a senior. 4.1 gpa RTB profile
Zayd Muhammad (2027) 6'8 wing - From Atlanta, GA, Muhammad is a skilled offensive player who scores at all three levels and a good athlete who finishes above the rim. He is also a gritty, versatile defender. Played club ball with AC Georgia. 3.5 gpa RTB profile
Jay Walsh (2027) 6'5 small forward - 2025-26 All-Region First Team at Marist High (GA). From Atlanta, Walsh has a smooth, all-around game and scores at all three levels. Last season, he averaged 17 ppg and shot 38% from three. 3.5 gpa RTB profile
Luca Balducci (2028) 6'0 point guard - 2025-26 All Founders League Honorable Mention. 2025 Mexican National 16u Team. 2026 NBA Basketball Without Borders Next Up camp invitee (Turkey). From Monroe, NY, Balducci is a tough competitor who can score in bunches. He averaged 13.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.5 apg, shooting 37% from three and 75% from the line. Plays club ball with Expressions. 3.7 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Brandon McCloud (2028) 6'4 small forward - From East Longmeadow, MA, McCloud is a two-sport athlete who holds a football offer from Boston College. A versatile defender with good size and length, he has improved his game around the rim, rebounds out of his area and is focused on fully developing his skill set. 3.5 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Adrian Mordi (2028) 6'7 wing - From London, England, Mordi is an athletic wing with a good handle for his size. He can start and finish the break, finishes above the rim, has a solid perimeter game and is a versatile defender. RTB profile
Logan Weiland (2028) 6'9 forward - From Beaver, PA, Weiland has good size and athleticism. A productive scorer, plus defender and shot blocker, he averaged 13.5 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 apg and 2 bpg last season at Beaver Area High. Plays club ball with Scoring Factory Elite. 4.3 gpa RTB profile
Trae Ford (2029) 6'2 wing - From West Hartford, CT, Ford is a three-sport athlete (track and football) with good length and athleticism who is growing his skill set. RTB profile
Marcus Fraser (2029) 6'10 forward - From Springfield, MA, Fraser has a big frame and a lot of upside. He is active on the glass, has good hands and solid touch around the rim, and is improving his face-up game. A good motor helps him rebound out of his area. RTB profile
Charlie Grayer (2029) 6'2 guard - From Delray Beach, FL, Grayer has deep three-point range. An improved ball handler, he can finish around the rim and create for others, and he is a tough defender poised for a big jump from his freshman season. Plays club ball with Riverside Hawks. RTB profile
Chase Smith (2029) 5'11 guard - From Shelton, CT, Smith is a crafty scorer at all three levels with improving quickness and athleticism. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, has good body control to finish through contact and is a mature playmaker. Video highlights RTB profile
The team's 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here