Thayer Academy 2026-27 Player Profiles
Thayer Academy is a private, coeducational, college-preparatory day school grades 5-12, located on a compact 34-acre campus in Braintree, MA, about 20 miles south of Boston.470 students is the usual enrollment in their Upper School. The school was conceived in 1871 at the bequest of General Sylvanus Thayer - the "Father of West Point" and founder of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. It has a 6.5:1 student-teacher ratio and 26 varsity sports.
Thayer is a charter member of both the Independent School League (ISL) and New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A (large school) division. The boys basketball program is a college basketball feeder program. It has won 13 ISL league titles since the early 1990s. Its exposuer showcase schedule includes the Class A Classic , the Zero Gravity Prep Classic. and the NEPSAC June Scholastic Showcases.
Evan Carlson is entering his second season as the Thayer basketball head coach. Carlson has a valuable combination of competitive basketball experience, extensive AAU coaching, proven ability to recruit and develop student-athletes, and a strong understanding of creating an environment where players feel known, connected, and prepared. As a player, Carlson was a Weston High (MA) standout, where he helped lead his team to a Massachusetts state championship. He went onto play both basketball and golf at Babson College. His coaching path includes being the head coach for both the MetroWest and Middlesex Magic grassroots programs.
The team’s 2026-27 team will be featuring the players profiled below.
Conor Chi (2027) 6’2 wing - A versatile wing with great strength and scoring ability. Chi is instant offense. Shoots well from behind the arc. On defense he can guard multiple positions and rebounds the basketball. He is a fierce competitor that lives in the gym. Plays club ball with Team White Mamba. 4.1 gpa
Kaden Taylor (2027) 6’0 guard - A two-way combo guard that impacts winning. Taylor can handle the ball and set an offense or attack the rim and score the basketball. He is a tenacious 94 feet defender that will guard multiple positions with his strength and active hands. After two injury plagued seasons, Taylor will be a 17-year-old senior with a great deal of potential to help college program following his senior season. The consummate leader, Taylor will be an integral part of Thayer Academy’s 2026-27 season.
Drew Carlson (2028) 6’2 guard - An athletic guard who will score the basketball and make plays for others. Knockdown shooter from deep with a great mid-range pullup. Efficient scorer that plays off two feet in the lane and finishes with both hands. He has a unique ability to get to the free throw line. As a sophomore Carlson averaged 10 ppg, 3 reb, 3ast while shooting 88% from the free throw line. Great on ball defender with a high IQ that generates turnovers with steals and charges. Plays club ball with Middlesex Magic 16u-UAA. NERR profile PH profile
Justice Grant (2028) 5’11, guard - Grant is an athletic combo guard with a high ceiling. Grant possesses a 44” vertical and a smooth shooting stroke from behind the arc. He guards the ball tenaciously and has a unique ability to finish over bigs at the rim. In his sophomore season at Thayer, Grant made several big plays late games showing his ability to rise to the occasion. Plays club ball with BABC National-HGSL.
James Sullivan (2028) 6’ 4 small forward - Sullivan is a proficient shooter from deep with the ability to elevate on a pullup off the dribble. He is a strong defender that guards multiple positions. Sullivan sees the court well at his size and is developing into a playmaker. A tough rebounder that will play multiple positions with Thayer Academy in his junior campaign. Plays club ball with BABC National-HGSL.
Aidan McGrath (2029) 6’7 forward - 2025-26 All Independent School League Honorable Mention as a freshman. #3 ranked prospect in New England by Prep Hoops. McGrath has a very mature game for his young age. He shot 41.5% from deep as a sophomore. He can put the ball on the deck and get to his spots with great footwork and body control. McGrath embraces contact under the rim which helps him rebound the ball and protect the rim at a high level. All ISL Honorable mention as a freshman. McGrath will undoubtedly build on his first NEPSAC campaign of 11 ppg and 5 reb. He will be a part of Ireland 19u National Team this summer. 2024-2025 MIAA Patriot Leage MVP. Lead Ireland 16u National Team in scoring at 2025 FIBA Youth EuroBasket. Plays club ball with Expressions Elite. NERR profile PH profile
Justin McNamara (2029) 6’4 wing - With his great length and motor. McNamara gets to the rim effortlessly and can finish over defenders. He lives in the gym and is constantly improving his game. With his ability to guard multiple positions, McNamara will be a key contributor for Thayer Academy. Projects as prospect to keep a close eye on. NERR profile PH profile
To accommodate college scout visits, Thayer holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs the details of which can be found in the title graphic above.
The Thayer Academy 2026-27 game schedule and results will be found by clicking here.