The Bright School 2026-27 Player Profiles
The Bright School is a preparatory academy located in New Britain, CT dedicated to building college basketball bound student-athletes. It was founded by former professional basketball player Ta’Quan Zimmerman. Zimmerman's give-back efforts in building the program are likely influenced by his own story. He graduated as a high school star from Holy Cross High (CT) in 2009 but had no scholarship offers. He got himself into a PG year at Putnam Science Academy (CT), set the school's scoring record and created himself a path to a college education, and ultimately onto playing pro basketball. The academy ran under the name We Believe Academy for its first two years (2022-24) before changing the name to The Bright School. The program is built mainly to develop high school post graduates' basketball potential, but for those that need more classroom work, there is an online education component available to them.
The team competes in the Power 5 AAA conference and in a number of nonconference games against other college basketball prep programs in the region.
Prior to this season, Brian Stasaitis ran the program, but he was hired away this past spring to be the new head men's basketball coach at Connecticut State Gateway. Donovin Ford-Hayes has taken over as the head coach. Coach Ford-Hayes brings a strong background in player development, program building, and competitive basketball to The Bright School. A former 1,000-point scorer and First Team All-Conference selection at Becker College, Ford-Hayes has coached at the high school, prep, collegiate, and grassroots levels. He is also the founder and director of the Hartford Shockers Basketball program, where he has helped develop student-athletes throughout Connecticut. His coaching philosophy centers on accountability, development, relationships, and preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the court.
The Bright School 2026-27 roster is profiled below.
Cory Ballard (2027) 5’10 point guard - Ballard is a competitive point guard with a strong floor-general mentality and experience playing high-level basketball in New York. He has the ability to create off the dribble, attack gaps, and make quick decisions in pick-and-roll situations. His experience in the NYC basketball environment gives him toughness and confidence, while his point-guard instincts allow him to organize an offense and make winning plays. Plays club ball with Hoop House Premier. RTB profile
Mohamed Camara (2027) 5’10 point guard - From CRAL Division IV Champion, Cheney Tech CT, Camara is a high-IQ, dynamic point guard with a tight handle, explosive change of pace, and the ability to create his own shot. He excels at getting downhill, manipulating defenders with hesitations and ball screens, and making plays for teammates. Camara brings toughness and quickness on the defensive end, making him a disruptive on-ball defender. His combination of playmaking, scoring versatility, and competitive mentality gives him the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level. Plays club ball with Rhode Island Elite and CT Young Bulls. RTB profile
Pavel Benjamin (2027) 6'8 forward - Benjamin is a skilled, physical frontcourt player who provides size and length inside. He has the ability to compete on the glass, finish around the rim, and use his size to create advantages in the paint. His length and physical presence give his team a valuable interior presence.
Kaylin Dunbar (2027) 6'10 forward - Dunbar is a big, physical frontcourt player who gives a roster legitimate size and interior strength. He has experience playing both forward and center and can use his size to rebound, defend the paint, and finish around the basket. Dunbar’s physical presence gives the team an important interior option.
Manny Fuso (2027) 6'0 point guard - Fosu is a strong-bodied, score-first point guard who can punish defenses from all three levels. He gets great elevation on his three-point and midrange shots, and he can score at the rim with athleticism and control.
Lucas Pivovar (2027) 6'0 guard - From Kolbe Cathedral High (CT) and Bridgeport Prep (CT), 2024-25 All-South-West Conference First Team — Pivovar is a skilled, confident guard with proven shot-making ability and a versatile offensive game. He can create his own shot, attack closeouts, and score from multiple levels. Pivovar’s toughness, creativity, and ability to play both guard positions make him a valuable offensive weapon. RTB profile
Jamal Stanley (2027) 6’2 guard - From Keene High (NH), 2025-26 NHBCO Division I All-State Second Team. Stanley is a long, athletic guard who brings length and versatility to the backcourt. He has the tools to attack the rim, make plays in transition, and defend multiple perimeter positions. His size at the guard position gives him the ability to create matchup problems while contributing on both ends of the floor. RTB profile
To accommodate college scout visits, The Bright School holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found in the title graphic above.
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.