2024 Frosh/Soph #E75 South - The Guards pt. 1

Monday, September 16th, 2024

The deepest position represented annually at the Frosh/Soph Elite 75 is the guard spot. The position simply has the largest amount of guys, and always sees a good amount of great players down the line. With that being said, there are just too many guys to lump into one article, so it will be broken down into smaller parts throughout the week. We kicked things off with some of the top performers from the Massachusetts edition of the event yesterday, so today it's time to switch over to Connecticut. 

Here's the first set of standouts.

Ray Fernandez, Iona Prep - Returning for a second year in the Elite 75, Fernandez was ready to go. He put on a scoring clinic throughout the day, showing off his smooth load up and release on the ball, especially off the dribble. While his scoring arsenal is noteworthy and very efficient, his all-around game truly shined. He made a number of big rebounds, forced turnovers left and right and got others involved. There's great upside in this NY based 2027.

Sekou Toure, Notre Dame West Haven - The Guinean guard made quite a first impression on those in attendance. His defensive instincts are very notable as he was meeting the ball near the rim for blocks and showing off his unique athleticism. He made some big dunks, attacks the basket with power on straight line drives and hit some outside shots. As he develops at the CIAC powerhouse, he definitely becomes a player to watch down the line.

Missoni Brown, Windsor - With a state championship under his belt already and a budding reputation, Brown was one of the top standouts at the event. He's got a strong build to him and plays with pure physicality on both ends. He can power his way to the basket on drives, or cause havoc and absorb contact defensively. He made a number of steals and jumpstarted numerous transition opportunities. The Windsor product has a big sophomore season on the horizon.

Jakare Innocent, St. Mark's - The rising sophmore continued to impress in front of our scouts in his second Elite 75 appearance. He brings two-way skills to the court, giving opposing players trouble when he is guarding them. On offense he changes pace with ease, and can really move down the court. He's got a high basketball IQ, creates for others and a knockdown pull-up shot. A sophomore of note for an up-and-coming Lions squad.

Jon Ramos, Central - Making waves out of Rhode Island over the past six months or so, we have gotten a chance to get really familiar with Ramos's game. He's as crafty as they come at the guard spot with a shifty handle and the ability to confuse defenders. His mid-range pull-up game is lethal and he can hit them in bunches once he starts to get hot. With huge upside and a trending game, Ramos is a high upside prospect to know in the freshman class.

Jaise Greaves, Notre Dame Fairfield - "Speedy" is what Greaves is better known as due to the way he can fly around the court. He's a blur with the ball in his hands, able to break down a defender with his handling ability and get to the basket for layups often. He's got a swift pull-up jumper that he knocked down here and made some great reads as a passer. Joining a powerhouse at Notre Dame Fairfield, try to get a look at him if you can.

Jahmez Reaves, Frederick Gunn - The upstate New York native left his mark on our scouts the other day. He sees the floor well and can distribute the ball to open teammates for shot attempts. He's got a good crossover move and can score it at many different levels. His defense was undoubtedly felt throughout the day, as well as the contagious energy he brings to the court.

Ji Gary, Windsor - A state champion at Windsor this past season, Gary enters his sophomore year with winning experience under his belt. The point guard is a shooting threat from outside and does so instantly, setting his feet and getting shots off quickly. He makes good use of his hands defensively to poke the ball out and grab steals. With another big season on the horizon for Windsor, Gary is a 2027 to watch for this season.

Josh Charlot, Notre Dame Fairfield - Leadership is one of the top qualities Charlot brings to the court from the moment he steps onto it. He's always calling out screens, encouraging his teammates and running the offense. His game speaks for itself, he's a smaller guard with lightning quick speed and plays pesky on-ball defense. Already playing a big role in NDF's final four run last year, Charlot looks ready to take his game to new levels.

Alijah Johnson, Suffield Academy - The point guard made a resounding debut in the Frosh/Soph Elite 75, playing well throughout the day. He's a marksman from outside knocking down shots from all around the arc, stopping on a dime to get into his pull-ups. He's a known traffic director at the position with the keys to the offense and passing chops. Keep an eye on him this coming season as he looks to build on a strong freshman campaign.

Devin Sone, Rocky Hill - Reclassing at Rocky Hill, Sone is fresh off an RIIL state championship at Classical high school. He's a very polished scorer that is always a threat to put the ball through the net. He's got a bag of moves with the ball to create space to get shots off and does so consistently. As he continues to round out his skillset keep an eye on the Rhode Island native.

Sire Hazard, Central Falls - A strong two-way game is a big part of what Hazard brings to the court. He operated very well as an off-ball guard, knocking down shots off the catch from three. He's a patient slasher, attacking the basket and seeking out contact to finish through for layups. With strong defensive intangibles, he's a rising sophomore to monitor out of Central Falls.

Alex Weaver, Windsor - With plenty of time to continue to develop in the coming years, the Windsor guard put on an impressive display at the Elite 75. He's quick with the ball and pushes the pace on offense, jumpstarting transition opportunities. He made a number of shots with his tough creation skill, but does well getting others involved too. With pesky on-ball defensive skill, he's going to be a matchup problem in the CIAC this season.

Jonah Zinoman, Brooklyn Friends - The NYC native brings a really smooth finishing ability to the court. He can score it around contesting defenders and uses his athleticism well to get his shots off. He's got speed to his game and makes good decisions as a passer to get others good looks at shots. Entering his freshman year at Brooklyn Friends, keep an eye on the guards development.

Ryan Trimboli, King School - The point guard has bloodlines in the sport that are evident in his play. He reads the floor as a playmaker and can make the defense collapse on him right before spraying the ball out to his teammates. He's got a very fluid form to his jumpshot and high upside as a shooter moving forward. Entering the King School in the class of 2028 he is a freshman of note.

Jack Curtis, Ellington - With an older brother currently playing in the MAAC at Fairfield, the younger Curtis brother impressed. He's a good rebounder at the guard spot, knowing how to position himself to catch a board. With the ball in his hands, he scores it inside and out with a fluidity to his game. Heading into his sophomore season he is a CIAC sophomore of note.

Kadrian Reeves, Notre Dame West Haven - Running it back in the Elite 75, Reeves made a notable impact. He's a southpaw guard that leverages a low center of gravity to carve up the defense, keeping the ball on his hip. He makes shots around the basket and can hit pull-up's from all around the floor. The guard will be a factor once again for the reigining state champion squad.

Semaj Cuyler, North Warren Central - The upstate New York guard played very well the other day as he brings jolt to the court and sneaks through the defense using his speed. He finished shots on either side of the basket and has a three-level scoring ability that looks to be trending up. Keep an eye on his growth this year in the New York state association.

Kamari Whyte, Vermont Academy - Making his way up to Vermont to join the reigning NEPSAC AAA champions, the NYC native was an eyecatcher. He's got a strong body and some finesse moves to get around defenders for shots at the basket. He gets into pull-ups quick and handles the ball well keeping it on his hip and out of reach from the defense. With three years to play, his upside is notable.

Syre Gillespie, Capital Prep - The rising sophomore comes from a basketball family and has elevated his game immensely over the past year or so. He's an impressive scorer and creates a lot of separation with his improving handle on the ball. As a playmaker he can stack up assists, getting others involved in a variety of ways.