CIAC Midseason Report Part One

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023

In this part one article, we will profile various CIAC programs as the midway point is upon us.

East Catholic: James Jones is back for his senior season. The big wing is long and has shown improvement in spacing the floor. 2025 forward Preston Fowler has several good early tools with his strength, leaping ability, and making three-pointers. Brothers Luke and Samson Reilly are integral to this squad’s success. They are both smooth shooting guards who do the little things that it takes to win games. 2023 prospects Rob Elliot and Leondre Sanchez add more experience to go with two intriguing newcomers in 2024 prospect Raymond Rodriguez and 2025 prospect Omar Oquendo. 

Northwest Catholic: National 2025 forward prospect Badara Diakite headlines this squad. He is a consistent matchup problem with his 6’9 size and versatile offensive skill set. 2024 forward London Jemison has numerous mid-major offers with his blend of strength, explosiveness, and budding self creation ability. Newcomer Jack Nieradko forms an imposing front line with Diakite. He can score jump hooks on the block and use his soft hands to pull down defensive rebounds. The guard duo of Gianni Mirabello and Tanner Ostop consistently opens up driving lanes for others with their potent long-range strokes. Guard Sean Akey is already contributing as just a 2025 prospect too. 

Windsor: Their junior class is impressive. Guard Quentin Floyd is a multilevel scorer who can also make plays for others. Forward Rashawn Tibby has one of the higher upsides in the CIAC with his size, length, and ability to cover ground. Anthony Williams is another forward with strength for rebounding and scoring through contact. Guards Jakeel Martin and Kaiden James are integral parts. Martin is one of their other playmakers and James has soft touch from beyond the arc. Gyan Davis gives this squad a presence in the paint at 6’7. Seniors Jonathan Stapleton-Georges and Anthony provide more size at 6’4 and 6’’6. 

Danbury: 2024 forward Cameron Perkins rebounds at both ends, finishes around the rim, and can make an occasional three-pointer. He recently had a 36 point outing in a win. 2023 forward Christian Jeffers has inside/out scoring ability and also contributes on the defensive glass. 2023 guard Jake Fiorita is a good three-point shooter and knows how to move without the ball. Also a standout on the football field, 2023 prospect Cushan Perkins gives this squad a multi-level scorer with toughness. He won MVP of the Greater Danbury Boys Tip-Off Classic. 

Other Prospects of Note: 

Riley Fox 6’5 Wing 2024 (Conard): Fox’s blend of positional size and shot-making versatility have helped him recently become his school’s all-time leading scorer. He got his first taste on the Nike EYBL circuit this past summer with Expressions Elite. 

Another Parker 6’1 Guard 2023 (Xavier): Parker can put up points in bunches but makes a concerted effort to get others involved as well. His thick frame also helps him bully opponents to the rim and come up with defensive rebounds. 

Najimi George 6’3 Wing 2024 (Kolbe Cathedral): George is an explosive wing with mid-range pull-up touch and mobility to scramble around the court defensively. He was one of the better players on the ZGXL circuit this past AAU season.