CT Open Gym ‘25 Backcourt Standouts pt. 2

Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Continuing on with the depth of talent we got to evaluate this past Friday in the backcourt, here are more names to know.

Jacob Rice, Berkshire: The postgraduate guard from Chicago brings high academics and a ton of talent to the New England region. Rice has on/off ball versatility as he can score off the bounce or rise up right into shots off the catch. He’s known to fill it up with his smooth shooting stroke, and in turn he’s received high academic scholarship interest. With his scoring, 6’4 frame, and feel he’s worth looking into as the season gets underway shortly. 

Reese Nicol, Ellington: Nicol is primed for a big sophomore season in the state of Connecticut and once again impressed us this fall. He brings good size to the back court, can score off the bounce, and offers solid rebounding/playmaking skills. With the ability to play on the wing or at guard, Nicol’s decision-making and IQ are huge. 

Josh Lavoie, Norwich Free: The junior guard enters his season with high expectations after catching some looks last year. Lavoie is a traditional point that racks of assist with his ability to snap passes to get his teammates open. His anticipation on the defensive end allows him to get to deflections/steals, and he is a problem in transition. 

Ty Grudzien, Marianapolis: An incoming junior at Marianapolis, Grudzien has received a good amount of Division III interest thus far. The guard does a good job of scoring the basketball using his toughness to force his way to the basket, or patience to get defenders in the air with a pump fake and knock down a pull-up jumpshot. He makes a ton of plays defensively as well.

Syre Gillespie, Capital Prep: Gillespie continues to make strides in his game and will once again be a primary factor for Capital Prep this winter. A noticeable improvement we’ve seen as his ability to play fast, a desired asset at the college level. He uses his handle and eye for the basket to expose lanes in the defense, while he can stop and pop into jump shots as well.

Ty Fieldhouse, Ellington: Fieldhouse is a dynamic off-ball shooting threat for an Ellington squad that just went undefeated and brought home a state championship. His role is clear: if you have room and your feet are set, get the shot up, and he converts them very efficiently. With his threat to shoot, he can get defenders in the air and score off the rip as well. Expect Ellington to make noise this year again, returning their core. 

Parris Moses, Suffield Academy: The transfer from Cambridge Ridge and Latin has some game in the back court and is looking to continue building himself as a college prospect this year. Moses has a dog mentality. He can get to the rim with force, absorbing contact and finishing through it. As a shooter, he thrives both off the catch and gets into threes off the dribble smoothly. 

Jayden Korber, Glastonbury: The junior will be expected to step into an even bigger role this winter following the departure of Dave Smith. Korber showed off his sound guard skills in his outing, making plays in transition both for himself and others, while also knocking down outside shots. 

Elijah Waterman, Macduffie: The senior guard did a great job scoring the ball throughout the night at the Connecticut open gym. Waterman‘s burst off the dribble allowed him to create space to both step into jumpers or speed through the lane and finish at the basket.

Sean Acunto, Canterbury: Acunto’s ability to limit mistakes at the ball stood out in his showing. The guard was able to make reads out of PnR’s, making the right pass or taking it himself.

Andres Wright, Canterbury: Wright shows some versatility to play either guard spot or even on the wing at 6’2. His motor was on display throughout his showing, as he relentlessly used his strong body to finish inside. Wright also showed flashes of floor vision, making strong reads to get others the ball.

Jayden Fisher, Brunswick: Fisher looks to pick back up right where he left off last year as a freshman starter. He’s a sound lead guard that consistently makes the right play with the ball whether it’s for himself or directing traffic to get others their shots. As he continues to go through the years already starting, he’s definitely a guard to know in the class of 2028.

Wolde Simon, Choate: A returner to the choate squad this winter, expect Simon to help the squad compete once again. The 5’11 point guard is a hard-nosed two-way threat. He can really dig in, getting low on defense, and attacking the ball to force turnovers. 

Jack Baccus, Bournemouth: Another prospect from the United Kingdom, who came over and made himself known, was Jack Baccus. The point guard did a good job of making plays in transition as well as getting to the basket and finishing with a soft touch.

Anthony Tallarita, Enfield: The junior will once again run the floor for Enfield High School in Connecticut. He’s established himself as a solid lead guard who makes good passes while making sure to be efficient as a scorer. Tallarita has a crafty touch in the lane to make tough shots around the basket and can knock down pull-up jump shots. Expect a big year from him.

Sean Smith-Sharkey, Salisbury: A transfer from California, Smith-Sharkey is known for his dynamic shooting ability. The guard can play on and off-ball using his quick release to pose a threat to shoot at any time. His motor stands out on both ends, while he makes plays particularly well defensively.

Adam Jefferies, New York Military: The guard coming into New York Military will be expected to handle a lot of the reins at the offense. Jefferies changes the game with his ability to play with pace, making the right plays and playing within the flow of the game. He can get to his spots to score the ball, plays fast, and really locks in defensively. 

Stay tuned as we continue to recap who we saw.