Dylan Thayer’s Standout Unsigned Seniors in the CIAC

Friday, January 3rd, 2025

The CIAC is once again loaded with talent across all of it's respective divisions. The senior class packs a strong distribution of talent in both the frontcourt and backcourt, with a ton of college prospects that programs should take a look at.

Ryan Tolliver, was one of our top players in the Connecticut class of 2025 in prep and public school, but he's committed to Northern Kentucky now. Elijah Parker out of Holy Cross in Waterbury is up there as well, but he's off the board to Central Connecticut State. 

Who else do you need to know?

St. Bernard's is looking to make their third straight state championship game this year led by Amyre Gray at the point guard spot. Gray is arguably the best on-ball defender in the state, but can stop on a dime for pull-ups, gets inside, and creates looks for others. Along with Gray, Amare Marshall and Tyler Mangual are notable seniors. Marshall brings tons of size to the forward position at 6'5" with experience under his belt. Mangual is another scoring threat in the backcourt.
 

Hillhouse once again boasts a top duo in the state with Avery Sutton and Jared Coleman on the floor. The offense runs through Sutton as he has shown impressive playmaking ability to complement his smooth scoring. On the season, he's averaging 10-7-7, showing his consistency in multiple facets. The 6'7" forward Coleman has gotten off to a strong start this year as well. He plays a physical game on the interior averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds, using his body to get to the basket over defenders or to secure boards. Gil Rosario is another name on the squad to know.
 

Notre Dame Fairfield lost one of it's star seniors heading into the season, but Kamryn Salters is there to lead their impressive young core with experience under his belt. Salters just surpassed 1,000 points for his career as Notre Dame is off to a 4-2 start on the year. The senior guard is a known shooter from outside that hits them at a high clip, but he's also a consistent finisher in the paint that does so through contact. 
 

Cayden Smith is a point guard to know with size standing at 6'2" out of Bloomfield High School. Smith leads the team with his pace, timely passing to get others good looks at shots, and off-balance shot-making. Smith started the season off averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 9.5 assists over his first two games. Jeffery Acoff is another notable name on the squad as a 6'5" wing with secondary scoring and defensive versatility.
 

Jared Butler is one of the top senior wing/forward's playing in the state associations in New England as a whole. Butler has tons of athleticism to go with the length he brings to the floor. His defensive tools are well noted led by the two aforementioned assets, but he also does a good job of getting to the rim with limited dribbling. The Wilbur Cross 6'6" senior is a name you need to know in the CIAC.
 

David Smith out of Glastonbury High School is another notable name at the top of the CIAC senior class. Smith stands at 6'4" and scores the ball at will evidenced by his average of 22+ per game so far. Smith contributes in a number of facets of the game, shining as a helpside defender, shot creator off the dribble and playing above the rim.
 

Jahlil Peoples-McClain is a 6'1" point guard who's had a pretty impressive career at Kolbe Cathedral thus far. He's a strong guard that packs a punch when trying to get to the rim. His reach is a bit longer than most, he can score inside around the basket, and knocks down mid-range pull up's in bunches, Sekou Nimaga is a 6'5" forward that plays a big role on the squad's defense with Peoples-McClain.
 

Manchester's Derrick Sheets is on a tear right now with 116 points over his last four games. The guard is one of the best shooters in the state, wreaking havoc when he takes shots in rhythm. It doesn't just stop with Sheets though, as Will Oden-Tann averages 25 points per game himself. He's reportedly searching for post-grad options and has a lot of upside I'm a fan of. Chance Clark is another guy that can go for 20 on any given night.

Northwest Catholic is led by NKU-commit Ryan Tolliver, but his runningmate Anthony Thompson is still available. Thompson is a crafty guard that keeps defenders off balance with his dribbling ability. He scores it in a variety of ways, plays hard on defense and finds open teammates for assists.
 

Eclipsing the 1,000 point mark last year as a junior, Zane Brewer enters the year with high aspirations. Brewer led the squad to a semifinal appearance in the postseason this past season and wants to build on that success. Just a few weeks ago he poured in 27 in a comeback win for Wheeler. He's a 6'3" forward with playmaking vision, makes tough shots, and finishes consistenly inside.
 

Despite only playing two games thus far this season, Andrew Crayton is a senior guard of note. Crayton impressed in fall showing's with his creative handle to hit stepbacks, as well as get past defenders. He makes plays for others as the lead guard and keeps the offense flowing as well.
 

Hall's Anthony McKeown came out of the Elite 75 in June as a top rising senior in the CIAC of note. Last season he poured in numerous big games with his ability to expose gaps in the defense to hit shots or drive down the lane. He is joined by senior sharpshooter Colby Hurlock as the duo looks to make noise this year.
 

Aston Whittingham was another top CIAC senior I was very impressed with back in June and he's performed very well to start the year. Just last week, he was averaging 17-6-7 for SMSA as they started the season without a loss. Whittingham's ability to get to the rim very smoothly and finish with either hand is very impressive, as well as his passing vision and the energy level he plays with.
 

Windsor Locks' Sincere Monroe is averaging north of 18 points per game for his career, and has hovered around 22 per game to start the year. He's a shorter guard with a handle to create separation to get himself scoring looks, but also takes pride in his defense and racks up steals.

East Catholic's Omar Oquendo is worth a shoutout here as the 6'4" guard has stood out for some time now in the state. He's got good touch on mid-range pullups, maintains control of his body in the air on contested finishes, and a handle to complement his scoring chops.

Killingly's Johnny Kazantzis recently surpassed the 1,000 point mark for his career as well. Kazantzis stands at 6'3", scores it from all over the floor, and plays with grit.

Malcolm Hunter at Windham is a known shooter that really lights it up from outside. Once he gets going he can be hard to stop, and can add in some flashy passing when needed.
 

Jason Mahon has carved out quite a career for himself at Enfield High School, and is looking to keep building on that this year. He's a scoring guard with a consistent jump shot that the defense always needs to be aware of.