Frosh/Soph Elite 75 - Best of the 2026 Wings

Dylan Thayer | Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

The Frosh/Soph Elite 75 Showcase returned in style this past weekend as both the Massachusetts event in Hanover, and the Connecticut event in Hamden sold out. It was the first time that we ran this event since the pandemic hit in 2020, and things picked back up right where we left off. New England basketball is in good hands with the group of underclassmen we got a chance to see this weekend.

To continue our write-ups on the standouts we witnessed, let’s take a look at the best wings the class of 2026 has to offer.

Abdou Toure, a 6'5” wing from Notre Dame West Haven in Connecticut, is a player who has perhaps been somewhat underrated, despite possessing an impressive skill set that includes high-flying athleticism. Toure's ability to soar above the rim and finish plays with authority is a standout aspect of his game. He possesses a remarkable knack for finding his way to the rim and executing powerful dunks, and is a thrilling player to watch on the court. During his time on the EYBL circuit this year, Toure displayed his scoring efficiency by shooting an impressive 56% from the field, contributing 11 points per game. Abdou Toure's upside is undeniably there, and his ability to impact the game with his athleticism and scoring prowess is evident. As long as he continues to work on his skills and development, he is poised to make a significant impact on the New England basketball scene.

Alex Egbuonu is a growing 6'6" prospect from Lawrence Academy,who has built a reputation for his skill and upside. Egbounu's scoring repertoire is well-rounded, allowing him to be effective at all three levels of the court. Whether it's catching and shooting or creating his own shot off the dribble, he showcases the poise and skill to score efficiently.  He is just 15 years old and has not reclassed. His ability to score, coupled with his physical attributes and continued development, positions him as one of the standout scorers in the 2026 class. As he matures and grows into his body we expect him to make waves around the basketball scene.

Cade Rutkoske from Phillips Andover, is a player known for his active and disruptive defensive style. He excels in crowding passing lanes and can force turnovers. On the offensive end, Rutkoske possesses an impressive pull-up game from the mid-range. His ability to stop on a dime and knock down shots in this area of the court showcases his scoring versatility. He's a player who can create his own shot effectively. Moreover, Rutkoske's game is characterized by a relentless work ethic and a high motor. He plays with a combination of defensive intensity, scoring ability, and relentless effort. 

Sage Baptiste is a player with a promising future, thanks to his physical attributes and strong work ethic. His broad shoulders indicate the potential for further physical development as he prepares for college-level play. Currently, Baptiste utilizes his strength effectively in driving to the basket. While he is primarily a driver at this stage, Baptiste's offensive game has the potential for even greater impact as his jump shot continues to improve. His contributions aren't limited to scoring; he is also a force on the glass, consistently grabbing rebounds. Versatility and being able to guard multiple positions are also standout traits he brings to the table. He will be a nice piece as a 2026 reclass at Tabor Academy this upcoming season.

Quinn Costello is set to join the 2026 class at the Newman School. At 6'8", Costello possesses a unique combination of guard skills and size, making him a versatile player on the court. He consistently knocks down three-point shots, adding a potent long-range threat with size. Additionally, Costello showcases a knack for finishing plays above the rim, utilizing his athleticism to score in emphatic fashion. Costello's contributions aren't limited to scoring; he is also a good rebounder, using his length and positioning to secure boards effectively. On the defensive end, he exhibits quick feet, enabling him to switch on defense and defend various positions. His lengthy frame becomes an asset in altering shots and disrupting opponents' plays. Quinn Costello's emergence as a dynamic 6'8" prospect with guard skills, elite shooting ability, and defensive versatility is noteworthy.

Francisco Santana, set to make waves at Lawrence High School in the upcoming season, is an MIAA player who is poised for a breakout year. Santana possesses a remarkable set of athletic attributes that make him a standout prospect. One of his notable physical assets is his lengthy wingspan, which provides him with a significant advantage on both ends of the court. His elite bounce and athleticism allow him to excel in various aspects of the game, particularly when it comes to finishing plays above the rim. He boasts a fluid and versatile game that is expected to continue improving with more playing time and experience. 

Jeff Mitchell, a promising prospect from Houston, Texas, who has recently relocated to New England, has already secured two Division 1 offers. As a 2026 prospect, Mitchell is someone to keep a close watch on as he continues to develop and refine his skills. His strong playmaking abilities, particularly at the wing/forward position, add a valuable dimension to his game. Mitchell's ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates sets him apart as a versatile and impactful player. Additionally, he possesses a solid handle on the ball, further enhancing his ability to navigate the court effectively and make plays. His ball-handling skills provide him with the versatility to contribute in various offensive situations. Catch Jeff Mitchell at Busche Academy this upcoming season.

Dywane Chess, a talented wing who recently moved to New England to attend St. George's, made quite an impression with his performance at Frosh/Soph. Chess's game is primarily built on his toughness and attacking ability. He demonstrates a relentless drive to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities, and can also knock down the long ball. His dynamic play in transition adds an exciting element to his style of play, making him a valuable asset in fast-paced situations. Furthermore, his physicality as a driver sets him apart, allowing him to penetrate defenses effectively and finish plays at the rim. With his blend of toughness, attacking prowess, and transition play, he is undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on as he progresses in his basketball journey.

Isaiah Bean-Brittian, representing Whitman-Hanson, is emerging as a promising prospect with a bright future. His stature as a tall guard is complemented by a range of impressive skills. He has exceptional ball-handling ability that allows him to navigate the court, setting the stage for scoring and playmaking opportunities. He demonstrates a knack for finishing plays, showcasing touch around the rim and the capability to score in various situations. His performances this past high school season show his potential and that he is on the path to becoming a very accomplished player in the future.

Eli Ssenyange, of Notre Dame - West Haven, was yet another standout player at the Frosh/Soph showcase. Ssenyange's standout qualities on the court are worth noting. One of his notable strengths is his strong shooting ability from beyond the arc, where he consistently hits three-pointers. His proficiency from the deep range adds a valuable scoring dimension to his game, particularly when stationed in the corners. Defensively, Ssenyange shows impressive versatility. He has the ability to switch onto guards, forwards, and wings, showcasing his adaptability and defensive prowess. This skill set allows him to hold his ground and effectively move his feet on defense, making him a valuable asset on that end of the floor. 

Kingston Pitt of New Fairfield High School, is a player who possesses an impressive set of skills and attributes on the basketball court. Pitt has craftiness with the ball and ability to navigate to the rim. His combination of physicality and agility enables him to excel in various aspects of the game, both on offense and defense. One of his standout qualities is his ability to post up against smaller players effectively. Moreover, Pitt's versatility extends to the perimeter, where he can draw bigger defenders out and use his skill set to challenge them outside the paint. Kingston Pitt's multifaceted game and abilities make him a player to watch closely. 

Rowan Introzzi from Greenwich Country Day School, is an athletic wing who possesses a strong basketball IQ and an impressive skill set. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset to his team. One of Introzzi's notable qualities is his excellent feel for the game. He also showcases a strong ball-handling ability, allowing him to control the tempo and navigate the court with confidence. His quickness and agility enable him to get moving swiftly, making him a threat in transition. Additionally, he excels at finishing drives downhill, displaying a great slashing ability.

Tyler Newsom of Masuk, is a versatile and dynamic player with a well-rounded skill set. Whether it's from beyond the arc, in the midrange, or at the rim, he is capable of putting points on the board effectively. Furthermore, Newsom's ability to play with pace and maintain composure under pressure highlights his poise and basketball IQ. On the defensive end, he displays versatility by being able to guard players across multiple positions. His ability to read the game and make intelligent decisions regarding when to switch matchups further enhances his defensive impact. 

Henry Tisdale, a 2026 prospect out of Boston Latin, is a player who brings a valuable combination of length and athleticism to the court. His contributions on both ends of the floor are noteworthy. Tisdale's length and athleticism allow him to excel in various aspects of the game. One of his standout qualities is his ability to crash the glass effectively on both ends. His tenacity on the boards kick-starts the transition offense, allowing his team to capitalize on fast-break opportunities.

Koen Booker, a 6'6" wing, is a player with potential who recently made the move from North Carolina to South Kent. His raw talent and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect to watch closely. One of Booker's standout qualities is his athleticism, which is complemented by his impressive length that he uses to jump up and finish above the rim. These attributes allow him to disrupt opposing offenses and create problems for opponents on the defensive end of the floor. As a long-term prospect, Koen Booker has the upside to be known in New England.

Liam Henaghen, a lanky redhead hailing from Maine, captured our attention at Frosh/Soph. His connection as the younger brother of TJ Henaghen, a 2023 graduate of Williston-Northampton who will be playing at St. Michaels automatically added him to our radar. Liam's physical attributes, which may still be evolving as he grows, are complemented by his versatility on the court. He possesses the ability to play multiple positions, ranging from the two to the four, showcasing his adaptability and the potential for his game to continue developing.

Nick Sangermano, a 2026 wing joining Tilton, is a player whose athleticism and emerging skills have been notable. At 6'5", he brings a unique combination of physical attributes and potential to Tilton. His ability to attack the basket as a straight-line driver is particularly effective, enabling him to drive with purpose and finish plays with authority. In transition, Sangermano has demonstrated he can capitalize on fast-break opportunities, showcasing his finishing skills and athleticism. We will be interested to see where his game takes him in the upcoming years.