Standout RIIL 2027/‘28s
We've covered standout underclassmen across the public school landscape, as well as some juniors who are boosting their names this winter.
In today's article, we will cover guys in the RIIL's sophomore/junior classes showing out this season.
John Ramos ‘28, Central: Ramos has quickly established himself as one of the most productive young guards in the RIIL, averaging 16 points and 5 assists per game after earning First Team honors as a freshman. The explosive, fiery guard runs the offense with confidence, creating advantages off the bounce while consistently setting up teammates. He’s capable of scoring at all three levels and thrives when the ball is in his hands. Ramos is a name to monitor closely, especially as he potentially transitions to the prep school scene next year.
Jack Simonini ‘27, South Kingstown: Simonini has been a double-double machine for the Rebels, stacking multiple 10-point, 10-rebound performances throughout the season. His stat lines speak to his consistency, including outings of 15 and 16, 27 and 17 with 3 blocks, and 16 and 15 with 4 blocks. He does much of his damage on the interior, finishing off dump-downs and cleaning up around the rim. Simonini’s physical presence makes him a steady force inside.
Michael D’Ambra ‘27, Bishop Hendricken: At 6’3, D’Ambra is a poised and crafty guard who effectively creates his own shot at all three levels. He plays at his own pace, never appearing rushed, and uses a quick first step to generate separation off the dribble. D’Ambra is comfortable pushing tempo offensively and finishing through traffic. His blend of control and shot-making gives Hendricken a reliable offensive engine.
Elijah Ibidapo ‘27, Shea: At 6’4, Ibidapo is as tough as they come and one of the most difficult covers in the RIIL. His downhill force combined with a polished mid-range touch fuels much of Shea’s offense. An explosive athlete, he embraces contact at the rim while also impacting the game defensively with his shot-blocking ability. Ibidapo’s two-way presence consistently shifts momentum.
Zerek Johnson ‘27, St. Raphael: Johnson is a quick, slashing 6’4 guard who thrives attacking gaps and finishing through traffic. He mixes in euro steps and rip-throughs to create angles and keep defenders off balance. Johnson also shows sneaky leaping ability, elevating over defenders for jumpers and rebounds. His blend of size and burst makes him a matchup problem.
Robbie Mason ‘28, East Providence: Mason is an exciting guard to watch, bringing speed, creativity, and efficiency to the backcourt. He wastes little movement with the ball, using smooth, precise dribble combinations to create separation. Mason is strong at initiating contact and stepping through defenders with advanced footwork. A skilled shot creator and playmaker, he brings flair without sacrificing control.
James Wilson ‘27, South Kingstown: Wilson recently surpassed the 1,000-point mark and continues to shine as an isolation scorer. He does much of his work in the mid-range but has the ability to stretch well beyond the three-point line. Wilson excels at using hesitations and sudden stops to create space, getting shots off with minimal daylight. His scoring craft keeps defenses constantly on edge.
Robbie Mason
John Ramos
Elijah Ibidapo