2024-25 Founders League Player Profiles
Built upon shared values and historic rivalries, the Founders League was established in 1984, by heads of school for their highly selective college preparatory schools. Since its inception, the League has been recognized for its ability to promote the highest level of athletic competition, in a manner consistent with the educational philosophies and integrity that are hallmarks of its constituents. Today, the Founders League is one of the most competitive and respected athletic leagues in the country.
The membership of the Founder's League has remained largely unchanged over the years, and today, as was the case in 1984, the League is comprised of the following eleven schools: Avon Old Farms, Choate Rosemary Hall, Ethel Walker School (All girls school), The Hotchkiss School, Kent School, Kingswood-Oxford School, Loomis Chaffee School, Miss Porter's School (All girls school), The Taft School, Trinity-Pawling School and Westminster School.
The Founders League is recognized by the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council, and its teams are often found in the eight team teams that are seeded for the NEPSAC post-season tournament championships every March in both the Class A and Class B divisions.
The 2024-25 Founders League standings will be found here.
The men's basketball division of the League is a heavily recruited feeder system for all levels of NCAA play. Below we profile key players in this season's Founders League play.
Avon Old Farms School from Avon, CT
Head coach: Matt Mihalich 2024-25 game schedule and results
Abdrahaman Coulibaly (2025) 6-5, 200lb, wing - (Rider University commit) Coulibaly is a high-level athlete who defends college-bound players, attacks the rim on offense, and can dribble into a clean jump shot. He was named to the first team of the Philadelphia Public League 2023-24. Received offers from Rider, Gardner Webb, Central Connecticut. RTB profile
Joel Nash (2026) 6-0, 160lb, point guard - Nash is an elite playmaker who can handle the ball in traffic and create for himself and others. He is a shot-maker and finisher, earning second team honors in the Founders League. He has an offer from Manhattan. A10 interest. RTB profile
Christopher Skenderi (2025) 6-7, 210lb, forward. A stretch big with a great touch around the rim. He is effective in pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll situations and can make shots out to 3-point range. He has a high pedigree, having played for Xavier High and Riverside Select. RTB profile
Sam Reznik (2025) a 6-3, 180lb, wing - Reznik is versatile and deceptively athletic, able to get into spaces and finish plays, and he makes catch-and-shoot shots. 3.7 gpa 1430 SAT RTB profile
Declan Griffiths (2027) 6-6, 185lb wing. Griffiths is an excellent shooter from beyond the arc. He continues to grow rapidly in height and length and is athletic with a smooth handle. High Major watch list. High academic. RTB profile
Michael Hoffman (2027) 6-6, 220lb, forward - Hoffman is a true big man, despite being an underclassman. He continues to grow and improve, showing himself to be a physical rebounder with great hands and feet. He has a high ceiling. Plays AAU with the NY Rens. High academic. RTB profile
Tyler Bergquist (2027) 6-3, 180lb wing. Bergquist is a dual-sport athlete (soccer) with a strong, fast, and athletic frame. He is a very skilled shooter and plays for Middlesex Magic 16u. 4.3 gpa RTB profile
Luke Everitt (2028) 6’5 forward - Everett is a repeat freshman He is a lefty, lanky forward who can stretch the floor. While he will need to get stronger, he has the tools to grow into a legitimate college prospect.
Choate Rosemary Hall School from Wallingford, CT
Head coach: Drew Dawson 2024-25 game schedule and results
Nick Cozzolino (2025) 6’4 guard - Cozzolino is a big wing with decent athleticism and good strength. An excellent shooter. Great range with the skill to attack closeouts; uses perimeter size and strength to finish at the rim. Good perimeter rebounder. Elite D3 prospect. Plays AAU with the NY Rens. RTB profile
Aliaun Iscandari (2025) 6’3 guard - Iscandari comes to Choate from California and is a lanky, athletic and explosive playmaker, who competes at a high level at both ends of the floor. Excellent downhill perimeter player. Receiving significant interest at all levels. Plays AAU with California's BTI-HGSL RTB profile
Quintin Floyd (2025) 6'0 point guard - Crafty and skilled, Floyd has a good feel for the game. Capable as a facilitator (good poise and playmaking ability) and 2-guard. An excellent shooter especially with his feet set. Very good in transition (pushes the ball and sees the floor). Spunky defender who has a knack for getting deflections and guarding gaps. Floyd has a lot of upside and is a potential scholarship prospect. Plays AAU ball with House That We Built. 3.4 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Jake Palluzzi (2025) 6’1 guard - (Pace University commit) Palluzzi is a compact, shifty and skilled combo guard. He has the ability to play both the point guard and off-ball positions. 2X All NEPSAC, Class A and is considered one of Connecticut top 2025 guards.Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic. RTB profile
Jack Stevens (2027) 5'10 point guard - Stevens reclassed and transferred to Choate after earning All Fairchester Athletic Association honors as a sophomore at Brunswick School (CT). Plays AAU with the NY Rens. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Jack Sullivan (2025) 6’10 forward- (Yale University commit) A native of Florida, Sullivan was a FCAB 1st Team selection, who brings great size, skill and a ton of upside to the program. He is hearing from a number of scholarship-level programs, including schools from the Ivy and Patriot Leagues. Plays AAU with Austin Rivers SE Elite-3SSB RTB profile
Hotchkiss School from Lakeville, CT
Head coach: Joey Busacca 2024-25 game schedule and results
Dean Hogans (2025) 6'4 guard - (American University commit) Hogans stands out as an outside shooter, but is also a physical guard who finishes strong at the rim. He has a lot of defensive versatility, as well. All NEPSAC as a junior. All Founders League as a junior. Offered by American University. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic. 3.7 gpa RTB profile
Tyler Francis (2025) 6'8 small forward - (Northeastern University commit) Francis is a dynamic and athletic wing player who excels at driving to the basket with authority. His ability to navigate through defenders and finish plays in traffic makes him a formidable force on the court. With a high upside, Francis shows great promise as a player who can continue to develop and elevate his game. Received multiple D1 offers, including Manhattan and UMass. 3.1 gpa RTB profile
Nick Mautone (2025) 6'5 shooting guard - (Colby College commit) All League player from high Seattle high school. Mautone is a knockdown shooter and big time playmaker. He is good on the boards, as well. 3.8 gpa. Video highlights RTB profile
Ian Randall (2025) 7’0 forward - (Tuffs College commit) Randall is a 7 footer with a ton skill. High level shooter who has grown as a passer and has incredible touch around the rim. Best on the defensive end - alters shots consistently around the rim. Plays AAU with The House We Built. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Jules Varin (2025) 6’3 guard - (Bowdoin College commit) Lefty sniper who impacts the game without needing the ball much. Always in the right spots offensively + defensively. Efficiently attacks closeouts, always has his head up when he puts the ball on the floor. Plays AAU with Rens United. 3.8 gpa Video Highlights RTB profile
Preston Merrick (2026) 6’5 guard - All Founders and HM All NEPSAC as a sophomore. A big guard who scores it at 3 levels and has the ability to be a high major defender. Offered by Fairfield, East Carolina and Bryant and is receiving recruitment from NJIT, Florida Gulf Coast, Boston University, Buffalo, North Texas, Princeton, East Carolina and Boston College. Plays AAU for Riverside Hawks UAA 16u. 3.7 gpa. Video highlights RTB profile
Owen Zabel (2026) 5’11 point guard - Started at point for Hotchkiss as a sophomore, averaged 8ppg, 3apg and 2spg. A high level shooter who makes everyone around him better. Plays AAU with Wiz Kids. 3.7 gpa RTB profile
Milos Vasic (2027) 6’8 small forward - Vasic is a tremendous prospect that has added a silky smooth jumper to his long frame and wingspan. He has developed into a consistent shooter and runs the floor well in transition. On the defensive end, he uses his length to stand out with his shot-altering capabilities, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint or on the perimeter. Plays AAU with Select Hoops. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Kent School from Kent, CT
Head coach: Tim McCarthy 2024-25 game schedule and results
Massimo Famularo (2025) 6'3 forward - Famularo is a tenacious rebounder who has developed a growing comfort with tough shots. He anticipates well in the passing lanes and plays with intensity both on and off the ball.
Jermaine Sheppherd (2025) 6’0 guard - Sheppherd is a two-sport standout in football and basketball whose athleticism and high IQ influence the game in countless ways. He will be a key contributor on both sides of the court.
Jeremiah “JJ” Carter (2026) 6'4 wing - Carter is a long and versatile wing with the capability to pick up full court, force turnovers, and attack in transition. A reclassed junior, he also has deep range and can play above the rim. He was a 2024 All Long Island Selection and a member of Nassau Suffolk CHSAA Second Team. He plays AAU with Heat Elite. RTB profile
Nathaniel Howell (2026) 6'2 guard - A reclassed junior, Howell is a big guard who can defend 1-4 and spread the floor from the three-point line. He's an unselfish kid who doesn't get too high or too low and always plays hard. Plays AAU for SC Academy in Canada. Video highlights RTB profile
Alexander "Sasha" Mermelstein (2026) 5’11 point guard - Mermelstein is a crafty and quick point guard who runs the show and can get hot from behind the arc. A reclassed junior, he is an unselfish playmaker and uses his quickness to get steals and deflections on defense. He consistently lands on two and makes the right read. He plays AAU with PVO Elite. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Miles Wurmfeld (2026) 6’0 guard - Wurmfeld is a high IQ, knockdown 3-point shooter who is always in the right spots on the floor, both offensively and defensively. He is a gym rat who has improved tremendously over the past few months and is someone to keep an eye on over the course of the year as he develops as a playmaker. He plays AAU for New Heights. 3.8 gpa
Rowan Santos (2027) 6'3 wing - Santos is a true two-way player with an extremely high motor. He played a significant role as a freshman last year and has developed into a playmaker this spring. He can defend 1-4 and is a tenacious rebounder. He plays AAU with the Cap City Scrappers. 3.7 gpa RTB profile
Alex Thiery (2027) 6’0 point guard - Thiery joins Kent as a repeat sophomore who can control the flow of the game at the point guard position and stretch the floor with his 3-point shot. He is also effective in the pick and roll and an unselfish playmaker once he gets in the paint. 3.7 gpa
Kingswood-Oxford School from West Hartford, CT
Head coach: Brad Seaman 2024-25 game schedule and results
Davonne ‘DJ’ Biggins (2026) 6’2 point guard - Biggins is a tremendous floor a general. He averaged 24.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He shot 37% from beyond the arc (extensive range) and 56.7% from 2. He’s a natural scorer but also does a tremendous job as a point guard. He consistently scores at all three levels. A true point guard that understands when to score and when to facilitate. All-NEPSAC Class B First Team and First Team All Founders League as a sophomore. Team Co-Captain for 2024-25, DJ’s leadership and skills make him an invaluable asset to a team. Projected to compete at the Mid/High D1 level. Plays AAU with New Heights Lightning. 3.7 gpa RTB profile
Justice Hanna (2025) 6’2, 180 lbs, guard - Hanna brings a solid all-around game to the court, averaging 4.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game last winter. What sets Hanna apart is his elite shooting ability coupled with his knack for driving to the basket. Off the court, he is a true leader, known for his dedication and work ethic. He’s constantly putting in extra hours before and after practice, studying film, and honing his skills. With his commitment and talent, Hanna has the potential to make a strong impact at the D2/3 level. Plays AAU for Mass Rivals. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Tyler Brown (2026) 6’1 guard - Brown brings speed, skill, and a tremendous defensive prowess. He averaged 4.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.7 apg last winter. He is speedy and relentless in transition. A lockdown defender who thrives in full-court pressure and is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc. Plays AAU with Middlesex Magic. RTB profile
Ethan Genetti (2026) 6’6 small forward - Genetti a promising is poised to make his mark on the court. With his intriguing combination of size and shooting ability, he presents a unique challenge for opponents. He is starting to establish himself as a force in the paint, while also showcasing his range from beyond the arc. He’s actively working on expanding his skill set, focusing on improving as a rebounder and rim protector to bolster his presence in the interior. Plays AAU with the Hartford Knights. 3.9 gpa RTB profile
Will Parkhouse (2026) 6’4 guard - Parkhouse is a knockdown shooter, joining Kingswood this fall. He can stretch the floor, has a tremendous feel for the game. He shot 42% from 3 this past season and had multiple games where he hit 6 or more threes in a game. He can rebound and finish in transition as well. All NVL- League this past winter for his CT high school. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Travis Parsons (2026) 6’5, 215 lbs, small forward - Parsons averaged 3.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game last winter. Known for his physicality, he excels as a screener and a rebounder, and he has a strong ability to finish around the rim. He brings his robust playing style and defensive prowess to every game. With his solid performance and work ethic, he has the potential to compete at the D3 level. Plays AAU with North Stars -Adidas Circuit. RTB profile
Stryckland Whittley-Ligon (2026) 6’5 wing - Whittley-Ligon is aggressive on both sides of the ball. He easily gets downhill with a quick first step and finishes at the rim. He can also pull up for the midrange or bump fade to throw defenders off. Don’t leave him open from 3 either because he knocks those down too. He’s got a great handle and can create for others too. He also does the little things that don’t come up in the stat sheet. Like the deflections, hustle plays, or tipped out rebounds. Finally, he is a defensive juggernaut that can guard the 1-4 without any problems due to his size, strength, and quickness. He is always willing to do the extra work to get on the court and he always leaves a positive impact on the game. Plays AAU with the Middlesex Magic. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Sebastian Cotte (2027) 6’5 wing - Cotte has a very high basketball IQ and great hands. He can rebound and pass out of the post very well. He is an outside threat and can score inside and out. He uses his length very well to rebound, disrupt passing lanes, and score over defenders. Plays AAU with Hoopwave.
Zach Munawar (2027) 6’7 forward - Munawar brings a formidable presence to the interior, utilizing his length and defensive instincts to disrupt opponents’ shots and protect the rim. With a soft touch around the hoop and solid passing skills, he’s not only a defensive force but also a threat on the offensive end. Munawar’s smooth mid-range jumper adds versatility to his game, and he’s actively working on expanding his range. In the off-season, he’s dedicated to improving his speed, strength, and agility to become an even more well-rounded player. Plays AAU with We-R1. RTB profile
Keenan Murphy (2027) 6’6 forward - Murphy runs the floor and rebounds well. He finishes strong in transition and will also step out and knock down open threes. Tremendous upside.
Loomis Chaffee School from Windsor, CT
Head coach: Rock Battistoni 2024-25 game schedule and results
Jlin Brown (2025) 6’4 guard - Brown was named 2nd team all-BCL as a senior at Loyola Blakefield. Tough combo guard who is a good athlete who is relentless on the defensive end. Good skill set on offense. D1 prospect. RTB profile
Jack Connolly (2025) point guard - Connolly has a scholarship level skill set. One of the best PGS at controlling the pace and flow of a game. Excellent finisher at the rim. Can also shoot the ball at all three levels. Extremely high IQ and has amazing court vision. He would be somebody you build a program around. Not many weaknesses other than size but he plays much bigger than he looks. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Charlie O’Sullivan (2025) 6’11 forward - O’Sullivan is a lights-out shooter with range. He has a very good handle. The lefty has a great face up game as well. Offered by multiple D1s, including Elon, Canisus and Loyola-Maryland. Has received interest from Virginia and Pitt. Plays AAU with City Rocks. 4.2 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Ben Price (2025) 6’6 wing - Price is an effortless leaper, showcasing a swift takeoff followed by a quick and efficient liftoff. His effectiveness as a slasher is evident through timely cuts, allowing him to navigate the court with agility and capitalize on scoring opportunities. A D1 level prospect. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Harry Salters (2025) 6’5 small forward - Salters is a rugged forward, and a ranked college football prospect at tight end. He is capable in catch and shoot and does all the dirty work. RTB profile
Nick Sangermano (2026) 6’5 shooting guard - Sangermano has D1potential. He is an athletic 6-5 wing. He was named MVC conference All Star as a freshman. Once in an AAU game he made an incredible 15 three pointers. He can handle the ball, finish off 1 or 2 feet in the lane, and dunk with ease. He is a lights out shooter, and a good defender. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Benji Grayer (2027) 6’1 guard - Grayer has a steady game. He is a physical guard who is a tough on-ball defender. He has a consistent offensive game. Video highlights
Greyson Pierce (2027) 6’8 small forward - Pierce is a skilled shooter, who also attacks close-outs with lot of ability. He has good instincts and competes on both ends. Plays AAU ball with Expressions. Offered by Bryant. Projected to be a D1 High Major. RTB profile
Julien Price (2027) 6’3 guard - Price is a skilled, play making and smooth guard who has a knack to put the ball in the goal. Primed to make a big jump this season. RTB profile
Luca Baducci (2028) 5’11 point guard - Balducci is shifty guard and a shot maker. He shows toughness on both ends. Plays AAU with NY Renaissance.
The Taft School from Windsor, CT
Head coach: Shavar Bernier 2024-25 game schedule and results
Jack Anderson (2025) 6'4.5 wing - Anderson is a bouncy athlete who plays with high motor. A driver, slasher, and cutter who makes catch and shoots threes. He has a high feel for the game, so playmaking comes naturally. 3.5 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Asher Cort (2025) 6'5 wing - Cort is an elite athlete and leaper. He flies and can finish well above the rim. A slasher who is developing an eye for playmaking and shot-making. There are zero athletic limitations in Cort. The level depends on how rapidly he picks up the game's nuances. 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Jeremiah Ibeziako (2025) 6'7 wing - Ibeziako is still fairly new to basketball, but he is having terrific success. First Team All Founders League as a junior. He is garnering as a D1 level wing whose 7’1 wing span helps him rebound and contest shots all over the court and keep players in front of him. Ibeziako led Taft in rebounding, and FG% and scored just over 12ppg in only his second year of organized hoops. Offered by Bryant and Central Connecticut State. Plays AAU ball with Expressions Elite. 3.2 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Ford Okehi (2025) 6’0 point guard - Okehi knocks down mid and long range pull ups. He facilitates the offense, and gets physical, including as a rebounder. Led Taft in scoring as a new-to-the-team junior. Highly skilled, crafty, and an underrated passer. His leadership and IQ allow him to play on the ball or off. All NEPSAC as a junior. First Team All Founders League as a junior. Plays AAU with Pro Level Titans. 3.7 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Medard "Medi" Angyal (2026) 6'8 forward/center - College-ready body with elite feel and IQ. Angyal can score with his back to the basket or face up and play. While playing up to 2 dribbles is his strength, Angyal has the ability to push in transition and make a three. Medi plays on the Hungarian national team and will have an instant impact for Taft. A sure-fire the D1 prospect. 3.7gpa Video highlights
Brandon White (2026) 5'11 guard - White makes threes in the half-court and in transition. He is a high-IQ player and a relentless competitor on both ends. He is a savvy player who always seems to find open space. 3.6 gpa RTB profile
Jack Ronndahl (2028) 6'8 forward/center - Ronndahl has a wide frame and a natural feel for the game. Dad is a former pro in Sweden, so Ronndahl has been around the game at a high level his whole life. He has a soft shooting touch and is a savvy finisher around the basket. Quickness and explosiveness are areas Ronndahl will look to improve as he grows into a serious D1 prospect. RTB profile
Trinity-Pawling School from Pawling, NY
Head coach: Tarik Smith 2024-25 game schedule and results
Abdul-Malik Akewushola (2025) 6’8 forward - Malik-Akewushola has good footwork around the rim. He plays above the rim and is a strong finisher. 3.5 gpa RTB profile
Ryan Bellamy (2025) 5’9 point guard - Bellamy is a quick guard with a good handle and the ability to run an offense. He is also a good on-ball defender. RTB profile
Jace Emerson (2025) 6’5 small forward - Emerson is a strong wing with range out to the 3 line. He also has good footwork around the rim, which makes him a inside-outside dual threat. RTB profile
Jaice Martabano 6’2 (2025) guard - Martabano is a pass-first guard that does a great job moving the ball and attacking lanes. He is a scoring guard with range from 3. He has good size for the guard position. 2024 First Team All Gym Rat Tournament. Plays AAU with Cap City. 3.8 gpa RTB profile
Benedek Maly (2025) 6’7 wing - Powerful downhill lefty wing, junkyard dog mentality. Relentless straight line driver, can guard 2 through 4 and effectively play a small-ball 5. NESCAC recruitment to date, but low major, high academic interest is possible. Plays AAU with Rens United. 3.8 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Michael Malachi (2026) 6'0 point guard - Malachi is a very quick guard who is very difficult to stay in front of. He can penetrate the paint and create shots for himself and others. He also shoots the three. Plays AAU with Team OPI. 3.4 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Ben Ayugi (2027) 6'9 forward - #19 ranked player in New York by Prep Hoops. Ayugi is a big-time force in the paint, dominating the low post with his physical presence. He finishes with authority, often powering through defenders to score at the rim. His exceptional hands make him a reliable target on the catch, allowing him to secure passes with ease. With his combination of strength and skill, Ayugi is a player who consistently impacts the game down low and in multiple facets. He is also a solid jump shooter. Plays AAU with Riverside Hawks. RTB profile
Liam Norton (2027) 6’5 guard - Norton is a shooter with good size, and he can put the ball on the floor. He has lots of upside. 3.6 gpa RTB profile
Jackson Connors (2028) 6'2 guard - Connors is a shooter with range, and he is crafty with the ball.
Teddy Murphy (2028) 5’9 point guard - Murphy is quick with a good handle. He also has range from deep.
Aaden Walters (2028) 6’0 guard - Aaden Walters is an aggressive guard and a good slasher. He also shoots with range.
Anthony Walters (2028) 6’0 point guard - Anthony Walters is a lead guard with good handle and playmaking ability.
Westminster School from West Simsbury, CT
Head coach: David Pringle 2024-25 game schedule and results
Nate McCleary (2026) 6'2 shooting guard - McCleary can really shoot the ball. He has both deep and mid-range ability. He is receiving high academic D3 recruitment, but also has interest in being a D1 PWO. Plays AAU with Project Triple Threat. 3.8 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Jayden Reid (2025) 6'9 forward - (Quinnipiac University commit) #21 ranked Class of 2025 player in New England by Prep Hoops. Reid averaged a double double this past winter in NEPSAC play. He is a Swiss Army knife from the forward position. He is one of the best shooting bigs in the country, along with being a skillful passer, rim protector and rebounder. Received multiple D1 offers, including Colorado, Yale and Fairfield. Plays AAU ball with PSA Cardinals. Video highlights RTB profile
Ethan Griffin (2026) 6'7 forward - Griffin led his West Haven High to a 2023-24 CIAC state championship. He was named to the CIAC All State team and the SCC All Conference team. He is a dynamic player who runs the floor well. He is an uber athletic and high energy talent who is a big time rim protector and rebounder. He is a scholarship level prospect. Plays AAU with Wiz Kids. 3.2 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Sei'Mir Robertson (2026) 6'1 point guard - Robinson is crafty and can score at all three levels. He is coming off of a strong winter season at Catholic Memorial in Albany, where he was a big time scorer and facilitator. He is a 3 time Times Union All Star, 2024 Norte Dame tournament MVP, and an All Section honoree. Holds a D1 offer from Albany. Plays AAU with City Rocks. Video highlights RTB profile
Sonny Batchelor (2027) 6’5 wing - Batchelor has the tools to be special. He is super athletic, smart, and driven to make a name for himself. He is a 3 level scorer and a big time defender. He could be nationally ranked in the near future. Offered by Quinnipiac. Plays AAU with Select Hoops. 4.0 gpa Video highlights RTB profile
Ethan Vicallis (2027) 6'1 guard - Vicallis was the only freshman to make the Westminster varsity team this past winter. The southpaw has a unique skill set, which allows him to be a good slasher and finisher around the basket. He has also become a good 3 point shooter and an on-ball defender. He is a dual sport prospect (baseball). Plays AAU with Project Triple Threat. 3.1 gpa. Video highlights