CIAC Key Returners

There is much uncertainty with Connecticut high school basketball at this point. The CIAC has moved the potential start date to December 17th, but this is unlikely. The top prospects in the state may not have the opportunity to play until 2021 but here are a few players to keep on your radar.  Matt CurtisMattCurtis6'3" | CGNorthwest Catholic | 2022State, 6’3" SG, Northwest Catholic, 2022 The 2019-2020 Connecticut Second Team All-State performer averaged 23.6 points per game last season. After an outstanding summer, he has picked up offers from UMass, Fairfield, Hartford, and Bryant.  Donovan ClinganDonovanClingan7'1" | CBristol Central | 2022State, 7’1" C, Bristol Central, 2022 Clingan returns 24.8 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 6.4 blocks per game. Headed into his junior year he’s already eclipsed 1000 points and 750 rebounds. He holds a number of high major offers and continues to improve.  Connor TierneyConnorTierney7'0" | CSacred Heart Waterbury | 2021State, 7’0" C, Sacred Heart, 2021 Connor will return much-needed size in the middle for Sacred Heart. His role will be vastly different this year. The team will lean on him more this season to lead the way.  Troy McKoyTroyMcKoy6'5" | SFWindsor | 2023State, 6’5" SF, Windsor, 2023 McKoy continues to build a reputation nationwide after earning 'Top 30 Cream of the Crop' at the Pangos All American Camp. With Corey McKeithan, Amir Spears, and others graduating he will have to be the focal point for Windsor.  Avery HinnantAveryHinnant6'6" | SFNaugatuck | 2022State, 6’6" F, Naugatuck, 2022 Avery led Naugatuck to a 22-1 record and their first Naugatuck Valley League tournament title in 51 years. He's one of the more physical players in the state who does the dirty work to help the team win.   Dion PerkinsDionPerkins6'4" | SGSeymour | 2022State, 6’4’ SG, Seymour, 2021 Dion had an impressive stat line last season averaging 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 2.2 steals per game. He also scored a career-high 48 points last season in a tough matchup against Torrington on New Year's Eve. Ben CarrollBenCarroll6'7" | PFNotre Dame | 2021State, 6’7" F, Notre Dame-West Haven, 2021 The 2019-2020 All-SCC Selection was one of the most underrated players in the state last season. The southpaw produces at a high level on both ends. Ben's soft touch in the paint and ability to step out to the perimeter makes him a matchup nightmare.  Keyshawn MitchellKeyshawnMitchell6'8" | SGCapital Prep | 2022State, 6’9" W, Capital Prep, 2022 Keyshawn is a wiry versatile wing with a ton of upside. He returns 12.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Last season he put together ten double-double performances, knocking on the door of multiple triple-doubles.  Additional Key Players to Watch Akim JosephAkimJoseph6'6" | SFTrinity Catholic | 2021State, 6’6" F, Notre Dame Fairfield, 2021 Brody LimricBrodyLimric6'8" | PFEast Catholic | 2021State, 6’6" F, East Catholic, 2021 Cam Garcia, 5’11" PG, Watertown, 2021 Daniel WellingtonDanielWellington5'9" | PGKolbe Cathedral | 2021State, 5’6" PG, Kolbe Cathedral, 2021 Dereyk GrantDereykGrant5'11" | PGWilbur Cross | 2021State, 5’10" CG, Wilbur Cross, 2021 Dustin Garrison, 5’8" PG Windham Tech, 2021 Eli BlackwellEliBlackwell5'9" | PGAmistad | 2021State, 5’8" PG, West Haven, 2021 Elon Munroe, 5’10" PG, SMSA Ese OnakpomaEseOnakpoma6'1" | CGNaugatuck | 2023State, 6’1" CG, Naugatuck, 2022 Jabari JonesJabariJones6'2" | PGLedyard | 2021State, 6’2" W, Ledyard, 2021 Jack Hall, 6’3" G, Avon, 2021 Jason James, 6’0" G, St. Joseph, 2023 Johnny McCainJohnnyMcCain6'1" | PGTrumbull | 2022State, 6’1" CG, Trumbull, 2022 Luke Strole, 6’3" CG, East Catholic, 2021 Malcolm Duncanson, 5’11" PG, West Haven, 2021 Mike GreenMikeGreen6'5" | SFHamden | 2021State, 6’5" W, Hamden, 2021 Rassoul Abakar, 6’9" F/C, Notre Dame Fairfield, 2021 Sheldon Schuler, 6’3" W, Ansonia, 2021 Tyrell Staples-SantosTyrellStaples-Santos6'1" | PGKolbe Cathedral | 2022State, 6’1" PG, Kolbe Cathedral, 2022 Tyshawn JacksonTyshawnJackson5'10" | PGPrince Tech | 2021State, 5’10" PG, Prince Tech, 2021 Vincent Martinez, 6’0" PG, Maloney, 2021