Robert Saulsbury Basketball Invitational Standouts (Part 1)
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Hoopers, high school basketball fans, and city residents from all over Southern Connecticut gathered at the Floyd Little Athletic Center Wednesday night to honor local basketball coaching legend Robert Saulsbury at the Robert Saulsbury Basketball Invitational. A now retired coach,…
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Continue ReadingHoopers, high school basketball fans, and city residents from all over Southern Connecticut gathered at the Floyd Little Athletic Center Wednesday night to honor local basketball coaching legend Robert Saulsbury at the Robert Saulsbury Basketball Invitational. A now retired coach, Saulsbury’s attendance at the invitational drew more than just local people of importance (think New Haven Mayor Justin Erlicker), but some of the best basketball teams from around Southern Connecticut. Here is the first batch of standouts players from the 3-game event:
Avery Sutton, 6-2, 2025, Hillhouse High School
Looks like Hillhouse has found their point guard of the future. The standout freshman guard turned heads as the most polished player on the floor in a matchup against a Windsor team that is ranked #11 in the state by MaxPreps. Sutton plays with a high IQ and was most valuable in breaking presses, getting out of traps, and progressing the ball down the floor for the Academics. He created opportunities for players just by getting through the defense and forcing bigs to help over and kicking the ball to the perimeter, or by finding teammates rolling to the basket. He flashed his ability to get the ball in the basket as well, knocking in some triples in the first half and showing a prowess for going downhill in the second half. He’s got long arms that disrupt passing lanes and frustrated some of Windsor’s ball handlers all game long. I would describe Sutton as a modern day “floor maestro” who sets the game up for his teammate, but does it with a specific swagger and style that some “floor generals” lack. Keep your eye on this one, he could be the best player in New Haven as he progresses.
Nikai Brooks, 6-4, 2023, Hillhouse High School
Brooks was a big jolt off the bench for Hillhouse all game long. Brooks is a strong forward with a college-ready body. Even as an undersized big man, Brooks was very effective on the block. He has very good hands catching the ball and was able to finish some really good passes from teammate Avery Sutton on the block. On defense, Brooks was the paint anchor of a relentless second half 2-3 zone that forced Windsor into shooting far too many 3s. But despite his big man prowess, Brooks augmented his performance with a trio of high-quality 3-point jumpers. He was confident and unconscious from distance, with his coach giving him the green light to take whatever shot he wanted to from three. That bit of scoring from Brooks gave Hillhouse the edge and eventually the upset W over Windsor, 77-70.
Tyler Betsey Tyler Betsey 6'8" | SF St. Thomas More | 2024 State #32 Nation New E , 6-6, 2024, Windsor High School
Betsey showed why he is one of the best young prospects in the state of Connecticut with his 22-point outing against Hillhouse. Just a sophomore, Betsey showed elite offensive poise and a great defensive instinct. On the offensive end, Betsey was able to stretch the floor and knock down some triples in the clutch. His jumper was great off the dribble, an impressive feat for a young guy with his size. He generated even more offense with his defensive prowess. With long arms, Betsey disrupted passing lanes which ended with him getting a handful of steals. His instincts gave him the ability to hoist the ball down the floor off of steals and generate easy points for his teammates. Betsey’s handle has also good enough for him to push the floor without the help of a guard when it was necessary. With his size and instincts, I think Betsey could pan out to be a Division 1 prospect if he continues to improve his physicality and soft skills.