New England School Team Preview: The Loomis Chaffee School (CT)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the spring and summer AAU season coming to a close, sooner rather than later the 2024-25 high school basketball season will be just around the corner as we quickly approach the fall. Schools and coaches will prepare their student-athletes for the fun and competitive season ahead all over the six states in the New England area. In this School Team Preview series, I hope to highlight individual teams in the region and give insights on which players I expect to make an impact in the upcoming season. Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Team</em></strong>: The Loomis Chaffee School (CT)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Head Coach</em></strong>: Russell Battistoni</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2023-24 Season Record</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>The Big Dog on Campus</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is one player I expect to make a major impact on the Pelicans. Leading the squad will be senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1532438' first='Charlie' last='O'Sullivan']. He's got phenomenal touch inside the arch and it translates to the perimeter where his legit three-ball makes him hard to defend and predict, along with his big presence down low to alter shots, he should provide a lot for Loomis Chaffee as their lead man.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Additional Difference Makers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three other players should be very important for the Pelicans this upcoming year. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1213867' first='Nick' last='Sangermano'] is a lights-out shooter with a toughness that transcends and affects his team in positive ways. With a picture-perfect shooting stroke, excellent relocation skills, and the willingness to take on any challenge on the defensive end make him the heart and soul of the team and a consumate winner on the hardwood. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1366895' first='J'Lin' last='Brown'] is a wiry and tall ball handler whose high basketball IQ sets him apart. He can drive to the rim with shifty movements while taking on contact, make smart passes to open teammates, and pull up in the mid-range while being a versatile defender with his longer-than-average arms. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2142197' first='Ben' last='Price'] is a bouncy athlete who will thrive in a three-and-D role. With the combination of above-the-rim finishing, constant slashing, a solid off-the-catch three-point shot, and intensity and skill guarding wings and bigger guards, he will be valuable down the stretch of big games for Loomis Chaffee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Underclassmen To Keep an Eye On</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a pair of underclassmen, in particular, to watch next season for the Pelicans. Sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2470973' first='Greyson' last='Pierce'] is a big wing with a diverse scoring arsenal and a competent handle. He can get to his spots effectively, knocking down shots off the dribble in the mid-range and three while providing weak side rim protection on the defensive end, all while still having room to grow and improve. Freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='2486597' first='Luca' last='Balducci'] is a crazy confident off-the-bounce scorer who should provide offensive creativity off the bench. With the ability to fake out defenders and hit pull-up and turn-around jumpers from all over the court while also being effective off the catch, should make viable in short spurts and give Loomis Chaffee energy and increased offensive pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->