Uncommitted Gems: Connecticut and Massachusetts

Today, we wrap up our Uncommitted Gems series with a look at five uncommitted prospects out of Connecticut and Massachusetts.   This is just a sampling of some prospects that we've seen this winter and certainly isn't a comprehensive list, as Connecticut and Massachusetts are two of the most talent rich basketball states in the northeast.   The five prospects below all have the chance to play at the next level next year, with the ability to make an immediate impact wherever they end up.    Cormier, a forward out of Newburyport High School in Massachusetts, impresses with his combination of size, length, and perimeter skill. The 6'8" forward has the ability to stretch the floor as a shooter, while also showing good instincts as a roller or pop guy out of ball screens. He does a nice job of running the floor in transition, continues to add strength to his frame, and is a good enough athlete to finish plays above the rim. Defensively, he can rebound in and out of his area, uses his length effectively, and does a nice job of walling up without fouling in the paint. Cormier has the ability to make an immediate impact for the right Division III program next year, but I wouldn't be suprised to see him go the post-graduate route and potentially play himself to a higher level.     Farrell, a guard out of Masconomet Regional High School in Massachusetts, has proven to be one of the best two-way guards in the MIAA over the last two winters. First and foremost, he's helped his team win a lot of basketball games, showing an understanding of how to impact games outside of just scoring. The 6'2" guard can operate as a creator with the ball in his hands, makes good reads as a passer in the half-court, and has the ability to get to the rim off the bounce. He scores it at the rim in transition and can knock down threes either off the bounce or in catch and shoot situations. Defensively, he's competitive on that end of the floor and has the strength/toughness combo needed to guard any spot on the perimeter. Farrell has all the makings of a high level guard at the Division III level and should have plenty of suitors at this point in the year.     Maxwell, a wing out of Abington High School in Massachusetts, is one of the premier two-way athletes in any of the six state associations in New England. He has terrific positional size, long arms, and the quickness needed to quickly cover ground on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he uses his physical tools to his advantage to make disruptive plays both on the ball and in passing lanes, and operates as a high level grab and go rebounder on the defensive glass. Offensively, he's hard to guard when he gets downhill, does a great job of cutting to the rim off the ball, and continues to improve the consistency of his perimeter jumper. Maxwell is another prospect that could step right into a Division III program next season and contribute immediately; however, his combination of athleticism, size, and skill should make him an attractive option to go the post-graduate route.     Wilson, a guard out of Trumbull High School in Connecticut, has proven to be one of the top offensive performers in the CIAC this winter. A big, athletic, and physical guard, he does a terrific job of filling whatever role he needs to on the offensive end of the floor. The lefty can really shoot the basketball from behind the arc, but impresses even more so with his ability to get downhill and make plays at, or above, the rim. On top of that, he has good instincts as a passer and impressive vision both in the half-court and in transition. Defensively, he can guard either spot in the back-court and does a nice job of playing physically on the ball. Wilson is another prospect that should be looked at as a high level recruit at the Division III level and should contribute right away at that level next year, however, in the right situation, I could see him being a quality late get for the right Division II program.     Hailey, a forward out of West Haven High School in Connecticut, is one of the most athletic forwards in all of the CIAC. The 6'6" senior is a lob threat both in the half-court and in transition, showing good instincts as an off-ball cutter, and the ability to finish way above the rim. He runs the floor hard in transition, rolls hard to the rim out of ball screens, and can even attack a closeout off the bounce from the perimeter. Defensively, he uses his combo of length and athleticism to his advantage as a rim protector, while also showing the lateral mobility needed to guard on the perimeter in stretches. Hailey has all the makings of a prospect that should be able to contribute at a high level of Division III basketball and his combination of athleticism, length, and size should make him an attractive option for plenty of programs throughout New England.    Keep an eye out this week as we begin to roll out some of our postseason coverage for the public associations in New England.

Today, we wrap up our Uncommitted Gems series with a look at five uncommitted prospects out of Connecticut and Massachusetts.