2023 UA Elite 50 Showcase Top Performers
On September 9th, at Newtown Youth Academy in Newtown, CT the Connecticut Elite hosted its annual UA Elite 50 showcase for high school players. The players are drilled and then play games. The standout juniors and seniors will then earn an invite the September 29 Invite-Only Showcase Below are the top performers as judged by the college coaches running the event.
Cameron Perkins (2024) 6’4 small forward, Danbury High (CT) - a versatile forward who can do a bit of everything. His communication and leadership stuck out tremendously. He showed he can start a fast break, create for himself and clean the glass on both ends of the floor. There’s still tons of room for growth.
Edward Williams (2024) 6’4 wing, Capital Prep Harbor School (CT)- Williams was very explosive in getting to the basket, chasing down blocks and getting up for some high flying dunks.
Jacob Henderson (2024) 6’2 guard Capital Prep Harbor School (CT) - A physical guard who can defend in the half court. Henderson made plays for himself and others all evening. He both attacked the rim and made open 3s.
Jordan Rickets (2024) 5’10 guard, Bunnell High (CT) - Rickets was all energy, all of the time. Controlling the ace of the game for his group. Pushing the ball when necessary and getting out in transition for easy baskets.
Michael Rickets (2024) - 5’6 guard, Bunnell High (CT) - Mike was everywhere defensively and brought a ton of energy for his team. A pest on defense, which allowed him to turn steals into points for himself and his teammates.
Tyler Haynes (2024) 6’2 guard, Hamden High (CT) - Haynes made a number of strong drives to the basket in the half court and in transition.
Anthony Simpson Jr. (2025) 5’11 guard, The Masters School (CT) - Simpson showed that he’s a two way player. He took his 1 on 1 coverage coverages personally. He was aggressive on the offensive end. Scoring in bunches, whether it was making 3s, getting to his midrange shot, or getting the rim. He was definitely impressive in front of several college coaches.
Jared Smith (2025) 6’6 small forward, Redemption Christian Academy (NY) - A versatile wing with a ton of room to grow. Smith has the ability to bring the ball down the floor, post u up on the block, make open 3’s, drive to the basket and play above the rim. He shocked the gym with a dunk over a defender. He was fun to watch.
Jordan Pierce (2025) 6’2 guard, Bunnell High (CT) - Pierce is a physical guard with a college-ready body to match. He got to the rim at will and was able to finish through contact. He has a nice 15ft pull up that he got from time to time. He raised a few eyebrows from some coaches.
Jean-Charles Forster (2025) 6’6 small forward, Weston High (CT) - Forster did a lot of the solid things that a 4 man should do. He was good in the pick-n-roll situation, could stretch the floor a bit with some outside shooting and could handle the ball. Forster rebounded the ball well and finished around the rim. There’s a lot of potential there as a high academic college athlete.
Jayvon Robinson (2026) 5’11 guard Fitch High (CT) -Robinson defends well on and off the basketball. He creates easy scoring opportunities for himself from the defensive end and by running the floor in transition.
Jayden Korber (2027) 5’10 guard Glastonbury High (CT) - Korber is a knock down shooter from beyond the arc. He always finds a way to get open for his shot. He put on a shooting show.
Syre Gillespie (2027) 6’0 guard, Capital Prep Hartford (CT) - Gillespie is a tough guard that makes the right reads. He loves putting pressure on the defense with the way he attacks the basket. He always took on the challenge of guarding the best player. He’s another player to keep an eye on down the road.
Kamari Harris (2027) 5’4 point guard, New Haven Academy (CT) - Harris has fun with the game. He’s a good passer and finishes well in transition. He’s a quick guard that is very unselfish. Defensively, he plays the passing lanes very well.
Parker Rivera (2027) 5’6 International Studies (CT)- Parker is a strong guard that can score at all 3 levels. He’s able to run a team and make the right reads. Rivera sees the floor well which compliments his passing ability.
Robert Hall (2027) 6’1 guard, The Masters School (CT) - Hall is an eye opening player. He plays both ends of the floor. He’s very tough to deal with at both ends. He’s a multi-position player that can put the ball on the floor and finish at the basket. He’s able to contest every shot and defend without fouling. He’s definitely a player to watch down the road.
Austin Heyer (2027) 5’8 guard, Staples High (CT) - Heyer is a crafty guard with a good handle. He’s a pesty defender which is tough to deal with. He can finish at the basket and hit the three ball.