2024-25 Taft School Season Preview

The Taft School is a high academic, private coeducational school located in Watertown, CT. The school was initially founded in 1890 by Horace Dutton Taft, the brother of president William Howard Taft. It educates students in grades 9-12, including more than 600 students from 51 countries and 34 states.
Its boys varsity basketball team competes in the college prep level NEPSAC Class A (large schools), the Founders League and the TriState League. The team is coached by Shavar Bernier. Coach Bernier is a one time D3 All Star player in college and coached at the college level at St. Michael’s College (VT). His 2024-25 roster is loaded with college bound talent:
Ford Okehi (2025) 6’1 point guard – Okehi is a super crafty and shifty lead guard who is Taft’s leading returning scorer. He is an elite passer and makes quick decisions when necessary. His ability to shake defenders in small spaces is unique. He leads by example and will push himself every day. Okehi is an overachiever and will continue to be. He has D2 offers and is receiving interest from Ivy, Patriot, NEC, MAAC level schools. 3.6 gpa
Jeremiah Ibeziako (2025) 6’8 forward – Ibeziako is a high-level athlete with a major upside. He has a 7’1 wingspan and is bouncy. Still only entering his third organized season of basketball, Ibeziako possesses all the traits of a legit D1 player. Led the team in defensive rebounding and was relentless on the offensive glass at times. Has taken an unofficial visit to Hampton University, and other D1s are showing interest. 3.1 gpa
Asher Cort (2025) 6’4 guard – An elite vertical athlete with great length at his position Cort impresses D1’s with his frame and mobility. He makes threes and did so this summer at the NEPSAC showcases. If that continues, he will likely land multiple scholarships. His intelligence and ability to take coaching make for rapid improvement. Cort is only entering his 4th year of organized basketball. 4.0 gpa
Jack Anderson (2025) 6’4 guard – Anderson has a high motor and plays with a competitive edge that is rarely seen in today’s game. He is quick end-to-end and makes winning plays, extra effort plays and selfless plays in abundance. He is a winner who comes from a winning program in Menlo, California. Anderson has offers from the highest-level D3s and interest from low D1s. 3.4 gpa
Medi Angyal (2026) 6’8 power forward – Angyal hails from Hungary and comes to Taft after playing with the national team. He is a high IQ, strong-bodied forward who can make a shot but prefers to battle inside. His skill set, maturity, and coachability make him a must-see for academic D1s. 3.5 gpa
Jack Rönndahl (2028) 6’8 power forwad – Rönndahl is the son of a pro and has been playing with adults much of his life. He comes to Taft after playing with the Swedish national team. His skill set and touch will pair well with his body once it catches up. Jack has a high IQ in all areas of the game and continually searches for ways to improve. Jack is someone D1s want to take note of early.
Brandon White (2026) 5’11 guard – White makes threes in the half-court and in transition. He is a high-IQ player and a relentless competitor on both ends. He is a savvy player who always seems to find open space. 3.9 gpa
The 2024-25 Taft School Fall Open Run schedule can be found here.