2024-25 Winchendon School NYC Player Profiles
The Winchendon School of Massachusetts has a long tradition of developing student athletes into college basketball players. Last year was their inaugural to also run a program out of New York City in order to directly tap into the deepest metropolitan pool of basketball talent in the world. It went well, and they are excited about their second year of operation with the Winchendon School, New York City.
The veteran college prep skills trainer Mackey Bergman and Ja-Zhyoun “Ziggy” Laing are the co-head coaches for the team. Raymundo Navarrete is the associate coach and Sadat Ahiman is the assistant coach.
Last year the team competed in the Power 5 AA Division, and they will do that again this year. They are also joining the new Empire 8 Prep League that has been formed by eight New York City and Long Island based prep and post grad programs.
The team’s game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
The team’s players are profiled below.
Seyd Camara (2025) 5’10 point guard - Camara is a floor general point guard who stays calm under pressure both against full court press and half court trapping defenses. He dictates the pace of the game. He can play fast and create scoring opportunities and also slow things down and allow plays to develop. He’s a pass first point guard who has the ability to score at all three levels when needed. Defensively, he’s strong on the ball, creates turnovers and rebounds well for his size/position.
Bruno Katz (2025) 5’9 point guard - Katz is a high IQ floor general who has extended range to knock down shots behind the three point line. He has an extremely high motor which makes him a pest on the defensive end, as well as a natural born leader.
Andrew Kitch (2025) 6’3, 175lb shooting guard/small forward - Kitch is a knockdown shooter who punishes defenses with his efficient shot-making ability. He spaces defenses out, making room for his elite pull-up game and creative finishing. His long wingspan and good coordination allows him to be a defensive presence as well as a strong rebounder. 3.7 gpa
Nesir Navarrete (2025) 6’6, 185lb small forward - Navarrete is a hard working strong wing. His athleticism allows him to get to his spots and be an effective scorer. He is an aggressive defender that has a natural feel for defense and blocking shots. Good rebounder. Team driven player with good leadership qualities on and off the court.
Leo Paasch (2025) 6’1, 165 lbs, shooting guard - Paasch is a hard worker and a knockdown shooter from mid-range and three that makes the right play. High basketball IQ and knows how to use screens on and off the ball. Has the ability to get to the rim and is a team first player.
Ben Silvan (2025) 6’3 small forward - Silvan is an undersized forward who makes up for his lack of size with toughness and a soft touch around the rim. His shooting range extends to the College 3 point line. He keeps the game simple and makes smart decisions with the ball.
Keysean Taylor (2025) 6’0 guard - Taylor is a defensive minded point guard who creates chaos while defending from baseline to baseline. Offensively he looks to penetrate and kick, and he finishes well in the paint.
Atticus Cort (2026) 6’0 guard - Cort can score at all 3 levels. He creates for himself and others and is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands. He’s a strong on the ball Defender who creates turnovers and gets out on the break.
Bryston Joyce (2026) 6’6, 190 Ibs, guard - Joyce is very versatile. His shot is automatic, being able to set his feet quickly off the dribble and on the move. His quickness allows him to be unstoppable on a fast break, but the shift from slow to quick in his movement and the ability to use his body makes him a tough matchup against any defender. Don’t jump with him, he’s not afraid the get the ball in the rim over you. Pair that with a shot that falls consistently when he stays confident. He’s an aggressive defender and an efficient offensive scorer who understands any offensive or defensive scheme designed for or against him and his team. He values his teammates and respects hard work and wants to lead by that example. 3.8 gpa
Phillip Stewart (2027) 6’3, 170 lbs, point guard - Stewart is a sophomore who predominantly finishes around the basket but can also shoot the ball pretty well. He has had the opportunity to play in various tournaments and leagues across the Tri-State area. In the 2022-2023 season, prior to arriving at Winchendon, he made the varsity basketball team as the sole 8th grader. At the end of the season, he was recognized as the Most Valuable Player and received an Honorable Mention from the Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (ACIS) League. Plays AAU with NY Lightning.
Amadou Diallo (2027) 6’8 forward - Diallo is a versatile forward, solid finisher around the rim, can step out and hit the 3, also has slowly developed his playmaking ability on the court, good feel for the game overall.
Nick Lloyd 6’1 (2028) guard - Lloyd is a team driven player with a shifty handle that allows him to break down his defender. He has a natural athletic ability which helps him finish around the rim consistently. Overall he has a great attitude and can score at all 3 levels while still having a defensive motor.