2025-26 South Kent School Player Profiles
South Kent School is an all male boarding school, founded in 1924 and located in Litchfield County, CT. Over the years, It’s basketball program has been very prolific in producing high level college prospects.
Once again, in 2025-26, the program will field two college prospect laden teams. The Prep team competes in the high powered New England Basketball League. Last year the league was far and away the toughest conference in the nation, with five of its eight members being the top five ranked prep teams in the nation. The Prep team is also a perennial contender for a seed in the NEPSAC Class AAA post season championship tournament, and often also the Prep National Championship Tournament. The Prep Team is coached by Craig Carter, and the Prep Team’s 2025-26 game schedule and results will soon be found by clicking here.
The second team, aka the “Developmental Team” also plays a full schedule of college prospect laden opponents. It is coached by the highly regarded skills trainer, Steven Johnston. The Developmental Team will also be playing in a college prospect laden conference, the New England Independent Prep League. The Developmental Team’s 2025-26 game schedule and results will soon be found by clicking here.
For college scouts looking to attend one of the program’s Fall Open Gyms sessions, those details can be found here.
Below we profile some of the key players for the upcoming season.
(By clicking on the players’ highlighted name, their full profile comes up)
Bryce Bennett (2026) 6’4 wing - Bennett is a physical, tough-nosed wing who is capable of handling the ball in transition. He likes to play bully ball getting to the rim and is good on the offensive and defensive glass. He is a willing and good passer. His calling card is his defense as he is an absolute DAWG. He relishes guarding the opposing team’s best offensive perimeter players. Projected LM/D2.
Chris Birden Jr. (2026) 6’10 small forward, South Kent School - Birden is an ultra athletic player who also shoots the three at a high percentage. He handles the ball well in transition and plays with speed and explosiveness at the rim. He is exceptional on the defensive side of the ball because he is capable of guarding 1-5. He is extremely long, moves his feet well and has excellent instincts. Projected SEC, AAC, ACC, etc. Plays AAU with New Heights 3SSB.
Shaun Stinson (2026) 6’1, 175lb point guard - Stinson scores at all 3 levels. He competes at both ends of the floor. He has good vision and play making abilities. Receiving Ivy League interest. Plays AAU with BTI Basketball Club (CA). 4.5 gpa 34 ACT
Nehemiah Young (2026) 6’4 shooting guard- Young is a big bodied and athletic shooting guard. Shoots the three with unlimited range. Capable of taking defenders off the dribble and getting to the rim. He was poised to have a huge year on the SKS Development team last season before injuring his shoulder. Projected MM+.
Kareem Hopkins (2027) 6’7 guard - Hopkins has a good feel for the game. Lefty is a routine box score filler. He can play either on or off the ball. When he defensive rebounds he looks to push it himself. Hopkins shoots the three very well off the catch and off the dribble. He is getting better and better as a drive-and-kick creator. Hopkins is a high-academic prospect who averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and defended multiple positions for Lakeside-Dekalb High in GA last winter. 4.3 gpa
Begad Ibrahim (2027) 6’4 guard - From Shenendehowa High (NY), A skilled and athletic player who plays multiple positions with high IQ and toughness. His ability to get to the rim and knock down shots makes him a tough cover. 3.6 gpa
Grant McDuffie (2027) 6’0 point guard - McDuffie comes to South Kent from Milton, GA. He is a tough, athletic and shifty lead guard. He is a great finisher through contested drives. He also possesses good court vision and defends his area like an angry bulldog. 3.7 gpa
Zach Walker (2027) 5’11 guard - A dynamic guard who shoots with range. He has good vision, IQ and he competes. He can play either guard spot. Plays AAU with MC Elite. 3.5 gpa
Michael Parris (2028) 6’4 guard - Parris is a very mature basketball player for his age. He carries himself like a veteran. He has a great jumper (NBA range) and having such a great handle with his size, at his age, is hard to find. Once he gets even stronger, this kid has a shot to be something special. Plays AAU with City Rocks. 3.1 gpa
Maddox Poulette (2028) 5’10 point guard - A talented young guard who can shoot the ball well. He is tough and competes on the court. He casn play either guard spot. 3.3 gpa