2026 TS Skills Academy 15u Player Profiles
TS Skills Academy is a Greater Hartford based grassroots program entering its second year of operation. This year will be their first competing in the ZGXL Circuit. The TS Skills 15u group features athletes who are all currently playing either JV or Varsity at their current high schools. The program is led by Head Coach Tiger Smokes, current assistant coach/head freshman coach at Platt High in Meriden, CT and the TS Skills Academy founder. The assistant coaches are Kurtis Hughes, Head Coach at Washington Middle School in Meriden (CT), Jason Manzie (Varsity Assistant/Head Freshman Coach at Middletown High (CT) and Ryan Vaughters, Player Development Trainer and Director of Prof Gallito Basketball in Middletown, CT. Each of these coaches takes development very seriously, and prides themselves on turning young athletes into better men on and off the court.
The TS Skills 15u group features athletes who are all currently playing either JV or Varsity at their current high schools and are profiled below.
Tonye Barnes (2029) 5’9 guard, Middletown High (CT) - Barnes is a versatile wing who plays the game the right way. Really good in catch and shoot scenarios but also can take people off the dribble when given a mismatch. He crashes the glass on both ends of the floor and is a great teammate overall. He is any coach’s dream when it comes to his attitude and approach to the game.
Kobe Baskin (2029) 6’0 guard, Hamden High (CT) - Baskin is one of the best hidden talents in southern CT. He is a NBA range shooter who is able to find ways to impact winning with or without the basketball. He looks to keep his teammates involved and make the right plays every possession. He rebounds, defends, can handle the basketball under pressure, score off the dribble or the catch, make plays for his teammates, etc. A true do it all guard who will continue to make strides in his game over the next few months. 3.8 gpa
Jaden Booker (2029) 5’6 point guard, Cheshire Academy (CT) - Booker is a young, crafty, undersized point guard who plays with so much passion and competitiveness. With him only being 14 years old, he plays with so much confidence and never shows any signs of fear, no matter how intense the game is. He can score on all 3 levels and create for not only himself but his teammates. Solid in pick and roll scenarios also. Figuring out how to play with more pace and get the most out of his teammates will help round out his game heading into his sophomore year at a very good school. 3.3 gpa
Supreme “Premo” Dawson (2029) 5’10 wing, Hill Regional Career High (CT) - Dawson is a high motor wing who wants to do all the little things that mean helping secure wins. He’s a switchable defender, who takes pride in giving opposing teams nightmares with his relentlessness. His quick hands and feet allow him to stay in front of shifty guards, but his solid build allows him to hold his own with bruisers around the basket. He is a pure energy guy who comes in the game wanting to get stops over points. He’s continuing to work on his 3 point shooting to help him become even more of a threat on the offensive end.
Ryan Haddad (2029) 5’8 combo guard, Lyman Hall High (CT) - Haddad is one of the best pure shooters around. He has great form, high release, solid mechanics and great range. He is also very unselfish, looks to make the extra pass even when sometimes the shot should’ve been taken by him. Great overall character and attitude. Developing a tighter handle on top of some aggression will help lead him into the next step of becoming a solid varsity basketball player.
Giovanni “Jiggy” Johnson (2029) 5’7 guard, Hillhouse High (CT) - Johnson is a player with a very flashy game. He isn’t afraid to pull out moves in game that most kids would only try at the park. Although he plays the backup guard role, he doesn’t let the deteriorate his impact on the game. He uses his quick hands to strip weak ball handlers and then will finish the play with a fancy layup or a flashy pass to a teammate. Whether the ball is in his hands or not, Gio is a player who brings a lot of attention the moment he steps on the floor.
London Preston (2029) 5’9 guard, Cheshire Academy (CT) - Preston is a 3 level scorer who has a very solid build. His immediate instinct is to get downhill and make plays inside the 3 point arc. He’s really good off the dribble in the mid-range area and can knock down the 3 ball when given the chance. He still needs to improve his court vision and game awareness, but all in all a very solid high potential player.
Eric Rivera (2029) 6’2 small forward, Eli Whitney Tech High (CT) - Rivera has the frame that most coaches wish kids his age have. On top of that, he has guard like abilities which helps separate him from most players in his position. Solid free throw shooter for his position and protects the rim at an above average level. Usage of his size in the mid-range and paint area, getting better mechanics on his jump shot, as well as playing with more physicality and tenacity consistently will help him level up into an All-State caliber player.
Jaquan Simon (2028) 6’3 wing, Newington High (CT) - Simon is long and lean and has guard skills. He can score around the rim, off the dribble, off the catch, and even in pick and rolls whether or not he’s the roller. He has great form on his jumper and a switchable piece on the defensive end. Would like to see him play with more aggression and use his great leaping ability to get more finishes above the rim. 3.5 gpa