2026 Set The Pace 17u-HGSL Player Profiles
Set The Pace was formed with the intent to develop the community of East Hartford and its surrounding areas by providing a high-quality youth sports and mentorship program. They concentrate on at-promise youth, justice-involved youth and families impacted by incarceration. The program leads the participants through a mentorship program by using a basketball platform. The approach includes developing the student-athletes skills, providing exercise based therapeutic measures and discipline, so they can work through life challenges.
The Head Coach and Director is Alex Cruz and the assistant director is Ray Pena, both of whom have years of experience coaching grassroots exposure basketball.
They run a 17u team in the Hoop Group Showcase League circuit, and the roster is as below.
(Clicking on the player’s highlighted name pulls up his profile)
Felix Jorge (2026) 6’2 guard, Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL) - Dominican National Team player. Jorge is a wiry guard who takes pride on defense. À solid point guard who can play off the bounce and make plays for others.
Joskarlyn Sambo (2026) 6’1 guard, Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL) - Dominican National Team player. Sambo is a leader. He is able to hit the 3 point shot and runs the team. He hits big shots in big moments.
Karell Brown (2027) 6’5 guard, Frederick Gunn School (CT) - Brown is a big guard who finishes over smaller defenders and guards 94 feet. He has seen success at the point guard position with multiple scholarship performances gaining the interest of Columbia University and Louisiana University.
Ethan Clave (2027) 6’9 forward, Lee Academy (ME) - Clave has a 7’0 wingspan. He plays above the rim and crashes the boards, creating put back opportunities. Clave has a lot of upside and is still growing his stretch forward game. 3.8 gpa
Devin Sone (2027) 6’0 guard, Mt Saint Charles Academy (RI) - Sone is a is a coach’s dream, scholar in the classroom, one of the hardest workers. Sone has the ability to stretch the floor with his 3 point shot and capitalizing on free throws by shooting 83% this spring season. Has been offered by Hampton University. 3.6 gpa
Owen Stearns (2027) 6’3 guard, Silicon Valley High School (online) - Stearns is one of the best shot makers in New England. He has done it night in night out vs America’s best competition. He has good athleticism as well, which enables him to finish over bigger defenders. Stearns can flat out score on all 3 levels.
Reese Nicol (2028) 6’6 small forward, Ellington High (CT) - Nicol has the potential to be a High Major prospect. His lanky frame that allows him to play both as a guard and above the rim. He is an excellent defender in transition. He knows how to run a team. As a 2028 playing up on 17u he’s shown his true maturity leading STP in high level matchups. He is a big time shot maker on all 3 levels. 4.0 gpa
Herjok Jongroor (2028) 6’10 small forward, Silicon Valley High School (online) - Jongroor is a High Major prospect who is a big with guard skills. He has a polished 3 point shot and is accurate. He can play off the bounce and uses his length and long strides to his advantage. He is good at altering shots as a defender with his 7’1 wingspan. Jongroor thrives on the perimeter but has shown to be dominant inside the paint when needed. 3.4 gpa