2026-27 Suffield Academy Player Profiles
Suffield Academy is a private preparatory school located in Suffield, CT, founded in 1833. The early mission of the school was to educate young men for the ministry, but despite its founding links to the Baptist Church, the institute quickly moved toward a non-denominational identity. It became Suffield Academy in its current form in 1937, evolving into a coeducational independent boarding and day school. Today Suffield enrolls roughly 410 students with more than 140 adults on staff preparing them for college.
The Suffield Academy boys’ basketball program has one of the strongest independent school sports traditions in New England. Competing in the highly competitive New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class A division, the Tigers have won seven NEPSAC championships and made the postseason 28 times in school history. Many Tigers have continued their playing careers at prominent colleges and universities including Amherst, Babson, Bentley, Bucknell, Chicago, Colby, Colgate, Columbia, Connecticut College, Franklin & Marshall, Georgetown, Hamilton, Ithaca, Lafayette, Lehigh, Middlebury, Northeastern, Rochester, Trinity, UCLA, Vassar, Wesleyan, Western New England and Yale.
The team’s coaching staff consists of Drew Gamere as head coach, with Sean Atkins, Dan Salazar and Jessie Ruffner assisting. Coach Gamere is a Suffield ‘93 alum, played football, basketball and lacrosse, and helped both the football and basketball teams win New England Championships. He went on to Ohio Wesleyan, where he played football and basketball, earning all-conference recognition in football and captaining the team as a senior.
The 2026-27 Suffield Academy team continues the tradition of producing college prospects, as profiled below.
(clicking on the player’s highlighted name will bring up his profile)
Ethan Jarrett (2027) 6’8 forward - 2025-26 Western New England Preps All Defensive Team. Started every game in 2025-26. One of the top returning forwards in the NEPSAC. Long and athletic – impacts the game in multiple ways. Runs the floor and consistently finishes at the rim. Has the ability to score in the post or from the perimeter. Athleticism and length make him a strong defender at the rim. Intelligent player with a high motor. Improving rapidly – big upside. Plays club ball with Team Sims. 3.8 gpa
Alijah Johnson (2027) 5’11 guard - 2025-26 Western New England Preps All Third Team. Started every game in 2025-26. One of the top returning guards in the NEPSAC. Excellent shooter with unlimited range. Plays in control and is a good ballhandler and passer. Has a quick release that allows him to score consistently over bigger defenders. Smart player that makes the right read and locates open space to create space. Quick first step finishes strong in traffic. Works hard defensively and has great instincts that lead to steals. Primed for a big year. Receiving interest from multiple schools, including Stonehill College, Air Force, Assumption University, Pace University, D’Youville University, Trinity College, Brandeis University, Clark University and Ursinus College. Plays club ball with CT Focus. 3.4 gpa Video highlights
Ladainian Rodrigues (2027) 6’4 wing - A post grad from Attleboro, MA. Athletic wing that joins SA after standout career at Attleboro HS (MA). High motor player that impacts the game in all areas. Excellent in transition and finishing when attacking the basket. Scores with great touch in the paint and from the perimeter. Elite defender that can guard multiple positions. A threat to steal both on and off the ball – great instincts. One of the top additions to the NEPSAC this year. Plays club ball with Team Sims. 3.2 gpa Video highlights
Chris Ross (2027) 6’6 small forward - Transfer after a standout season at Kents Hill last year. Elite 3-point shooter. Moves well without the ball, creates space for open looks. Length and high release allow him to shoot comfortably when contested. Runs the floor in transition and consistently finishes at the rim. Active on the boards on both ends. Good defender that can guard multiple positions. Great addition to Class A – big upside. Plays club ball with Team Sims. 3.4 gpa Video highlights
Anthony Boniface (2028) 6’6 forward - Big, Strong, and athletic multiple sport athlete. Moves well for his size and consistently runs the floor. Has good feet defensively and is a presence at the rim. Strong rebounder on both ends. Finishes with confidence when attacking the basket. Has D1 offers in football. Plays club ball with Team New England. Excellent gpa.
John Dolan (2028) 6’2 guard - Returning guard that should make an impact this season. Good 3 point shooter that also scores from the midrange and at the rim. Has good instincts and plays in control, consistently make the right read. Continues to improve and primed for a strong season. 3.3 gpa
Will Elkus (2028) 6’5 small forward - Returning varsity player that continues to improve. Excellent rebounder – high motor to the offensive boards. Good perimeter shooter that also scores in the paint. Can guard multiple positions on defense. College ready body that has significant upside. 3.8 gpa
Kyle Keaveney (2028) 6’5 forward - Terrific athlete that plays multiple sports. Elite football prospect that played NEPSAC basketball the last two seasons. Physical player, excellent rebounder, with nice touch in the paint. High basketball IQ. 3.7 gpa
Tommy Ludwig (2028) 6’0 guard - Returning guard that is improving rapidly. Elite athlete (All-NE in high jump) that handles the ball well, scores from the perimeter and when attacking the basket. A strong defender that moves well defensively. Determined to make an impact this season. 3.6 gpa
Grant Neal (2028) 6’4 guard - Joins Suffield program after a standout season at Lynnfield High (MA). Strong ballhandler that can score and facilitate. Very good shooter from the perimeter and uses quickness and length to score off the dribble. Plays in control and consistently makes the right read. Moves well defensively – stays in front of guards, has length and quick hands – creates a lot of turnovers. Should make a big impact in the NEPSAC – one of the top guards in the 2028 class. Plays club ball with NSSA. 3.9 gpa Video highlights
To accommodate college scout visits, Suffield holds a schedule of Fall Open Gym runs, the details of which can be found by clicking here.
The team’s 2026-27 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.