AAU Profiles-CT Passion

Kyle Lombardi 6’4 Wing (Holy Cross HS): A floor spacer from this program is Lombardi. He has a quick trigger from long range needing very little time and space to get his shot off. Makes treys particularly well when spotting up. When opponents crowd his space to take away his shot, he can also put the ball on the floor to finish at the rim efficiently with very good body control. Because of his size and length, Lombardi can play in a variety of lineups defensively. He is able to guard both wing spots effectively, in addition to power forwards in certain situations. Does a good job of contesting shots to force opponents into lower percentage attempts as well as being in the right spots to help a teammate if they get beat off the dribble. D3 schools in leagues like the CCC and NEWMAC should be keeping tabs on Lombardi.

Elijah Parent 6’0 Point Guard (Bristol Eastern HS): An intriguing playmaker at the lead guard spot from this program is Parent. Parent uses his good vision as a passer to find teammates for open looks off of ball screens both rolling to the basket or on pick and pops. If opponents go under a ball screen against him he can make them pay from beyond the arc as well. Parent also has a quick first step which allows him to get into the paint at a good rate to create both for himself and teammates. Consistently makes the right reads when getting into the paint. If opponents help on him he can find an open teammate spotting up for a three-pointer. If Parent is able to get all the way to the rim he has a soft touch on his layups to score effectively. Makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands, rarely turning it over. D3 schools in a league like the NEWMAC should be checking out Parent.

Ian Calabrese 6’0 Combo Guard (Simsbury HS): Another player from this program who can stretch the floor is Calabrese. In addition to spotting up, Calabrese makes three-pointers at a good percentage off the dribble. Complements his shooting ability by being able to score productively at the rim with creative finishes. Calabrese is also a solid playmaker who can be counted on as a secondary playmaker in an offense. Finds teammates well on drive and kicks for open three-pointers. Calabrese also gives a good effort on the defensive end of the floor. He moves quickly on his rotations in addition to being a quality on ball defender making it difficult for opponents to beat him off the dribble. D3 schools in leagues like the CCC and NEWMAC should be tracking Calabrese.

Matt Walker 5’10 Point Guard (Hall HS): Walker is a traditional pass first point guard who understands how to orchestrate an offense. He plays like a coach on the floor, making sure his teammates are in the right spots when running a play. Does a good job of getting into the lane to find teammates for high percentage shots on drive and kicks or drop-offs. If left open from beyond the arc, Walker will take advantage as he can make spot up treys at a good rate. Defensively, he loves to play aggressive on ball defense making it difficult for opposing point guards to get into their offensive sets. Also understands when he needs to be vocal on this end, whether that is calling out a screen being set on his teammate or that he is in help position. D3 schools in leagues like the CCC and NEWMAC should be keeping an eye on Walker.

Tommy Lorenzetti 6’1 Point Guard (St. Paul Catholic HS): CT Passion had the luxury of having a point guard trio of Parent, Walker, and Lorenzetti. Lorenzetti has a very good feel for the game, understanding when it is better to look for his own offense or creating a shot for someone else. He has a smooth mid-range pull-up in the lane in addition to being a reliable shooter from deep when his feet are set. Very good ball handler who rarely turns it over. Uses his vision to find teammates for good looks on drive and kicks as well as hitting them in stride during fast breaks for layups. Defensively, Lorenzetti plays with great intensity taking pride on this end. He does a good job of creating steals, jumping into passing lanes at the right times as well as plucking the ball away from opponents if they are weak with their handle. Despite his size, he is willing to stick his nose in the paint to help his team with rebounding. Has solid instincts on guessing where the ball is going to come off the rim. Averaged 4.5 rebounds per game this past high school season. D3 schools in a league like the CCC should be keeping tabs on Lorenzetti.

Jacob Smith 6’1 Combo Guard (Farmington HS): Another versatile guard from this program is Smith. What stands out the most when watching him play is his ability to get to the rim. Smith uses his quick first step and soft touch around the basket to score productively on drives. Also is able to play through contact effectively on layups. Smith moves very well without the ball, creating easy layups for himself with hard cuts to the rim. While driving to the hoop is his forte, he also can make three-pointers off the catch if opponents are giving him space. Defensively, Smith is willing to put his body on the line to draw charges. He does a good job of getting set before an opponent gets to the spot, avoiding a blocking call. Is an underrated athlete who uses his lateral quickness and leaping ability to force opponents into lower percentage shots. D3 schools in a league like the NEWMAC should be checking out Smith.

Dylan Crowley 6’5 Small Forward (The Gilbert School): Crowley is a southpaw wing with good size. Has a good looking stroke from beyond the arc with a quick release that helps him make treys at a high rate. Crowley has deep range on his shot and can hit NBA range threes when he is hot. When opponents play a zone, he is very effective finding the open spots in the middle to make mid-range jumpers. Also has a very nice floater in his middle game that he uses when not being able to get all the way to the rim. Defensively, Crowley does a good job of coming from the help side to alter or block opponents shots at the rim. He is quick to the ball, taking advantage of an opponent if they throw a lazy pass in his area by causing a steal or deflection. Crowley recently committed to D3 Western New England of the CCC which should be a good fit for him.

Matt Rivera 6’0 Shooting Guard (Classical Magnet HS): Rivera is a pure scorer from this program. Is difficult for opponents to defend with his ability to score at all three levels. Does a good job of taking what the defense gives him. If opponents are playing off of him he can splash a smooth trey from beyond the arc. When big men help on Rivera taking away his lane to the rim, he has a steady pull-up jump shot in the mid-range. His crafty layup package also allows him to finish in a variety of ways at the rim. While he is always in attack mode looking to score, when opponents collapse on him in the paint he can find open teammates for quality shots within the offense. D3 schools in a league like the NEWMAC should be tracking Rivera.

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