Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the nation, but you certainly wouldn’t be able to tell that from its plethora of talented basketball players.
A group of established seniors are returning to their teams with lofty goals of improvement, while some of the state’s younger breakout players are looking to make a name for themselves.
Each graduating class opens up opportunities for other talents to take center stage, and that will undoubtedly be the case this season.
As the new season approaches, here’s a look at some of the boys poised to make the biggest impact across the Ocean State.
Josh Bergeron, Lincoln
Class of 2026, 6-3 guard
One year removed from tearing his ACL in the opening game of the season, Bergeron return's should give Lincoln a monumental boost. He is about as dangerous as it gets on the perimeter, but the 6-foot-3 guard is also quite crafty inside and plays with astonishing patience. He’s really good at using contact to his advantage and utilizes pump fakes to move the defense out of position.
Will Cary, Bishop Hendricken
Class of 2026, 5-10 guard
Cary will be the starting point guard for the projected best team in the state, so it’s not surprising to find him here. Despite being 5-foot-10, he’s likely the best rebounder and defender on the team. Cary is tough as nails and has a strong nose for the ball. Expect him to grab a ton of steals, and even though he isn’t a scorer first, don’t leave him alone in the corner. Facilitating a team filled with talent seems simple on the surface, but he will also have a ton of different mouths to feed.
Adam Conheeny, Portsmouth
Class of 2026, 6-0 guard
Conheeny fears nothing. He has a willingness to take any and every shot, and he can make them. His quick first step frees up his jumper, but he’s not afraid to take the shot even when it doesn’t. He’s also a knockdown shooter both from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. It’s his quickness that causes the most problems for opponents, as he counteracts every defensive effort made against him. Portsmouth will need Conheeny to play with such confidence every time he takes the court to have a productive season.
Michael D’Ambra, Bishop Hendricken
Class of 2027, 6-3 forward
D’Ambra is a left-handed wing who can both post up and shoot at a high level. In fact, he might just be the best shooter in the whole state of Rhode Island. He makes shots that shouldn’t even be possible and specializes in creating for himself. D’Ambra will make you pay if left open, but he’ll probably do the same with a defender draped all over him. His team, No. 1 in our preseason rankings, is talented. So double-teaming will do defenses no good.
Eliezer Delbrey, Classical
Class of 2026, 6-2 guard
Delbrey is one of just three players returning to the Rhode Island high school basketball scene who earned Providence Journal first team all-state honors last season. He is one of the most proven and experienced players in the state and is the most productive scorer, backed up by his state-leading 22.6 points per game. Delbrey is nearly unstoppable when he catches fire. He hit the 1,000-point milestone early in his junior season, doing so in style with a 34-point performance in a win over North Kingstown. While most coaches preach playing off two feet, balance is optional for Delbrey, who can get a bucket from any angle or body position.
Jordan Diclo, Johnston
Class of 2029, guard
Diclo has been labeled the best freshman in the state of Rhode Island. If anyone’s going to live up to expectations, it’s him. His Johnston team went 0-22 last season, and he’s going to be a key contributor in the Panthers' attempt to return to winning ways. His layup package is extremely advanced, he can shoot the ball and he plays with a sense of calm that is rare for his age. He’ll be ready to contribute straight out of the gate.
Deion Ellis-Cipriano, Bishop Hendricken
Class of 2026, 6-3 guard
A combo guard, Ellis-Cipirano can score at all three levels — at the rim, in the mid-range and from deep. On top of his offensive prowess, he’s one of the most prolific defenders in the state. He possesses a silky jumpshot and has a wide range of layups in his arsenal. Stand in his path at your own risk, because he thrives at finishing through contact. Ellis-Cipriano has the whole package and will likely lead the charge toward another Hendricken state title.
Colin McDermott, Barrington
Class of 2026, 6-2 guard
You’d be hard-pressed to find a player with a cleaner jumpshot than McDermott’s. Each time he unleashes a deep ball, there’s automatically a pretty good chance that it’ll fall through the net. He can hit from any range, but he’s far from a one-trick pony. Along with his shooting capabilities, he can handle the basketball well and can score a unique array of floaters and tough layups at the rim. A first team all-division member last season, McDermott averaged 14.8 points and 6.2 assists. He also plays both ways and takes pride in his defensive duties.
Gianni Pagios, Lincoln
Class of 2026, 6-0 guard
Pagios is a dynamic point guard who displays incredible court vision. He’s a great ball-handler and scorer, with the ability to hit shots around the basket and in the mid-range. He was battling a foot injury last season, but still managed spectacular averages of 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He enjoys zipping deceptive passes into his teammates at light speed, so you best have your hands ready to catch when he’s got the ball.
John Ramos, Central
Class of 2028, 6-2 guard
Ramos averaged a double-double last season with 21 points and 10 assists , earning him third team all-state. In his first varsity game, he scored 23 points and nabbed eight steals — he entered high school more than ready. Based on Ramos’ layup package, you wouldn’t be able to tell which hand is his dominant one and he just does everything at a high level. He's one of the most well-rounded players in the state.
Ryan Rigamonti, Barrington
Class of 2026, 6-4 forward
Rigamonti is part of a powerful Barrington trio on this list. He lives around the basket as both a rebounder and a scorer. He excels at getting out on the fast break and helping his team create high-percentage shots. Rigamonti might not kill you with athleticism like some of the other stars on this list, but he’s just so incredibly gritty and tough at the bucket. His 37-point performance against North Kingstown last year exhibits just how robust he can be.
Caleb Satisfield, Barrington
Class of 2026, 6-0 guard
Satisfield is a special athlete — so special that Division 1 track and field programs are recruiting him. His speed makes him virtually impossible to stop in transition. He is one of those few returning members of the Providence Journal’s first team all-state squad. Defending him is difficult; he can stop on a dime and pop a quick-trigger jumper at any moment.
Nick Tarro, La Salle
Class of 2026, 6-3 forward
A Providence Journal second team all-state member last season, Tarro is automatically in the conversation for the best player in the state this season. He was La Salle’s key contributor during the team’s run to two flavors of championships and a perfect 16-0 record in the league. Last season, he averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds on 60 percent efficiency from the field. Outside of his flashy dunking ability, he’s a versatile scorer who embraces all aspects of the game, including the required dirty work defensively and on the glass.
