Staples High School Guard Sam Clachko Commits to Connecticut College
WESTPORT, CT — Connecticut College has landed a big-time commitment from Sam Clachko, a 6’0 point guard from Staples High School (CT) and CT Elite. Fresh off helping deliver Staples its first FCIAC Championship, Sam heads to New London as a proven winner and high-level scorer who has surpassed 1,000 career points before even playing a game his senior season. A physically strong, confident shot-maker and relentless competitor, he brings shooting, playmaking, and toughness that should translate immediately at the next level.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s helped me through this process—my family, my coaches, and everyone at Staples, Rens United and CT Elite,” said Clachko. “Connecticut College felt like the perfect fit from the start: the academics, the culture, and the chance to compete at a high level with a coaching staff that believes in me. I also can’t thank Coach Driscoll and Real Hoops Recruit enough for guiding me for the past 18 months and helping me get honest feedback that led me to the right decision.”
A Confident Shot-Maker Who Can Score at All Three Levels
Sam is a true bucket—an elite- shooter who consistently finds space, gets into rhythm, and delivers when defenses tighten. He’s physically strong, can create clean looks in the midrange, and has the burst and toughness to finish at the rim. His scoring track record isn’t a hot stretch, it’s been consistent production throughout high school, and his frame and competitiveness project to hold up right away.
Poised Two-Way Guard with High Feel & Grit
What separates Sam is how steady he is on both ends. He reads the game early, anticipates opponent actions, and repeatedly puts himself in the right place to rebound, disrupt, and turn stops into fast breaks. Whether his team needs a composed decision-maker offensively or a reliable presence defensively, he plays with poise, versatility, and winning instincts.
National Exposure Through Real Hoops
Sam’s recruiting momentum took a major step forward through Real Hoops, highlighted by a strong showing at the Real Hoops “New England Connection Camp.” Competing in front of college coaches, he paired production with presence, showing his shot-making, toughness, and command as a lead guard. Soon thereafter, his process accelerated and resulted in his commitment to Connecticut College, a mutual fit that checked both academic and basketball priorities.
A Proud Family Moment
Sam’s parents expressed appreciation and excitement for their son:
“We are beyond happy and excited for Sam to continue his academic and basketball career at Conn College playing for Coach Sweeney and his staff. Throughout his entire recruitment process we wanted to make sure that Sam was seen by coaches from all D1 D2 and D3 schools that he was interested in. Throughout the 18 month process Sam was able to narrow down his choices to schools where the academics where the right fit, he felt comfortable with the coaches and current players, and finally, a team that he felt he can step into and contribute right away.”
Real Hoops CEO Kevin Driscoll on Clachko’s Commitment
“Sam is the type of guard every program wants—tough, confident, and built for big moments,” said Kevin Driscoll, CEO of Real Hoops. “He showed at our New England Connection Camp that he can lead, score, and compete with real edge, and he handled the process with maturity. Connecticut College is getting a winner who can impact the game right away.”
A Major Addition for Connecticut College
Sam arrives as a battle-tested point guard with championship experience, a proven scoring résumé, and the strength to compete from day one. His shooting and three-level scoring will stretch defenses, while his playmaking and pace will elevate the players around him. Add in his anticipation and defensive reliability, and Connecticut College adds a poised, tough-minded lead guard ready to contribute immediately.
