About Us

About Higher Learning Basketball

Higher Learning Basketball’s mission is to enhance the skills of youth basketball players by teaching fundamentals in a structured, hard-working, and enjoyable environment. We believe that individual player development, guided by experienced coaches, leads to greater in-game success at the recreational, travel, middle school, or high school level. Our training provides comprehensive instruction and strategies across all aspects of the game.

Over the past 20 years, our dedicated staff has worked with and developed players of all ages and skill levels. We adhere to the USA Basketball and Rhode Island Youth Basketball Guidelines in all our programs, ensuring quality and consistency in our approach.

Sean Casey

Owner

Sean is the owner and founder of Higher Learning Basketball and HL Sports, where he leads the development of youth basketball programs and guides student-athletes through the college recruitment process. As an owner, he oversees strategic planning, program development, and operations, ensuring that athletes receive high-quality training, mentorship, and recruiting support. He is deeply involved in curriculum design, staff development, and fostering relationships with college coaches to help players maximize their opportunities at the next level.

Sean began his coaching career as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Tufts University in 1995. In 1998, at just 27 years old, he became the head men’s basketball coach at Curry College, making him one of the youngest head coaches in the country. In 2003, he was appointed athletic director and boys’ basketball coach at George School, a day and boarding school in Newtown, PA.

With over 25 years of experience directing camps in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, Sean has been instrumental in developing young athletes. Additionally, he served as president of the Portsmouth Youth Basketball Board and has coached multiple competitive travel teams for over two decades.

Eric Simonelli

Managing Director

Eric is the Managing Director of Higher Learning Basketball, overseeing all basketball operations, athlete development, and program success. A dedicated Warwick, Rhode Island, resident, father, and seasoned coach, he is committed to strengthening local youth basketball.

In addition to his leadership role, Eric is an expert college admissions consultant. Previously, he was the Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Director of College Counseling at La Salle Academy, where he built a championship-winning program and guided students through the college admissions process. Over seven seasons, he led La Salle to a 96-21 Division 1 record and a 135-49 overall record, securing multiple titles, including back-to-back Division 1 Championships in 2014 and 2015 and the RI Open State Championship in 2015.

Before La Salle, Eric coached at The Prout School, leading the team to Division III State Championships in 2011 and 2012 and a Runner-Up finish in 2007.

A former standout player, Eric scored 1,200 career points at Duxbury High School in Massachusetts, earning All-Scholastic honors from the Patriot Ledger, Boston Herald, and Boston Globe. At Endicott College, he was a Division III All-American and later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.