The Constitution Generals are known far and wide, all across the state of Pennsylvania for their basketball exploits. And rightfully so… with 221 wins since their basketball programs inception, 10 years ago. Let this sink in… 221 wins, 4 PIAA STATE TITLES with 10 straight State Playoff appearances. Not to mention hoisting the Silver ball in the air once and three other trips to the State’s Final 4. The Generals staff insist they are not ready to be referred to as a dynasty just yet, here at PREP SCENE we tend to disagree. In case you missed it that’s…10 years – 221 wins, 7 Final Four Appearances, 4 State Titles and 1 Runner-up.
The architect of the powerhouse constructed on 7th and Chestnut Streets in Center City is head coach Rob Moore. He has orchestrated all this athletic success with many of the city’s best and brightest academically. “The kids understand the big picture… Our goal is to be a model program for the District. We want to show that smart kids can play basketball,” said Moore. ConHigh, which the school is affectionately known as, prides itself as a unique small, city wide school dedicated to empowering students through active citizenship and for producing the next generation of engaged citizens and leaders in government, public policy and law. Can you say STUDENT-athletes!
Moore is an educator and his teachings extend beyond the classroom. His lessons on the hardwood about life and hoops have produced a plethora of productive citizens, college graduates and scholarship level athletes. It is no coincidence that any given year you will notice 3-5 future Division I players taking the floor for him. He is known around the city to develop his kids and maximize their potential. Like every group before them, this year’s group enters the 2019-2020 season with high expectations. Is this the year Constitution wins their 2nd Public League Championship?
Mark Pynes, PennLive
The Generals return three starters from last year’s 22-10 outfit that won the District XII AA Championship and was the Philadelphia Public League Runner-up, losing to AAAA State Champion, Imhotep Charter in the final. The undisputed leader of this group will be Keshaun “Champ” Hammonds. The 6’1 Sr. guard is a two-time ALL PUBLIC LEAGUE & ALL STATE player and currently holds five Division I offers. He has amassed 1200 points already and after this season could be mentioned in the same breath with some of the best scorers the city has seen, definitely top 10 numbers are within’ reach, possibly even top 5 in scoring.
The other two starters, Quadir Miller, a 5’10 Jr. guard, and Maurice Montgomery, a 6-5 Jr. forward, are both capable of putting up big numbers. With the loss of Jabari Merritt and Jihad Saunders to graduation, an increased workload should lead to increased production from both. Montgomery is an inside out force that dominates the glass at both ends and plays with a high motor.
Possibly, the Prospective Student-Athlete with the highest ceiling on the team is 6’3 So. guard, Jacob Beccles. He is an elite athlete, physically strong with exceptional body control and a sweet stroke. Coach Moore is expecting a break-out season for Beccles, his maturation and ability to impose his will could land the Generals back to the sweetest place on earth next March.
Other key returners include, 6’5 Sr. forward Aamir Sharif, 6’8 Sr. center Korey Bridges, 6’5 So. Jamal Carr. Lamar Glover a So. guard and 6’5 Jr. uber athletic wing Malcolm Gadson.