MICHAEL PILSITZ
Prep Scene Director
Pennsylvania Players In The 2026 NCAA Tournament (Part 1-Thursday)
Long before the bright lights and media attention of the NCAA Tourney, the journey for many of these players began in Pennsylvania gyms – where the game is taught, toughness is expected, and winning matters.
Pennsylvania basketball has always been about more than just talent. It’s about development, discipline, and pride in where you come from. Prep Scene has followed many of these kids since their obscure games in back gyms on rubber floors in middle school, during their high school years in gyms with three hundred fans and in some cases ten thousand.
And as the NCAA Tournament unfolds, that foundation is once again on display.
Not in one place.
Not on one team.
But across the country – on rosters that all share a common starting point. Pennsylvania teachers of the game can take a bow. Here is a list of their kids playing on the first day of the NCAA Tournament. From youth, to middle school, to high school, prep and AAU – the Keystone State has molded this group and PREP SCENE has been there along the way to analyze and report on their magic.
Southeast Pennsylvania: Philadelphia continues to set the standard.
Ed Holland III – Howard (Friends Central)
A product of the Inter-AC league, Holland’s path reflects the strong academic and basketball balance found in the independent school circuit. A Penn transfer, had offers from Yale and Columbia also.
“A Philly Pride playmaker. Played with Stevie Mitchell (Wilson, Pa./Marquette Alumni) in the Under Armor Championship.
Onyx Nnani – South Florida (Phelps School)
International player who developed in among Pennsylvania’s Independent Schools.
“Canadian product with great size and a rare ability shoot of the bounce and handle the rock.” – Peddie Tourney 12/22
Ahmad Nowell – VCU (Imhotep Charter)
A key piece of one of the most dominant programs in Pennsylvania. Nowell’s winning pedigree was built through commitment and deep PIAA postseason runs.
“Tep – Final kid with the strength and toughness to impose his will. Philly Guard.”
Jalen Warley – Gonzaga (Westtown School)
Developed in a nationally respected prep environment, Warley brings size, versatility and a high level of understanding to the game.
“Seen on back to back nights in November of 2019, in a gym with future lottery picks Warley made the big plays over and over.”
Robert Wright III – BYU (Neumann-Goretti}
Pennsylvania Player of the Year and State Champion, Wright’s leadership and scoring defined his time in the Catholic League.
“A member of Prep Scene class of 2024 “Creme of the Crop team”
Western Pennsylvania – Toughness and Consistency
Amere Brown – Arkansas (Woodland Hills)
WPIAL product from a proud program, Brown represents the physical and competitive nature of Western PA basketball and playing for Moon alumni and Clarion graduate John Calipari.
“Explosive Point, head and shoulders above the competition.”
Bradyn Foster – Penn (Highlands)
The Pride of Highlands High School in Natrona Heights PA will be playing for Philadelphia’s Fran McCafferty after a successful career at Iowa.
“Powerful imposing big with active feet. – WPIALs 2024
Puff Johnson – Ohio State (Pittsburgh native)
The younger bother of Cam Johnson, played his HS ball on a national scene in Arizona. Played at UNC and PSU before the latest stop at Ohio State.
“One of the Nations best players”
Keyshawn Mitchell – VCU (First Love Christian Academy)
Developed within the heights of Western Pennsylvania’s prep school scene. Mitchell reflects the growth of alternative scholastic pathways and the power of the transfer portal.
“A member of Prep Scene class of 2024 “Creme of the Crop team”
Maleek Thomas – Arkansas (Lincoln Park)
Thomas first made his mark helping Lincoln Park (Midland, PA) capture a state title before moving represent our country.
“Arriving late, and fresh off his dominating performance at the USA Basketball camp in Colorado Springs, … is an assassin with the ball in his hands” -Pangos 2023
Eli Yofan – Miami (OH) (Fox Chapel} *won in first four
Won a WPIAL championship with Fox Chapel and was intrical in deep PIAA State playoff runs
“Agile gazelle-like quicks, fluid off the bounce with the ability to finish above the rim. #HugeUpside” – 2019
Central Pennsylvania – Traditional programs and Prep Pathways
Brant Byers – Miami (OH) (Chambersburg / Scotland / Perkioman School) *won in first four
An integral part of Miami Ohio’s undefeated regular season, averaging close to 15 per game for the Red Hawks.
“Highly skilled, sweet stroke stretch 4/ potential wing with a huge upside. Might be able to play in any league in the country before its all over.” -Scotland entering Sophomore season
Quadir Copeland – NC State (Gettysburg / IMG Academy *Lost in first four
Philadelphia native who played his freshman year at Gettysburg. Went on to win 5A All State honors. One of the premiere players in the entire nation during last year at IMG Academy. Made a run last season with McNeese.
“Best freshman in District III, …combined athleticism and skill -11/2019”
Augustus Gerhart – Penn (Cocalico / The Hill School)
A true Central PA product, Gerhart spent 3 years at Cocalico before transitioning to the Hill School then the Ivy League.
“Phlly Pride 16U has one of the top bigs prospects in the state in The Hill Schools Augustus Gerhart.” -2021
Owen Schlager – Siena (Trinity)
Developed under one of the area’s most respected programs. Schlager represents the strength of District 3’s top programs and coaches.
“Elite athlete with a burst, bounce and knack for making winning plays.”
Northeastern Pennsylvania – Often overlooked, but always present
Christian Fermin – VCU (Pocono Mountain West)
NEPA representative binging size and presence to the national stage.
“Mobile, agile, energetic forward with great bounce, solid finisher around the rim and an elite defenender.” – HG Elite 2020
Justice Shoats – Siena (Holy Redeemer)
Wilkes-Barre product carries strong PA ties into the big dance.
“This young man has the goods, ability to get into the land, knock down the three or find a teammate ofter. Individual press break, tight handle – poised and disciplined.” AC Live 2020
The story of Pennsylvania basketball pipelines feeding March Madness is very diverse. Our state is constantly in the Top 10 of talent-producing states in Division I basketball. From the can’t-miss prospects to the often missed late bloomers – all that matters is who is still playing in March. The beauty of this journey for PREP SCENE is the same kid cutting down the nets in Hershey next weekend might be guarding a future lottery pick in the NCAA tourney tomorrow! Enjoy the games.