Proven inside scorer that dominates the glass. Undersized big, relentless warrior. Outworks bigger-bigs at both ends. The larger the games the bigger the performances.
Steal and a lay-up, steal and a dunk, steal and an assist. One things for sure… there is a theft and a bucket. Plays above the rim and excellent turning mistakes into points.
Shoots the ball extremely well, competes at both ends… capable of defending the rim and smaller guards on the perimeter. mobile, ball skills allow him to put it on the floor and attack from wing. Ability to impact game from inside or out. Huge upside!
Terrell Pitts
2023
G/F
6-4
Uber-athletic wing with the skills to beat you in a variety of ways. Elusive in the half court or transition. Finishes strong above the rim. Hugh Upside!
Just two of the many great Lancer games to check out!
MEET THE PLAYERS💯💯 BISHOP MCDEVITT BOYS BASKETBALL 🏀 Come out and see them play in the PETE & JAMEER NELSON CLASSIC courtesy of @PBPCLASSICS on December 28th vs CHELTENHAM and December 30th vs GERMANTOWN ACADEMY at Widener University @jmanigo14@McDBoysHoops#RawSportspic.twitter.com/8XpjSPHlCB
A versatile combo guard with the ability to carry the scoring load or set the table. High IQ kid, floor general and leader in the locker room. Leadership, poise & pace separate him from the pack.
Athletic wing that plays with a bounce, gets into passing lanes and can reach the top of the square. High motor and IQ, defends with a passion. Div I Football Prospect with offers from Penn State & Pitt.
Extremely hard worker, ready to get back on the floor after scoring a career high 18 in 2018, sat out entire season due to injury. Looking forward to tracking progression.
Mugsy Bogues type guard, shifty, strong, smooth. A creator off the bounce, cuts on a dime with ball, waterbug change of direction. nearly impossible to contain.
First Love stages dramatic rally in final minutes to take down Westtown.
West Chester, PA
First Love Christian Academy came 300 miles across the Pennsylvania Turnpike and staged a dramatic fourth quarter rally to upend the host school-Westtown, in the Westtown-Phelps Classic. On the road…down a few players, down 13 points with 5 minutes to play, and in desperate need of a stop is where the Knights found themselves.
Westtown was comfortably controlling the game from the onset, ending the first quarter up 7 points, 19-12. The Moose were able to maintain the 7-10 point cushion the entire first half, relying heavily on the three-point shot. The Moose connected on 9 of their 17 first half attempts. The red hot shooting of teammates, Wade Chiddick, all of his 12 points came in the first half on 4-6 shooting and TJ Berger, 12 of his 15 points came in the first half on 4 of 5 shooting, combined for 24 of the 46 at the intermission. With under a minute in the half, First Love did cut the lead to 5, but the two possession game was short lived as Jalen Warley (17 points) connected with Noah Collier (8 points) for an emphatic alley-opp dunk at the buzzer.
First Love was paced in the first half by DJ Gordon’s relentless attacks at the rim, scoring 11 of his 24 points and Jett Roesing & ’22 Mason Manning’s combined 18 points on 6-8 shooting. Every time Westtown looked like they may stretch the lead beyond 10, one of those three seemed to make a huge play to stop a run.
At the intermission, the Knights committed to encouraging Westtown to go inside to their bigs. Even without 7-0 Madior Seye (DNP) and 6-7 Damani Brown (DNP) in the line-up, they understood they had to extend the defense and force Westtown’s guards to score off the bounce. This was a calculated risk because Westtown can punish you at full strength inside with Franck Kepnang (4 points) and Dereck Lively II (11 points), let alone down bigs. The Knights had to pick their poison and stick to the game plan and that they did!
But even after three, First Love did not win a single quarter. However, their demeanor, presence and most importantly confidence never wavered. This was a high level, back and forth contest and play was intense. The Knights defense was showing a renewed energy and excitement since the break. Coach Wilson’s game plan to extend the defense in the second half limited Westtown to only 2 three point attempts in the third… and look out… The other half of the dynamic duo –Isaiah Wilson was beginning to awaken. The third ended 61-52, the flow of the game changed. Westtown was no longer on pace for 90. In fact they would only score 28 in the second half.
The fourth quarter belonged to Wilson and Gordon. This is when it all started! Down 66-53, and on defense with a little over five minutes to play, the Knights erupted to outscore the Moose 18-4 to close the game. Roesing was the only Knight to score outside of the pair in the period. It was a dagger! Down five points with 1:39 on the clock and ice water in his veins – he nailed an NBA three, catch and shoot from Wilson, forcing a Westtown timeout. The game was a 1 possession game, for the first time since soon after the jump ball.
Phenom Hoop Report
The Iron Clad defense Westtown displayed the night before was now at the mercy of Coach Wilson’s junkyard dog of a point guard. IsaiahWilson was in complete control. He finished with 10 of his 16 points coming in the final frame. The ‘break you down’ guard did not miss a single shot in the fourth quarter. He was sensational getting into the lane dishing 3 assists and scored it off the bounce. No score was bigger, than the top of the key trifecta that gave the Knights their first lead of the game 69-68. Gordon later made two free-throws giving First Love the 71-68 win in hostile territory.
Check Out the Full Game captured as only Big Star and RawSportsFilms can!!!!
The first game between The Perkiomen School (Pennsburg) and Mercersburg Academy featured a boatload of prospective student-athletes. Perk lead from start to finish in this one, eventually pulling away for the 64-47 victory. Steve Payne (3-6 FG 1-4 3PT 8-9 FT) and Gil Otto (6-8 FG 1-5 3PT 2-2 FT) combined for 34 of the teams 64. Otto poured in 13 of his 17 in the first half, starting the game demonstrating his explosive offensive arsenal. He is lightning quick off of his feet and an absolute monster attacking the rim. Mercersburg Academy trailed at the half 36-27. K Owen scored 8 of his 16 in the first stanza. In the defeat, Quinton Metcalf (15 pts) and AJ Green (8 pts) showcased elite level athleticism, a propensity to defend and a desire to attack. Both demonstrated “WOW” moments with big-time moves from the wing into the lane on the attack. However, this was not enough as Payne’s 8-9 free-throw performance would not allow Mercersburg to claw back into the game in the second half. For the Perk School, Honor Huff was 3-6 from deep for 9 points and William Johnson finished with 7 connecting on 1-4 from downtown. The glue guy was Andrew Patnode (6 pts). Patnodes contribution to the team went well beyond scoring. This kid is a stud, he rebounds it, makes all the hustle plays and defends with a passion. Mercersburg also had solid production from sophomore Chris Watson. Watson did a good job of handling the ball and knocked down the open shot, finishing the game 2-4 from three point territory. Junior Jake Ahlgren scored 9 of his 11 in the 4th period.
West Nottingham defeats Covenant College Prep in Overtime
West Nottingham after being locked at 57’s with Covenant College Prep pulled out the victory 67-64 behind the stellar play of Yan Farell. Farell tossed in 22, non bigger than a late three ball in overtime.
No pollsters needed, Westtown is PA’s Finest this weekend
Kiski Prep (Saltsburg), coming off of an impressive victory over fellow Western PA foe First Love Christian Academy (Washington) the night before, knew they faced a juggernaut in the Westtown (West Chester). The Westtown Moose showed the energy and desire to put this one away early too, after an anti-climatic 10 point victory over RockTop Academy (Philadelphia) the night before. Westtown imposed their will at both ends of the floor. Especially the defensive end! The Moose allowed Kiski only 3 field goal attempts in the paint in the entire first half. The sheer length and athleticism on the defensive end tied Kiski in knots. Kiski Prep’s bright spot was 2020 Noreon Williams (Syracuse, NY), who put on a shooting display, going 6-8 shooting from deep in the first half alone. The rest of the team was 1-8 up to that point and contributed only 5 points collectively. Williams finished with 9 triples and 29 points for the game. Westtown’s imposing 1-2-2 defense rendered it nearly impossible to reverse the ball, penetrate/pass into the lane or garner an open look. The top of the zone featured 6-8 Pitt commit Noah Collier, making reversing the ball and shifting the defense obsolete. The wings 6-5 Jalen Warley (13 pts), 6-4 TJ Berger (19 pts) & 6-4 Wade Chiddick covered and contested everything in sight. But that back line…. WOW, that back line of the defense is where any and all mistakes are erased in a hurry!!! 6-11 Franck Kepnang and 7-0 Dereck Lively II cover the corners, the wings and get back to protect the rim as quick as most kids slide for side to side in the lane!!! Its just different… We recommend you get out and see different while you can. Here is a link to Westtown’s schedule (Click Here)
Central York was impressive as a unit. Without a marquee superstar, the Panthers are a well oiled machine; relying on synergy to create open looks. The “x’s & o’s” were clicking for Coach Schieler today creating open looks for a host of role players to take advantage of… But make no mistake about it, it will take some “jimmys’ & joes’ to garner District III recognition and possibly State recognition in 2020… Maybe I should have said “Gabe’s and Evan’s” not “jimmys’ and joes'” …When things breakdown, and one thing is for certain, they will at times… crucial times this season, Gabe Guidinger and Evan Eisenhart are capable of making plays. Gabe finished the ball at the rim very strong today. His upper body strength really stood out. He is sure to be making his coach a believer long after he leaves Central York. Cant wait to see the player he blossoms into in the next few years. The kid scores it from all three levels and is always in the right place at the right time. Evan had his shot falling today and plays with an energy and competitiveness many kids lack. The wildcard for Central will be Shilo Johnson, a 6’5 junior forward. He is raw offensively and not always fluid in the half court, but he was an absolute rebounding machine at the defensive end. If he can box his game up to just slash, rebound-outlet, rebound-putback & defend… not only does his stock rise but this teams stock goes way up.
Mitchell has the goods
Stevie Mitchell was sensational at both ends of the floor. Court awareness, basketball IQ, and body control are next level. He was clearly the best player on the floor in any one session. His vision is special! very special!! His teammates could find that out the hard way if they aren’t paying close attention when the ball is in his hands. He is an elite finisher at the rim, above and through contact. Change of pace, explosive bursts, the long ball off the bounce, catch and shoot…you name it, it was on display today for the Bulldogs. Wilson looked good as a whole but Stevie was… WELL STEVIE.
Jacob Melady leads the Trojans in more than buckets
Parkland’s 6’4 Ace did a little of everything to put his team in position to win each quarter. The senior handled the ball and set the offense from the point guard position when necessary. He knocked down shots at all three levels from the wing, He rebounded and scored if from the post. He guarded the opponents best player. However most impressive to me was his demeanor with teammates and coaches in the huddle. He is a natural leader… oh yeah did we mention he is a walking bucket with a sweet stroke!
Scores the ball in a variety of ways, ability to get into the lane, finishes at the rim. Aggressive, yet poised and controlled game. Lives at the free-throw line. Alpha…
Continues to expand his game, especially off the bounce Tough in transition/slashing, runs the floor well, ability to attack rim with aggression. high motor and good timing/shot blocking.
Very long, decent athlete. functional in the open court, above average ball control and ability to move laterally well. Best attribute is attacking rim, blocking and altering shots at present.
Matt Daulerio
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(Team profiles are found below in their entirety courtesy of Ballislife.com
We continue our 2019-20 preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by Ballislife.com countdown with an in-depth look at teams No. 1-50. These are the teams that can challenge for the mythical FAB 50 title with some big wins and the right bounces!
Note: The FAB 50 powered by Ballislife.com is a continuation of the National Sports News Service ratings that began in 1952. These were the first national high school rankings and the late Art Johlfs of Minnesota compiled them. They were compiled for many years by the late Barry Sollenberger of Phoenix, who merged them into the FAB 50 20 years ago.
Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of Ballislife.com. He can be reached at ronlocc1977@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores
42. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) 26-5
Key Players: PG Lynn Greer III 6-2 2020 (No. 212 247Sports.com), C Jalen Duren 6-9 2022 (No. 2 247Sports.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Justice Williams 6-3 2022 (No. 18 247Sports.com).
Why This Ranking: The Cahillites return three starters and six lettermen off a Philadelphia Catholic League title-winning team. Coach Matt Griffin’s club begins in the exact same preseason FAB 50 spot it did in 2018-19 despite losing Hakim Hart (St. Joseph’s) and Seth Lundy (Penn St.) to graduation. In 2018-19, Roman Catholic entered the season as the defending PIAA Class 6A champs and with more depth than this club, but had to find its chemistry and change lineups for the state tournament. The Cahillites were able to defend their Catholic League title, but fell short in the state playoffs. This time around, Griffin will have Greer III (14.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 5.3 apg) from the pre-season all the way through the PIAA tournament. He’s complimented nicely inside by Duren (12.8 ppg, 9.rpg), a physical specimen who rates only behind Emoni Bates of No. 44 Lincoln as a 2022 prospect.
The Skinny: This team may lack depth, but it is certainly talented and the players will have more certainty about their roles from the onset. Greer also has plenty of motivation for a monster senior season and if Duren can continue to improve on offense, this team will compete with No. 35 Archbishop Wood and FAB 50 entrant Neumann-Goretti for Catholic League supremacy. The schedule is loaded, with games versus FAB 50 title contenders Wasatch Academy of Utah and La Lumiere of Indiana at the Cancer Research Classic in West Virginia (January 3-4) plus a December trip to the City of Palms Classic in Florida, where the Cahillites open up with defending Georgia state champ McEachern. In order to survive that schedule and remained ranked, Williams (7.0 ppg) will need to double his production and Roman’s talented freshman class, particularly Will Norman (6-5, 2023), will need to make timely contributions.
35. Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) 20-9
Key Players: PG Rashool Diggins 6-1 2021 (No. 62 Rivals.com, Ballislife Underclass All-American), SF Daeshon Shepard 6-6 2021, SF Marcus Randolph 6-5 2021.
Why This Ranking: The Vikings have the necessary ingredients to capture the PIAA Class 5A state crown after losing in last year’s title game to Moon Area. Coach John Moscoe has one of the most balanced teams in the East Region, with five potential D1 players in his lineup that each brings something different to the table. Diggins is a complete floor general who can shoot the deep ball or get in the key and distribute. Sheppard is the best athlete on the team and nicely compliments Randolph. The transfer from Willingboro, N.J. is a terrific wing capable of slashing or scoring on the outside. There is talent at each position and plenty of motivation to erase the memory of last year’s finals disappointment.
The Skinny: The motivation exists because Wood held a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter of the state title game against Moon Area and fell, 74-64. Three sophomores in the lineup off last year’s club joining Randolph give this team great optimism to end the season as the Keystone State’s best. Wood, however, will have to show it can win the big games without a true center and prove it’s the best club in the competitive Philadelphia Catholic League. It will have that opportunity to on January 24 when it travels to face FAB 50 ranked Nueman-Goretti. The Vikings also face FAB 50 national title contender Paul VI of Virginia on December 14. Helping Wood navigate through the Catholic League is Jaylen Stinson (5-11, 2021), the team’s best defender, Mainer Newton (6-5, 2021), an undersized power forward, and Rob Jackson (6-5, 2021), a Grid-Hooper who will be counted on to help Newton and doesn’t mind banging inside
16. (NR) Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Pa.) 21-8
Key Players: PG Hakim Byrd 5-9 2020, SF Jordan Hall 6-6 2020 (St. Joseph’s commit), SG Cam Young 6-6 2020 (Bowling Green commit), SF Che Evans 6-8 2020 (No. 174 247Sports.com, San Diego St. commit).
Why This Ranking: On the strength of three returning starters and eight returning lettermen, the Saints rate as the Philly Catholic League favorites over No. 35 Archbishop Wood. Neumann-Goretti has versatile players and depth to go along with that trademark Philly toughness. It starts with Byrd, a returning All-Catholic selection who can score and get up under and harass offensive players. Byrd has the heart of the Lion and makes coach Carl Arrigale’s team go. Hall is a versatile component who can play inside or out and Young is another D1-bound talent who is a terrific spot up shooter. Goretti can go to its bench for scoring punch and doesn’t have to worry about its perimeter defenders getting into foul trouble too much because of the depth on the wings. “The strength of our team in the versatility, shooting and depth,” Arrigale said.
The Skinny: With Imhotep Charter graduating a strong senior class, the Philly Public League is down, but the expectations surrounding the Saints are similar to Imhotep Charter’s in recent seasons because of the talent on deck and national schedule. Evans is a well-known player on the national grassroots circuit and if he can blend in with the other talented wings and excel in his new role, Neumann will have the ability to climb in the rankings. As is that’s not enough, Chris Evans (6-1, 2021) is another excellent shooter and big things are expected of Blaise Vespe (6-6, 2021). Neumann-Goretti takes on Wood January 24 in a Catholic League showdown a week after tangling with always-dangerous No. 42 Roman Catholic. The Saints have an early season test with highly-regarded Westtown School (West Chester, Pa.) and take on No. 30 Legacy Early College at the Governor’s Cup in Maryland after returning from the West Coast before Christmas, where it will compete in the Tarkanian Classic with the likes of No. 5 Gorman and No. 18 Mater Dei.
