The PCL places three in Ballislife.com’s FAB 50

Posted on October 30, 2019October 30, 2019 by PREP SCENE

(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.

QUARTERFINALS

Posted on October 24, 2018July 30, 2025 by PREP SCENE

10.27.18 11:00 AM Gym 2

READING

Reading High enters the 2018-2019 season with three straight trips to the PIAA 6-A Sweet Sixteen, including a Final Four apperance in 2016 and a big school STATE Championship in 2017. Outside of two returning starters- PREP SCENE PSA 2019 Wesley Butler, Daniel Colter, Jr. and key contributor Juan Mato, a future Rider University High Jumper, the Red Knights will be young, long, and extremely athletic. Coach Rick Perez will be without Tre & Jordan Jones (football) on Saturday but will have plenty of help with Jose Berea, Jahsir Sheriff, Moro Osumanu, and Denim Adams defending their 2017 Colt Shootout title.

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To view all Colts Shootout previews click here, for Colts Shootout Bracket click here.

CENTRAL DAUPHIN vs. DALLASTOWN

Posted on October 24, 2018July 30, 2025 by PREP SCENE

Round 1 PREVIEW

10.27.18 8:00 AM GYM 1

Central Dauphin, led by first year head coach Wayne Fletcher, will look to improve on their three wins posted last season with a healthy dose of old-fashioned hard work. The Rams looked good last weekend going 4-0 at the always-competitive Kimber Fall Classic, defeating Octorara, Lancaster McCaskey, York High, and Susquehanna. Top performers were Jaraud Smith, Rance Russo, and Nick Santiago. The Rams have two starters returning including one of the area’s top underclassman, sophomore PREP SCENE 2021 Ryan Smith, along with several other key returners. The return of PREP SCENE 2020 Nick Chimienti and several other fall athletes will place the Rams in the middle of the Mid-Penn Commonwealth sooner rather than later. Under head coach Michael Grassel, the Dallastown Wildcats have participated in two straight District III 6A playoffs, and their 5th place finish last season lead to the school’s historic 3rd appearance in the state tournament. This hard-working group will be tasked with replacing nine seniors. But three returning starters will be in attendance: 6’1″ senior point guard Kyle Richardson and juniors Nike McGlynn and Kobe Green, as they prepare to pick up where last year’s 16-win team left off.

To view all Colts Shootout previews click here, for Colts Shootout Bracket click here.

PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE RANKINGS

Posted on December 4, 2017July 30, 2025 by PREP SCENE

PREP SCENE will produce weekly rankings for the entire state of Pennsylvania. These rankings will including 5th year prep schools and high schools regardless of governing body affiliations.

Dec. 4th – Dec. 10th, 2017

1. Scotland Campus Sports

Scotland jumps to number 1, they continued their winning ways this week advancing to 7-0 on the season. 2018 PG Koreem Ozier picked up an offer from Grambling State along the way. Scotland has a variety of weapons and is clicking on all cylinders early in the season. Games: 12/6 Easton University JV, 12/7 @Misericardia University JV and ICA Prep (NJ)

2. First Love Christian Academy (Washington)

Khayree Wilson’s outfit beat Tees Valley Christian (TN) and Northeast Prep (OH) this week before losing to national power Capital Christian (MD). The backcourt of Aneury Parra and Shamar Givance have been tough to contain early in the season. Parra tossed in 20 points vs Northeast Prep and Givance had 11 points and 12 assists. Games: 12/7 & 8 Buckeye Showcase vs Athlete Institute & Aspire and 12/9 vs Prep Scene #7 Kennedy Catholic.

3. Westtown (West Chester)

Drops out of the number 1 spot after suffering a 10 point loss to Our Savior Lutheran (NY). However, they remain in the top 3 because the defeat came with 6-9 Cameron Reddish in street clothes. Win’s and Loses matter but are not the tell all. Reddish’s absence is expected to be short lived. Jalen Gaffney (6-0) stepped up from the PG position and was sensational. Games: 12/6 Capital Christian (MD)

4. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

Imhotep Charter looked impressive in their scrimmage this week, they have another Wednesday vs PREP SCENE #13 Nuemann-Goretti. Donta Scott (6-7, 2019) is a mismatch problem for opponents. But, before Tep officially takes the floor for hoops, their football team will be playing Erie Cathedral Prep in the State Championship @ Hershey for the third year in a row.

5. Hill School (Pottstown)

The Hill School took care of Canada Topflight Academy in convincing fashion. Chase Audige (6-5, 2018) lead the way for Phil Canosa’s unit, shooting the ball extremely well and getting into the lane often. Seth Maxwell (6-11, 2018) provided a formidable post presence. Games: 12/6 Episcopal Academy, 12/9 @New Hampton (NH) and 12/10 Choate Rosemary Hall (CT).

6. Archbishop Wood (Warminster)

Coach Mosco’s Pickron (6-3, 2018) and Funk (6-4 2018), can stretch the floor as well as any backcourt within a days drive. When wood takes the floor this weekend you can expect them to do numbers. Games: 12/9 in Scholastic Play by Play vs Brooklyn NY’s South Shore @ Archbishop Carroll and 12/10 @Dematha HS in the National High School Festival.

7. Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)

Kennedy Catholic opens the season with a December 9th 8:30 PM game with PREP SCENE #2 ranked First Love Christian Academy (Washington, PA). Look for Maceo Austin (6-5), Mattia Acunzo (6-7) and Oscar Tshiebwe (6-8) to play huge for Coach Mancino early and often.

8. Abington

Eric Dixon is a man among boys. His high motor and inside outside game will drive opponent HS coaches, players and fans insane. He is a problem. The backcourt is in solid hands as play begins with Heath, Coppedge and Monroe distributing and scoring when necessary. The Ghosts open up at home in their tip off tournament with Chichester, and Valley Forge Military Academy.

9. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting)

Naheem Mcloud (7-1, 2019) is ready to take the next step toward stardom. His presence in the paint on both sides of the floor should be game changing after a great summer on the AAU circuit. PW also will put a relentless backcourt on the floor in Cooper and the Williams twins. Games: 12/8 Sankofa Freedom.

10. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)

Phil Jukovic will be under center on Saturday, playing in another football State Championship. The Notre Dame Football recruit wont take long to get his basketball legs back under him… and when he does Pine Richland should be one of the teams standing at the end of the season. Winning is contagious and PR has done a lot of it lately in Football & Basketball.

11. State College

The Little Lions will open up the 2017-2018 season in the always competitive Skip Coleman Tip-Off Tournament this weekend along with trips to Central Dauphin East and a Friday night home game vs previous #22 Harrisburg High. Count on Drew Friberg to spear head a successful start to the season.

12. Reading

Coach Perez’ troops open the season in the York High Tip-Off (York, PA) vs Franklin Learning Center out of Philadlephia, on Saturday they will play either host William Penn (York) or Williamsport.

13. Nueman-Goretti (Philadelphia)

Coach Arrigale group will scrimmage PREP SCENE Top 5 Imhotep Charter on Wednesday before opening the season in the Scholastic Play by Play Showcase on the 9th vs Prep Scene honorable mention Shipley (Bryn Mawr) and Sam Sessoms a Binghamton signee.

14. Bethlehem Catholic

BeCaHi’s production comes in bunches from 6-7 inside out threat Ryan Young. Young is a math-up problem at both ends of the floor. The District 11 powerhouse will also look for heavy productions from a pair of 2019’s in Justin Paz (6-0) and Kyle Young (6-7). Games: 12/9 Martin Luther King @ Archbishop Carroll in the Scholastic Play by Play.

15. Haverford School

The Haverford School finished last week with huge margin’s of victory over the Hun School (NJ) by 20+ and by 30+ over Friends Central. Christian Ray, Gavin Burke and Kharon Randloph have led the way early. Games: 12/4 vs Friends Central, 12/7 @Perkiomen, 12/8 Don McBride Classic vs PREP SCENE honorable mention – Academy of New Church and 12/9 @ LaSalle.

16. Martin Luther King (Philadelphia)

Games: 12/9 vs PREP SCENE #14 Bethlehem Catholic @ Archbishop Carroll’s Scholastic Play by Play.

17. St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia)

Games: 12/11 @ PREP SCENE #21 Malvern Prep

18. Erie

Games: 12/8 & 12/9 in the Fairview Tip-Off Tournament

19. Penn Hills

Games: 12/8 Midland Tip-Off Tournament vs Lincoln Park, 12/9 Hickory

20. Coatesville

Games: 12/9 @ PREP SCENE honorable mention Shipley, 12/10 @ West Chester University vs PREP SCENE honorable mention, Archbiship Carroll.

21. Malvern Prep

Games: 12/6 Phelps, 12/9 @ PREP SCENE honorable mentiion Archbishop Carroll in the Scholastic Play by Play. 12/10 @ West Chester University Showcase vs PREP SCENE honorable mention Bonner-Prendergast.

22. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)

Games: 12/9 vs Riverside Baptist (MD) @ Gonzaga Classic in DC.

23. Emmaus

12/9 @Cardinal O’Hara

24. Mars

Games: 12/8 @Avonworth

25. Northeastern (Manchester)

Games: 12/8 & 12/9 Bobcat Tip Off vs Eastern York, Northern York & Delone Catholic

HONORABLE MENTION: Academy of New Church, Alderdice, Allentown Central Catholic, Archbishop Carroll, Berks Catholic, Bonner-Prendergast, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Cheltenham, Chester, Church Farm, Girard College, Kiski Prep, McDowell, Phelps, Overbrook, Sewickley Academy, Shipley, Whitehall, Woodland Hills,

Previous Week Rankings

PENNSYLVANIA STATE RANKINGS

Posted on November 27, 2017July 30, 2025 by PREP SCENE

PREP SCENE will produce weekly rankings for the entire state of Pennsylvania. These rankings will including 5th year prep schools and high schools regardless of governing body affiliations.

Nov. 27th – Dec. 3rd, 2017

1. Westtown (West Chester)

Led by 6-9 Duke bound Cameron Reddish, Westtown gets the nod in our initial poll. The do it all point guard has help in the front court in Indiana signee Jake Forester and PREP SCENE 2020 Division 1 prospect Noah Collier.

2. Scotland Campus Sports (Scotland)

Scotland started the season with a program boosting win over IMG Academy in New England at the National Prep Showcase. Several Prep outlets have Scotland and legendary prep coach Chris Chaney in their national top 10.

3. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

Imhotep Charter led by Andre Noble finished in the 2017 USA Today Top 10. Tep returns super talented 6-7 Donta Scott along with a plethora of Division I talent in PREP SCENE 2020 Elijah Taylor and fellow 6-7 teammates Jamil Riggins, Chereef Knox.

4. First Love Christian Academy (Washington)

Khayree Wilson’s 2018 outfit is filled with talent. In the front court, Sudanesse Riny Lual (6-8) Jamier Fletcher (6-8) and Chris Efretuei (7-0) are a load, toss in PREP SCENE 2020 Luis Risquez (6-10), along with solid guard play in Shamar Givance, Aneury Parra and Julian McGee.

5. Hill School (Pottstown)

Seth Maxwell (7-0, 2018) and Chase Audige (6-5, 2018) lead the way for Phil Canosa’s unit. They also get plenty of production form Daquan Morris (6-0, 2018) Nick Alikakos (6-7, 2018) and PREP SCENE 2020 prospect Caleb Dorsey (6-7).

6. Archbishop Wood (Warminster)

Coach Mosco has a host of division I talent at his disposal. The backcourt will be led by snipers Tyree Pickron (6-3, 2018) and Andrew Funk (6-4 2018). 6-11 Sr. Seth Pinkney will hold down the frontcourt. Look out for two emerging freshman in PREP SCENE 2021 prospects Rahsool Diggins and Dae’shon Shepard.

7. Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)

Kennedy Catholic is loaded with young talent in 2019 Maceo Austin (6-5), Italian wing Mattia Acunzo (6-7) and Congolese big man Oscar Tshiebwe (6-8). The Golden Eagles have many others ready to step in along with PREP SCENE 2020 sniper Ike Herster.

8. Nueman-Goretti (Philadelphia)

Coach Arrigale has a warrior in 6-1, 2019 Chris Ings. There is a reason why the Saints have won 7 or the last 8 AAA State Titles; they reload in a hurry. Not to mention returning starters Marcus Little (6-9, 2018) and Noah Warren (6-0, 2018). Keep an eye on Dymir Montuque and PREP SCENE 2020 guards Hakim Byrd & Ahmad Fair along with 2021 prospect TaQuan Woodley.

9. Abington (Abington)

The Galloping Ghosts return a formidable group led by the versatile 6-8 Eric Dixon. He is a bull in the china closet in the paint with the softest of strokes from deep. In the backcourt, ultra athletic Lucas Monroe and dynamic PG’s Robbie Heath and Maurice Coppedge lead the way.

10. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)

We admit, Top 10 may be a little lofty for the 28 win, defending WPIAL 6-A Champs who lost plenty. However, “cupboard isnt bare…” Once 1000 point scorer and ND Football QB recruit Phil Jukovic takes off the pads the wins should continue to mount. Coach Ackerman will also lean on Greg Shulkosky (2019), Dan Petcash (2019), Colin Luellen (2019) and Kyle Polce (2020).

11. State College (State College)

The Little Lions are poised for another run through the Mid Penn Conference, District and PIAA State playoff bracket. Coach Walker will lean heavily on Drew Friberg’s 20+ points per night along with his younger brothers Tommy (6-5, 2019) and Johnny (6-2, 2020). Keaton Ellis (6-0, 2019) will direct traffic for Ryan McNulty (6-5, 2019) and Brandon Clark (6-5, 2018).

12. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting)

Coach Donofrio’s senior laden backcourt could be just what the doctor ordered to bypass Abington as District 1 king. Shifty PG Danny Cooper along with absolute killers on the wings in Ahmad and Ahmin Williams will set things for the 7-footer inside. Naheem Mcloud’s (2019) progression is phenomenal, he possesses a great set of hands and gets better each time he takes the floor. Points should be hard to come by vs PW. That pressure & a shot blocker!!

13. Reading (Reading)

Coach Perez marches into the season with a State Championship ring and a host of returners looking to leave their mark on the city. The backcourt has looked solid all offseason in the hands of Xavier Starks (6-2, 2018) and Wesley Butler (6-0, 2019). In the Frontcourt, the Red Knights will rely on the workhorse efforts of Ricky Lopez (6-5) Juan Matos and Kahari Whitfield as part of their 8-10 man rotation.

14. Bethlehem Catholic (Bethlehem)

15. Martin Luther King (Philadelphia)

The emergence of big man Will McNair (6-9, 2018) into an imposing force has Coach Colson right back knocking on the Philly Pub Championship door. Floor General, point guard extraordinaire Denelle Holly (6-2, 2018) will set the table for a host of athletes in Isaiah Anderson (6-5, 2018), Jerry Andrews (6-5, 2018) and keep an eye on PREP SCENE 2021 prospect Hysier Miller (6-0).

16. Erie (Erie)

17. St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia)

18. Penn Hills (Penn Hills)

19. Coatesville (Coatesville)

20. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)

21. Emmaus (Emmaus)

22. Harrisburg (Harrisburg)

23. Mars (Mars)

24. Haverford School (Haverford)

25. Northeastern (Manchester)

HONORABLE MENTION: Academy of New Church, Alderdice, Allentown Central Catholic, Archbishop Carroll, Berks Catholic, Bonner-Prendergast, Chambersburg, Cheltenham, Chester, Church Farm, Girard College, Kiski Prep, McDowell, Phelps, Overbrook, Sewickley Academy, Shipley, Whitehall, Woodland Hills,

Player Eval: Luis Risquez

Posted on November 9, 2017November 17, 2017 by PREP SCENE

Luis Risquez, 2020

First Love Academy

NY Jayhawks

6-9 Forward

Risq Risq2

Luis Risquez is a 6-9 forward with a quick release and a soft touch. Risquez has the ability to make mid-range shots off the dribble or catch and shoot. His combination of agility and athleticism allows him to run the floor with fluidity. He is a capable finisher around the rim. Most often turning over his left shoulder and scoring the ball with his dominant right hand. Risquez continues to demonstrate an ability to get into lane from the wing and has an ultra soft touch, often finishing with floaters in the paint. Defensively he is quick off his feet, with good timing skills and is an effective shot blocker.

Risquez was a key contributor on the 15-under New York Jayhawks team that finished in the Final 4 of the Adidas Gauntlet Gold Division in July. He attends First Love Christian Academy in Washington, PA where he will be a prominent reserve playing behind 6-8 senior studs Riny Lual (Sudan) and Jamier Fletcher. The Knights can be seen in action at the Buckeye Classic, on Dec 8th vs Aspire Academy (KY) , Or in Pittsburgh on Dec. 9th vs Kennedy Catholic at Lincoln Park High School in the Midland Tip-Off. A cant miss trip to the Cancer Research Classic has them facing preseason top 10 in the Nation, Findley Prep out of Las Vegas. Risquez and club will also face Roselle Catholic (NJ) St Mary’s Elizabeth (NJ) St Thomas Moore (CT) and Oak Hill Academy (VA) among others. Under the tutelage of First Love skipper Khayree Wilson you can expect continued growth from this 2020 prospective student athlete.

Kimber Memorial Shootout Observations

Posted on November 6, 2017July 30, 2025 by PREP SCENE

Best Group: The 8th Annual Kimber Memorial Shootout, best group is a tough one. Several overtime games in a round robin format will have you debating. However the 3-0 Carlisle Thundering Herd get the PREP SCENE nod this weekend. Led by 6-5 do it all, inside outside threat Ki Barnes, Carlisle looked poised for another playoff run. The return of Carlisle‘s football players took some scoring pressure off of K. Barnes, he did not need the 30 point performance (vs. Northeastern) he had a weekend ago for a chance to win. Gavyne Barnes (5-9, 2018) provided solid ball handling, penetration, defense and a boatload of leadership. The Herd posted a rebounding advantage in each game in large part to the work-horse effort of Joe Mastrangelo (6-6, 2018) and K. Barnes. Others that contributed heavily were Eveyon Davis (big shots) Nigel Newson, and Trevor Hamilton (6-6, 2019). The 2016 District champ Cougars, missing a host of Division I athletes off of the football field were very formidable going 2-1. led by Tony James (2018), Ali Anthony (2018) & Ky’Aire Sumpter (2019). York High playing in only one contest looked very good in an overtime victory over Baltimore’s Thurgood Marshall. Players to watch for the Bearcats this season will be, Kyree Generett (2018), Clovis Gallon Jr. (6-4, 2019) Marquise McClean (6-3, 2019) and Jaser Drayden (2018).

Will have the Most Impact this season: It is hard to deny the fact that, the Harrisburg Cougar gridiron stars pose the biggest impact to the District III AAAAAA landscape. If they all suit up, I am not betting against them, that’s for damn sure.

Scored it with ease: Da’Quan Granberry (Chichester, 2018), The 6-2 shooting guard has a nice basketball build, long with the ability to defend and rebound. However, he was most impressive on the offensive side – getting into the lane at will, finishing through contact, and knocking down open and contested looks alike. Royce Urena (Susquehanna, 2018) scored the ball effectively from all three levels, but today was most impressive in the mid-range area. Great elevation on his pull up allowed him to get his shot off and knock it down with ease on smaller guards. Played to his strengths with poise and confidence. Tony James (Harrisburg, 2018) also scored it with ease most of the day, attacking the rim and pulling up for his staple mid range jumpers. Ki Barnes (Carlisle 2018) is instant offensive for his team. The ability to get his own shot from the wing or the paint is a huge advantage for him, the more easy ones he can get the better Carlisle is.

Best Playmaker: Jhamir Brickus (Coatesville, 2020) Electric herky-jerk guard, was impossible to keep out of the lane. Controlled the tempo and found teammates. Brickus had limited options with him on the floor without the Coatesville football players and 6-9 Eastern Kentucky commit Tyrel Bladen available. However, the playmaking ability was evident, as he constantly found teammates out of the pick and roll and on dribble penetrations. Brickus puts a ton of pressure on a defense to help the on ball defender and he is skilled in making you pay with passes from all angles with both hands.

Will take you by surprise: Eveyon Davis (Carlisle, 2018) has been sitting in the shadows of the ultra talented Deshawn Millington and sniper Ben Milligan waiting patently for his turn to contribute. He could not wait for his chance to step on the floor last season as the Herd knocked of Coatesville, Lincoln High, and Emmaus before eventually falling to Pine Richland in the State Semi-Finals. Coach Anderson, knew Davis was ready if he had to call his number but was simply caught in a numbers game. For the wirey senior the wait is over, he demonstrated a knack for the big play with several clutch baskets late in games yesterday. He has a soft touch and made teams pay for helping into the lane to stop the Barnes brothers effective penetration. Davis with an ability to create his own shot also is poised to keep Carlisle relevant in District III and beyond.

Thoughts from Philly in the Fall:

Posted on October 30, 2017November 18, 2017 by PREP SCENE

Philly Skyline

Courtesy of http://www.espn.go.com

Courtesy of Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager.

There are countless events in the Philadelphia area to keep high school basketball players advancing their skills in the fall. Far to many to name!!! It appears almost everyone is involved in the arms race, that is producing high quality basketball players and teams. Parents, handlers, trainers, A.A.U. organizations and high schools all clamoring for the top spots. There are only so many top spots in a metro area of 6 million, but when you get crowned “King of Philly” (surrounding suburbs included), it tends to carry national juice. It’s not merely a badge of honor to represent the 7th largest metropolitan area in the US. Don’t get it twisted, its a target for everyone else in the city to try and destroy, defame and eventually claim for themselves.

In the age of participation trophies, it is refreshing to see a youth sports culture entrenched in the battle and competition of being the BEST. Even after the A.A.U. season has ended and with scholastic basketball weeks away, there is no let down in competition!! High level, championship caliber basketball is played year round from grade school to high school. With that fierce competition comes negatives. There are drawbacks, its not all national acclaim, P.I.A.A. Gold, endorsements and scholarships, but the good far outweighs the bad. Each of the aforementioned parties play an important role in the pedigree of Philly basketball and hold a stake in its current state of success.

From, parents putting their kids in the best possible academic and athletic position. To, handlers providing insight and opportunities to parents, who may not be informed of the nuances of high level basketball. Ultimately, providing a forum for a player to display their talent. From, trainers building the foundation and skills in players that are necessary when the lights come on, to outshine the competition. To, A.A.U. organizations running college like practices 3 days a week with no events in sight and a season that ended weeks ago. This is Philly in the FALL, all the while high school programs engage in weight lifting programs, run the track and play in countless events up and down the east coast.

Culturally basketball is just different, it truly is a valued commodity! The product speaks for itself. there is nothing magical about it. It’s hard work and a relentless grind that never stops for these kids. SALUTE!

Photo Credits –

Top: Thom Carroll, Philly Voice – Bottom Left: Delgreco Wilson, Black Cager – Bottom Right: http://www.espn.go.com

Colt Shootout Observations

Posted on October 28, 2017November 18, 2017 by PREP SCENE

Best Group: Champions of the 2017 Colt Shootout, the Defending 6-A State Champion Reading Red Knights led by the guard Trio of 5-11 Wesley Butler (2019), 5-10 RJ Dixon (2018), and 6-0 Xavier Starks (2018). A major defensive contribution came from Bobby Heath, offensive spark by Juan Matos and post presence was provided by Ricky Lopez and Daniel Colter.

Best Group of newcomers: Tigh Savercool and his Cedar Cliff staff hit the Pick 5 Lottery when 2 year starter at Susquehanna Twp., Gerald Jarmon (2019) showed up on their door step. Jarmon is a veteran, with tons of experience and the ability to score points in bunches. “Newcomer” is a bit of a stretch for a starter of 40+ games, but he is the cornerstone of what’s new for the Colts including 6-3 Derek Young (2021), a strong rebounder, post defender and screener-wide body with great feet and a lot of upside, 6-0 Guard Joey Zvorsky (2020), a steady guard. Add a returner to the program after a year off in senior 6-4 220 lbs. Justin Carter (2018), with what returns from last season’s core group and check ball.

Will have the Most Impact this season: Tyler Crespo (2019) can exert the kind of influence at both ends of the floor that could have Manheim Twp in the State playoff mix. Shot the ball extremely well today, was feeling it… pull up three’s in transition type feeling it! Lambo Speed with the ball in his hands combined with the body control and finishing skills to make you come out of your seat.

Best Shooter: Antonio Rizzuto (Northeastern, 2018) is instant offensive firepower, terrific shooter… catch and shoot it or off the dribble, the results are the same… Get it out of the net!! Impressive range, he can shoot it from all over the map. Pick your poison, if forced off the three point line he makes plays attacking the rim for himself and dishing to others.

Best Playmaker/Passer: Aley Zangari (Red Land, 2020) didnt find his team having much success but he impressed with his ability to run an offense well; got the ball to a variety of teammates in scoring position. Exceptional passer that sees the play three steps ahead.

Will take you by surprise: Ryan McGill (Northern, 2019) very good passing and shooting skills for a big guard. Soft touch, ability to knock down the open three off the dribble or catch and shoot. Dominant low post presence in high school, forceful rebounder, impact as shot blocker