QUARTERFINALS

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.

vs.

winner of Central DauphinDallastown

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

CENTRAL DAUPHIN vs. DALLASTOWN

Michael Pilsitz

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

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

60D228CE-52C3-4EBC-B310-0DA33495F7FAPhil 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

97F5A68D-3B85-4F53-9F3E-16A11C248D12The 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

C70DE8C1-FFEC-4AAB-8098-4A4A592385BACoach 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)

7B247649-7DE3-4A92-980E-A4DAA1E23400Coach 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

865D35C2-FE4A-458D-B001-92A7A6954C07BeCaHi’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

1C5912DE-B818-4444-984F-2814D5D90A6FThe 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)

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

17.   St. Joe’s Prep  (Philadelphia)

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

18.   Erie

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

19.   Penn Hills

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

20.   Coatesville

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

21.   Malvern Prep

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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)

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

 23.   Emmaus

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12/9 @Cardinal O’Hara

 

24.   Mars

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Games: 12/8 @Avonworth

25.   Northeastern  (Manchester)

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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

PREP SCENE SUPER25

PENNSYLVANIA STATE RANKINGS

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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).

15.   Martin Luther King  (Philadelphia)

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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)

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17.   St. Joe’s Prep  (Philadelphia)

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18.   Penn Hills  (Penn Hills)

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 19.   Coatesville  (Coatesville)

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 20.   Roman Catholic  (Philadelphia)

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 21.   Emmaus  (Emmaus)

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 22.   Harrisburg  (Harrisburg)

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 23.   Mars  (Mars)

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 24.   Haverford School  (Haverford)

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25.   Northeastern  (Manchester)

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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

Luis Risquez, 2020

First Love Academy

NY Jayhawks

6-9  Forward

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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

Kimber Memorial Shootout
Photo courtesy of pennlive

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 Carlisles 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:

Philly Skyline

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

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