Games of the Day 12/17

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PLACE TO BE TODAY… #BESCENE

Central PA

Reading, PA

Non-League

7:30

HM. Chester Clippers

VS.

#15. Reading Red Knights

The Chester Clippers (3-0) sail into Reading, PA undefeated having beaten Lancaster McCaskey, Newark, and Bayard Rustin. This is the first road test for the HM Clippers. The Reading Red Knights ranked 8th are 3-0 in state, their only loss to St Johns (DC) and have also beat McCaskey along with Williamsport & Overbrook. Unlike, Chester who needed a late game rally to pull off the win, Reading dominated the contest from the jump ball. Now throw all of that information out the window, when these two teams meet there are bound to be plenty of surprises. Reading is lead by ’21 Denim Adams (6-5), Jose “Choco” Brea, Joey Chapman, ’22 Daniel Alcantara (6-4), ’22 Ermil Fleurinvil (6-4), ’21 Moro Osumaro . The Clippers players to watch are ’21 Karell Watkins, Akeem Taylor, Zahmir Carroll (6-5), Rahmee Gilbert.

Eastern PA

Simon Gratz & St. Joe’s Prep

Phila. Public League

3:30

Simon Gratz Bulldogs

vs.

#13. Imhotep Panthers

Phila. Catholic League

3:45

HM. Archbishop Ryan Raiders

VS.

HM. St. Joe’s Prep Hawks

Simon Gratz is 6-0 and #13. Imhotep Charter is 2-2 with two out of state losses. Both schools have defeated William Penn Charter (Philadelphia). Imhotep by 13, 78-65 and Gratz by 3, 71-68. Imhotep is the crowned jewel of the Philadelphia Pub, a crown that Gratz held for years. Imhotep is led by Big man 6-7 Notre Dame Commit Elijah Taylor 22′ Khalif Crawley and Sami Wylie and a bunch of underclassman Ronny Raphael, Rahmir Barno & Justin Edwards Gratz is led by ‘20 5-11 Combo guard Yassir Stover 18 PPG and ‘20 6-5 Ross Carter 12 PPG and Eddie Harris.

At St Joe’s Prep, two PREP SCENE Honorable Mention teams will square off in an early season league contest with major implications. It is never two early to talk about the Palestra in the PCL, the leagues depth is unparalleled across the state and arguably across the nation. Archbishop Ryan (4-1) is lead by Division I recruit’s ‘21 Aaron Lemon-Warren who just tossed in 34 for the Raiders against HM Malvern Prep and 6-4 ‘20 Lithuanian Gediminas Mokseckas along with Dominic Vasquez,… The Hawks start the season 5-0 with thei last win against Palumbo by a score of 103-72, Mike Keenan had 24 points and Brian Geatens finished with 20 points. . SJP is led by 6’3 PG Trevor Wall and and 6-7 ’21 Chris Tomoasco.

Western PA

Butler, PA

WPIAL AAAAAA

7:30

#8. Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils

VS.

#14. Butler Golden Tornados

Western PA is in for an early Christmas gift, when two of the best offensive scorers in the region square off tonight. 6-3 Jake Hoffman has led #8 Mt. Lebanon to a 4-0 start and he has produced exactly 30 in every contest. On the other side of the ball, you will have PREP SCENE’S preseason Player of the Year and Purdue commit, Ethan Morton leads #14 Butler. This is a must see game with WPIAL AAAAAA implications. Lebo topped 62-57 in the 2019 WPIAL AAAAA Championship game last season. We have a feeling a 2020 date for the title isn’t’ far fetched.

PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE RANKINGS

Posted on by PREP SCENE

December 9, 2019 

PREP SCENE weekly rankings include the entire state of Pennsylvania: 5th year prep schools and high schools, regardless of governing body affiliations.

1.    Scotland Campus

The Knights have scored 100+ twice after a strong showing in The National Prep Showcase, 120, 144 respectively last week against Capital Christian, Bristol Prep (TN). 2020 looks like a two headed race at the top.

W-The Knights play at Mt. Zion (MD) against number #6 and climbing Perkiomen School before hosting Rocktop Academy-TH,

2.  First Love Christian Academy (Washington)

FLCA dropped two close games against elite HS teams at Dematha in the National HS Hoops Festival. 95-87 Rock Creek Christian, 63-60 National Christian (MD). Other’s Wins/Loss columns may look better but with this type of national schedule, First Love could reclaim the top spot on any given week.

Next weekend the Dragons travel to NY for two games and a flight to Nevada for the Tarkanian Classic, Dec 17-19. SAT-in Brooklyn vs Blair Academy (NJ) at the Big North Shootout. Then head to the PSA Cardinal event in the Bronx to take on Putnam Science Academy (CT) on SUN.

3.   Neumann-Goretti  (Philadelphia)

The Philadelphia Catholic League favorite absolutely handled #10. Westtown at the Fred Pickett Classic, leading by and eye opening 20 at one point, in their debut before crushing Lincoln 70-41 in the All City Classic. Did someone say two headed race at the top….hmmmm not so fast say’s South Philly!

The Saints are back in action SAT-at the Diane Mosco Shootout vs. HM Malvern Prep.

4.   Archbishop Wood (Warminster)

Diggins & Stinson combine for 50 in 2019-2020 debut, 71-63 loss to Cornerstone Christian (TX) at the National HS Hoops Festival.

The Philadelphia Catholic League heats up right away TH-as Wood hosts #5. McDevitt before SAT-hosting Virginia Powerhouse Paul VI at their very own The Diane Mosco Shootout.

5. Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote) 

 No longer the new kids on the block, Chavis’ senior laden group opens today against South Philly before SAT-traveling to Warmister for a key PCL match-up with #4. Archbishop Wood.

6.  Perkiomen School (Pennsburg)

The Panthers begin their season 5-0, winning their division at the Westtown/Phelps Tournament going 3-0 with wins over Covenant Prep 70-56, Mercersburg Academy 64-47, West Nottingham Academy 67-56, and then their first Great Atlantic Conference contest 70-59 over host Olympus Prep before taking down Sprinfield Chestnut Hill 68-40.

Perk takes on #1. Scotland Campus W-at Mt. Zion, in the GAC’s Session II of their triple-header series; A game with early, conference title implications.

7. Roman Catholic  (Philadelphia)

The defending Philadelphia Catholic League Champions understands the title usually runs through N’ Broad St. The Cahillites open up the season TH-Lansdale Catholic before participating SAT-in the Diane Mosco Shootout against #9. Methacton.

8.   Westtown (West Chester)

Still, has arguably best starting 5 in the state... but a signature win continues to elude this group after losses to then #1 First Love & #3 Neumann-Goretti. Their are rumblings this group is overvalued still being ranked in the top 10, we are not one of them.

The Moose travel to Peddie on W-and participate in the PSA Cardinal event on S-verse Brewster Academy (NH)

9. Methacton (Eagleville),

The Warriors defeated previously ranked Malvern Prep 69-60 in their opener.

They go on the road for three straight games this week vs. M-Boyertown, F-Spring-Ford, SAT– at Wood vs #7 Roman Catholic in the Diane Mosco Shootout.

10. McDowell (Erie)

The Trojans began the season 1-1, losing to 13x Ohio State Champ Benedictine HS before defeating Cleveland ISA 86-32, in the Marsha Marsh Roundball consolation game.

McDowell is back in action F & SAT, vs Erie High and Bethel Park.

11.   Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

The Panthers are Taylor-made to win the Philadelphia Public League again opening the season with a 45 point drubbing of Paul Robeson.

Tep takes the court again next F-in Virginia against St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (VA).

12. Lincoln Park (Midland)

Lincoln Park is 2-0 after the first weekend with wins over Blackhawk 75-53 and Hickory 76-63.

Lincoln Park plays again W-at Riverside before F-taking on The Village Charter (FL) in the Elks Holiday Classic.

13. Cheltenham

Cheltenham leaves out of the opening weekend at 2-0, with wins over Northeast 106-57 and Executive Charter 75-63.

The Panthers are Home both games next week verse W-Penn Wood and F-Upper Moreland.

14. Reading

Champions of the Bearcat Classic defeating Williamsport and Overbrook

The Red Knights take on Lancaster McCaskey on W and will participate F-in the Hoop Group Classic at Albright College verses DC Catholic’s St. John’s College HS.

15. Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh)

Lebo sits at 2-0 defeating Obama 81-46, and Altoona 73-36 to win their own Tip-Off Tourney.

The Blue Devil’s first road test is T-at North Allegheny before returning home F.

16. Friends Central (Wynnewood),

The Phoenix opened their 2019-2020 campaign 3-0 with wins over Pennington School 68-57, Haverford 43-41, Episcopal Academy 54-31.

Friends Central is back in action T-against and W–at Church Farm before playing Math Civics & Sciences S in the Play By PLay Classic.

17. Hill School (Pottstown)

The Blues have 2 losses at Phelps 62-53 and to Olympus Prep (NJ) 66-57. They have defeated Redemption Academy 67-46, Episcopal Academy 79-37, and most recently William Penn Charter 72-63, popping all 5 starters into double figures. The defending PASIAA Champions, Haverford are at the Hill School on W.

18. Butler

Butler won its own Tip-Off Tourney besting Woodland Hills by 40, 73-33, and then Youngstowns Chaney (OH) 88-73 in the final.

The Tornadoes and PREP SCENE’s Pennsylvania Pre-Season Player of the Year remain home at T-against Plum, before TH-traveling to Youngstown to take on Canton McKinley (OH)

19. Milton Hershey

The Spartan’s pummeled Susquehanna Twp. 80-49 in their much anticipated opener.

They return to action T-verse Mid-Penn conference opponent Camp Hill before going a few miles down the road for the “Chocalate-town” rivalry game against Hershey on SAT.

20. Upper St. Clair

USC defeated Seneca Valley 77-52 before claiming their Tip-Off Championship easily beating a solid HM Allderdice team 74-61.

The Panthers host HM Pine-Richland-T, and then go on the road F-at Peters Township.

21. West Catholic

The Burrs defeats Constitution in convincing fashion 77-51, putting together a 54-18 second half.

Next up is another Philly Pub opponent in T– Sankofa

22. Penn Hills

The Indians took down HM Pine-Richland 66-55.

Penn Hills continues play with three games this week M-Perry Traditional Academy, TH-at Fox Chapel, before heading to New Castle S-for “Clash.” against HM Highlands

23. Coatesville

Scrimmages aside, a Brickus-Dupree backcourt will win you a lot of games. The Red Raiders begin the season with a pair of road games TH-at Bishop Shanahan and S-at Bensalem.

24. West Chester East,

The Vikings went into State College and won the Skip Coleman Classic with an overtime victory over North Catholic 76-68 and a 74-60 victory over the host.

East takes the court this week T-verse Bartrum and TH-at Downingtown East

25.   Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)

After first look, Kennedy Catholic will have a lot of challengers gunning for their throne. Winning should hold true to form as the Golden Eagles win Marcino his 218th game 81-52 over Nicholas (NY) at the Kiski Showcase.

Kennedy travels to Ohio on W-to take on Spire Academy before returning back to PA for the PREP SCENE Games of the Day @ New Castle’s “Clash” verse HM Vencentian Academy.

Honorable Mentions:

Aliquippa, Allderdice, Allentown Central Catholic, Archbishop Carroll (Radnor), Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia), Central York, Chambersburg, Executive Charter (Allentown) Freedom (Bethlehem) Highlands (Natrona Heights), Pennridge (Perkaise), Malvern Prep, Math Civic & Science (Philadelphia), Mercersburg Academy, New Castle, Phelps (Malvern), Pine-Richland (Gibsonia), St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia), Trinity (Camp Hill), Vincentian (Pittsburgh), ______________, ______________.

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Fred Pickett Classic: Lower Merion v. Abington

Scholastic Play By Play

Lower Merion Aces prevail

The Lower Merion Aces punched three player into double figures during their 66-55 victory at the Fred Pickett Classic. Freshman, Sam Brown (’23) tossed in a game high 18 points, James Simples – 12 points, Eli Rothman – 10 points. Nine of Brown’s points came in the, stage setting, 19-10 first quarter. Abington was paced by Robert Bell‘s 15. However, despite a 22 point 4th quarter, the Galloping Ghost could not overcome their dismal performance at the FT line, shooting just 9-20 for the game.

Players for your future lists:

Sam Brown ’23 – Lower Merion

Brown came out the gates electric, brought a real energy to the gym with the long ball. Cooled down, shooting 1-6 the next three quarters from deep. Good looks-they just did not fall. Sam showed poise and understanding late in 4th, in a two possession game… being crowded on the catch… making a skilled move out of the triple-threat, strong into the lane, finishing in traffic. Fundamentally sound and room to grow but the foundations have been laid for future success. #SCENE

Demetrius Lilley ’22 – Lower Merion

The 6-7 Lilley was active around the rim, he scored 4 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. The Sophomore’s sheer size makes tracking the young man’s progression obvious. He will need to work on foot speed and core strength to maximize his full potential. His rubber band has not even begun to stretch. How far it stretches will be determined by his work-ethic and commitment – Stay Tuned, the answer is closer than it appears. #SCENE

Robert Bell, ’21 Abington

Bell was consistent in each quarter running the team from the point guard position. His 15 point effort was work-man like. He defended, applies a lot of pressure on the ball for his team. He has the ability to force turnovers, strong finishing at the rim. Demonstrated ability to knock down the long ball. Worth tracking for small college.

Caleb Baker ’21 – Abington

Baker scored 9 in the second half. most impressive was his determination, leadership and winning mentality when faced with adversity. This kid is a winner regardless the outcome of yesterday’s event. Very solid athlete, defended and allowed the game to come to him. No wasted energy. If I am at a small college, I am inquiring about the 6-2/6-3 kid that did all the little things.

    Coming up Monday:

    Neumann-Goretti – Westtown

    Methacton – Malvern Prep

    Games of the Day 12/7

    Posted on by PREP SCENE

    PLACE TO BE TODAY… #BESCENE

    Central PA

    Lower Dauphin & Manhein Twp

    LD Tip-Off

    1:00 LD vs. Lampeter Strasburg

    2:30 Central Dauphin vs. Warwick

    &

    Manheim Twp Tip-Off

    6:00 Hazleton. vs. Elizabethtown

    7:30 Manheim Twp. vs. Central York

    Eastern PA

    Chester

    Fred Pickett Classic

    Play by Play

    12:00 Pennsbury – Archbishop Carroll

    1:45 Abington – Lower Merion

    3:30 Methacton – Malvern Prep

    5:15 St. Benedict’s – Math, Civ. & Sciences

    7:00 Westtown – Neumann-Goretti

    8:30 Chester – Lancaster McCaskey

    Western PA

    Hempfield

    Hempfield Tourney

    12:30 McKeesport – Jeanette

    2:00 Belle Vernon -Penn Trafford

    3:30 Greensburg Salem – Franklin

    5:00 North Allegheny – Hempfield

    OR

    Lincoln Park

    Lincoln Park Hall of Fame

    2:00 Sto-Rox vs.  Sewickley Academy

    3:30 Sharpsville vs.  Quaker Valley

    5:00 Blackhawk vs. Beaver Falls

    6:30 Pine-Richland vs. Penn Hills

    8:00 Hickory vs. Lincoln Park

    National High School Hoops Festival

    1:45

    Cornerstone Christian (TX)

    Archbishop Wood

    3:30

    Bishop Walsh (MD)

    First Love

    Dematha Catholic, MD


    1:45 PM – ARCHBISHOP WOOD (PA) VS CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN (TX)

    Archbishop Wood is led by Coach John Mosco heading into their first game of the 2019-20 schedule on the national scene. They’ve got a number of Division I prospects in their rotation in 2021s guard Rahsool Diggins, guard Jaylen Stinson, wing Daeshon Shepherd, and forward Muneer Newton.  They’ve also got some All-State football players in the rotation in 2022 Andrew Mchugh (First Team) and 2021 Rob Jackson (Second Team). Diggins holds 17 offers from  Florida, VA Tech, Xavier, Penn State, Wake Forest, St Joes, Rutgers, DePaul, Saint Louis, St. Bonaventure, Lasalle +.  Stinson holds over 10 offers from programs at the next level. They’ll be a burden for Cornerstone Christian (TX) in this one.

    Cornerstone Christian is led by 2022 four-star shooting guard Tre White who is already committed to Kansas. He’s a highly-skilled 6-foot-5 shooter with nice length that allows him to get to the rim with ease.  In the frontcourt  is five-star Junior big man Jerrell Colbert who is a double-double guy that can block shots at the rim at volume and projects as a future McDonald’s All American. 2020 forward Jordan Wood provides strength and rebounding alongside Colbert . Then they’ve got 2022s Austin Nunes and 6-foot-6 guard Christian Green, two other prospects being pursued by college programs already.


    3:30 PM – FIRST LOVE ACADEMY (PA) VS ROCK CREEK CHRISTIAN (MD)

    First Love Academy got a big performance from Penn State D.J. Gordon this past weekend at Holiday Hoopsgiving. He scored 19.5 points per game between both games and was an All-Tournament selection. Duquesne commit Jett Roesing is another scorer that can fill it up, especially from behind the arc.  He knocked down five 3-pointers this past weekend at Holiday Hoopsgiving. Isaiah Wilson is another guard in their backcourt headed to Richmond. 2020 forward Damanni Browne was a double-double machine at Holiday Hoopsgiving. Mason Manning is another name to watch for with his ability to knock down 3-pointers and set up teammates for baskets.

    DeLonnie Hunt is a lead guard at Rock Creek Christian Academy due for a breakout season. He’s had a bit of change of scenery in his final two seasons but after playing in the WCAC, he’s adjusted well in a new conference. He can play above the rim with his growing athleticism and score in bunches from anywhere on the floor. Hunt and company won last year’s Capital Beltway Athletic Association and return as early favorites in 2019-20. He currently holds offers from Bryant, UMBC, Binghamton and South Alabama. James Gross Jr. is an electric small forward prospect that can play multiple roles on the floor. He’s a smooth operator off the catch-and-shoot 3 and is aggressive attacking the rim off the dribble. Willie Riveria is a star coming up the ranks in the 2022 class ranking in the top 10 shooting guards in DC-Maryland ranks.

    Dimingus Stevens has already been a huge addition to Bishop Walsh School after spending time at Wilson High School in Washington D.C.. He’s a 6-foot-5 prospect that can find his rhythm on the 3-point line then blaze past the defense for a dunk above the rim. He does well to get his shot off, especially in the open floor, and is set to make waves at Seton Hall at the college level. 2020 forward Wilson Ramabu has emerged as a rebounding machine and shot-blocker in the early going. He’s a prospect to watch in the frontcourt.  (-excerpt from Big Shots Preview I)

    Pennsylvania Prospect Pipelines – Imhotep Charter
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