The Skinny: Hot winter nights on the lake were provided by this bunch. Star power and grit make it easy to imagine their GPS set for Hershey, PA.
Top Performers: 6’7 Will Jeffries, 6-6 Jaedan Jefferson, 6’2 Max Paris
The Skinny: One through five, show me more talent. The Pennsylvania Independent School State Champions were a force in 2020. On any given night.
Top Performers: 7’0 Derrick Lively II, 6’11 Franck Kepnang, 6’8 Noah Collier, 6’5 Jalen Warley, 6’4 Wade Chiddick, 6’4 Tyler Berger.
PREP SCENE weekly rankings include the entire state of Pennsylvania: 5th year prep schools and high schools, regardless of governing body affiliations. Our next rankings is in two weeks (January 5th, 2020).
The Skinny: PREP SCENE will be bringing back it first statewide rankings since the global pandemic occurred for the 2022-2023 season.
Early Vote Getters: Keystone Academy, First Love, Imhotep, Nuemann Goretti, Scotland, Phelps, George, Roman Catholic, Archbishop Ryan, Pittsburg Central Catholic, Reading, Parkland, Trinity
The Skinny: Coach Arrigale possesses the weapons and championship pedigree to beat anyone in the state, including 5th year prep schools in a one and done situation. Very hard call to not have a co-number 1 in 2020.
Top Performers: 6’1 Hysier Miller, 6’7 Chaz Evans, 5’10 Hakim Byrd, 6’2 Chris Evans, 6’7 Blaise Vespe, 6’6 Cameron Young, 6’8 Jordan Hall
Wood’s 4 game stint in Hawaii at Iolani Classic culminated in a 3-1 record and 5th place finish. The Vikings defeated Moanalua (HI) 73-38, before losing to Wasatch (WA) 89-77. They won both consolation games, over Garfield (WA) 75-70, and Mt Vernon (NY) 86-68.
The Skinny: First Love played a national prep schedule, arguably the toughest in the entire state. This group was talented and hard to beat when at full strength.
Top Performers: 5’11 Isaiah Wilson, 6’6 DJ Gordon 6’2 Mason Manning, 6’7 Jahijah Grant, 6’2 Olsen Nicholson, 6’10 Madior Seye, 6’4 Jett Roesing, Kymahni Bent.
McDevitt defeated Palmetto (FL) 47-45 at the “King of the Bluegrass, in Kentucky,” before losing to Ballard (KY) 69-63. The Lancers also lost to Madisonville (KY) 64-58.
The Skinny: One through five, show me more talent. The Pennsylvania Independent School State Champions were a force in 2020. On any given night.
Top Performers: 7’0 Derrick Lively II, 6’11 Franck Kepnang, 6’8 Noah Collier, 6’5 Jalen Warley, 6’4 Wade Chiddick, 6’4 Tyler Berger.
The Skinny: Roman showed their might and determination making it to the PCL finals before falling to NG. Coach Griffin’s squad had a date I’m Hershey, PA in mid March.
Top Performers: 6’1 Lynn Greer III, 5’10 Xavier Brown, 7’0 Jalen Duren, 6’5 Justice Williams, Quadir Brown.
McDowell won three straight games in Orlando at the KSA events behind 108 points for ’21 Will Jeffress . The Trojans took down West Orange (FL) in OT 76-73, Jeffress dropped 41 after forcing the extra session. He then threw in 39 points in a lopsided 74-27 contest, before scoring 28 in a 52-35 win over Melbourne (FL).
The Skinny: The sleeper in the wide open 6A field has the poise and style to punish opponents. Offensive weapons all over the floor make them a tough out!
Top Performers: 6’9 Jeff Woodward, 6’4 Erik Timko, Owen Kropp, Brett Eberly, Brett Byrne, Ryan Baldwin.
The Skinny: Cheltenham has continued to rise to the occasion all season long, and the post season is no different. Tough out 4sure.
Top Performers: 6’4 Jaelen McGlone, 6’4 Sean Emfinger, 6’1 J. Moore
The Skinny: Gatorade player of the year and favorite for the PREP SCENE POY has shown his ability to put the Tornado’s on his back when it counts. Bracket’s are made for stars and their is non bigger in any classification.
Top Performers: 6’6 Ethan Morton 6’2 Mattrix Clement
The Red Raiders 6-0 after defeating two SUPER 25 teams and Downingtown West 66-58, #20 West Chester East and #25 Reading High 69-42 at Unionville HS.
The Panthers begin their season 7-2, with wins over Covenant Prep 70-56, Mercersburg Academy 64-47, West Nottingham Academy 67-56, Olympus Prep 70-59 and Sprinfield Chestnut Hill 68-40, before eventually losing to #1. Scotland Campus at Mt. Zion, in the GAC’s Session II of their triple-header series 96-62 and NJ powerhouse Blair Academy.
The Skinny: Guards win at any level, and you will have to look far and wide to find a better one in the state of PA. Mitchell leads a disciplined offense that looks to bring Berks County Gold!
Top Performers: 6’2 Stevie Mitchell, 6’4 Evan Timochenko
The Skinny: Forthcoming…
Top Performers: 6’6 Joshua Parra, 6’7 Ahvon Cross, 6’0 Ka’ron George, Nate Boyd
Top Performers: 6’4 Andre Wilder, 6’0 Isaiah Smith, 6’0 Johnnie Bryant, 6’5 Montae Reddix, 6’5 Daquan Bradford
Upcoming Games: 1/24 7:00 PM @ New Brighton, 1/26 4:30 PM Kennedy Catholic
MCS is 5-1 with its only loss to NJ powerhouse St. Benedict’s Prep at the Fred Pickett Classic. The Mighty Elephants have posted wins over Pottsville, Constitution and #22 Friends’ Central, along with Philadelphia and at NY powerhouse Lincoln (s) 72-64 and 82-77 respectively.
Top Performers: 6’6 Ike Herster,
Upcoming Games: 1/24 L 65-53 @ #8 McDowell
The Vikings are 6-1 after going into State College and winning the Skip Coleman Classic, besting Bartrum, Downingtown East. and Academy of New Church. Future Delaware Blue Hen, Andrew Carr went for 40 points against ANC. However, they did lose to #12 Coatesville 64-40.
Fox Chapel begins the season at 5-0 with wins over Hampton, Bethel Park, Woodland Hills, #23 Penn Hills and Seneca Valley.
Carroll has posted wins over Pennbury, Bayard Rustin, Wilkes-Barre, and previously ranked West Catholic in the early part of the season to remain undefeated.
The Indians are 5-1 taking down Pine-Richland 66-55, Highlands 84-69 and Perry Traditional Academy 72-32, Gateway 77-61, and Laurel Highlands 74-71 in 2 OT’s. Their only blemish to date is stumbling at #21 Fox Chapel.
After losing their first game of the season at #15 Wilson, the Red Rovers have ran off five straight wins over Louis E. Dieruff, William Allen, Liberty and Freedom, Quakertown.
Top Performers: 6’8 Elijah Taylor, Sam Wylie,
Freedom (Bethlehem)
Friends Central (Wynnewood)
Hill School (Pottstown)
Upper St. Clair
West Catholic (Philadelphia)
Aliquippa
Allderdice
Allentown Central Catholic
Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia)
Bishop Guilfoyle (Altoona)
Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg)
Brentwood (Pittsburgh)
Cedar Cliff (Camp Hill)
Central York
Chester
Crestwood (Mountain Top)
Cumberland Valley (Mechanicburg)
Executive Charter (Allentown)
Gettysburg
Highlands (Natrona Heights)
Johnstown
Kiski Prep
Malvern Prep
Mercersburg Academy
New Castle
Parkland (Allentown)
Phelps (Malvern)
Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)
Simon Gratz (Philadelphia)
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia)
St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia)
Trinity (Camp Hill)
Vincentian (Pittsburgh)
______________
______________
Previous HM: Chambersburg, Constitution
Our opener on Day 2 of the 2019 Chad Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass featured a pair of talented out-of-state opponents with Palmetto of Miami, FL taking on Bishop McDevitt of Wyncote, PA. The Royal Lancers of Bishop McDevitt, who came into the event ranked 66th in the nation in the MaxPreps 2019-20 Preseason Top 100, held on to advance in their first KOB appearance.
The opening quarter was dominated by the Bishop McDevitt defense as the Royal Lancers held Palmetto to 2/12 shooting with the Panthers going scoreless for the first 4:30 of the game. Bishop McDevitt would miss their last five shot of the quarter though leading 9-4. A Robert Smith dunk extended the Lancers lead to 13-4 two minutes in the second quarter. Marcos Molina’s 3-pointer just over mid-way through the quarter pulled Palmetto within 6 points at 17-11, but they couldn’t get any closer in the opening half. The final three minutes of the half were all Bishop McDevitt as a 5-1 run sent them to the break leading 22-12.
Jordan Lopez was on fire to open the second half with scoring nine points as part of a 13-2 run for Palmetto to cut the Lancers lead to 26-25 with 3:25 remaining the third quarter. Shamir Mosley’s bucket a minute later extended the Bishop McDevitt lead back to 30-25. A Josnel Aloma three-pointer in the closing seconds of the quarter pulled Palmetto back to within 31-32. The Bishop McDevitt lead grew back to as many as five points early in the fourth quarter before another Panther run that would get as close as one point at 35-36 with 3:45 remaining in the game. Jamil Manigo scored five straight for the Royal Lancers to extend the Bishop McDevitt lead back to 41-35 with 2:30 remaining in the game. A 3-pointer by Kentron Poitier got things going for Palmetto cutting the lead to 41-39 with two minutes to play. Joel Aloma’s old-fashion three-point play with 12.8 seconds remaining capped a 5-0 Palmetto run to tie the game for the first time at 45-45. The Royal Lancers’ Jamil Manigo connected on a baseline jumper and was fouled with 2.5 seconds remaining putting Bishop McDevitt ahead by the final margin of victory at 47-45.
Jamil Manigo led the way for Bishop McDevitt earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors with 13 points. Robert Smith added 10 points for the Royal Lancers. Palmetto’s Jordan Lopez led all scorers with 14 points and Joel Aloma added 13 points for the Panthers.
We opened our quarterfinal Saturday with an exciting matchup between No. 6 Ballard and Bishop McDevitt of Wyncote, PA. It was the Bruins of Kentucky cruising to their 61st all-time KOB victory with a dominant performance from the opening minute of play.
Bishop McDevitt took their only lead of the game on the opening possession with a quick 3-pointer by Robert Smith. The Ballard defense would hold the Royal Lancers scoreless for the next four minutes as they taking the lead on an early basket by Maker Bar. The Bruins took control with a 9-4 run over the next three minutes building a 13-7 lead. The two teams would exchange 4-0 runs before the quarter break with Ballard leading 17-11. Justin Buford’s three-pointer less than a minute into the second quarter extended Ballard’s lead to 22-11. Behind five points from Quin Gilyard, part of a 9-3 Bishop McDevitt run, the Royal Lancers got as close as 6 points in the final minute of the half.
Bishop McDevitt’s Robert Smith opened the second half with a hot hand connecting on a pair of 3-pointers to pull the Royal Lancers as close as 32-35. A 14-5 Ballard run put the Bruins back firmly in control at 49-37 late in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Bishop McDevitt slowly chip away at the Ballard lead getting as close as 7 points on numerous occasions, but the Bruins connected on 5-of-7 free throws late in the game to keep them in control. A pair of late missed free throws by Ballard let Bishop McDevitt cut the final margin of victory to 69-63.
Jack Edelen led Ballard with a team-high 17 points earning Central Bank Player of the Game honors. The Bruins got 13 points and 10 points respectively from Gabe Sisk and Lewis Richards. Robert Smith led Bishop McDevitt with a game-high 22 points. Jamil Manigo added 15 points and 6 rebounds for the Royal Lancers.
The Skinny: Coach Arrigale possesses the weapons and championship pedigree to beat anyone in the state, including 5th year prep schools in a one and done situation. Very hard call to not have a co-number 1 in 2020.
Top Performers: 6’1 Hysier Miller, 6’7 Chaz Evans, 5’10 Hakim Byrd, 6’2 Chris Evans, 6’7 Blaise Vespe, 6’6 Cameron Young, 6’8 Jordan Hall
CLASS 6A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No. 10 Mount Lebanon.
Checked out: No. 10 William Allen.
Others to watch: Allderdice (8) 3-1; Bensalem (1) 4-1; Bethel Park (7) 2-3; Bethlehem Freedom (11) 4-0; Cedar Crest (3) 4-0; Central Bucks West (1) 4-0; Central Dauphin East (3) 2-0; Central York (3) 3-1; Chambersburg (3) 4-1; Chester (1) 3-0; Cumberland Valley (3) 4-0; Dallastown (3) 3-2; East Stroudsburg South (11) 5-0; Easton (11) 3-1; Exeter (3) 4-0; Father Judge (12) 3-1; Fox Chapel (7) 5-0; Garnet Valley (1) 3-0; George Washington (12) 4-1; Governor Mifflin (3) 4-0; Harrisburg (3) 1-1; Haverford (1) 4-0; Lower Merion (1) 2-1; Olney (12) 4-1; Pennridge (1) 4-0; Pine-Richland (7) 2-2; Reading (3) 3-1; Simon Gratz (12) 6-0; Souderton (1) 4-0; St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 5-0; Upper St. Clair (7) 3-1; Warwick (3) 3-1; William Allen (11) 2-2.
CLASS 5A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No. 7 Crestwood.
Checked out: No. 5 Pottsville.
Others to watch: Blue Mountain (11) 3-0; Cardinal O’Hara (12) 4-0; Cathedral Prep (10) 3-0; Cedar Cliff (3) 4-0; Chartiers Valley (7) 1-2; Dallas (2) 3-1; Elizabethtown (3) 1-3; Gettysburg (3) 3-0; Great Valley (1) 4-1; Hollidaysburg (6) 5-0; Johnstown (6) 2-0; Meadville (10) 4-0; Muhlenberg (3) 4-0; New Oxford (3) 4-1; Northern York (3) 3-1; Penncrest (1) 3-1; Pottsville (11) 1-2; Radnor (1) 5-0; Shaler (7) 3-1; Shippensburg (3) 3-1; Trinity (7) 3-1; Wallenpaupack (2) 3-0; York (3) 3-1; York Suburban (3) 4-1.
CLASS 4A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No. 8 Bonner-Prendergast and No. 9 Tyrone.
Checked out: No. 6 Bethlehem Catholic and No. 9 Nanticoke.
Others to watch: Bethlehem Catholic (11) 2-3; Central Martinsburg (6) 4-0; Central Valley (7) 0-0; Danville (4) 3-1; Elco (3) 3-1; Knoch (7) 2-1; Lancaster Catholic (3) 2-1; Montoursville (4) 2-0; Nanticoke (2) 1-3; Octorara (3) 3-1; Overbrook (12) 2-4; Quaker Valley (7) 3-0; Scranton Prep (2) 2-1; Shamokin (4) 4-0; Tunkhannock (2) 4-1; Uniontown (7) 3-0; Valley View (2) 3-1.
CLASS 3A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No. 8 Loyalsock and No. 9 West Catholic.
Checked out: No. 5 Wyoming Seminary and No. 9 Dunmore.
Others to watch: Aliquippa (7) 1-1; Beaver Falls (7) 3-1; Columbia (3) 2-3; Dunmore (2) 2-1; Ellwood City (7) 4-1; Franklin (10) 4-0; High School of the Future (12) 3-1; Holy Redeemer (2) 1-2; Hughesville (4) 4-0; Lakeland (2) 3-1; Ligonier Valley (6) 4-2; McGuffey (7) 4-0; Mercyhurst Prep (10) 3-1; Mid Valley (2) 2-1; Mount Carmel (4) 4-0; New Hope-Solebury (1) 3-1; Riverside (2) 2-1; Science Leadership-Beeber (12) 3-1; Seton-La Salle (7) 3-1; South Allegheny (7) 5-0; Washington (7) 2-0; West Shamokin (6) 4-0; Westmont Hilltop (6) 3-0; Wyoming Seminary (2) 1-2.
CLASS 2A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No. 7 Steelton-Highspire and No. 9 Shenango.
Checked out: No. 7 Delco Christian and No. 9 Wilmington.
Others to watch: Antietam (3) 2-1; Brentwood (7) 4-0; Coudersport (9) 2-0; Delco Christian (1) 2-2; Dock Mennonite (1) 3-1; Laurel (7) 4-1; Mahanoy Area (11) 3-1; Marian Catholic (11) 3-0; Millersburg (3) 5-0; Millville (4) 3-1; Ridgway (9) 3-0; Riverview (7) 4-1; Rocky Grove (10) 4-1; Schuylkill Haven (11) 3-1; Springdale (7) 5-0; Sto-Rox (7) 2-2; Wyalusing Valley (4) 4-0.
CLASS 1A
No. School Rec Prev
Checked in: No one.
Checked out: No one.
Others to watch: Chester Charter (1) 3-1; Eden Christian (7) 3-1; Geibel Catholic (7) 4-0; Halifax (3) 3-0; Leechburg (7) 4-1; Lititz Christian (3) 3-0; Mount Calvary (3) 4-1; Nazareth Prep (7) 3-2; North Clarion (9) 4-0; North Penn-Liberty (4) 3-1; Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (11) 3-1; Saltsburg (6) 4-1; Southern Fulton (5) 2-1; Sullivan County (4) 4-0; The Christian Academy (1) 4-1; Union Area (7) 3-1; Union-Rimersburg (9) 3-1.
Email comments to michaelbullock1960@gmail.com. Follow Bullock on Twitter @thebullp_n.
Reading, PA
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.
Simon Gratz & St. Joe’s Prep
Simon Gratz Bulldogs
vs.
#13. Imhotep Panthers
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.
Butler, PA
#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.
Who are they… Can any of them compete for the top spot in 2020? Click here to find out.
PREP SCENE weekly rankings include the entire state of Pennsylvania: 5th year prep schools and high schools, regardless of governing body affiliations.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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), ______________, ______________.
That’s when Freedom (2-0) woke up and responded with a 15-2 streak of its own to regain momentum. Senior guard Malek Mims tallied 11 of those points, including the final 2 on a tip-in, making the score 41-34 with 30 seconds left in the third…
Malek Mims finished with 15 points. His twin brother, Caleb, had 19 and senior forward David Barnes registered 13.
-Kyle Craig | lehighvalleylive.com
-Bucks County Courier Times
-Tom Sixeas | Times Sports Writer
“Gettysburg and New Oxford could end up being two of the best teams in the Times Area this season in boys basketball.”
*We’ll expand that to “two of the better teams in the entire District III” #BESCENE 👁 G-Quadir Copeland, NO-Abdul Jennah
A half time deficit didn’t sit well with Karell Watkins
Watkins scored 17 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to go with 12 rebounds as Chester rallied past McCaskey, 54-46, at the Fred Pickett Classic.
Matthew De George | papreplive.com
PIAA runner-up Trinity blasted York Catholic in the season opener 92-52 behind 10 3-pointers, five of them from Aley Zangari. Division I recruit Chance Westry led with 20 points, aided by Westry’s 18. Marcus Beckett added 11.
Cumberland Valley impressed with a second straight win beating North Penn 59-49 to win the Hershey Tip-Off Tournament behind Harris Vorwald’s 23 points. The Eagles dropped seven 3s, and Max Krevsky pitched in 13 points. Vorwald was named MVP, and Sam Sherry (eight points Saturday) was named to the all-tournament team.
-Sentinel Staff
Fritz scored nine of his team’s 14 points in overtime to lead Marian to a 64-60 win over Jim Thorpe in the season opener for both teams.
The home crowd really motivated me,” said Fritz, who scored a game high 33 points on the night.
-Rich Strack | tnsports.com
The Wilkes-Barre Area era of boys basketball officially began Friday night as the Wolfpack won the first game of the new program’s history with a 68-44 drubbing of Delaware Valley.
Paul Sokoloski – psokoloski@timesleader.com
In boys basketball Saturday, Loyalsock defeated Whitehall, 83-71. Tournament MVP Aiden Gair scored a team-high 41 points including eight treys.
-Staff Reporter | Williamsport Sun Gazette
“Cathedral Prep’s Alfonso Pickens scored 18 points for Prep in win over Lake Catholic (OH)” –Erie Times
Shamokin boys basketball beat Mahanoy Area in the championship game of its annual tip-off tournament on Saturday night, 62-56.
The Indians were led by Joey Masser and Mason Filarski offensively. Masser was able to knock down 10 field goals and added four at the free throw line to score a total of 24 points. Filarski tallied 19 and hit three 3-pointers in the contest.
-Staff Reporter | newsitem.com
