PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE RANKINGS

Posted on by PREP SCENE

January 19, 2020 

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

1.    WHO WILL BE IN THE FIELD

( Who’s 1)

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

2.   Neumann-Goretti  (Philadelphia)

(Previously 2)

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

4.   Archbishop Wood (Warminster)

(Previously 3)

The Skinny: Mosco had all the pieces in place to hoist the golden ball in ChocolateTown USA again in 2020. Possibly the only way to stop Diggins and company in the 5A bracket was a PIAA shutdown.

Top Performers: 6’4 Marcus Randolph, 6’3 Rahsool Diggins, 5’11 Jalen Stinson, 6’4 M. Newton, 6’5 Daeshon Shepherd, 6’5 R. Jackson.

3.  First Love Christian Academy (Washington)

(Previously 4)

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.

5.   Westtown (West Chester)

(Previously 6)

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.

6. Roman Catholic  (Philadelphia)

(Previously 7)

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.

7.  Perkiomen School (Pennsburg)

(Previously 14)

The Skinny: Perk has the firepower and defensive fortitude to play with anyone in the state. Strong showing in the GAC has them near the top.

Top Performers: 6’2 Steve Payne, 5’9 Honor Huff, 6’8 Andrew Patnode, 6’5 Gilbert Otoo, 6’7 Cameron Brown, 6’10 Philip Byriel

8. McDowell (Erie)

(LAST WEEK 9)

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

9. Methacton (Eagleville),

(Previously 9)

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.

10. Cheltenham

(Previously 10)

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

11. Butler

(LAST WEEK 18)

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

12. Wilson (West Lawn)

(Previously 15)

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

22. Milton Hershey

(Previously 16)

The Skinny: Forthcoming…

Top Performers: 6’6 Joshua Parra, 6’7 Ahvon Cross, 6’0 Ka’ron George, Nate Boyd

14. Fox Chapel (Pittsburgh)

(Previously 21)

Top Performers: 6’1 Eli Yofan ’22, 6’3 Arnold Vento, 6’1 Sam Brown, JP Dockey, 6’0 Lorenzo Jenkins, 5’10 Shane Susnak, 6’3 Will Livingston, 6’0 Kent Baldauf.

Upcoming Games: 1/24 W 70-46 Hempfield

15. Lincoln Park (Midland)

(Previously 17)

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

13. West Chester East,

(Previously 20)

The Skinny: This Carr is running on all cylinders. Just like the kids say, “All gas, no brakes.”

Top Performers: 6’9 Andrew Carr

17. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor)

(Previously 22)

Top Performers: Dayon Polk, Dean Coleman-Newsome, Anquan Hill, John Camden, Amari Stewart

Upcoming Games: 1/24 W 76-70 @ #6 Roman Catholic, 1/26 2:30 PM @ LaSalle

24.   Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)

(Previously 19)

Top Performers: 6’6 Ike Herster,

Upcoming Games: 1/24 L 65-53 @ #8 McDowell
(Previously 8)

Top Performers: 6’0 Robert Smith, 5’11 Ahmir Harris, 6’9 Alassane Amadou ’22 6’7 Terrell Pitts

Upcoming Games: 1/22 TBD @ St. Joe’s Prep, 1/24 TBD @ Lansdale Catholic

18.   Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

(Previously 20)

Top Performers: 6’8 Elijah Taylor, Sam Wylie,

Previously Ranked-

Freedom (Bethlehem)
Friends Central (Wynnewood)
Upper St. Clair
West Catholic
West Catholic (Philadelphia)
Coatesville
Math Civics Science (Philadelphia)
Reading
Penn Hills (Pittsburgh)
Mt. Lebanon

Honorable Mention:

Allderdice (Pittsburg)

Allentown Central Catholic

Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia)

Bensalem

Bishop Guilfoyle (Altoona)

Brentwood (Pittsburgh)

Cedar Crest (Lebanon)

Central Dauphin (Harrisburg)

Central York

Chester

Crestwood (Mountain Top)

Cumberland Valley (Mechanicburg)

Executive Charter (Allentown)

George School (Newtown)

Gettysburg

Highlands (Natrona Heights)

Johnstown

Kiski Prep (Saltsburg)

Malvern Prep

Martin Luther King (Philadelphia)

Mercersburg Academy

New Castle

Parkland (Allentown)

Penncrest (Media)

Phelps (Malvern)

Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia)

Trinity (Harrisburg)

Vincentian (Pittsburgh)

______________

______________

Previous HM: Chambersburg, Constitution, Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg), New Oxford, Aliquippa, St. Joe’s Prep,

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PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE RANKINGS

Posted on by PREP SCENE

December 22, 2019 

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).

1.    WHO WILL BE IN THE FIELD

( Who’s 1)

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

2.   Neumann-Goretti  (Philadelphia)

(Previously 2)

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

3.   Archbishop Wood (Warminster)

(LAST WEEK 3)

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.

3.  First Love Christian Academy (Washington)

(Previously 4)

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.

5. Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote) 

(LAST WEEK 5)

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.

5.   Westtown (West Chester)

(Previously 6)

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.

6. Roman Catholic  (Philadelphia)

(Previously 7)

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.

8. McDowell (Erie)

(LAST WEEK 9)

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).

9. Methacton (Eagleville),

(Previously 9)

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.

10. Cheltenham

(Previously 10)

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

11. Butler

(LAST WEEK 18)

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

12. Coatesville

(LAST WEEK 18)

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.

19. Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh)

(LAST WEEK HM)

14.  Perkiomen School (Pennsburg)

(LAST WEEK 6)

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.

12. Wilson (West Lawn)

(Previously 15)

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

22. Milton Hershey

(Previously 16)

The Skinny: Forthcoming…

Top Performers: 6’6 Joshua Parra, 6’7 Ahvon Cross, 6’0 Ka’ron George, Nate Boyd

15. Lincoln Park (Midland)

(Previously 17)

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

18. Math Civics Sciences (Philadelphia)

(LAST WEEK 21)

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.

24.   Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)

(Previously 19)

Top Performers: 6’6 Ike Herster,

Upcoming Games: 1/24 L 65-53 @ #8 McDowell

20. West Chester East,

(Last Week #23)

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.

21. Fox Chapel (Pittsburgh)

Fox Chapel begins the season at 5-0 with wins over Hampton, Bethel Park, Woodland Hills, #23 Penn Hills and Seneca Valley.

22. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor)

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.

23. Penn Hills

(LAST WEEK 24)

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.

24. Easton

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.

18.   Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)

(Previously 20)

Top Performers: 6’8 Elijah Taylor, Sam Wylie,

20. Reading

(LAST WEEK HM)

Previously Ranked-

Last Week #22
(Last Week #25
(12/9 #17)
(12/9 #20)
(12/9 #21)

Freedom (Bethlehem)

Friends Central (Wynnewood)

Hill School (Pottstown)

Upper St. Clair

West Catholic (Philadelphia)

Honorable Mention:

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

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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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On the SCENE…

Posted on by PREP SCENE
PREP SCENE

First Love stages dramatic rally in final minutes to take down Westtown.

West Chester, PA

First Love Christian Academy came 300 miles across the Pennsylvania Turnpike and staged a dramatic fourth quarter rally to upend the host school-Westtown, in the Westtown-Phelps Classic. On the road…down a few players, down 13 points with 5 minutes to play, and in desperate need of a stop is where the Knights found themselves.

Westtown was comfortably controlling the game from the onset, ending the first quarter up 7 points, 19-12. The Moose were able to maintain the 7-10 point cushion the entire first half, relying heavily on the three-point shot. The Moose connected on 9 of their 17 first half attempts. The red hot shooting of teammates, Wade Chiddick, all of his 12 points came in the first half on 4-6 shooting and TJ Berger, 12 of his 15 points came in the first half on 4 of 5 shooting, combined for 24 of the 46 at the intermission. With under a minute in the half, First Love did cut the lead to 5, but the two possession game was short lived as Jalen Warley (17 points) connected with Noah Collier (8 points) for an emphatic alley-opp dunk at the buzzer.

First Love was paced in the first half by DJ Gordon’s relentless attacks at the rim, scoring 11 of his 24 points and Jett Roesing & ’22 Mason Manning’s combined 18 points on 6-8 shooting. Every time Westtown looked like they may stretch the lead beyond 10, one of those three seemed to make a huge play to stop a run.

At the intermission, the Knights committed to encouraging Westtown to go inside to their bigs. Even without 7-0 Madior Seye (DNP) and 6-7 Damani Brown (DNP) in the line-up, they understood they had to extend the defense and force Westtown’s guards to score off the bounce. This was a calculated risk because Westtown can punish you at full strength inside with Franck Kepnang (4 points) and Dereck Lively II (11 points), let alone down bigs. The Knights had to pick their poison and stick to the game plan and that they did!

But even after three, First Love did not win a single quarter. However, their demeanor, presence and most importantly confidence never wavered. This was a high level, back and forth contest and play was intense. The Knights defense was showing a renewed energy and excitement since the break. Coach Wilson’s game plan to extend the defense in the second half limited Westtown to only 2 three point attempts in the third… and look out… The other half of the dynamic duo –Isaiah Wilson was beginning to awaken. The third ended 61-52, the flow of the game changed. Westtown was no longer on pace for 90. In fact they would only score 28 in the second half.

The fourth quarter belonged to Wilson and Gordon. This is when it all started! Down 66-53, and on defense with a little over five minutes to play, the Knights erupted to outscore the Moose 18-4 to close the game. Roesing was the only Knight to score outside of the pair in the period. It was a dagger! Down five points with 1:39 on the clock and ice water in his veins – he nailed an NBA three, catch and shoot from Wilson, forcing a Westtown timeout. The game was a 1 possession game, for the first time since soon after the jump ball.

Phenom Hoop Report

The Iron Clad defense Westtown displayed the night before was now at the mercy of Coach Wilson’s junkyard dog of a point guard. Isaiah Wilson was in complete control. He finished with 10 of his 16 points coming in the final frame. The ‘break you down’ guard did not miss a single shot in the fourth quarter. He was sensational getting into the lane dishing 3 assists and scored it off the bounce. No score was bigger, than the top of the key trifecta that gave the Knights their first lead of the game 69-68. Gordon later made two free-throws giving First Love the 71-68 win in hostile territory.

Check Out the Full Game captured as only Big Star and RawSportsFilms can!!!!