2019-2020 SCHEDULE:
VINCENTIAN ACADEMY
On the 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.
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!!!!
On the SCENE…
Westtown / Phelps Classic Notes:
Payne and Otto too much for Mercersburg Academy
The first game between The Perkiomen School (Pennsburg) and Mercersburg Academy featured a boatload of prospective student-athletes. Perk lead from start to finish in this one, eventually pulling away for the 64-47 victory. Steve Payne (3-6 FG 1-4 3PT 8-9 FT) and Gil Otto (6-8 FG 1-5 3PT 2-2 FT) combined for 34 of the teams 64. Otto poured in 13 of his 17 in the first half, starting the game demonstrating his explosive offensive arsenal. He is lightning quick off of his feet and an absolute monster attacking the rim. Mercersburg Academy trailed at the half 36-27. K Owen scored 8 of his 16 in the first stanza. In the defeat, Quinton Metcalf (15 pts) and AJ Green (8 pts) showcased elite level athleticism, a propensity to defend and a desire to attack. Both demonstrated “WOW” moments with big-time moves from the wing into the lane on the attack. However, this was not enough as Payne’s 8-9 free-throw performance would not allow Mercersburg to claw back into the game in the second half. For the Perk School, Honor Huff was 3-6 from deep for 9 points and William Johnson finished with 7 connecting on 1-4 from downtown. The glue guy was Andrew Patnode (6 pts). Patnodes contribution to the team went well beyond scoring. This kid is a stud, he rebounds it, makes all the hustle plays and defends with a passion. Mercersburg also had solid production from sophomore Chris Watson. Watson did a good job of handling the ball and knocked down the open shot, finishing the game 2-4 from three point territory. Junior Jake Ahlgren scored 9 of his 11 in the 4th period.
West Nottingham defeats Covenant College Prep in Overtime
West Nottingham after being locked at 57’s with Covenant College Prep pulled out the victory 67-64 behind the stellar play of Yan Farell. Farell tossed in 22, non bigger than a late three ball in overtime.
No pollsters needed, Westtown is PA’s Finest this weekend
Kiski Prep (Saltsburg), coming off of an impressive victory over fellow Western PA foe First Love Christian Academy (Washington) the night before, knew they faced a juggernaut in the Westtown (West Chester). The Westtown Moose showed the energy and desire to put this one away early too, after an anti-climatic 10 point victory over RockTop Academy (Philadelphia) the night before. Westtown imposed their will at both ends of the floor. Especially the defensive end! The Moose allowed Kiski only 3 field goal attempts in the paint in the entire first half. The sheer length and athleticism on the defensive end tied Kiski in knots. Kiski Prep’s bright spot was 2020 Noreon Williams (Syracuse, NY), who put on a shooting display, going 6-8 shooting from deep in the first half alone. The rest of the team was 1-8 up to that point and contributed only 5 points collectively. Williams finished with 9 triples and 29 points for the game. Westtown’s imposing 1-2-2 defense rendered it nearly impossible to reverse the ball, penetrate/pass into the lane or garner an open look. The top of the zone featured 6-8 Pitt commit Noah Collier, making reversing the ball and shifting the defense obsolete. The wings 6-5 Jalen Warley (13 pts), 6-4 TJ Berger (19 pts) & 6-4 Wade Chiddick covered and contested everything in sight. But that back line…. WOW, that back line of the defense is where any and all mistakes are erased in a hurry!!! 6-11 Franck Kepnang and 7-0 Dereck Lively II cover the corners, the wings and get back to protect the rim as quick as most kids slide for side to side in the lane!!! Its just different… We recommend you get out and see different while you can. Here is a link to Westtown’s schedule (Click Here)
PENNSYLVANIA STATEWIDE RANKINGS
PREP SCENE’s weekly rankings include the entire state of Pennsylvania: 5th year prep schools and high schools, regardless of governing body affiliations.
Dec. 18th – Dec. 24th, 2017
1. Scotland Campus Sports
With 7-foot-1, 240-pound Bradley-commit Ari Boya, 6-foot-11 UNLV-commit Louis Bangai, and a versatile 6-foot-9 high-major prospect Karim Coulibaly (2019), head coach Chris Chaney has utilized the blend of size, athleticism, and skills to place Scotland Campus Sports in the National conversation, the prep school upper echelon. SCS has leaned heavily on their front-court to remain unbeaten playing older, stronger opponents than your traditional PIAA foes. The backcourt is manned by a slew of college prospects in 6-foot-1 point guard Justice Kendall (2018) and wings Sam Chaput, Tyrone Nesby (Reading High), and Chris Whitaker (Harrisburg High) among others. Scotland holds steady for the third week at number 1, defeating Harcum Junior Colleges’ JV, Olympus Academy and Rocktop Academy Games: Scotland semester has ended and kids return home for the holidays, their next game is 1/11, @Silver Oak Academy (MD).
2. Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)
Kennedy Catholic has been on a terror since play began, opening up the season in mid-season form. KC has been taking down formidable opponents in convincing fashion. Once again receiving a share of first place votes in week 4, but not enough to dethrone SCS. Coach Mancino’s team can score it from all five positions. 2019 Maceo Austin is the engine, his 29 point, 7 rebound, 5 assist performance in an 87-60 win over PREP SCENE HM Sewickley Academy in front of Kentucky skipper John Calipari was impressive. Not to mention teammate Oscar Tshiebwe (2019) provided 29 and 16 himself with 3 blocked shots. Upcoming Games: 12/20 @West Middlesex, 12/22 @Woodrow Wilson (WV).
3. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
Imhotep Charter applies relentless full court pressure on opponents. The pressure starts and ends on the ball with 6-0 Bernard Lightsey (2018) and 5-9 Fatayn Wesley. Tep has the length and defensive fortitude to impose its will on opponents and turn defense into offense. Coach Noble has a host of players up in passing lanes and rigorously contesting every shot-attempt including 6-4 Dahmir Bishop (2019) , 6-6 Jamil Riggins (2019) and 6-6 Chereef Knox (2019) and 6-8 Elijah Taylor (2020). Great teams can beat you in a variety of ways, Tep is no exception. The offense is guided by (2019) 6-7 Point-forward Donta Scott. This week provided wins over Frankford 65-28, PREP SCENE HM Martin Luther King 57-40, and USA TODAY EAST #9 Roselle Catholic (NJ) 56-53. Upcoming Games: 12/19 Audenried, 12/20 PREP SCENE #13 Roman Catholic, 12/22 Gill St. Bernard (NJ).
4. Archbishop Wood (Warminster)
Coach Mosco’s crew had their Friday night game with PREP SCENE HM Overbrook cancelled due to snow on Friday. When they finally took the floor this weekend in the nightcap of the 1st Diane Mosco Foundation Shootout, they did not disappoint with a 57-56 win over PREP SCENE #24 Shipley. 2018 Seth Pinkney brought house down with his lead taking 4th dunk late in the fourth quarter. He also lead with 10 rebounds and 4 block shots. Wood’s balanced attack was lead by 2018 Andrew Funk’s 13 points and 2018 Karrington Wallace’s 12. Upcoming Games: 12/23 PREP SCENE #7 Plymouth-Whitemarsh
5. Westtown (West Chester)
Westtown is a much different team when both Duke and Indiana bound Cameron Reddish & Jake Forrester are on the floor. Seth Berger does not have the bench to sustain the loss of either over the course of a national schedule. Reddish is the do it all 6-9 point guard that single-handedly dominates any game on the schedule. Forrester dominates out in transition, filling lanes on the break, slashing and contests shot after shot on the defensive end. This week included bookend wins over George 63-44 PREP SCENE 2020 Noah Collier had 13 points and 4 rebounds and a 3rd place win over host Bullis (MD), Reddish tossed in 33. The lone loss of the week came at the hands of Episcopal (VA) at Bullis Tourney, 82-62 – Indiana commit Jake Forrester was inactive, out with a sprained ankle but has since returned. Games: 12/21 Prolific Prep in South Carolina.
6. Abington
Coach Grasty troops defeated PREP SCENE #18 Bethlehem Catholic 63-53 Saturday. Eric Dixon controlled the paint and Lucas Monroe was sensational. Dixon led all scorers with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Monroe demonstrated a killer instinct and superb athleticm will collecting 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Robbie Heath was also a steady contributor throughout the night, making plays at both ends of the floor Games: 12/19 Council Rock South, 12/21 @Pennsbury, 12/23 PREP SCENE #15 Neumann-Goretti
7. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting)
7-1 Naheem Mcloud (2019) continues to anchor the colonials at both ends of the floor. Defensively, he allows them to apply significant pressure on the ball and allows them to push up even further in the passing lanes without the fear of giving up easy baskets his mere presence alters everything. Much of the impact he has on a game doesn’t show up in the box score. Although he manages to fill that up as well. In wins over Bishop Shanahan 68-51, he had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks followed with a 14 point 17 rebound 4 block night in a 66-53 win over PREP SCENE HM Archbishop Carroll. Danny Cooper had 16 points, Ahmin Williams (2018) with 10 points and Ish Horn also with 10. Rounding out the scoring in the Shanahan game was Ahmin Williams -17 points and Alan Glover – 16 points and 10 rebounds. Games: 12/19 Upper Moreland, 12/22 @Wissahickon, 12/23 @PREP SCENE #4 Archbishop Wood
8. Hill School (Pottstown)
The Hill School the Mercer Tourney this week going 3-0. The oppened by defeating former PREP SCENE HM Kiski Prep 71-50. In the Semi’s Canturbury (CT) fell 80-73 in a hard fought battle. Seth Maxwell’s 23 point effort propelled Hill to a 60-55 victory in the championship game. Teammate Nick Alikakos tossed in 17 points as well. Upcoming Games: Hill School will resume play after the holidays on 1/6 @ Hun School.
9. St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia)
The Hawks had a busy week going 4-0. The first win came at the hands of PREP SCENE HM Malvern Prep 76-67. Germantown Academy was the next victim falling 55-47 at Philadelphia University before a 3+ hour bus ride in the snow 55 miles to Reading. There Berks Catholic fell 48-25 in the Hoop Group Reading Tip-Off at Albright College and the week finished with a 88-46 pounding of St Ignatias (Australia). Upcoming Games: 12/20 Haverford
10. First Love Christian Academy (Washington)
First Love Christian Academy takes on Findlay Prep (NV) Friday 12/22 in the Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling, West Virginia. 6-4 Aneury Parra (2018) continues to play at a high level. First Love will need solid contributions from Riny Lual, Shamar Givance, Julian McGee, Jamier Fletcher, Steven Rawhire, and Egon Ruhek to take down the nationally ranked Pilots.
11. Mt. Lebanon
The Blue Devils behind Caden Hinckley’s 23 points and Hayden Mitchell’s 17 points too down PREP SCENE HM Pine-Richland 77-55. Mt. Lebanon completely dominated the game after a 26-12 second quarter, doing on to sink 23 of their 24 free-throw attempts. Upcoming Games: 12/19 Canon-McMillan, 12/22 Bethel Park.
12. State College
Drew Friberg dropped 47 on Harrisburg High in a barn-burner, for the 89-83 victory to close out the week 2-0. Earlier in the week the Little Lions defeated Central Dauphin East in Mid Penn Commonwealth league play 66-60. Upcoming Games: 12/18 @Mifflin County, 12/20 PREP SCENE HM Chambersburg.
13. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)
Roman Catholic was inactive after snow cancelled the ALL-CITY Tip-Off game vs PREP SCENE HM Cheltenham Upcoming Games: vs PREP SCENE #3 Imhotep in Philadelphia Catholic League play.
14. Penn Hills
Penn Hills improves to 5-0 behind a balanced attack. Victories this week included a pounding of Propel 71-49. Daivon Stephens led the way with 17, followed by Cam Wiley & Cory Fulton’s 13 a piece. Burrell provided little resistance as Penn Hills won 73-59, again Daivon Stephens 18 led all scoring with Cam Wiley 15, Dorian Boyce 12 pacing the Indians. The final game of the week saw Penn Hills hit triple digits, that’s right 100-61 over Plum Cam Wiley led all scorers with 27, Keyshawn Adams had 21, Cory Fulton 19, Daivon Stephens 13. Upcoming Games: 12/19 Norwin 12/20 PREP SCENE HM Allderdice, 12/22 @Fox Chapel, 12/23 McKeesport.
15. Neuman-Goretti (Philadelphia)
The Saints defeated PREP SCENE HM Cheltenham 61-51, in the Diane Mosco Foundation Shootoout @Archbishop Wood behind 6-9 Marcus Littles (2019) 16 points 13 rebounds, 6-3 Dymir Montague (2018) 15points and 6-0 Chris Ings (2019) 11points Then on Sunday defeated Our Savior (NY) @South Philly HS in ALL CITY Classic 58-56 Monteque & Ings both came up big at both ends of the floor down the stretch for the win. Upcoming Games: 12/23 PREP SCENE #6 Abington.
16. Bonner Prendergast (Drexel Hill)
Bonner-Prendergast went 2-1 on the week with wins over Math Civis & Science 90-57 and Westminster Academy (FL) 58-53 in the Kreul Classic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Isaiah Wong scored a game high 27 on MCS while teammates Tyriq Ingraham and Donovan Rodriquez each reached double figures. Wong led the Friars in their only loss of the season with 20 points vs USA TODAY EAST #3 The Patrick School (NJ) Upcoming Games: 12/18 Miami Christian, @ the Kreul Classic in Fort Lauderdale, FL 12/21 PREP SCENE HM Penn Charter, 12/23 Pope John XXIII @Drexel University.
17. Mars
Games: Notre Dame recruit Robby Carmody averages 42 points for the week and keeps the “Fighting Planets” undefeated. With two road victories against McKeesport 72-66 (Carmody 44), and @Knock 79-52 (Carmody 40) Mars is playing out of the world. Upcoming Games: 12/18 Armstrong 12/20-23 @City of Palms, Fort Myers Florida vs Corbin (KY),
18. Bethlehem Catholic
Bethlehem Catholic lost a tough game toPREP SCENE #6 Abington at the Diane Mosco Foundation Shootout. Justin Paz (2019) led all with 17, Ryan Young (2018) had 13 & 10. Those two along with DeAndre Gardner continue to lead the team at both ends of the floor. Gardner had 6 3’s in their win over Parkland 74-54 for a game high 18, Paz & Young chipped in 14 apiece. Upcoming Games: 12/29 @Liberty, 12/22 Easton.
19. Northeastern (Manchester)
The reigning York/Adams Division I, league tournament and District 3 5-A champs continue their winning ways to remain unbeaten with wins over Red Lion 56-42 and York Suburban 69-49. The 12/15 game with Dallastown was rescheduled. Upcoming Games: 12/19 Central York, 12/20 @Dallastown, 12/22 South Western.
20. Butler
Behind the spectacular play of PREP SCENE 2020 Ethan Mortan, Butler is 5-0 after the 78-66 win over North Hills in section 1 play. Morton tallied a game high 35. Upcoming Games:12/19 @Shaler, 12/22 PREP SCENE HM Pine Richland.
21. Allentown Central Catholic
The Vikings sit at 5-0 after defeating East Pennsboro 71-56, Whitehall 55-39, and Liberty 51-36 this week. Leading the charge has been 2018’s Jay Vaughan and teammate Dat Lambert. Upcoming Games: 12/20 Northampton, 12/23 PREP SCENE HM, Emmaus
22. Hazleton
Coach Michael’s group is clicking on all 6 cylinders to start the regular season. With wins over Scranton Prep (59-50) and Parkland (70-46) at the Lehigh Valley Jamboree this week, the Scarlet & White crack the SUPER 25 for the first time. Da’mir Faison has scored 19 & 13 in the two games. Inside/Outside threat 6-8 Josh Samac (2018) also delivered a 25 point, 12 rebound, 7 block performance in the shellacking of Parkland. 6-5 Jeff Planutis (2018) is also a player to note moving forward. Upcoming Games: 12/20 Whitehall
23. La Salle (Wyndmoor)
Convincing wins this week over Philadelphia Public League power Constitution 68-50 and a 68-45 pounding over defending 6-A State Champs and PREP SCENE HM Reading, in Reading, PA solidify a SUPER25 spot for the Explorers. Leading the way for Coach Dempsey unselfish and balanced club are 6-6 Konrad Kiska (2019), 6-8 Zach Crisler (2018), Sean Simon and Allen Powell. Upcoming Games: 12/19 @Malvern Prep, 12/23 Central
24. Shipley (Bryn Mawr)
How do you drop two games in a week and stay in the SUPER25? The Gators may have played the toughest schedule up to this point of anyone. Quality wins over PREP SCENE HM Academy New Church 65-50, and #15 Neumann-Goretti are a start. The loses are both in highly contested games. The 69-64 overtime lose to HM Penn Charter and heartbreaker to #5 @Archbishop Wood in an emotionally charged gymnasium for the 1st ever Diane Mosco Foundation Challenge are a building block for Coach D’Ambrosio. Upcoming Games: Possibly 12/20 PREP SCENE HM Archbishop Carroll in ALL-CITY CLASSIC (Make-up-weather, will keep this updated as information becomes available.)
25. Abington Heights (Clarks Summit)
It would not take long for Abington Heights to surface in the SUPER25, they have only made 11 straight PIAA state tournament appearances. Coach Bianchi’s group is lead by two all staters’ in Jackson Danzing and George Tinsley, along with Trey Koehler. The Comets strung together a trio of 15+ point wins to start the season and looked impressive: Holy Cross 72-32, Wyoming Valley 77-55 & Williamsport 71-55 before dropping a close one to Downingtown East in the Steel-Valley Challenge. Upcoming Games: 12/19 Holy Redeemer, 12/20 Dunmore, 12/22 @Riverside
HONORABLE MENTION: Academy of New Church, Allderdice, Archbishop Carroll, Berks Catholic, Chambersburg, Cheltenham, Chester, Church Farm, Constitution, Emmaus, Erie, Harrisburg, Lincoln Park, Lower Merion, Malvern Prep, Martin Luther King, McDowell, Overbrook, Penn Charter, Perkiomen, Phelps, Pine-Richland, Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy, Whitehall, Woodland Hills,
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. 11th – Dec. 17th, 2017
1. Scotland Campus Sports
Scotland holds steady at number 1, for the second week in a row defeating a couple of college JV teams and ICA Prep (NJ) to remain undefeated, and stand at 11-0. Ari Boya tossed in 26 points and 5 block shots, Sam Chaput chipped in with 21 of his own vs ICA. Games: 12/11 Harcum JV, 12/14 Olympus Academy, 12/15 Rocktop Academy at Silver Oak Academy
2. Kennedy Catholic (Hermitage)
Kennedy Catholic opened the season with a statement victory. An 85-68 drubbing of First Love Christian Academy has them receiving a share of the first place votes. Coach Mancino’s outfit was led by the purely dominant performance of big man 2019 – Oscar Tshiebwe (6-8). His 29 point, 16 rebounds, 3 block performance was a thing of beauty. 2019 – Mattia Acunzo (6-7) added 20 points, and 2020 – Ike Herster added 19 points Games: 12/15 @Maplewood, 12/16 PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Sewickley Academy
3. Westtown (West Chester)
Westtown’s big 3 continued to carry the lion’s share of the load for Seth Berger’s club at the National Hoops Festival. On Saturday, 6-9 Duke-bound Cameron Reddish poured in 34, Jake Forrester had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Jalen Gaffney pitched in 17 in a 2 point loss to very good Georgetown Prep (MD) team that will challenge to dethrone Bullis (MD) as Interstate Athletic Conference top dog. Reddish came back day two with a 50-piece, 53 to be exact in victory over reigning Georgia state champion Holy Spirit. Games: 12/12 George 12/15 Episcopal at Bullis Tourney, 12/16 TBA at Bullis Tourney.
4. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
Imhotep Charter held true to form with a strong showing in their last scrimmage of the pre-season vs PREP SCENE #18 Nuemann-Goretti. Tep was inactive opening weekend Games: 12/11 Frankford, 12/14 Prep Scene HM Martin Luther King
5. Archbishop Wood (Warminster)
Led by Tyree Pickron‘s (6-3, 2018) 21 and Andrew Funk’s (6-4 2018) 19, Wood took care of business in the Scholastic Play by Play beating Brooklyn NY’s South Shore 76-65. Then losing Sunday in DC to powerhouse Dematha (MD) in the National High School Festival at Dematha 80-70, once again Pickron and Funk led the way with 25 each. Games: 12/15 PREP SCENE HM Overbrook, 12/16 PREP SCENE #16 Shipley in Coaches vs Cancer
6. Abington
Coach Grasty prepared for Suburban One action with a win over Valley Forge Military Academy 65-38 at home and will face PREP SCENE #10 Bethlehem Catholic on 12/16 before league play begins. Eric Dixon will look to led the Ghosts on a deep run through the PIAA 6-A Bracket. Games: TBA
7. Plymouth-Whitemarsh (Plymouth Meeting)
Naheem Mcloud (7-1, 2019) has his way with Sankofa Freedom, amassing 25 points 15 rebounds and 6 blocks. The Colonials forced 20+ turnovers, Ahmin Williams added 18 of his own in the 82-56 win. Games: 12/11 Bishop Shanahan, 12/16 PREP SCENE #21 Archbishop Care roll
8. Reading
Reading opened the season blasting Franklin Learning Center 100-41, and then captured the York High Tip-Off Tournament Championship by beating the host York High 75-59. Wesley Butler, Tourney MVP had games of 27 & 26 respectively. Games: 12/12 @ PREP SCENE #25 Coatesville
9. Hill School (Pottstown)
The Hill School handled Episcopal Academy convincingly 71-55. Then the Blues posted a 74-69 win over perennial NEPSAC AAA power New Hampton at the Scholar Roundball Classic. Nick Alikakos led with 23 points and Chase Audige (6-5, 2018) clinched the game with two free throws…Before losing to Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) 45-43 in a nail-biter Games: 12/15-16 Mercer Tourney – vs PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Kiski Prep & TBA’s
10. Bethlehem Catholic
Bethlehem Catholic put it on Philadelphia Public League powerhouse and PREP SCENE #16 Martin Luther King 65-51 at Archbishop Carroll in the Scholastic Play by Play event on Saturday. 2019 Justin Paz (6-0) led BeCaHi’s with 21 points, Ryan Young had a double-double landing 10 rebounds and 10 points. Also of note, 5-10 2018 PG DeAndre Gardner finished with 19. Games: 12/12 @Parkland, 12/16 @Abington Friends
11. First Love Christian Academy (Washington)
First Love beat Athlete Institure 83-75 before dropping two games in a row to fall out of the top 10 for the first time this season. Both loses were by 15+, 76-51 vs Aspire Academy and 85-68 to PREP SCENE #2 Kennedy Catholic Games: TBA
12. Pine-Richland (Gibsonia)
Phil Jukovic has claimed “STATE GOLD”, the Notre Dame Football recruit will now look to duplicate that success and get back to Hershey come March. Without the Football team, the hoopers managed to win their Tip-Off Tourney with wins over Summit Academy 81-26 and Highlands 63-39. There may be some early season mishaps until their basketball legs are back under them, but when the dust clears you can expect Pine-Richland to be a difficult out come bracket play. Games: 12/12 @Upper St. Clair, 12/15 Mt Lebanon.
13. State College
The Little Lions are the 2017-2018 Skip Coleman Tip-Off Tournament Champions defeating Economics & Finance (NY) 78-36, knocking down 12 3-pointers and then taking out St James (MD) 58-41, led by 6-9 Pitt recruit Bryce Golden. Drew Friberg, Ryan McNulty and Brandon Clark made the All-Tourney teams and Keaton Ellis was also impressive both nights. Games: 12/12 @ Central Dauphin East and a Friday night home game vs preseason #22 and current Honorable Mention Harrisburg.
14. St. Joe’s Prep (Philadelphia)
Kyle Thompson’s 28 points, eight rebounds, and five assists lifted St. Joseph’s Prep to a 74-61 triumph over Penn Charter, to win the Enable Sports & Fitness Invitational championship. PREP SCENE 2020 Trevor Wall added 17 points for the Hawks and Darius Kinnel distributed five assists. Ed Croswell had 12 points and 8 rebounds Games: 12/13 Germantown Academy @Philadelphia Univeristy 12/15 Berks Catholic @ Albright College.
15. Roman Catholic (Philadelphia)
Roman went 2-1 in the Gonzaga DC Classic, defeating Riverside Baptist (MD) 76-60 and Cardinal Hayes (NY) 78-60 before losing in the Championship to the host Gonzaga (DC) 71-53. Seth Lundy led the way averaging 17.3 followed by Greer 16.0, Betrand 13, and Hakim Hart with 12.0 over the 3 game weekend. Games: 12/15 Cheltenhem in the ALL-CITY @Bishop McDevitt.
16. Shipley (Bryn Mawr)
Coach Phil D’Ambrosio has a thoroughbred he can ride to a hoops triple crown in Sam Sessoms. With wins over Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 62-53, PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Academy New Church 65-50, and PREP SCENE #18 Neumann-Goretti 69-64 in the Scholastic Play by Play this week, Shipley jumped into the top 20. Sessoms 37 vs Goretti was spectacular to watch and the type of performance legends are made of. Games: 12/12 William Penn Charter, 12/15 PREP SCENE #21 Archbiship Carroll in the ALL-CITY @Bishop McDevitt, 12/16 PREP SCENE #5 @Archbishop Wood in Coaches vs Cancer.
17. Penn Hills
Games: Won the Midland Tip-Off Tournament with 64-56 win over Lincoln Park and 62-53 win over Hickory in the Championship. Davion Stephens was named to the All-Tournament team scoring 29 points during the weekend. Games: 12/11 vs Propel, 12/13 Burrell, 12/15 @Plum.
18. Neuman-Goretti (Philadelphia)
Goretti dropped a tough one at the Play by Play Showcase to PREP SCENE #16 Shipley. The Saints were led by Dymir Montague’s 21, as Marcus Little 14 and Chris Ings 10 also hit double figures. Games: 12/16 PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Cheltenham in Coaches vs Cancer @Archbishop Wood, 12/17 Our Savior (NY) @South Philly HS in ALL CITY.
19. Bonner Prendergast (Drexel Hill)
Bonner-Prendergast has their own version of the Big 3 in Tariq Ingraham, Ajiri Johnson, and Isaiah Wong. The trio combined for 61 points in their win at West Chester University vs PREP SCENE #23 Malvern Prep 83-65. Wong led the Friars in scoring with 27, and Ajiri Johnson (6-8) is pure excitement with constant rim rattling dunks. Games: 12/13 Math, Civics, & Science, @ the Kreul Classic in Fort Lauderdale, FL 12/16 & 17 vs Westminster Academy (FL) & The Patrick School (NJ)
20. Emmaus
Saturday’s game with Cardinal O’Hara was cancelled, Emmaus was inactive. Games: 12/12 @Pocono Mountain West, 12/15 @Northampton, 12/16 Scranton Prep @Northampton Community College.
21. Mars
Games: Mars beats Avonworth by a whopping 51 points, 91-40. Robbie Carmody, Notre Dame recruit scores, 29 in limited action on opening night. The next night he comes back and drops 43 going 15-15 from the free-throw line on South Park in a 90-46 victory to move the Fightin’ Planets to 2-0. Games: 12/12 @McKeesport, 12/15 @Knock.
22. Northeastern (Manchester)
The Bobcat Tip Off Champions defeated Delone Catholic 80-40, with much of the production coming from the backcourt duo of Albany-bound Antonio Rizzuto (22 pts) and the human highlight reel, Fred Mulbah. The returned the next night to for a 60-52 win over Northern York. PREP SCENE 2020 Nate Wilson tossed in 17. Games: 12/13 Red Lion, 12/15 @Dallastown, 12/17 York Suburban.
23. Archbishop Carroll (Radnor)
Carroll sufferned an opening night home lose to PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Malvern Prep 68-59. AJ Hoggard’s 23 points and 11 assists were not enough to stop the late game comeback by Prep. Sunday the Friars beat PREP SCENE #25 Coatesville @ West Chester led by AJ Hoggards 19, and Keyon Butler’s 16. Games: 12/13 PREP SCENE Honorable Mention Cheltenham, 12/15 @ PREP SCENE #16 Shipley, 12/16 @Plymouth Whitemarsh
24. Martin Luther King (Philadelphia)
The Panthers dropped their opener at the Scholastic Play by Play to #12 Bethlehem Catholic @ Archbishop Carroll High School 65-51. Games: 12/11 Sankofa Freedom, 12/14 @PREP SCENE #4 Imhotep Charter, 12/17 The Haverford School.
25. Coatesville
Coatesville lost at West Chester University to PREP SCENE #23, Archbishop Carroll. PREP SCENE 2020 Jhamir Brickus led with 22 points but only scored two in the final quarter when Carroll put the game away. Eastern Kentucky recruit, Tyrel Bladen finished with 12. Games: 12/12 PREP SCENE #8 Reading, 12/14 @Avon Grove
HONORABLE MENTION: Abington Heights, Academy of New Church, Alderdice, Allentown Central Catholic, Archbishop Carroll, Berks Catholic, Chambersburg, Cheltenham, Chester, Church Farm, Constitution, Erie, Girard College, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Kiski Prep, Lincoln Park, Lower Merion, Malvern Prep, McDowell, Overbrook, Phelps, Pocono Mt. West, Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy, Whitehall, Woodland Hills,
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