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

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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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Games of the Day 12/6

Posted on by PREP SCENE
Michael Pilsitz

PLACE TO BE TONIGHT… #BESCENE

Central PA

William Penn HS

6:00

Reading vs. Williamsport

7:30

York vs. Overbrook (PHL)

Eastern PA

West Catholic

7:00 PM

Constitution

vs.

West Catholic

Western PA

Butler

6:30


Chaney (OH) vs.  Knoch

8:00

Woodland Hills vs.  Butler

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL FOUR RUNS THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA
THE ROAD TO THE FINAL FOUR RUNS THROUGH PENNSYLVANIA
PANGOS ALL EAST Frosh / Soph: Bigs Steal the Show
PREP SCENE: The Home of the Pennsylvania PSA
Scotland Campus 2021-2022 Schedules

QUARTERFINALS

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10.27.18     11:00 AM     Gym 2

READING

Reading High enters the 2018-2019 season with three straight trips to the PIAA 6-A Sweet Sixteen, including a Final Four apperance in 2016 and a big school STATE Championship in 2017.  Outside of two returning starters- PREP SCENE PSA 2019 Wesley Butler, Daniel Colter, Jr. and key contributor Juan Mato, a future Rider University High Jumper, the Red Knights will be young, long, and extremely athletic. Coach Rick Perez will be without Tre & Jordan Jones (football) on Saturday but will have plenty of help with Jose Berea, Jahsir Sheriff, Moro Osumanu, and Denim Adams defending their 2017 Colt Shootout title.

vs.

winner of Central DauphinDallastown

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

The PRIDE of PENNSYLVANIA

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The PRIDE of PENNSYLVANIA Series is a WEEKLY index of annonoted articles written by various sources highlighting the collegiate and professional basketball journeys of our hometown basketball heroes. Here is our second edition of the 2017-2018 season.

 

Harrisburg

Pride of Harrisburg 2 Proctor

Jahaad Proctor drops 28 and earns Big South Player of the Week, the conference announced Nov. 13.

Read more…

 

Malvern

Pride of Malvern Mikal Bridges

2017 Big East Defensive 1st teamer, Mikal Bridges scored a career high 23 points this week for undefeated Villanova.

Read more…

Manheim

Pride of Manheim 2 Taylor Funk

Taylor Funk scores 22 and grabs 9 rebounds in St. Joe’s overtime victory.

Read more… 

 

Philadelphia

Pride of Philadelphia 2 JaQuan Newton

Ja’Quan Newton leads Miami convincingly over Florida A&M this week.

Read more…

Reading

Pride of Reading 2 Nana Foulland

 

Nana Foulland throws in 21 points at the Dean Dome against number the top 10 North Carolina Tar Heels this week.

Read more…

 

 

See an article we should share with our readers?  Send the link to prepscene@gmail.com and we will be sure to share it with our PREP SCENE faithful.  Thanks in advance.

 

Colt Shootout Observations

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Best Group: Champions of the 2017 Colt Shootout, the Defending 6-A State Champion Reading Red Knights led by the guard Trio of 5-11 Wesley Butler (2019), 5-10 RJ Dixon (2018), and 6-0 Xavier Starks (2018).  A major defensive contribution came from Bobby Heath, offensive spark by Juan Matos and post presence was provided by Ricky Lopez and Daniel Colter.

Best Group of newcomers:  Tigh Savercool and his Cedar Cliff staff hit the Pick 5 Lottery when 2 year starter at Susquehanna Twp.,  Gerald Jarmon (2019) showed up on their door step.  Jarmon is a veteran, with tons of experience and the ability to score points in bunches.  “Newcomer” is a bit of a stretch for a starter of 40+ games, but he is the cornerstone of what’s new for the Colts including 6-3 Derek Young (2021), a strong rebounder, post defender and screener-wide body with great feet and a lot of upside, 6-0 Guard Joey Zvorsky (2020), a steady guard.  Add a returner to the program after a year off in senior 6-4 220 lbs. Justin Carter (2018), with what returns from last season’s core group and check ball.

Will have the Most Impact this season: Tyler Crespo (2019) can exert the kind of influence at both ends of the floor that could have Manheim Twp in the State playoff mix.  Shot the ball extremely well today, was feeling it… pull up three’s in transition type feeling it!   Lambo Speed with the ball in his hands combined with the body control and finishing skills to make you come out of your seat.

Best Shooter: Antonio Rizzuto (Northeastern, 2018) is instant offensive firepower, terrific shooter… catch and shoot it or off the dribble, the results are the same… Get it out of the net!!   Impressive range, he can shoot it from all over the map.  Pick your poison, if forced off the three point line he makes plays attacking the rim for himself and dishing to others.

Best Playmaker/Passer: Aley Zangari (Red Land, 2020) didnt find his team having much success but he impressed with his ability to run an offense well; got the ball to a variety of teammates in scoring position. Exceptional passer that sees the play three steps ahead.

Will take you by surprise: Ryan McGill (Northern, 2019) very good passing and shooting skills for a big guard.  Soft touch, ability to knock down the open three off the dribble or catch and shoot.  Dominant low post presence in high school, forceful rebounder, impact as shot blocker