The
play keeps getting better and better as the season goes
on. Several teams are starting to distance themselves from
the pack. Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Friends Central, and
Imhotep Charter were all in action this week and are still
unbeaten. But this is the Greater Philadelphia League, it
will be extremely difficult for anybody to go to the
season unblemished. Week Five Week Four Week Three of The Greater Philadelphia League
Devon Coleman 6’3 SG Friends Central 2011
Highly talented scoring guard was absolutely scintillating
for the first place Phoenix. Coleman can really fill it
up; he scores both inside and out. The slick lefthander is
able to dominate at times. One of the elite players in the
local class of 2011.
Ness is a monster. Whether playing with his back to the
basket or facing up for 12 footers, Ness is effective at
putting the ball in the basket. Bland also dominates the
glass and beats much smaller men up and down the floor.
Nick Moore 6’5 PF Paul VI 2010
Moore is a warrior; he works hard on both ends of
the court and scores inside and out. Tried to will his
team into the game against Plymouth-Whitemarsh with a
whole lot of hard work.
Slick little point guard can score at times. Has
to be a more consistent ball-handler and ball distributor
but he is really starting to play up to his potential.
Jeral Taylor 6’0 SG/SF Roberts Vaux 2010
Solid inside-outside scorer who is becoming a
consistent leading force for the Cougars. With hardworking
forwards James Butler and Jeremy
Henderson combining with point guard
Tamir Kennedy, the Cougars are
looking to be a surprise team come the 2009-2010 PL
season.
Big man is able to dominate at times. Not
extremely skilled but amazingly strong and able to score
effectively off of putbacks and hustle inside. Medina is
starting to make a name for himself as the Owls look to
be a factor in the Greater Philadelphia League and beyond.
Dead-eye shooter is having one helluva spring.
Grant is able to score from behind the arc and also set up
teammates for scores as well.
Big strong inside player gets big buckets for the Phoenix.
Solid rebounded and defender he dominates the paint area.
A solid mid-major prospect, Morris seems geared for a big
senior year.
Omar “O-Dog” English 5’11 SG Thomas Edison 2010
Aggressive guard is a real playmaker. Every time Edison
needed a key play late in their game against Vaux, O-Dog
came to the rescue. English, fellow rising senior
Akeem Chisholm and rising junior Deon
Johnson are forming a nice backcourt trio for the
Owls.
Improving post player can face up and knock down the 15
footer. Wise, who is still growing and is an active player
on the glass. Wise, has to become more active on the glass
and mix it up inside with opposing inside players.
True point guards makes a lot of subtle plays for
AFS. Gripper also finishes well on the break and in
traffic. The kid with the long braids made some big
free-throws down the stretch as AFS surprised Simon Gratz.
Aggressive scorer who can also play on the
defensive end. Trawick is athletic and plays above the
rim. Trawick reminds me a little bit of Derrick
Rivera, not quite as feisty (who is?).
The most consistent player for the Trojans, Reed
is beginning to become as solid an outside shooter as he
is an inside finisher.
Crafty floor general was all over the court for the
Huskies. He does have to fit the occasional urge to try
and do too much. Harris makes a whole lot of good things
happen for the Huskies A lot of small college need to
check out this small point guard with big game.
Promising young player for the Huskies. Nelson scores
inside by making lay-ups off of snappy passes. Nelson has
fairly decent shooting form but luckily, does not take too
many jumpers at this stage.
Immensely skilled performer is one of the top
ninth graders in the area and beyond. Jefferson has
extremely long limbs and can shoot from the perimeter.
Jefferson scores a lot in traffic and can rise up and dunk
on the break.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Imhotep
Charter
6:15 pm
Central High School
at Abington Friends
7:30 pm
Edison High School
at Norristown
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Salvation
Army
6:15 pm
Bartram
at Strawberry Mansion
7:45 pm
Communications Tech
at Franklin Learning Center
David Appollon 6’3 PG/SG Imhotep Charter 2011
Explosive scorer for the Panthers. Appollon was able to
score at will against Abington Friends. Also, he was able
to find his teammates for good shots as well. Appollon
has a wiry strong frame and uses it to slink in between
defenders and finish.
An effective and skilled forward with the ability to face
up or finish down low. Smith does not jump over tall
buildings but he can score inside because he uses his body
so well. A lot of schools should check him out.
Jaylen Bond 6’7 SF Plymouth-Whitemarsh 2011
Bond is an elite athlete; he really can excite the crowd
with his high-rising ability. He is expanding his game and
making shot from the perimeter as well.
Once again, Troy finds himself on this list. One of the
league’s more consistent players, he has established
himself as the leader for the Explorers and one of the
better players in the Catholic League Red for next season.
High flyer is becoming one of the top players in the class
of 2012 in the area. A freakish athlete, he has a whole
lot of Laurence “L” Pembrook in his game. Strange as that
may sound, Wooten was not born when L was sky walking for
West Philly and Overbrook. (I’m getting old.)
Underrated performer is able to do a multitude of things
for Coaches James Brown and Hassan Tyler. Athletic with a
decent first step and able to play either guard spot for
the Braves, Jones has been overlooked for far too long.
Able to knife through defenders and finish in traffic.
This small guard is playing big for the Owls. Really
coming on strong for the Owls and was able to muster 21
points against Allentown Allen.
Aggressive guard was able to score and draw fouls for the
Owls. English has been a regular in the Edison rotation
since George Baker was shooting the lights out for the
Green and Gold. Also, becoming a good defender.
Strong inside player does not back down. Was playing huge
against the great frontline of P-Whitemarsh. Was able to
draw a multitude of fouls, now if he becomes consistent
whether playing against great, good or average players
then he could have a monster summer.
Quick point guard has been getting better as the season
goes on. Was able to get a couple mid-range shots to drop.
Has to get stronger but is starting to set his teammates
up really well.
Johnson is able to get buckets and guard players several
inches taller than him. Still has to work on shooting his
jumpshot when open and not hesitating but he is having a
good start to the summer.
Deep shooter has been making key shots for the Bobcats
range is pretty good. Has to limit his turnovers and play
better defense but he is playing hard.
Strong and probably the toughest player in the league.
Jones is able to bully players and score inside. One of
the top rebounders in the area.
Long and agile, runs the floor like a deer. Finishes on
the break, have to watch him again against more solid wing
players but he is getting the job done thus far.
Freshman is becoming the go to guy for the Pumas. Strong
for a young player and a capable mid-range shooting still
has to mature as a player before he is making a big
difference on high school scene.
This week’s Games to Watch:
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Imhotep
Charter
6:15 pm
Simon Gratz
at Communications Tech
7:30 pm
Central High School
at Wisshahickon High School
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Salvation
Army
6:15 pm
Freire Charter School
at Friend's Central
7:30 pm
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
at Paul VI
C.J. Aiken 6’9 F Plymouth-Whitemarsh 2010
Considered by many to be one of the Philadelphia area’s
top prospects Aiken showed why in an extremely
impressive showing against Engineering and Science,
included in his 19 points were two Sportscenter worthy
slams. Aiken also swatted shots and made open jump
shots. Easily a high-major prospect.
Gio Atkins 6’0 PG Wissahickon High 2010
This kid is starting to have a very good summer. Atkins
has the ability to kill you with the deep trey and he can
just kill you by setting up his teammates and playing
defense. Athletic and somewhat quick, Atkins is one of
those kids who seemingly could play all game at top speed;
he is more dangerous because he can mix his speed
effectively.
Super athlete is one of the most exciting players around.
In addition to major league ‘hops” he has a strong body
and is becoming more of an all-around basketball player.
You have to see him in person.
Reed was able to score inside at will. Slinks his body in
between defenders and also hits mid-range jump-shots.
Reed is one of the area’s top freshmen and a consistent
player for the exciting - Trojans.
Keyed the LaSalle victory over Comm-Tech, was on
fire hit four treys and shot six for six at the line in
the final stages of an epic 74-67 victory at Germantown
Friends School. Looking to add some consistency to his
outside shooting.
Probably becoming the Phoenix most indispensable player.
Strong, yet quick and agile, Blandford has a somewhat
unique game in which he blends inside and outside skills
with toughness. Often able to guard several positions and
score against different players.
Once again, JJ was dynamite. Playing inside and outside
with an unselfish overall feel Johnson was the top player
for the Bobcats. A couple of times he was a bit too
unselfish and needed to shoot the ball instead of
dribbling and then passing. Anyway, becoming a more than
solid player.
Quickly becoming one of my favorite players, this kid
plays for keeps. Troy is not selfish or unassertive.
Which highlights his biggest strength - he is a balanced
basketball player. Second week in a row included her and
its looks like he is going to keep getting better as the
weeks progress.
David Appollon 6’3 PG/SG Imhotep Charter High 2011
A gifted guard with the ability to get in the
lane at ease. Appollon is an improving defender as well as
a capable off the dribble scorer. Appollon is swiftly
becoming one of the better players in the absolutely
loaded class of 2011.
Solidly built point guard is able to provide a
nice backcourt with scorer Tommy Moore.
Wilson is also able to rebound and is an aggressive player
in general. Coach Will Khan (formerly an
Assistant at Bridgeport and Goldey Beacom College) is
trying to develop the point guard skills of both Moore and
Wilson.
One of the tougher competitors thus far in the
GPL is this dynamo for the Huskies. Brown plays hard on
both ends and he uses his intelligence to pick his spots
to score key baskets. Looking to have a breakout summer.
Long, skinny outside shooter with much potential.
Impressed against Edison by hitting deep shots and getting
his long limbs in the passing lanes to deflect passes. It
will be interesting to see his development this summer as
the Panthers seem to have a new look.
Athletic and skinny. This kid likes to play above the rim.
He had a two dunk effort against Robeson that got the
crowd at the Salvation Army up in their seats. Henderson
also scored a couple of times with his back against the
basket. Interesting to see, how much he can get better
this summer.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Imhotep Charter
6:15 pm
LaSalle High
at Wisshahickon High School
7:30 pm
Abington Friends
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Gustine Recreation Ctr
6:15 pm
Strawberry Mansion
at Engineering & Science High
School
7:30 pm
Allentown Allen
at Edison High School
Turhan Griffin 6’0 PG Franklin Learning Center 2011
This cool customer made five out six free throws in the clutch for the Bobcats as they held off LaSalle by three. Griffin is now directing the Bobcats at the point. Check the incredible lineage of point guards before him - Mike Terry, Kareem Parker, Sean Colson, Terry Johnson, Lester Adams, Hassan Ravenell, Zakee Smith, Mike Green, Mike Scott, Malcolm Eleby, Kyle Sawyer and Denzel Yard. Griffin had 12 points and 8 assists, not bad as FLC prepares for the 1st year A.D. (After Denzel.)
The game of the week was Strawberry Mansion versus Cheltenham and Mansell was able to register 23 points as the Panthers were able to keep the Knights out of the winning column for the 2nd time this season. Mansell did it on a series of drives to the hole in traffic. Not the long range shooter that either brother - Harris or Patrick was/is, but a better all around athlete. Mansell deep a respectable defensive job on one of the area’s top guards- Devonte Newbill.
Eddie Joyner-Mitchell 6’0 PG LaSalle High 2011
Talented point guard was exciting at times during the FLC-LaSalle game with an assortment of scoring moves. A true lead guard, who needs to work on his overall game., furthermore, this summer is going to be big for the highly talented point man.
Steady point guard play once again from the Owls’ floor leader. During this week’s match-up he had the help of his longtime backcourt mate Omar “O-Dog” English. The tough as nails English is a perfect complement to Chisholm and 2011 scorer Deon Johnson. Chisholm’s jump-shot was working all game long and he swished three treys. A pass first type, he gets the others involved.
One of the area’s top guards, Newbill led Mansion with 22 points. DJ has a multitude of skills and he was able to score against both bigger and smaller players. His jump-shot was not automatic but his shot does look better.
Mr. Versatility, Johnson played all five positions against LaSalle, capable off the dribble against taller foes, Johnson is a face the basket nightmare for many. Johnson scored the first six points for the Bobcats. Johnson provides rebounding and ball-handling as well as scoring. Looking for a break-out summer.
The long-armed one is back. Houston registered 10 points with an unofficial 12 rebounds. Has improved his offense in the last year. A terror on defense, his incredible reach alters many shots and he blocks a fair share as well. One of the more intriguing college prospects as well because he gets better every time.
An aggressive scorer with the ability to get on fire quick; Ginyard showed some flashes during his debut with SLA versus E&S. Ginyard will be one to watch during the summer league season.
Troy Hockaday 5’11 SG LaSalle High 2010
Quick scoring threat with athleticism; Hockaday had a couple of nice moves and looks like he is primed for a strong summer. Capable of providing ball-handling both Hockaday and Joyner-Mitchell are interchangeable parts for the new look Explorers.
Deep shooter was able to make four three-pointers against LaSalle, he finished with 16 points. Mitchell has to work on his defense and his ball-handling but the potential is there.
Quick and smart point man got E&S going all game long. Solid ball distributor as well. This little guy even went inside in traffic and finished against SLA. It will be interesting to see what occurs for this guy against stiffer competition. One thing for sure, this guys plays with passion.
Cheltenham 65 Mansion 60. Gustine Lake.
What a game this one was? Plenty of passion from fans, players, coaches etc. Cheltenham held Mansion off in large part behind Rob Mansell. Key defense was provided by Ryan Francis. Mansion’s DJ Newbill received help from the highly athletic Khyree Wooten. Game had a regular season big game atmosphere.
Key note Bartram-King and Comm. Tech-Wissahickon did not
have the pleasure of being viewed by me. Word is they were
both highly competitive.
Monday May 4th, 7:30pm at Imhotep
Edison versus Imhotep
Wednesday May 6th at Imhotep
6:15pm
Bartram vs. Cheltenham
7:30pm
Central vs. Friend’s Central
6:30pm Salvation Army
Engineering and Science vs. Plymouth-Whitemarsh
7:45pm
Franklin Learning Center vs. Wissahickon
The Greater Philadelphia League Week Two
Andrew Moye 6’3 Simon Gratz High School 2011
All that Moye did against Norristown was register 24 points. Included in that total were two high-flying dunks. Moye is a strong power guard with an improving all around game. Moye is able to se the floor well during ball-handling/ball distribution situations. When Moye becomes a more consistent outside shooter watch out.
Joey Gripper 6’1 Abington Friends 2011
Gripper was able to get the ball to his teammates in AFS’ debut in the league against Vaux. What I like about Gripper is that he is a true point guard and in basketball true point guards will never go out of style. In addition to an unofficial eight assists, Gripper was able to produce 15 points. Gripper gets into the lane rather effortlessly and finishes in traffic.
Trawick was extremely impressive as well. Trawick plays above the rim and finishes in traffic and is a capable shooter from the outside. Furthermore, Trawick has that mean streak that a two guard has to have; when he gets going his only intent is to decimate a defense.
For the second straight week, Bland was a beast on the glass. He registered 15 points and 10 rebounds this time and he is just getting better every second. One of the more intriguing prospects in the city because he is talented in football and basketball. Also has nimble feet for such a large kid.
Butler provided a lot of energy for his squad. Also, he showed that he was not fearful of guarding talented inside players such as AFS’ 6’9 Will Wise. Butler did receive some assistance from guard Marcus Ferrell.
Wilson was able to muster 21 points for the young Norristown squad. Norristown will be much better down the line when there squad grows up.
2009 Season Tips Off In Style
The first week of action in the Greater Philadelphia League was packed with good action. Several top performers were able to top the thirty point plateau in early match-ups. Also, some teams are already showing they have the talent and the mettle to contend for the league title. That also means that they have the potential to be a factor in the 2009-2010 high school season.
Here is a sample of the top performers:
Top Performer:
Robby Poole 6’3 SG Paul VI 2011 Poole was dynamite for the Jersey School. Poole rung up an impressive 30 of his team’s 66 points. Poole got his club off to a great start with seven of the game’s first ten points as Paul VI led Cheltenham 10-0 from the gate. Poole mixes mid-range and long range jump shots to give defenses fits. Poole also made key free throws to keep the Panthers at bay as Paul VI won by one in overtime.
Other top Performers: Francisco Medina 6’6 PF/C Thomas Edison 2010 The big guy was a monster in the post for the Owls. Medina scored off of post moves and rebounds baskets. He also owned the boards by pulling down a slew of rebounds for the Owls. Very interesting and intriguing prospect who will be watched closely as the season goes on. Tyree Smith 6’4 PG/SG Simon Gratz 2010 Smith was also able to register 30 points as well. The underrated performer was able to get into the lane at key times and was able to convert while being fouled. Smith drained three free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining to tie the score and get the game into overtime. Smith also went high to slam home a basket early in the game. The Bulldogs outlasted Allentown Allen 69-65 in overtime in a Gustine classic.
Antoine “Ness” Bland 6’3 PF Simon Gratz 2010 Bland was the definition of active against Allentown Allen. Bland, who goes roughly 6’3 280 might have the best second jump in the area. Bland gets off of his feet quickly and snags rebounds. He corralled 13 rebounds and even displayed nimble feet with a crossover move.
Whis Grant 6’0 SG/PG Plymouth-Whitemarsh 2010 Grant is the definition of cool customer. The sweet-shooting rising senior was able to tally 26 points. A consistent performer in the Greater Philadelphia League since last season. Grant seems to have improved hi passing and his handle. Grant still has to improve on the defensive end but he seems poised for a big summer.
Kwahmere Gredic 5’11 PG Math, Civics and Sciences 2010 Flashy point guard was productive for the Elephants as they prevailed over the Knights of Strawberry Mansion by two points. Gredic was able to register 25 points and made several key plays as MCS came from five down late to win the league’s initial game. Gredic, had the trey ball working and also was able to get to the rack.
Nigel Caldwell 6’2 SG/SF Math, Civics and Sciences 2010 Highly athletic player who has a nice first step that he uses to get around defenders. Also, Nigel has real bounce. Furthermore, his jump-shot is looking a lot better. This Kensington transfer is a big addition for the Elephants. Eric Jefferson 6’5 PF Strawberry Mansion 2011 Strong and composed, Jefferson also likes to play above the rim. Jefferson twice showed that he could shoot a little as he made baseline jump-shots. That was good but what was better was when he played close to the rim and dominated.
Brandon Smith 6’6 SF/PF Central High 2010 Smith was to score inside and dominated Freire Charter by scoring 27 points. Smith with good help from slick passing 6’2 forward Mark Sanders and improving point guard Kamell Alston were able to cause a boatload of problems for Freire. Smith is definitely one to watch this summer.
Stephon Baker 6’2 SF Plymouth-Whitemarsh 2011 Baker was an active player up and down the floor in a flash for the Colonials. Baker was able to total 30 points. With Grant providing some good passes Baker showed the ability to finish in traffic.
Tommy Moore 5’10 SG Martin Luther King 2011 Moore, is a capable scorer and in tandem with hardworking guard Mike Wilson and undersized frontcourt player Tareek Massey give King a solid nucleus. Against P-W, Moore was able to rain down jumpers and get to rim as well.
Deon Johnson 5’8 SG Thomas Edison 2011 Probably the top backcourt thus far has been the combination of Akeem Chisholm and Deon Johnson. Chisholm, a senior point man is a passer. Johnson on the other hand is an all out scorer. Johnson takes defenders off of the dribble and finishes at the rack.
Ray Styles 5’11 SG Allentown Allen 2010 Styles is dynamic small player. He hits big shots, whether they are pressurized jump shots or athletic tip-ins in traffic. Styles is clearly the leader of the young Allentown Allen squad with his all-out effort on the court. This week’s Best Game: We have to call this one a tie between two overtime affairs. Gratz prevailed by four in overtime against Allentown Allen, Ray Styles had put Allen up three with less than thirty seconds remaining, Gratz guard Tyree Smith drained three free throws with only 4.1 seconds remaining. In the extra session, Smith again hit some key free throws and combined with some good play from guard Charles Marrett and Antoine Bland, Gratz won in overtime.
Also, Paul VI triumphed by one behind Robby Poole. The Panthers who were able to overcome a 10-0 beginning deficit to force overtime. The Panthers only led once on a Rob Mansell (19 points) trey but almost sent the game into a second overtime when Ryan Francis converted lay-up in the waning seconds, some thought he was fouled on the play. In addition Poole, 2010 forward Nick Moore was able to register 18 points.
Keep an eye on these match-ups:
April 21st, 2009 Gustine Lack Recreation Center
Simon Gratz vs. Norristown 6:30pm
Vaux vs. Abington Friends 7:45pm