Devon Prep on the Rise in Philly's Catholic League

[caption id="attachment_1065784" align="alignleft" width="216"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Chris-Patton-DP-Tide-1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1065784" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Chris-Patton-DP-Tide-1-216x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="300" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="991126" first="Chris" last="Patton"] of Devon Prep. Photo: Devon Prep Athletics[/caption] As Devon Prep prepares for its third season running the gauntlet known as the Philadelphia Catholic League, head coach Jason Fisher boasts a roster that will be a blend of experienced players and high level underclassmen prospects. Of course, Fisher will rely heavily on a trio of senior standouts who are PCL battle tested to lead the way. However, a sophomore wing who received serious varsity minutes last season and an all-league scoring guard who transferred into Devon Prep this summer, will also have major roles. If Fisher and his squad can find the right mix for all of this talent, 2020-21 could be the season the Tide takes a big step forward in the PCL. “Our goal always has been to constantly strive to get better, we have done that over the last couple of seasons and we aim to achieve that goal again this year. We look forward to the challenge of playing in one of the best leagues in the country,” Fisher told me via email. Here’s a glimpse at Devon Prep’s 2020-21 projected roster as well as some insights from Head Coach Jason Fisher on each player. Returners: [player_tooltip player_id="991126" first="Chris" last="Patton"] – 6’3’’ / Senior / Guard: A lefty with a sweet stroke of a jumper, Patton is automatic from the block extended to the mid-range to well behind the arc. He can also hit the jump shot under any circumstances -- off the stand still, using pick action or in transition. The only thing more impressive than his accuracy is just how little space Patton needs to put up his J. On the rare occasion where a defender closes out on Patton before he can get a shot off, he has been known to use the head-ball fake and then put the rock on the floor to find space for an open look. The returning starter averaged 11 points per game last season. Coach Fisher Says: One of the best three point shooters in South Eastern PA. Averaged almost 3 three pointers/game while shooting over 45% from the three point line. Has greatly expanded his game and has become a very well rounded player. Eamon Walsh – 6’4’’ / Senior / Guard-Forward: A returning starter who posted 10.8 ppg in 2019-20, Walsh is one of the most well rounded players in the PCL. He possess great court vision and passing skills. Walsh moves without the ball very well, making excellent use of back door cuts. Once he receives a pass, Walsh can finish in traffic with either hand. The versatile athlete can drain the 3-ball, especially from the corners. At times Walsh can go to the low blocks where he is able to use his size and some decent post moves to take advantage of mismatches. Highlight from last season was his 22 pts & 8 rebs effort vs LaSalle CHS (Wyndmoor, PA). Coach Fisher Says: One of the best all-around players to come through Devon Prep. He is the school’s all time ’charges taken’ leader. He is the team’s returning leading scorer, passer and rebounder. Mike Ferry – 6’4’’ / Senior / Small Forward: A returning starter and a glue guy for the Tide, this big fella handles the dirty work -- rebounding, shot blocking and post defense. For a kid of his size, Ferry has surprisingly quick hands which leads to a number of steals. On offense, Ferry can score in the paint with either hand and excels at second chance points. A high basketball IQ paired with great court vision means Ferry is skilled at finding the open shooter in DP’s offense. Ferry is a two sport athlete who plays baseball in the spring. Coach Fisher Says: Has the potential to be one of the team’s best rebounders and passers. Has the ability to guard bigger players. Lucas Orchard – 6’3’’ / Sophomore / Wing: Orchard had a solid 2019-20 season as a freshman who logged major minutes for Devon Prep’s varsity squad. Offensively, Orchard can score at all 3 levels. Yet he is a willing passer. He plays with a bit of an edge and appears to enjoy taking over games. Orchard is extremely athletic and has an enormous wingspan. That combination leads to numerous deflections / steals which provide easy transition buckets for Orchard. Coach Fisher Says: Saw extensive action at the varsity level last year as a freshman. Is poised to have a huge season. Has worked extremely hard in the offseason on all facets of his game. Jacen Holloway – 6’3’’ / Sophomore / Wing: Last season as a freshman, Holloway was a contributing reserve who showed glimpses of a tremendous upside. Now in 2020-21, the athletic lefty with size is expected to have a bigger role for the Tide. With his size, Holloway can play on the interior. However, don’t sleep on his perimeter game. He owns a respectable jumper and is capable of stepping out to the 3-point line to knock down shots. Increased minutes this winter for Holloway should bolster DP’s outside shooting. Coach Fisher Says: Will push for a starting spot. Regardless of whether he starts or not, he should have a large role. Has worked hard to increase his range and has always been able to bang with bigger players. Jake Kenney – 6’3’’ / Junior / Point Guard: Kenney is a two sport athlete (also plays baseball) who is a rock steady floor general for coach Fisher’s squad. In addition to his solid point guard skills, Keeney excels at hitting threes. He is especially deadly when he has the opportunity to step into his shot. Coach Fisher Says: Has seen some varsity action the last two years. Has the potential to play a large role this year. Justin Klauder – 6’2’’ / Junior / Combo Guard: A quick guard who can shoot the rock and owns a high basketball IQ, Klauder will provide backcourt depth for the Tide. Coach Fisher Says: Has battled through some injuries the last two seasons but we look forward to getting him back on the court. Transfers: Allen Cieslak – 6’0” / Sophomore / Combo Guard: In 2019-20 Cieslak supplied instant offense off the bench for Haverford High School and helped push the Fords to an 11-game winning streak and the Central League tournament title. Cieslak is a knock down shooter from three point range who only needs a sliver of room to get off his watery jump shot. As a bonus to his high level shooting skills, Cieslak can slide over to the PG spot where his slick handles and excellent court vision make him a very solid floor general. This past summer, Cieslak was very impressive playing both guard spots for East Coast Power AAU (King of Prussia, PA). Coach Fisher Says: I have seen him play AAU. He is a very nice player who should contribute. Argel “IV” Pettit – 6’2” / Junior / Combo Guard: If you surf the internet watching basketball clips, then you know Pettit well, as his highlight reel from the 2018 CP3 Rising Stars Camp is YouTube legend. In 2019-20 Pettit was a standout combo guard at West Chester Rustin who used the 3-ball and his outstanding ability to score off the bounce to average 18 ppg. His 31 point game (6 threes) vs Owen J Roberts (PA) was one of the most electric performances in the Chest-Mont league last season. At the end of last season, Pettit was a 1st Team All Chest-Mont League selection. Widely considered a Class of 2022 Top 50 recruit in Pennsylvania, the addition of Pettit’s elite level scoring will be a significant boost for Devon Prep. Coach Fisher Says: Has the potential to add another scoring option to the Devon roster. Has already scored 850 points in his first two years of high school basketball. While he can absolutely score, his impact on all facets of the game will be his greatest impact this year. Impact Freshman: Ty Mishock – 5’9” / Guard