Philadelphia Catholic League 2021 Seniors To Watch

By:Omar Richburg The history of the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) is well documented and respected. And if you know anything about the league, one thing is for sure, if you play in the league you can play. As a former coach in the league and as a former college coach who recruited the PCL I got to experience firsthand the passion, pride and talent the student who compete in the league exhibit when the step on the court. They are just not representing their current teams but they are playing for the entire school community and all the basketball alumni and that’s a ton of pressure. Which makes the hooper’s that come out of the PCL ready for the next level if they choose to play collegiate basketball. Here are a few unsung senior for the Class of 2021 college coaches should get on their radar before the high school season gets underway. [player_tooltip player_id="990958" first="Eric" last="Chamberlain"], West Catholic – If you want to find the ultimate definition of a point guard? Show up at a West Catholic game on a Sunday afternoon in the winter. Under control? Yes. 3 Level Scorer? Yep that too. What about court vision? Of course! Eric is the definition. He is very unselfish and with his quick change of direction gets in the lane for drives and dishes. His superior agility allows him to stop on a dime for a dangerous mid-range pull up. Even though he is 5’11 he plays through contact when slashing through the defense to the basket. A solid defender with quick hands rounds out what you look for in a point guard. He is an extremely hard worker, which is a special intangible, and it has shown as he earned a starting spot as a Junior where he led the team in scoring. He had a productive summer playing for the Mt. Pleasant Bulldogs where he has gained interest from Division II & III schools. Jalen Cary, Conwell Egan – If you can get buckets in the Philadelphia Catholic League you can ball. This wily 6’ 0” combo guard can do just that. Jalen can put the rock on the hardwood and finish strong at the rim and with a lethal standstill jump shot from 3-point range makes him a great drive and kick option. Last season he put up double digit points against two of the PCL’s top teams, Roman Catholic and LaSalle, respectfully. He also was the second leading scorer on the team. I told you he gets buckets. Jalen will definitely benefit from a strong senior season. He would be a great small college recruit and as he develops should be able to make an impact whether its Division II or III. [player_tooltip player_id="991137" first="Hunter" last="Healy"], Lansdale Catholic – In today’s game the term big man has a different meaning and Hunter fits the new definition. Today’s big men can shoot, dribble and pass, Hunter can do all that. At 6’7” Hunter is very fundamentally sound. His skill set ranges from handling the rock for dribble hand offs, he can shoot it off the pick and pop on ball screen action and capable of making the pass from anywhere on the floor. He is a serious threat on offense when in the high post. An excellent defender that uses his length well to alter shots and get deflections. With his 3 years of varsity experience in “The Catholic League” in addition to his size and skill makes him a bona fide college prospect. [player_tooltip player_id="990975" first="Solo" last="Bambara"], Cardinal O’Hara – When I watch Cardinal O’Hara play there is clear leader on the floor, and that’s Solo. This 6’6” hypercompetitive swing man is a returning starter for a young and upcoming team trying to get some respect in the PCL. Solo is extremely active on both ends of the floor and demonstrates a high IQ for the game. His high energy and vocal leadership directs his teammates to correct positioning on the floor. Solo put up big numbers against the PCL’s best teams and was the team’s third leading scorer last year. Solo plays summer hoops for nationally recognized Philly Pride and is a big time wide receiver on the gridiron. [player_tooltip player_id="991183" first="Jimmy" last="King"], St. Joseph’s Preparatory – Getting the chance to play under and learn from a legendary coach is an opportunity not many athletes get to experience, but if you hooped for St. Joe’s Prep you did. Jimmy started for Speedy Morris as a junior which means this 6’0” guard knows how to play. Jimmy moves really well without the basketball and attacks the rim strongly. He is very quick and is an excellent ball handler with right and left hands. He can shoot the rock and is very fundamentally sound as all those coached by Speedy are. He was more of a facilitator as a junior and took his opportunities wisely playing with four seniors whom all averaged double digits. Jimmy will play heavy minutes this upcoming year for new head coach Jason Horrigan which will show his full skill set that could set him up for a very productive college career. [player_tooltip player_id="990965" first="Donald" last="Imo"], Conwell Egan – Donald is a must see small forward type that has improved his game over the summer. His versatile 6’7” athletic frame makes him a tremendous shot blocker on the defensive end and an adequate scorer in the lane. He has a nice mid-range jump shot that will improve as he gets more experience playing this upcoming year and shot 73% from the free throw line which shows he has a good touch on his shot. Donald was the leading rebounder on his squad last year averaging about 10 per game and was third leading scorer for the Eagles. Donald is super excited for his senior season as he looks to carry his team through the Catholic League’s gauntlet of teams. He has peaked interest of Division II & III schools and his list will definitely grow as the season plays itself out.