2022 BCIAA Standouts Pt. 3
The start of the 2020/21 Pennsylvania high school boys basketball season has finally arrived. Nearly 10 months have gone by since the cancellation of the 2019/20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but excitement is back in the state for…
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Continue ReadingThe start of the 2020/21 Pennsylvania high school boys basketball season has finally arrived. Nearly 10 months have gone by since the cancellation of the 2019/20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but excitement is back in the state for boys hoops.
While not everyone is starting at the same time, the Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association has already gotten underway with non-conference matchups.
Prep Hoops has been following the BCIAA and this is the final part of a multi-part series on junior standouts to watch in the conference.
Bryce Mellen, SF Tulpehocken: Mellen fits in perfectly as a small forward or a forward combo on this Tulpehocken team. His 6-2 frame is ideal for the position and he works well off-ball. His game is best suited for the wings when he gets open and to work down low with the ball. He looks comfortable running on the break and his passing ability is something to watch out for moving forward. Mellen has the skills and ability to break out for Tulpehocken in a big way this season.
Troy Franz, SG Schuylkill Valley: Franz is already showing signs this season of someone who is going to be a steals machine for Schuylkill Valley. Not only that, but he can shoot the three really well, rolling off a screen to get open on the wing and nail the jumper. Franz shows agility and athleticism on both sides of the ball and has the ability to become Schuylkill Valley’s go-to three-point shooter as this season matures.
Adam Lichtenwalner, PF/SF Brandywine Heights: Lichtenwalner is going to become a go-to inside presence for Brandywine Heights this season and he showed many glimpses of greatness during the 19/20 campaign. He’s an excellent blocker and he doesn’t let the player get to him on those blocks. He’s attacking the shot and meeting the player at their apex in order to swat it away. Lichtenwalner is also someone who can dominate the paint on offene, so Brandywine Heights will be looking at him to find those double-double statlines on a regular basis this season.
Jesu Adeojo, G/F Schuylkill Valley: Adeojo has a really smooth, effortless shot from beyond the arc and what really stood out quickly is that he isn’t phased with a defender in his face. Some just aren’t comfortable shooting contested shots, but Adeojo possesses a lot of confidence, much of it coming off of how he plays defense. He moves well with the ball and doesn’t back off and doesn’t get backed down. Adeojo is going to be an all-around star for Schuylkill Valley this season.
Mike Mammarella, PG/SG Brandywine Heights: Mammarella has more of the traits of a shooting guard than a point guard, and much of that comes from his stellar shooting beyond the arc. He plays as a wing guard and moves well off-ball to get himself open. There’s a lot to like about his space creation and when he’s not shooting the outside jumper, he’s making moves on defense to create turnovers and is driving hard into the lane for a high-percentage scoring opportunity. Mammarella should see more of the court for Brandywine Heights this season and he’s going to impress from the jump.
Continue to follow Prep Hoops for more player previews and profiles as the 2020/21 Pennsylvania boys basketball season gets underway.