Central League (SEPA) Preview: Elite Scoring Guards

[caption id="attachment_1058808" align="alignleft" width="215"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/lewisrobinson.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1058808 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/lewisrobinson-215x300.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="300" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="990987" first="Lewis" last="Robinson"] (C/O 2021) from Radnor High School[/caption] <p>In 2019-20 the Central League in Southeastern, PA produced five teams (Garnet Valley; Lower Merion; Strath Haven; Penncrest &amp; Radnor) that appeared in the state tournament. Two of those teams were still alive in the PIAA post season when the Covid-19 pandemic halted play back in March. I expect that high level of basketball from the Central League to continue here in 2020-21.</p> <p>One reason for that belief is the number of <a href="https://prephoops.com/2020/12/central-league-sepa-preview-elite-shooters/">elite level shooters taking the floor this season for Central League teams</a>. Another reason is the fact that the Central League boasts a host of talented guards who can, simply put, get buckets. Today we will look at the scoring guards from the Central League who will excel during the 2020-21 season and at the next level.</p> <p><strong>Khalil Henson</strong> <strong>– 5'10'' / Senior / Ridley / Point Guard:</strong> A crafty and physical guard with slick handles, Henson uses those elements of his game to create scoring opportunities for himself at the rim. Still, if Henson gets cut off by the help side defense, he can rely on an excellent midrange game to get points via the jumper or floaters. This Class of 2021 prospect plays with a lot of guts and has a nose for the ball which produces easy transition scoring opportunities. In September and October, Henson posted several outstanding performances in the Competitive Edge Fall League, including a 13 point second-half effort vs Radnor (PA). </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991320" first="Saahir" last="Lee"]</strong> <strong>– 5'10” / Junior / Penncrest / Point Guard:</strong> Lee owns some of the slickest handles in Southeastern Pennsylvania which frequently supply Penncrest with a one man press break. In 2019-20 he scored 9.4 ppg. as the floor leader for a Lions squad that captured 21 wins. Arguably the best drive-and-kick-out-to-the-three-point-line player in the Central League, Lee was a key part of Penncrest's perimeter focused offense. He excels at getting to the rim but can knock down the jumper as well. If he can develop a more consistent 3-point shot this off season, Lee should build on 2019-20's success and become a force in the Central League.</p> <p><strong>Cole Rhodes </strong><strong>– 6'1'' / Senior / Springfield / Combo Guard: </strong>What really stands out about Rhodes is that this wiry athlete with hops is an excellent rebounding guard. Thus a good deal of his scoring is done via second chance opportunities. Rhodes (13 ppg. in 2019-20) also can fill the lane on the break and convert in transition. In half court Rhodes has been known to attack the rim off the dribble and drop the occasional 3-ball (hit 30+ threes last season).</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="990987" first="Lewis" last="Robinson"]</strong> <strong>– </strong><strong>5'11''/ Senior / Radnor / Combo Guard:</strong> A four year varsity player and one of the most electrifying guards in the Philly suburbs, in 2020-21 “Lew” will be expected to carry a Raiders team that lost four starters and is coming off arguably the most successful campaign in the program's history. The ultra-quick combo guard excels on the fast break but he also can use a deep bag of tricks to get to the rim in the half court. Last season Robinson showed signs of improved 3-point shooting. Continued progress in that area will prevent defenders from sagging off him this season. If opponents are forced to play Robinson tight, its game over. Robinson will simply blow by them on the way to the tin for two. “Lew” posted 13 ppg. as the second option in the Raiders' offense last season. Highlighting Robinson's superb junior season was a 31 point outburst vs Academy of Palumbo (Phila., PA).</p> <p><strong>Jaylen Shippen </strong><strong>– 6'1''/ Junior / Lower Merion / Point Guard: </strong>Shippen is a bouncy and long athlete who boasts a reputation as a playmaker with the ability to find open teammates. But make no mistake about it, this 2022 prospect is very capable of getting buckets for the Aces. He excels in transition where despite his wiry frame, he is absolutely fearless on his way to the tin. Scoring off the dribble in half court is not a problem for Shippen either. Shippen isn't LM's primary 3-point shooter, but he will absolutely drain open threes if his defender doubles down on LM's dominant big man [player_tooltip player_id="991216" first="Demetrius" last="Lilley"]. As a bonus to his offensive skills, Shippen is an excellent defender.</p> <p><strong>Matt Shuler </strong><strong>– 5'11''/ Junior / Strath Haven / Point Guard: </strong>Shuler owns a league wide reputation as a lockdown defender, but as his 19 points vs Marple-Newtown last season proved, this shifty lead guard can fill it up. A lightening quick first step and filthy handles allow Shuler to attack the goal relentlessly. Additionally, Shuler is a knock down free throw shooter which is an undervalued skill set among scoring guards. Shuler is also a star, two-way player (RB/DB) on Haven's football team. So you know he can handle contact in the lane. Lastly, he can shoot the 3-ball if left open (25 3PM last season).</p>