Chest-Mont League Preview: Elite Guards

[caption id="attachment_1115434" align="alignleft" width="239"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/01/Jayden-Rowe-2021-2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1115434" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/01/Jayden-Rowe-2021-2-239x300.jpg" alt="" width="239" height="300" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="991144" first="Jayden" last="Rowe"] (C/O 2021) from Downingtown East[/caption] <p>On Monday, January 11^th the abbreviated 2020-21 Pennsylvania high school basketball season shifted into high gear as teams took the court for practices and scrimmages. This weekend, hundreds of squads around the state will be play their first official games of was has become known as the “Covid-19 season”.</p> <p>One group of teams to keep your eye on this season are those that play in the highly competitive Chest-Mont League. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Chest-Mont League features fierce cross-town rivalry games and produces a slew of college basketball prospects each year.</p> <p>Today we will preview the elite guard prospects in the Chest-Mont League who will have a significant impact for their squads this winter.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1116019" first="Dylan" last="Blair"] – 5’10” / Sophomore / Downingtown West / Point Guard: </strong>If you follow the AAU scene in the Philadelphia area then you know Blair as an electric point guard who has killed opponents for Philly Pride for some time now. Last winter with the Whippets, Blair finally got to unleash his elite skills at the high school level and the results were ridiculous -- he was named 1st Team All-Chest-Mont League. To be honest there isn’t much Blair can’t do on a basketball court. He’s a nearly complete player at both ends of the floor. As a bonus to his polished, elite skill set, Blair owns a high basketball IQ and a relentless motor.</p> <p><strong>Mike Dedda</strong> <strong>– </strong><strong>5’10” / Senior / West Chester East / </strong><strong>Combo Guard</strong><strong>: </strong>First and foremost, Dedda is an absolute menace at the defensive end. His elite foot speed, quick hands and excellent anticipation skills make Dedda one of the best defensive players in the Philadelphia suburbs. Whether its on-ball, slicing through passing and/or sliding from the weak side help position, Dedda excels at causing turnovers that lead to easy points for the reigning District 1 Class 5A champs. On offense, his speed and handles frequently get Dedda into the paint for lay-ins, floaters or bunnies. Additionally, the lefty floor general can shoot the three a little and has a knack for finding open Viking teammates.</p> <p><strong>Sean Kaiser </strong><strong>– 5’11” / Senior / Downingtown West / Point Guard: </strong>Back in August 2020, Kaiser posted an excellent showing at the Philly Pride Mixer and the talented lead guard kept that momentum rolling right through the fall. During the Competitive Edge Fall League, Downingtown West was without super soph [player_tooltip player_id="1116019" first="Dylan" last="Blair"] (injured) and Kaiser filled the scoring void very nicely by hitting 3-balls and creating his own shot off the dribble. In 2019-20 Kaiser was a sometime starter / 6^th man for the Whippets who frequently hit for double digit points. Expect his offensive role to increase significantly this winter.</p> <p><strong>Jack Kushner –</strong> <strong>6’0” / Sophomore / West Chester East /</strong> <strong>Combo Guard</strong><strong>: </strong>A starter since day one as a freshman, Kushner was a “glue guy” for the Vikings last year who rebounded (owns a 36-inch vertical leap), played defense and scored the ball when called upon. Kushner gets his points via his watery jump shot and by using the before mentioned ridiculous hops to fearlessly attack the rim. His Philadelphia area breakout came during last season’s District 1 Class 5A “Final Four” at Temple University’s Liacorous Center. In the District semifinals Kushner posted 8 points and 6 rebounds. Then in the District ‘chip game he hit for 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds as East soundly defeated Penn Wood for the title. With 2019-20 WC East standout Andrew Carr now playing at the University of Delaware, this season Kushner will be expected to step into the spotlight for East. A two sport athlete for East, Kushner also plays football.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991169" first="Sean" last="Neylon"]</strong> <strong>– 6’3” / Senior / Unionville / Shooting Guard: </strong>Neylon is a wiry athlete who can score at all three levels and handle the ball some. But it’s his reputation as a 3-point assassin that proceeds him. Whether he is playing high school ball for Unionville or on the grassroots circuit for East Coast Power and the PA Warriors, Neylon will rain in threes from all over the gym. Last season vs Kennett he scored 25 points on the strength of five 3PM. He also drained 7 threes vs Radnor (23 points total) in a District 1 5A playoff win. Spot ups, step backs, off the dribble, via pick action or in transition – the type of 3PA doesn’t matter, Neylon hits them all. Honestly, opposing defenders should face guard him from the opening tip. Next year Neylon will play D3 ball at Ursinus College (PA).</p> <p><strong>Ryan Riotto </strong><strong>– 5’11” / Senior / Bishop Shanahan / Combo Guard:</strong> A 2019-20 Honorable Mention All-Chest-Mont player, Riotto will be expected to carry a heavy load for Shanahan this coming season. The good news is Riotto has the game to handle that pressure. In the 2020 Competitive Edge Fall League he displayed a very nice jumper with range out to the 3-point line and the ability to handle the rock under extreme pressure. Additionally, Riotto is excellent at slicing through the passing lanes for steals and then pushing the ball down the floor for easy buckets.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991144" first="Jayden" last="Rowe"] – 6’4” / Senior / Downingtown East / Combo Guard: </strong>Rowe is a long athlete who had tremendous success last season for Downingtown East in the role as a wing scorer and shut down defender. Now in 2020-21, Rowe will be thrust into the job of No.1 scoring option for a Cougars squad looking to make a third straight trip to PIAA 6A state tournament. Rowe can put the ball on the deck to score at the rim with either hand or pull up on a dime and hit the mid-range J. However, if a defender gives Rowe space, he will not hesitate to splash the 3-ball. In short, Rowe will be a problem this season for opposing Chest-Mont defenses. Rowe is committed to Millersville (PA).</p>