Southeastern PA Grassroots Report – Week 6
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York Ballers 17U – Junior 76ers Classic Champs The Memorial Day holiday weekend brought a very limited grassroots schedule for teams in southeastern Pennsylvania. Still, a couple teams did hit the road this past weekend and put their reputations on…
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Continue ReadingThe Memorial Day holiday weekend brought a very limited grassroots schedule for teams in southeastern Pennsylvania. Still, a couple teams did hit the road this past weekend and put their reputations on the line at national events like the Gym Rats Challenge (NY), the UA Memorial Day Classic (IN) and the NERR Super 16 (CT). One or two other teams stayed local and took the court at the Junior 76ers Classic (DE/PA).
Below is a review of prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who played well on the grassroots circuit this past weekend.
17U (2022)
Jalen Duren – 6’10” / Montverde Academy (FL) / Team Final EYBL / Center: We apologize if including Duren (Philly native) in our report again this week feels like Team Final overkill, but you would be hard pressed to find a 17U prospect who playing better right now then this young man. This weekend at Gym Rats Live (NY) Duren was up to his usual tricks – dominating the interior at both ends. However this long and gifted he took it to another level in TF’s win over Expressions Elite. In that contest Duren was simply unstoppable (26 points and 8 rebounds) and showed that he is a ridiculous athlete with a polished game who is very close to NBA ready.
Karron Mallory – 6’0” / Northeastern / York Ballers / Combo Guard: Mallory can score at all 3-levels, but it is his money 3-point shot with range well beyond the college line that really grabs your attention. In addition to his shooting skills, Mallory is a very athletic guard who can also play the point. At that spot he can attack off the dribble and score through contact or use his excellent court vision to distribute the rock. This weekend he notched a 25 point game and scored in double figures throughout. As a bonus, Mallory proved to be a menace as an on-ball defender. Mallory’s efforts helped the York Ballers to a 4-0 record and the 17U age group title at this past weekend’s Junior 76ers Classic.
Dereck Lively II Dereck Lively II 7'1" | C Westtown School | 2022 State #3 Nation PA – 6’10” / Westtown School / Team Final EYBL / Center: After tearing opponents up at the Gym Rats Live event (NY), Lively II’s prospect stock continues to sky rocket. Yes, former Roman Catholic standout Jalen Duren (as well as Ohio prospect Emoni Bates) grab a ton of the headlines for Team Final, but just behind those mega-stars is one a most athletic big man who is ranked #1 in PA’s Class of 2022. Offensively Lively II converts on second chance opportunities and of course he can catch alley oops. As a bonus, he is an above average passer. At the other end, his long wingspan and quick reactions provide high level rim protection. In the much anticipated match-up of the weekend, Lively II and Team Final EYBL defeated City Rocks (NY), 77-66.
16U (2023)
Josiah Jordan – 5’10’’ / Berks Catholic / Reading KTB Select / Combo Guard: At the Junior 76ers Classic (DE/PA) Jordan proved to be an aggressive downhill guard who keeps defenses on their toes all game. If a defender is able to keep Jordan out of the paint, he can slam on the brakes for a mid-range stop and pop. He displayed the ability to splash home in rhythm threes as well. Jordan’s highlight of the weekend was a 25 point performance vs. Dubois Dream. Jordan and Aris Rodriguez (see below) helped guide Reading KTB Select to a 3-1 overall record at the Junior 76ers event.
Aris Rodriguez – 6’3” / Reading / Reading KTB Select / Combo Guard: Rodriguez is a silky smooth athlete who can play either backcourt spot at a high level. As a shooting guard, Rodriguez can drain the 3-ball in a variety of ways – spots ups; off pick action or in transition. When Rodriguez runs at point guard, he can distribute to open shooters or score via the blow bye. Rodriguez high scoring game of the Junior 76ers Classic was a 23-point effort vs. the York Ballers (PA). At the other end of the court Rodriguez is a plus defender.
Trey Shinholster Trey Shinholster 6'2" | SG William Penn Charter | 2023 State PA – 6’2” / Penn Charter / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: At the NERR Super 16 event Shinholster and his K-LOW teammates “played up” in the 17U division and the squad did more than hold their own (2-1). Specifically, Shinholster put his elite level scoring on display once again. Shinholster can shoot the lights out and finish at the rim with both hands. A high motor athlete, Shinholster’s energy and effort on defense compliment his scoring skills. Shinholster is a prospect with tremendous upside and we will be keeping an eye on him this summer.
15U (2024)
Ty Burton Ty Burton 5'10" | PG Moravian Prep | 2024 State NC – 5’10” / Lampeter-Strasburg / Philly Pride National UAA / Point Guard: Two weekends ago Burton was simply amazing at the Soutehrn Jam Fest (VA). He used that momentum to post more outstanding runs this past weekend at the UA Memorial Day event in Indiana. First Burton hit for 19 points (3 treys) in a win over Kingdom Hoops. Then against AC Georgia he scored 20 in the 1st quarter (5 threes) on his way to 25 points (6 threes) overall. Obviously Burton can splash threes, but he is also very creative around the rim. Additionally, for a kid who can really fill it up, he is a sneaky good facilitator.
Nick Coval Nick Coval 6'1" | CG Parkland | 2024 State PA – 6’1’’ / Parkland / Team Final EYBL / Shooting Guard: One of the elite 3-point shooters in Pennsylvania’s Class of 2024, Coval has been away from Team Final EYBL for the last couple of weeks because of a thigh injury. Well this weekend he returned to action and did not miss a beat. Coval was on fire from behind the arc during both days at the Gym Rats Live tournament (NY). To go along with his 3-point shooting, Coval exhibited solid dribbling skills and a high basketball IQ. He has the ability to makes other players around him better.
Moses Hipps Moses Hipps 6'4" | SG AZ Compass Prep | 2024 State AZ – 5’10” / Archbishop Carroll / Team Final EYBL / Combo Guard: This 2nd Team 4A All-State selection continues to prove he is one of the best 2024 backcourt prospects in Pennsylvania. Hipps is an elite level 3-point shooter who has unlimited range and moves well without the ball. Hipps also owns significant ball handling skills so he can drive Team Final’s transition game which was the key to the sqaud’s 3-0 weekend at Gym Rats Live (NY). His high scoring game of the weekend was 23 points against Legacy.