Grail Sports Summer Shootout: Team Recap Part 1

<p>Top teams from Philly and Delaware faced off over the weekend, down at the Grail Sports Complex in Wilmington. Different from the Live Period setting, these teams were able to get familiar with their opponents as they played in on the same court over the course of the weekend. Below are notes on a few of them.</p> <p><strong>Archbishop Wood</strong></p> <p>The Vikings reloaded and flexed their muscles on Sunday. [player_tooltip player_id="991325" first="Tyson" last="Allen"] (6’2 G 2022) and Mike Knouse (6’4 W 2022) went from spot duty a season ago to key contributors in their two games in Wilmington, as Tyson made plays on defense and Mike spaced the floor. Acting as their primary creator, [player_tooltip player_id="991202" first="Justin" last="Moore"] (6’2 G 2022) easily found looks for himself, which he balanced with getting the young guys involved. One of which was Basil Laster (6’4 W 2023). Using his long strides and sauce off the dribble, Laster established himself as the Vikings number two option going into the winter. [player_tooltip player_id="1013075" first="Carson" last="Howard"] (6’7 F 2023), with his rebounding and interior scoring, is another newcomer, who gives Wood the most size they’ve had in a few years. Coming off the bench, [player_tooltip player_id="1189096" first="Jalil" last="Bethea"] (6’3 G 2024) might have been their second best player and has some juice as a creator. Other contributors: [player_tooltip player_id="1181867" first="Josh" last="Reed"] (6’1 G 2024) and [player_tooltip player_id="1271427" first="Judah" last="Hidalgo"] (6’3 G 2025)</p> <p><strong>Imhotep</strong></p> <p>With 3 key players not participating in over the weekend ([player_tooltip player_id="991341" first="Justin" last="Edwards"], [player_tooltip player_id="991339" first="Rahmir" last="Barno"] and [player_tooltip player_id="991317" first="Naji" last="Reid"]), Imhotep used the event as an opportunity to develop other significant contributors and their depth. Ronny Raphael (5’11 G 2022) was inserted into the starting lineup and led the Panthers attack as their primary ball-handler. Rider-commit Mo Abdullah (6’4 G 2022) illustrated he could create his own shot as the focal point of the offense. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id="1173985" first="Jeremiah" last="White"] (6’6 F 2024) and Ma’Kye Taylor (6’7 F 2024) were too much to handle for the post players they faced. White used his athleticism to dominate the glass, while Taylor knocked down shots from behind the arc. Transfer Chad Anglin (6’8 C 2022) looked more comfortable in the system - contesting shots, running the floor, and rebounding. Other contributors: Malcolm Muhammad (6’1 G 2023)</p> <p><strong>Math, Civics &amp; Science</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="991197" first="Jaheim" last="Bethea"] (6’2 G 2022) is no stranger to stepping up when his team is down a man or two – see Peach Jam. He successfully conducted the MCS offense and led them in scoring in a comeback win against William Penn (DE). [player_tooltip player_id="1186043" first="Nayeem" last="Johnson"] (6’2 G 2023) proved to be a reliable backcourt mate to Bethea by adding 14 points and playing heady plays in the comeback win. [player_tooltip player_id="991199" first="Khalif" last="Crawley"] Jr gave them a big push in their second matchup with his mid-range game. Darryon Prescott (7’0 C 2022) went from rotational big to defensive anchor. The reps he got over the weekend will be crucial for his development. Isaiah Griffin (6’3 W 2023) and [player_tooltip player_id="1185954" first="Chauncey" last="Presley"] (6’1 G 2023) were two more young guys who the Elephants got great minutes from. Other contributors: Asim Burton ((6’0 G 2024), Hymid Snead (5’9 G 2022) and Mohamed Sesay (6’1 G 2023).</p> <p><strong>Salesianum (DE)</strong></p> <p>James Johns Jr (6’6 G/W 2023) looked good in his feature role for the Sallies. With his long arms and high release, he was always able to get his shots off. Jr played like a coach’s son, letting the game come to him. Salesianum likes to run and Justin Molen (6’6 W 2022) is one reason why. The high flyer thrives on fastbreaks and moving without the ball. His 20+ points on Saturday led them against Archbishop Carroll. Their sniper on the wing, [player_tooltip player_id="1183883" first="Brett" last="O’Hara"] (5’11 G 2022) added timely threes as they scored over 70 points in both games. Sophomore Isaiah Hyson (6’3 G 2024) ran the show. He used his size to play through contact as he found distributed the rock to cutters and shooters. Other contributors: Deuce Mutts (6’4 G/W 2023) and Sam Walsh (6’1 G 2022).</p>