2021-22 Catholic League Preview: Breakout Players

Whether it's because they are new arrivals or due to departures from their teams, we'll likely see a dozen or so guys to emerge onto the varsity level as legit hoopers this season. Some guys shined in previous contexts, while some just grinded this summer and got better. So don't be surprised if a player you didn't expect comes out of nowhere to have a great season in the PCL. These 8 are guys to keep your eyes on. [player_tooltip player_id="1281772" first="Tristen" last="Guillouette"] 6’9 C St. Joe’s Prep Tristen feasted as a freshman competing in the Burlingtown, NJ area, and not much has changed since he arrived at the Prep. His ability starts from the ground up. Tristen navigates the block well against smaller players with solid footwork and is light on his feet. He truly plays to his size, throwing his weight around while still in control. With him in the fold, there’s no reason why the Prep can’t have a shot at getting to the Palestra and Tristen doesn’t finish the season with several P5 offers. Aamir Hurst 6’2 G 2022 Neumann-Goretti Rather than play AAU ball after his junior year, Aamir opted to stay in the gym all summer, working out. The early returns can be seen in his strength and playmaking when he gets to the heart of the defense. His dynamic movement skills, along with the improved strength, show up when he's on defense too. With Hysier “Fabb” Miller off to college (Temple), Hurst will fill some of that void. He’s definitely a guy D2s & D3s will want to get in on before he gets to show off his summer gains and the price of the ticket goes up. Kyle Jones, Jr. | 6’3 G 2023 Father Judge Jones Jr seemingly stepped off the plane from Georgia, where he played at Creekside HS, and immediately got to cookin’ on the court. Coming in with a couple P5 offers already, it shouldn’t take him too long to adjust to the league’s level of competition, night in, night out. He wants to get to the rim and his body is built to handle the physical style of play this area is known for. As a power dunker, Kyle is going to test his metal against every rim protector he faces and he’s got traces of a pull up game to play off his burst. [player_tooltip player_id="1116055" first="Lucas" last="Orchard"] | 6’4 G 2023 Devon Prep Starting 12 of 14 league games last season, Orchard is a known talent in the PCL. The two-way Wing/Forward averaged 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 steals, and he averaged 33.3% from deep. His inside-out game makes everyone else better because he can attack off the bounce and is a willing passer. Coach Fisher will give him a bigger role in the offense with Walsh and Patton continuing their careers at King’s College. As his usage increases, there’s no doubt Lucas wiLl average close to a double-double his junior year. [player_tooltip player_id="1281811" first="Izaiah" last="Pasha"] | 6’5 W 2023 Cardinal O’Hara On a team that gets as many threes up as the Lions do, Pasha stepping in right away and being a big playmaker has added some juice to their attack. He isn’t afraid to take his share of shots behind the arc, but with all the spacing they already have, they need his willingness to play 15 feet & in. His utilization of driving lanes and getting in the paint balances out their attack. When Izaiah draws help, he finds teammates with pocket passes. Defensively, he’s a versatile piece alongside Speights and McGuinn. [player_tooltip player_id="1128376" first="Matija" last="Radunovic"] | 6’8 F 2022 Roman Catholic Only starting 4 games, Matija averaged 5.9 points and 3.2 rebounds for the Cahilites in 2021. But at prospect and team camps over the last few months, he’s shown off the depth and breadth of his skillset. By American standards, Radunovic is the quintessential perimeter player in a big man’s body. His advanced decision-making, shot mechanics, and footwork come from his experience in academies overseas. He will likely remain the fourth option in 2022, but if you watch closely, he has what it takes to play D1/D2 ball. [player_tooltip player_id="991275" first="Shakur" last="Smith"] | 6’4 W 2022 Bonner-Prendie The former Imhotep starter played a key role for the Panthers when they won the league in 2021 and he will play an even bigger one for the Friars as a senior. Shakur’s biggest asset to the team is his ability to impact the team without dribbling. The only thing more devastating than Smith playing above the rim is him chasing down blocks. So his cutting is significant, even when he doesn’t get the ball. His experience and feel also show in the ways he makes quick decisions when it does come to him. [player_tooltip player_id="1281928" first="Shawnn" last="Smith"] | 6’2 G 2022 Archbishop Carroll Displaced after Bishop McDevitt’s closing, Shawnn gave the Lancers 8.6 points/game. Now a Patriot, he has taken his game even further. Smith’s advantage-creation ability has flashed at every team event, from the first Philly Live Period to the Competitive Edge Fall League. He makes quick jump-passes to either direction and has a decent in-between game. Shawnn is a scholarship level player who will turn heads in the 2022 PCL season as part of Carroll's two-pronged point of attack (Smith & Coleman-Newsome). For more basketball coverage, follow me on twitter @CGraham_Sports.