Berks County Conference Preview: 2021-22 POY Watch
Xavier Goodman (C/O 2022) from Kutztown Area. Photo: Kutztown Area Athletics Below is a preview of five players (Presented in alphabetical order.) who we consider the front runners to win the 2021-22 Berks County Conference Player of the Year award.…
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Continue ReadingBelow is a preview of five players (Presented in alphabetical order.) who we consider the front runners to win the 2021-22 Berks County Conference Player of the Year award.
Daniel Alcantara Daniel Alcantara 6'4" | SG Reading | 2022 State PA – 6’4’’ / Senior / Reading / Team Final Red / Shooting Guard: This long, super athlete is one of the few perimeter players in the state who can dominate a game at both ends of the court. Alcantara is a high-level scorer who can get buckets at all three levels. Still, he is a patient scoring threat and will not force the action or play hero ball. During Reading’s 2020-21 state championship season Alcantara averaged 14 points to go along 6.4 rebounds per game. In the PIAA state tournament semifinal win over Upper St. Claire, Alcantara scored a season-high 27 points and pulled in 8 boards. But what separates Alcantara from other elite prospects is that he gives maximum effort on defense all day. Alcantara is a disruptive force in man-to-man pressure or zone trap schemes. Plus, he is an intimidating shot blocker and crashes the defensive glass.
Xavier Goodman – 6’0’’ / Senior / Kutztown Area / L&L Running Rebels / Combo Guard: Goodman is an all-around talent and team leader who excels in every facet of the game. Goodman can certainly score the ball at all three levels — 15.7 ppg. on 48% shooting from the field last season. He scored a season high 23 points on two separate occasions and recorded 18 or more points in nine different games. Kutztown Area head coach Craig Mogel informed me that this off-season Goodman put in significant work on his mid-range game. So, we expect this guard prospect to increase his scoring stats in 2021-22. Goodman’s quickness and nose for the ball make him a solid rebounding guard (5.9 rpg.). At the defensive end, he can pick a ball handler’s pocket or knife through the passing lanes for a theft (43 steals in 2020-21). Goodman is currently getting interest from several D2/D3 programs.
Josiah Jordan – 5’11’’ / Junior / Berks Catholic / Reading KTB / Point Guard: This ultra-quick, dribble drive threat was Berks Catholic’s leading scorer last year at 13.9 ppg. For 2021-22 Berks Catholic has upgraded the talent in its lineup, so opponents will no longer be able to double team Jordan. Thus, we expect a significant jump in his scoring line this season. His aggressive downhill style of guard play gets Jordan into the paint for floaters or lay ins at the rim. Or he can start a dribble drive move, and then slam on the brakes for a stop and pop mid-range jumper. When needed Jordan can also dial up a 3-ball. In spring/summer 2021 he helped guide Reading KTB to several tournament championships, including the 17U championship (the team “played up”) at the Battle of the Beach (MD) event.
Ruben Rodriguez – 6’1’’ / Junior / Reading / Team Final EYBL / Combo Guard: As a sophomore Rodriguez was the leading scorer (14.6 ppg.) on Reading’s 6A championship team. After the 2020-21 season he was a 1st Team 6A All-State selection as well as a 1st Team All-Berks Conference selection. In short, Rodriguez is the heavy favorite to win Berks Conference POY here in 2021-22. As a floor general he plays a fearless yet mistake free style of basketball. Rodriguez can facilitate for others or if needed play as a scoring lead guard. When he slides to shooting guard, his highly active off-ball movement reminds us of JJ Redick. Like Redick, Rodriguez is an automatic three-point shooter. But, Rodriguez can also slash to the cup for a bucket and is an excellent on-ball defender as well (unlike Redick).
Edwin Suarez – 6’6’’ / Senior / Muhlenberg / Penn Playmakers / Power Forward: Last season as the third option for the Muhls, Suarez averaged 12 points as well as 10 rebounds per game. He posted numerous double-doubles, including a tremendous 19 points and 15 rebounds performance vs. Exeter (PA). The Muhls lost their top two scorers from 2020-21 to graduation, so this dominant interior player will ascend to the first option. Suarez is long and owns good footwork which enables him to score in the post with ease. He is also an extremely active player with a quick second jump. Those attributes allow Suarez to feast on the offensive glass. Suarez possesses enough handles that he can dribble drive past a defender from the elbow or the wing. Back in June at Big Shots-Philly Pride grassroots event, Suarez averaged 27 ppg. and was a 1st team All-Tournament selection. That stretch of runs was compelling evidence Suarez is ready for his senior season as the Muhls’ star player.