Weekly SEPA Scouting II: 7 Prospects Who Impressed
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[player_tooltip player_id="991172" first="Neel" last="Beniwal"] (C/O 2022) from Phelps School. Photo: Phelps School Athletics The last week (or so) was full of entertaining games that featured remarkably talented prospects. Below is a quick review of seven southeastern Pennsylvania prospects we saw…
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Continue ReadingThe last week (or so) was full of entertaining games that featured remarkably talented prospects.
Below is a quick review of seven southeastern Pennsylvania prospects we saw in-person or via online streams who impressed us with their high-level of play.
Daniel Alcantara Daniel Alcantara 6'4" | SG Reading | 2022 State PA – 6’4” / Senior / Reading / Team Final Red / Wing: Alcantara has recovered from a broken bone in his back to play outstanding basketball against a fiercely competitive early season schedule. Alcantara has scored at all three levels, but his ability to get buckets in transition has improved significantly. Of course, Alcantara remains one of the elite defenders in the region. You already know he tipped off the season with 27 points in a win over Imhotep. Well, this past week he scored 14 points (2 threes) in limited minutes during a blowout win over Exeter. Then he recorded 27 points (4 threes) in a victory against JP McCaskey. Alcantara capped off his week with 28 points (3 threes) and 8 rebounds in a win over LaSalle CHS.
JP Baron JP Baron 6'2" | CG Pope John Paul II | 2022 State PA – 6’2” / Senior / Pope John Paul II / NJ Shoreshots / Combo Guard: This multi-talented guard combines the ability to facilitate for others with instinctive scoring talents. However, of late it has been Baron’s effortless jump shot and his work on the glass that are making headlines. This past week Baron posted two double-doubles — 24 points (5 threes) and 12 rebounds — in win over Church Farm. He then went out and scored 24 points (3 threes) while grabbing 11 boards in win over Lansdale Catholic.
Neel Beniwal Neel Beniwal 6'5" | SG Phelps School | 2022 State PA – 6’4” / Senior / Phelps School / Rhode Island Elite / Shooting Guard: One of the most gifted shooting guards in southeastern PA continues to burn up the nets. Beniwal’s incredible range, fluid stroke and quick trigger enabled him to average 18 ppg. at the Peddie School Tournament (NJ) as Phelps went 3-0. Beniwal has now hit 45 threes in 10 games this season. How this elite talent remains uncommitted is a mystery.
Nick Colucci – 6’2” / Junior / Haverford / PSB Philly / Combo Guard: With two-year All-Central League performer John Seidman now running the court for Franklin & Marshall, Colucci has ascended to the No. 1 option in Haverford’s 3-ball friendly offense. Colucci has responded by draining treys from all over the court and sprinkling in enough dribble drives to keep defenders honest. This past week the Scranton commit posted games of 18 points, 27 points and finally, 18 points as well as the game winner vs. Great Valley.
Seamus McDermott – 6’1” / Junior / Holy Ghost Prep / Kings Unlimited / Combo Guard: McDermott owns a well-rounded skill set, but he will immediately impress you with his offensive skills. His ability to hit spot up or off the dribble threes will be especially attractive to college coaches (3/4 vs. Radnor last Saturday). Still, McDermott is a patient offensive threat who does not force shots and willingly moves the ball to the open teammate. McDermott’s instinctive feel for the game, on-court vocal leadership and ability to effectively guard 1 through 3 are other noteworthy elements to his game.
Andrew Phillips – 6’3” / Junior / Malvern Prep / 610 City / Wing: Phillips is a physical (215 lbs.) and extremely athletic (also plays football at MP) prospect who averaged only 8 points as a reserve during his sophomore campaign. Here in 2021-22 Phillips has become a starter and major contributor for the Friars. This season he has displayed an improved jump shot with range out to three and a more assertive mind set. This past week he recorded games of 23 and 17 points.
Tyler Scarpulla – 5’11” / Junior / Devon Prep / East Coast Power / Combo Guard: It is rare that we profile a player who only scored 2 points in a game. However, it would be a crime not to recognize the role Scarpulla played in Devon Prep’s astonishing comeback win over the Haverford School this past weekend. Trailing by 20 points at halftime, Scarpulla led the second half rally with 7 steals. His thievery propelled DP to an overtime win on the road. His ability to anticipate plays and knife through passing lanes for steals was beautiful to watch.