2021-22 Public League Late Season Notes

Every season, there are gems in the Public League to go along with the regionally and nationally known prospects. Here are some upperclassmen who’ve popped and some underclassmen who’ve stepped onto the scene.   Pleasant Surprises Lamar Glover | Constitution 5’10 G ’22 Lamar averaged 11.1 points as the third option his junior year, mainly playing without the ball in his hands. With more responsibility as a senior and the starting point guard, he’s playing even better, upping the ante to 16 points. His stocky build, flexible ankles, and a solid handle are perfect for driving to the basket. When Glover gets downhill, you can expect him to finish through contact and make the foul shots (72%). And opposing teams can’t sag off of him because he confidently shoots 30% from deep on almost five attempts per game. Add his passing ability to the mix and he’s a good compliment to league pointers leader Beccles. [player_tooltip player_id="991265" first="Deyishon" last="Miller"] | West Philly 6’5 W ‘22 The Speedboys may not play in the top level of the public league, but with the offense running through Miller, they’ve taken it to some of the toughest programs in the city - 27 vs Bonner (W), 37 vs St. Joe’s (W), 17 vs Ryan (L), 17 vs Lincoln (L). Deyishon does a lot of everything for them, averaging 21.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 33% from three. His physical tools make an impact on defense when he takes the tougher assignments on the perimeter (2.0 steals). This kid is a true diamond in the rough. The right staff at the next level will be able to mold him into an even better player than he is now. Tamir Powell | Lincoln 6’3 G ’22 Building on their 2021 run when the Railsplitters finished second in the league to Imhotep, Tamir has practically tripled his point per game as a senior (about 15 pts/g). One reason that he’s been so successful on a team that thrives on causing chaos is his poise. Lincoln can always count on Powell to not get rattled and make plays, no matter what the situation is. He can knock down shots off-ball and be trusted to create for others. His versatility as combo guard has attracted the attention of Fisk University (HBCU in TN). If he keeps this up, more college programs will find their way to Northeast Philly, requesting his services. Rising Stars [player_tooltip player_id="1187956" first="Aasim" last="Burton"] | MCS 6’2 G ‘24 “Smooth” is a word you’ll hear often when people describe Aasim “Flash” Burton. On a low usage, he seems to make something happen every time he gets a touch. He’s the second-leading scorer for the Elephants (10.5 pts/g) because he uses his quickness to attack creases and immediately gets up his shot before the defense can really contest. The 2.1 assists/game don’t show it, but Flash has some playmaking chops too. As soon as he gets a step and a second defender reacts, he can make the right read and slip the ball to his teammate, without any wasted motion. [player_tooltip player_id="1281786" first="Ahmad" last="Nowell"] | Imhotep 6’0 G ‘24 Earning a starting spot after coming back home from Houston (TN), Ahmad is showing why he’s already a top recruit in the 2024 class. His strength-based creation is hard to ignore as a plus skill when he plays in the city - and refs have subconsciously penalized him for - but his jumper is a critical skill development. The three ball falls most when Nowell is spotting up and the release always looks good. Ahmad has an in-between game too. His strength helps him get to his floaters in the lane, especially against their national opponents. This is also how he gets to his mid-range pull ups. Ma’Kye Taylor | Imhotep 6’7 F/C ‘24 Taylor is the first big off the bench and he’s carved out an important role on the Panther’s squad. Ma’Kye brings some size with a fuller frame to the defensive end. He has matched up with post players from Bishop Walsh (MD), St. Frances (MD), and IMG (FL) over the last month and more than held his own on the defensive block, while often having a height disadvantage. Offensively, Ma’Kye profiles a stretch big with some equity as a space mover. He’s effective screening for the handler in P&R then popping jumpers from deep. Taylor’s ability to play bigger than he is and space the floor will make Tep a hard out in the District and State playoffs. Naseem Wright | Lincoln 6’6 W ‘24 Coach Mel Lindsey has things clicking out there in Northeast in just his third season there and Wright might be his best long-term prospect yet. Naseem is an asset on defense because he can sit in his stance and flatout guard on the perimeter. On switches versus 1s & 2s, he gives ball-handlers problems with his long arms and how low to the ground he can stay. That’s how he’s able to be at the point of attack in their full-court press. Wright is more of a linking player with upside for Lincoln’s offense. When they swing him the ball, he’s a threat to dribble, pass, or shoot. Other Impact Players [player_tooltip player_id="1185939" first="Rashan" last="Locke-Hicks"] | Lincoln 5’5 G ‘23 [player_tooltip player_id="991205" first="Aymere" last="Thomas"] | Lincoln 6’7 W ‘22 Thomas Brown | Mastery North Picket G ‘22 [player_tooltip player_id="1185954" first="Chauncey" last="Presley"] | MCS 6’1 G ‘22 Fred Thrift | MLK 6’4 F ‘22 Zaki Alston | Sankofa 6’2 G ‘23 For more basketball coverage, follow me on IG & Twitter @CGraham_Sports.