SEPA Prospect Watch: Abraham Lincoln vs. LaSalle CHS

<p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/ProspectSpotlight.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1003746 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/ProspectSpotlight-300x188.jpg" alt="" width="246" height="154" /></a>On Monday afternoon LaSalle College HS hosted Abraham Lincoln in a Philly Catholic League vs. Philly Public League match-up.</p> <p>LaSalle led at halftime by 29 and eventually defeated Lincoln 66-42. It is worth noting that Lincoln unexpectedly played without two of their college prospects / starters in Khrystopher Murray (6’3” / Wing) as well as Matt Williams (6’6” / Wing). However, we should also mention that LaSalle’s aggressive 2-3 zone contributed heavily to the lopsided score.</p> <p>Below is a look at the numerous college prospects that took the court yesterday for the Abraham Lincoln at LaSalle game.</p> <p><strong><u>Abraham Lincoln</u></strong><strong>:</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1185939" first="Rashan" last="Locke-Hicks"]</strong> – <strong>5’8” / Sophomore / Team Final FiDonce / Point Guard:</strong> Somebody must keep Lincoln’s group of super athletic slashers organized and Locke-Hicks does that job nicely. He has excellent court vision and owns tremendous instincts. This sophomore can shoot the three some as well.</p> <p><strong>Tamir Powell</strong> – <strong>6’4” / Senior / </strong><strong>Hidden Gems</strong><strong> / Combo Guard:</strong> Powell is a versatile backcourt prospect who can play facilitator or bucket getter for the Railsplitters. His ability to play a physical brand of basketball with smaller guards is a huge advantage for him. This athletic, lefty lead guard can make shots from all over the court including from deep. On defense his quick hands create turnovers.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991205" first="Aymere" last="Thomas"]</strong> – <strong>6’6” / Junior / Wing: </strong>Thomas is an extremely long and athletic prospect who can play above the rim in transition. Additionally, this lefty drains threes at a high clip. He posted 10 points in this game and last month scored 26 vs. Cardinal O’Hara.</p> <p><strong>Jameer Trout </strong>– <strong>6’3” / Junior / Wolfpack / Shooting Guard: </strong>Trout is a very impressive catch and shoot 3-point ace who usually fills the 6^th man role for Lincoln. He was pressed into a starting role vs. LaSalle and managed it nicely by scoring at all three levels. Last week he posted an impressive 18-point performance vs. an outstanding West Catholic team.</p> <p><strong>Naseem Wright</strong> – <strong>6’4” / Sophomore / Combo Guard: </strong>Currently Wright is a glue guy for this talented Lincoln squad, and he excels in that role. Still, he has shown that when given the chance he will convert on scoring opportunities. He scored 9 points in this contest and last week hit for 16 points vs St. Joe’s Prep. Wright owns surprisingly solid handles for a prospect of his size.</p> <p><strong><u>LaSalle</u></strong><strong>:</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991391" first="Sam" last="Brown"] IV </strong><strong>– 6’2’’ / Senior / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: </strong>Brown is coming off two straight 20-point games and opened this contest with 8 points in the 1^st quarter (14 total). His lights our corner three-point shooting was again on display as was his high basketball IQ. Brown surprised with his ability to play in transition and flush over opponents. He is committed to Rutgers for football but should inquire about walking on to the MBB team.</p> <p><strong>Caleb Bryant </strong><strong>– 6’8’’ / Junior / Team Final EYBL / Power Forward:</strong> Bryant is a powerfully built athlete who can rebound, score on second chance opportunities and block shots. His offensive game is raw, but his upside is intriguing.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1200800" first="Horace" last="Simmons"]</strong> <strong>– 6’6’’ / Junior / Philly Pride National / Wing:</strong> LaSalle’s long and athletic wing with serious ups impressed with his transition game skills. Additionally, Simmons is an excellent rim protector. In this game he had a ridiculous chase down block. Simmons’ half-court game still needs some work, but you can see flashes of his potential. When he draws contact/fouls Simmons converts at the charity stripe. Simmons (14 points) holds several offers including Penn, Richmond, Marquette and GWU.</p> <p><strong>Nix Varano</strong> <strong>– 6’3’’ / Senior / Philly Pride Gold / Combo Guard:</strong> This combo guard led LaSalle with 16 points. Varano is high percentage jump shooter, especially from three. Varano’s solid basketball IQ and court vision allowed him to navigate Lincoln’s full court press with relative ease. He is much quicker than he appears. Committed to Army.</p> <p><strong>Chris Williams</strong> <strong>– 6’3’’ / Senior / Philly Revolution / Combo Guard:</strong> Every high school coach would love to have Williams as a starter. On this deep and talented LaSalle lineup his is the 4^th option on offense and still manages to post double digits frequently. He can run the floor, score through contact, and shoot the three. Williams has tremendous instincts, can handle the pill and is good free throw shooter. Williams (8 points vs. Lincoln) would make for a solid D2/D3 player.</p>