Week 12 SEPA Scouting: 6 Prospects Who Impressed

[caption id="attachment_1370907" align="alignleft" width="228"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/Demetrius-Lilley-2022-II-e1642866063899.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1370907" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/Demetrius-Lilley-2022-II-e1642866063899-290x300.jpg" alt="" width="228" height="236" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="991216" first="Demetrius" last="Lilley"] (C/O 2022) from Lower Merion. Photo: Bridget Walsh (@bwsportsphotos)[/caption] <p>The district and state playoffs portion of the high school basketball season here in southeastern Pennsylvania have produced numerous jaw dropping performances as prospects in this region have flourished on those big stages.</p> <p>Below is a quick review of six prospects we saw in-person or via online streams in last week who impressed us with their extraordinary level of play. </p> <p><strong>Luca Baratta</strong> <strong>– 6'2” / Senior / Perkiomen School / Philly Heat / Shooting Guard: </strong>This bomber (said in a Brett Brown accent) dropped 34 points on the strength of 8 made threes in a win over Covenant College Prep. Baratta's excellent off ball movement makes him extremely difficult to guard on the perimeter. In addition to splashing home spot up triples, Baratta can use the dribble to create space for step back threes or to get to the rim where he can finish with either hand. His stop-and-pop mid-range skills are also noteworthy. Baratta is getting attention from several DIII schools.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1188211" first="Qudire" last="Bennett"]</strong> <strong>– 6'5” / Junior / Plymouth Whitemarsh / L&amp;L Running Rebels / Small Forward: </strong>Across three District 1-6A playoff games this past week Bennett was extremely impressive, averaging 18.9 ppg. Highlighting Bennett's superb play in District action was a 24-point effort in a win over Central Bucks South and then 26 points (3 threes) and 8 rebounds in PW's (#22 seed) second round upset of Downingtown West (#6 seed)<em>. </em>Bennett is comfortable playing at the 1 through 4 spots and can splash threes from anywhere on the floor. He also does excellent work on the glass at both ends. College coaches will love Bennett's versatility, length, and high percentage shooting.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991216" first="Demetrius" last="Lilley"] </strong><strong>– 6'9” / Senior / Lower Merion / Philly Pride National / Power Forward: </strong>The front runner for Central League POY is doing some serious work in the District1-6A playoffs. First Lilley scored 23 points in solid win over a competitive Council Rock North team. He then tallied 21 points (one 3PM) in limited run during a 30-point blowout of Abington. Lilley's interior skills are well documented, but this season he has developed the ability to score off the dribble from either elbow. If his 3-point shooting continues to develop, he could become a stretch-4 at Penn State.</p> <p><strong>Ethan Meuser</strong> <strong>– 6'8” / Senior / Hill School / NEPA Elite / Small Forward:</strong> Recently Meuser was named as a 2021-22 Mid-Atlantic Prep League All-League Selection. He then proved that was not a fluke by recording 24 points in a win over Hun School. Meuser followed up that performance with 28 points (2 threes); 6 rebounds and 2 steals in upset win over Perkiomen School. His plethora of lost post moves include a tight spin dribble after which he can score with either hand. Hs jump shot is effective from the baseline, elbows, and the arc. He is an underrated shot blocker too. Meuser is committed to Stonehill College (DII).</p> <p><strong>Kevin Rucker</strong> <strong>– 6'3” / Sophomore / Chester / Team Final Black / Shooting Guard: </strong>Rucker is a talented 2024 guard prospect who can score at all three levels. His downhill, attacking style is unique as he will score off the dribble at every level. Full speed pull-up threes, off the dribble mid-range jumpers and of course dribble drive lay-ins are all part of Rucker's repertoire. Rucker netted 18 points in Chester's District 1-5A quarterfinal victory against Marple Newtown. Then he pumped in 27 points and grabbed 11 boards in semifinal win over Bishop Shanahan.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275992" first="Jaden" last="Workman"]</strong> <strong>– 6'1” / Senior / Pope John Paul II / PSB Philly / Combo Guard: </strong>A much improved 3-points stroke to go along with elusive handles and a high basketball IQ produced a tremendous regular season for Workman. His outstanding play continued in the District 1-4 A playoffs as Workman scored 24 points in a semifinal win over Springfield (Montco). Workman poured in 27 points in the 4A championship, but it was not enough as PJP lost to the No. 1 seed, Collegium Charter. Workman was a key part of the talented Class of 2022 at PJP that won four consecutive PAC-Frontier division titles and are the winningest class in program history.</p>