Grassroots Preview: PrimeTime 17U

[caption id="attachment_1419899" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Charlie-Thornton-2023-crop-4800x3152-1649087689.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1419899" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Charlie-Thornton-2023-crop-4800x3152-1649087689-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1212678" first="Charlie" last="Thornton"] of PrimeTime HGSL 17U and Radnor HS. Photo: Bridget Walsh (@bwsportsphotos)[/caption] During the 2021 spring/summer grassroots circuit a squad out of the Philadelphia suburbs named SJ Hoops Elite-Gray quietly assembled an extremely successful season. That talented squad is back together for 2022, but now the grassroots program is named PrimeTime HGSL. New name, same game. Last week this underrated group tipped off their new season with a head turning victory at the legendary Donofrio Classic Tournament. In the opening round of the Donofrio, PrimeTime HGSL defeated Team Awesome (A squad loaded with DI prospects like Xavian Lee; [player_tooltip player_id="1121756" first="Christian" last="Fermin"]; [player_tooltip player_id="1315682" first="Ryan" last="Dunn"], [player_tooltip player_id="1197607" first="Jaron" last="McKie"], etc.), 126-119 in double overtime. After a program defining win like that one, we do not think PrimeTime HGSL 17U will be sneaking up on anyone this spring/summer. Below is a preview of the 2022 PrimeTime HGSL 17U roster. [player_tooltip player_id="1119137" first="Jackson" last="Hicke"] – 6’4” / Radnor / Shooting Guard: In 2021-22 this smooth perimeter shooter proved he can score off the bounce and play point guard if needed. Additionally, Hicke showed that he will not hesitate to grab a rebound and go coast to coast for a lay-in. This season Hicke posted 16.4 points as well as 7 rebounds per game, was a 1st Team All-Central League selection and the team MVP for Radnor. In the 1st Round of the 5A state tournament he tallied a ridiculous double-double of 38 points (4 threes) and 13 rebounds during a win over Susquehannock. [player_tooltip player_id="1178095" first="Jacen" last="Holloway"] – 6’3” / Devon Prep / Small Forward: During March 2022, the recruiting stock of this versatile small forward skyrocketed. After a solid regular season for DP (13.6 ppg. & 5.6 rpg.; 40% on 3PAs), Holloway increased his production during the 3A state tournament to 16.4 points along with 7.2 boards per night, posted two double-doubles and helped Devon Prep capture the school’s first ever 3A state title. In short, the state tournament served as Holloway’s breakout event. Holloway is a long and muscular player, so he can overpower guards. His athleticism, quickness, and handles enable him to embarrass bigs out on the perimeter. His unique skill set was on full display when he scored 37 points in the 1st round of the before mentioned Donofrio Classic tournament. [player_tooltip player_id="1200791" first="Cooper" last="Mueller"] – 6’2” / Radnor / Combo Guard: This elite athlete with next level quickness is a phenomenal defender who can shut down the opposing team’s number one option. At the other end of the floor Mueller (9 ppg. & 3 rpg.) can get buckets by attacking the rim in transition, hitting mid-range jumpers or by knocking down the occasional triple. This past season Mueller was a starter on Radnor’s history making 23-win team. He recorded nine games of 11 or more points and scored a season high 20 points in a win at Upper Darby. [caption id="attachment_1073833" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Lucas-Orchard-2023-2.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1073833 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/Lucas-Orchard-2023-2-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1116055" first="Lucas" last="Orchard"] (middle) of PrimeTime HGSL 17U and Devon Prep.[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="1116055" first="Lucas" last="Orchard"] – 6’3” / Devon Prep / Wing: If you read this site regularly than you are very aware of this Swiss army knife prospect who helped push Devon Prep to the 3A state title. This season Orchard stuffed the stat sheet for DP -- 14.6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He also shot 37% on threes point attempts. After the 2021-22 season Orchard was a 2nd Team All-PCL selection. In addition to all his outstanding basketball skills, Orchard possesses many of the intangibles (endless motor; team first mentality; swagger; etc.) that college coaches adore. Last week at the Donofrio tourney Orchard scored 30 points in PrimeTime’s upset of Team Awesome. [player_tooltip player_id="1200819" first="Danny" last="Rosenblum"] – 6’0” / Radnor / Point Guard: Rosenblum is a versatile, high IQ lead guard who had an impact at both ends for a Radnor team that won 23 games this winter. He will score the ball by using a quick crossover to get to his mid-range game or all the way to the tin for a lay-in. Rosenblum (6.3 ppg. and 2.5 apg.) has 3-point range on his jumper as well. He can also play facilitator / initiator by directing a team in their half-court sets. As a distributor, Rosenblum is an effective drive and kick point guard. On defense Rosenblum provides menacing pressure on opposing guards and has a firm grasp of the concepts involved in good team defense. Tyler Scarpulla – 5’11” / Devon Prep / Combo Guard: Scarpulla is the prototypical “three and D” backcourt prospect. This season for 3A state champion Devon Prep he shot 34% from behind the arc. His constant off ball movement makes Scarpulla difficult to guard. Scarpulla also has solid handles, a high basketball IQ and plays with poise. His efforts at the defensive should not go unrecognized. His ability to anticipate plays and knife through passing lanes for steals is astonishing. Early in the 2021-22 season during a game against Haverford School, Scarpulla recorded 7 steals in the 2nd half and helped DP rally from 20 down for the win. Joey Suarez – 6’3” / Downingtown West / Shooting Guard: Suarez is a lights out 3-point shooter (44% this past season) who will provide floor spacing for Primetime. His jump shot is automatic from well beyond the 3-point arc, so opponents must pick him up at half court. His skill set and court awareness enable him to be an effective transition as well as corner 3-point sniper. Thus, his skill set fits today’s 3-ball happy style of basketball perfectly. Suarez informed us that he is hearing from several D3 schools including Ursinus and Widener. [player_tooltip player_id="1212678" first="Charlie" last="Thornton"] – 6’4” / Radnor / Wing: Thornton’s skill set took significant steps forward this year. His shooting stroke developed to the extent that he is now a legitimate three-point threat (35% from deep this season). Thornton (10 ppg. & 5 rpg.) also improved his ability to blow by a defender with one or two dribbles for a lay-in. His development into a dependable scorer from the elbows to the rim was a big reason for Radnor’s unprecedented success this season (23-4, District 1-5A runner up). Thornton also excels in transition where he can finish with authority. He recorded a season high 20-points vs. Marple-Newtown and posted two double-doubles this winter. Thornton’s length and hops will provide solid rim protection for PrimeTime’s defense. Jeb Williams – 6’5” / Lawrenceville Prep / Shooting Guard: Williams is a versatile and high basketball IQ prospect who can play as a shooting guard, wing, or small forward. While his elite 3-point shooting has college coaches drooling, Williams has a mid-range game and post up skills that are also noteworthy. For a prospect of his size, Williams owns decent speed so he can get out on the fast break where he can finish through contact. His height, even longer wingspan and anticipation skills allow him to snag rebounds with ease and block the occasional shot.