Big Shots-Philly Pride Tournament Preview

[caption id="attachment_1167458" align="alignleft" width="190"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/IMG_3707-rotated-e1639322191145.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1167458" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/IMG_3707-rotated-e1639322191145-300x289.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="183" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1281811" first="Izaiah" last="Pasha"] (C/O 2023) of [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National UAA.[/caption] <p>This weekend many of the top grassroots teams from southeastern Pennsylvania will participate in the Big Shots-[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] tournament. This grassroots event has quickly become one of the marquee spring tourneys in southeastern Pennsylvania.</p> <p>Below is a glance at the SEPA grassroots squads participating in the Big Shots-[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] tournament as well as their opening round opponent.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>17U (2022/2023)</u></strong><strong>:</strong></p> <p><strong>PSB Philly-Ferrick</strong>: This roster features a murderer's row of backcourt prospects in [player_tooltip player_id="1382973" first="Alex" last="Seidman"], <br /> Isaiah Grimes, [player_tooltip player_id="1379478" first="Jaden" last="Jauregui"], [player_tooltip player_id="1122142" first="Collin" last="Bowman"], and Seamus Rogers. Good luck containing that group. They tip off this event on Saturday vs. Kings Olympus Unlimited – Burch (NJ).</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National UAA</strong>: This [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] team features Delaware County POY [player_tooltip player_id="1281811" first="Izaiah" last="Pasha"] as well as fellow PCL standout <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/horace-simmons/">[player_tooltip player_id="1200800" first="Horace" last="Simmons"]</a> and of course highly coveted wing prospect [player_tooltip player_id="1188210" first="Alassane" last="Amadou"]. Their pursuit of the 17U trophy starts with a game against Urban Impact 2022 (PA).</p> <p><strong>SK Elite 2023</strong>: Standout guard [player_tooltip player_id="933049" first="Josh" last="Coulanges"] and scoring machine Nasir Washington dominate the perimeter for this talented team. On the interior is 6'5” Larenzo Jerkins who posted a monster year for Chester. SK Elite tips off this event against Kings Olympus Unlimited - Avent 17U (NJ).</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Delco: </strong>The “Delco” affiliate is new to the [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] program, but there is no drop off in talent as the Pride family expands. Check out the Chichester duo of 6'3” guard Ahkir Keys and sniper Mazen Sayed. They open this Big Shots-[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] event with a game against 610 City 2023-White (PA).</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Select</strong>: This has been an entertaining team to watch all spring. Adam “Budd” Clark is the fastest end to end point guard in the region. [player_tooltip player_id="1382972" first="Justin" last="Poles"] is a lightening quick combo guard and shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="1382970" first="Nadir" last="Myers"] owns one of the quickest triggers in SEPA. That trio and their teammates will open play on Saturday afternoon vs. 215 Cardinals (PA).</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National UAA 16s</strong>: The No. 3 team in our most recent 16U rankings is “playing up” this weekend so these runs will be an excellent test for this group. But you know elite 2024 guard prospects [player_tooltip player_id="991421" first="Ryan" last="Williams"], <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ty-burton/">[player_tooltip player_id="1173982" first="Ty" last="Burton"]</a> and Toby Ojukwu as well as big man [player_tooltip player_id="1173984" first="Matt" last="Gilhool"] are ready for the challenge. That challenge begins on Saturday vs Mid Atlantic Select 17 (MD).</p> <p><strong>K-Low Elite 3SSB 2024:</strong> This is another of our 16U ranked teams (currently No. 4) that is “playing up” this weekend. Keep an eye on the following 2024 prospects as they take the court on Saturday against Castle Athletics Adidas (PA) -- [player_tooltip player_id="1192641" first="Darren" last="Williams"], [player_tooltip player_id="1116025" first="Touari" last="“Deuce” Ketner"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1281774" first="EJ" last="Campbell"]. All three project as DI players.</p> [caption id="attachment_1438572" align="alignleft" width="166"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Josh-Reed-2024-II.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1438572" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Josh-Reed-2024-II-300x275.jpg" alt="" width="166" height="152" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1423298" first="Josh" last="Reed"] (C/O 2024) of Philly Revolution. Photo: Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops)[/caption] <p><strong><u>16U (2024)</u></strong><strong>: </strong></p> <p><strong>Mt. Pleasant Bulldogs: </strong>This squad has recently popped onto our radar thanks to the outstanding play of dime dropping combo guard Nathan Townsend and the scoring abilities of 6”5” wing Naeem Colston. During Saturday's 1^st round action, <strong>Mt. Pleasant</strong> plays against Mason Elite 2024 (PA).</p> <p><strong>PSB Philly-Bosler:</strong> Last weekend this team captured the 16U division title at the ZG Mid-Atlantic Championships, so they are coming in hot. Power forward Nolen Gerwer (6'7”) averaged 3 blocks and 10+ rebounds at that event. Rising star William Littles, Jr. is a guard who can finish at the rim and drain threes. This squad's runs tip off on Friday night against Triple Threat-NJ.</p> <p><strong>PA Royals:</strong> The Royals boast [player_tooltip player_id="1130829" first="Kirby" last="Mooney"], one of most accurate 2024 perimeter shooters in the region. However, if a defender crowds Mooney, he can slash to the cup for a catch and lay-in. Running with Mooney will be Tommy Walsh and Remmick Granozio. NJ Panthers 16U Select will be the PA Royals 1^st Round opponent.</p> <p><strong>Philly Revolution:</strong> Lethal three level scorer [player_tooltip player_id="1423298" first="Josh" last="Reed"], sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id="1188249" first="Kevin" last="McCarthy"] and high-level wing Jake Cummiskey headline this talented roster. Reed is a viral video waiting to happen. The No. 2 team in our latest 16U rankings will take on Castle Athletics NY Adidas on Friday night.</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Select:</strong> Extremely talented 2024 backcourt prospects [player_tooltip player_id="1173983" first="Amari" last="Dow"] and Ron Brown II have been our radar for some time now. You should also keep an eye on Kamani Healey. The 6'3” combo guard/wing produced a breakout season at Cheltenham this past winter. Their Big Shots-[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] tourney schedule begins Friday night vs. Kings Olympus Unlimited 16 (NJ).</p> [caption id="attachment_1447871" align="alignleft" width="185"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Jake-Sniras-2025.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1447871" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Jake-Sniras-2025-300x265.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="163" /></a> Jake Sniras (C/O 2025) of PSB Philly-Harken. Photo: Zach McHoul (@realzestyzach)[/caption] <p><strong><u>15U (2025)</u></strong><strong>: </strong></p> <p><strong>Philly Revolution:</strong> The Revolution feature a host of Philadelphia Catholic League's young stars. [player_tooltip player_id="1197606" first="Kevin" last="Beck"] is one of the most feared perimeter aces in SEPA. [player_tooltip player_id="1188649" first="Kiev" last="Rucker"] is a standout wing/forward and [player_tooltip player_id="1197608" first="Kevair" last="Kennedy"] is one of the top 2025 point guards in the PCL. The Rev's take on Chris Ward Basketball (NY) on Friday night.</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] National: </strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] 2025's roster is loaded with college prospects. [player_tooltip player_id="1379429" first="Donovan" last="Fromhartz"] is a stretch-4 with DI potential. Shooting guard Jacob Nguyen can get buckets from all over the court. Saiid Lee is a fleet footed point guard with elusive handles. This stacked team tips off on Friday night against 610 City 2025 (PA).</p> <p><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] Select: </strong>There are numerous high-level prospects to watch on this [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] squad. Among them are a trio of perimeter players -- Nigel Pierman, Carson Kramer, and Mike Green. These three will be making a great deal of noise in the coming years. Their first game is Friday night vs. Team Action (PA).</p> <p><strong>PSB Philly-Harken:</strong> This PSB squad is the hottest team in the 15U age group. They have won multiple tournaments this spring and have suffered only one loss so far. The team is paced by double-double machine Colin Hollingsworth, three-point sniper Jakob Harken and three level scorer Jake Sniras. Friday night Harken's crew will matchup with Castle Athletics NY Adidas.</p>