Open Gym Series: Malvern Prep & MCS

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier in the week, I made a couple more stops for my Open Gym Series. One was to the reigning co-champs of the Inter-Ac and the other was to one of the top programs in the Philadelphia Public League. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malvern Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monday afternoon, I made it out to Malvern to see the Friars. They have a couple key players to replace after splitting the Inter-Ac regular season title. Yet, they're developing some guys who should be up for the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1379452' first='Andrew' last='Phillips'] (6'4 F ‘23): Phillips broke out in ‘21-22 with his motor and shooting ability. Now the former football player is down 15-20 lbs and more agile with and without the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charlie Oschell (6'4 F ‘23): Oschell is a standout on the baseball field like his brother (&nbsp; Fran), but his scoring and defense in the post will make him a vital piece for the Friars on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='991421' first='Ryan' last='Williams'] (6'3 G ‘24): A primary scorer and secondary playmaker as a sophomore, Williams will be relied on to get his teammates involved early on. If he can do that well, he has a chance to win Inter-Ac POY.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1123923' first='Ryan' last='Pegg'] (6'3 G ‘24): Pegg can do a little of everything off-the-catch. With his ability to put the ball on the floor, he'll be one of the league's most improved players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanif McFadden Jr (6'4 W/F ‘25): “Junior” has intriguing physical tools that should be able to get him on the floor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1454262' first='Rowan' last='Miller'] (5'8 G ‘26): Miller can play. His quickness getting into the paint makes him, at the very least, a key rotation player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Math, Civics &amp; Sciences</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elephants don't have any “stars” (yet) or much size. But they have a herd of experienced guards who can all hoop and some toolsy wings. Seeing them Wednesday evening confirmed that Coach Lonnie's squad should be one of the contenders in the Public League.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1185954' first='Chauncey' last='Presley'] (6'1 G ‘23): Presley has taken on a leadership role on the court. His improving jumper from three, in tandem with his point-of-attack defense, make him an even more important piece.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1186043' first='Nayeem' last='Johnson'] (6'2 G ‘23): Based on the eye-catching June Live period, Johnson could be MCs's primary option offensively and have a breakout season of his own.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jeff King (5'9 G ‘23): King is taking advantage of his increased role. His ability to deal with on-ball pressure and make sound decisions will serve the team well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1185939' first='Rashan' last='Locke-Hicks'] (5'5 G ‘23): One of two newcomers, “Nizzy” can be a spark for this squad. The way he improvises with the ball in his hand can swing games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaiah Griffin (6'4 W/F ‘23): Griffin will be tested as the team's only “big.” But his length and agility give him the advantage in many of the matchups he'll face.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nasseem Wright (6'6 W ‘24): Wright is the other addition and potentially their most impactful. The two-way wing has the shooting ability and lateral mobility defensively to be one of the best in his class locally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more hoops coverage, follow me on Twitter/IG @ CGraham_Sports</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->