Open Gym Series: Neumann-Goretti & Salesianum (DE)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the latest edition of the open gym series, I visited "Guard High" Neumann-Goretti in South Philly on Monday and Delaware powerhouse Salesianum on Tuesday in Wilmington. Both open gyms provided valuable insights on the 22-23 editions of these programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Neumann-Goretti</strong> <strong>(PA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints had a storybook ending to the season to have overcome their obstacle and win Catholic League, District and State titles. With arguably the best backcourt in the area, they go from being the hunted to the hunter, as one of the preseasons favorites to win it all - again. Baylor, LaSalle, Drexel, UPenn, and Quinnapiac were all present.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Guards</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1116063' first='Robert' last='Wright III'] (6'0 ‘24): Fresh off his commitment to Baylor, Rob with an extra pep in his step. Incorporating his already-proven jumper will add another dimension to his creation ability this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1123910' first='Khaafiq' last='Myers'] (5'11 ‘24): Fiq isn't just quick anymore: he's twitchy. And it's showing up in his ability to finish at the rim. His strength is on-ball defense and that's getting even better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bruce Smith (6'1 23): The lone senior in the backcourt, Bruce just plays winning basketball. He'll bring his rugged 3 &amp; D style of play into a bigger role in ‘22-23.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1576719' first='Stephon' last='Ashley-Wright'] (5'11 ‘26): “Munchie” is already competing against the older guards. He might only get backup PG minutes yet there won't be much of a drop-off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Wings</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1123886' first='Amir' last='Williams'] (6'6 ‘24): The physical tools and impact on defense are already there for Williams. But he'll get the chance to display them more as a full-time starter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Matt Guokas (6'3 ‘24): Matt paid his dues his first two years. Now he'll get a chance to crack the rotation as a floor-spacer and perimeter defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Forwards/Bigs</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1279647' first='Sultan' last='Adewale'] (6'8 ‘23): Adewale continues his upward trajectory since February. With a national schedule coming up, Sultan is as strong and dynamic as ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1187959' first='Larenzo' last='Jerkins'] (6'5 ‘24): Renzo is the most improved out of this bunch since joining NG in June. His new-found craft will only enhance the hustle and physicality he gives them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Salesianum (DE)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After coming up a bit short in the 2022 state championship and graduating one of the top players in program history, Sallies might be even better and deeper in 2023. They have their own 2024 backcourt who would give them a chance to compete against anyone from Delaware to South Jersey. Delaware and Wilmington Univ. were present as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Guards</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaiah Hynson (6'3 ‘24): Hynson is their leading returner who handled more playmaking as a sophomore. His consistency as a shooter will make him a bigger threat off-ball and help the team that much more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kareem Thomas (6'4 ‘24): Known more as a shooter, Thomas is the Sallies player who has taken the biggest leap over the summer with his skills getting to the basket. He gives Coach Trevison another dynamic weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quinn O'Hara (5'10 ‘24): Quinn is another junior who has been playing since his freshman year. He makes good decisions with the ball and plays scrappy defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brendan Black (5'11 ‘23): Brendan showed off a creative handle and solid jumper Tuesday afternoon. If he can contribute on defense too, he'll easily earn minutes for his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Wings&nbsp;</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'5 ‘24 Justin Hinds and  6'4 ‘25 [player_tooltip player_id='2352339' first='RJ' last='Johnson'] (football) are in-season for other sports but have the talent to play at the next level. Hinds has the length and footwork from soccer to be a lock-down defender. Johnson comes in with some hype after excelling with [program_tooltip program_id='2450598' first='WeR1' last=''] 15U UAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Forwards/Bigs</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281789' first='Luke' last='Brown'] (6'8 F): Luke is back home and fitting in seamlessly. His combination of size and mobility compliment their roster on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deuce Mutts: (6'4 F): High motor kids win you games and Deuce has no shortage of that. He's going to play interior defense and clean the glass for them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TJ Jankiewicz (6'8 '23): He was at football practice but TJ will no doubt bring another layer to what this team can do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">2026</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This freshman class is loaded for the Sallies. Led by 6'0 G [player_tooltip player_id='1406786' first='Anthony' last='Smith'], it features 6'1 G [player_tooltip player_id='2358359' first='Christian' last='Baynes'], 6'4 F [player_tooltip player_id='1454253' first='Dominic' last='Downs'], and 6'4 F [player_tooltip player_id='2365472' first='Mark' last='Brown'] (Luke's brother). All four are names to keep an eye out for over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more basketball coverage, follow me on IG/Twitter @CGraham_Sports</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->