Way Too Early: SEPA Top 5 Public School Teams
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Over the last month we have watched an extraordinary number of games at high school showcases as well as during fall league action. So, we wanted to make a bold (or stupid depending on your view) statement regarding the best…
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Continue ReadingOver the last month we have watched an extraordinary number of games at high school showcases as well as during fall league action. So, we wanted to make a bold (or stupid depending on your view) statement regarding the best SEPA public-school teams we have witnessed play recently.
We know it is only the first week of October, but below we ranked our “Way Too Early” Top 5 southeastern Pennsylvania public school teams for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Obviously, we reserve the right to be flat our wrong here or change the rankings prior to the start of the high school season.
- Imhotep Charter – The defending 5A state champions sitting in the early No. 1 spot should not be a surprise because this roster’s wealth of talent is ridiculous. 2023s Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA (Kentucky Commit) and Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA (FGCU commit; pic above) along with nationally ranked 2024 backcourt prospect Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'0" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #36 Nation PA comprise the best three guard lineup in the state. Fellow 2024 Jeremiah White Jeremiah White 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA is finally healthy and primed for a monster season. Baasil Saunders Baasil Saunders 6'4" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA (2023), Malcolm Muhammad Malcolm Muhammad 6'0" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA (2023), Ma’Kye Taylor Ma’Kye Taylor 6'7" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA (2024) and Jalen Chiles Jalen Chiles 6'1" | PG Friends Select | 2025 State PA (2025) are all DI level prospects.
- Reading – Yes, superstar Daniel Alcantara graduated (Kutztown), but this program still has plenty of talent. Elite combo guard Ruben Rodriguez Ruben Rodriguez 6'2" | PG Reading | 2023 State PA (Rider commit) proved this summer he is extremely capable of being a high-level No. 1 scoring option. Senior shooting guard Aris Rodriguez Aris Rodriguez 6'6" | SG Reading | 2023 State PA might be the most underrated 2023 prospect in the region. He is a walking bucket. Myles Grey Myles Grey 5'10" | CG Reading | 2024 PA is another 2023 who is legit DI college prospect. That senior group is supported by a pair of skilled 2024s — guard Nick Chapman Nick Chapman 5'10" | CG Reading | 2024 State PA and forward Malik Osumanu Malik Osumanu 6'5" | PF Reading | 2024 PA .
- Radnor – The District 1-5A runner up returns four starters and added an impact transfer. Shooting guard Jackson Hicke Jackson Hicke 6'5" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA (Princeton commit) improved every facet of his game this summer. Danny Rosenblum Danny Rosenblum 6'0" | PG Radnor | 2023 State PA (Rochester commit) is a rock steady lead guard who can penetrate for buckets and hit the occasional triple. Wing player Charlie Thornton Charlie Thornton 6'4" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA has developed into a legitimate three level scorer. Cooper Mueller Cooper Mueller 6'3" | SG Radnor | 2023 State PA (Princeton commit for lacrosse) is an athletic slasher who at the other end is a lockdown defender. Plus, the addition of 6’6” shooting guard Jackson Gaffney (8 ppg. at SJP in 2021-22) was a major pickup for the Raptors.
- Math, Civics and Sciences – MCS returns three key playersfrom last season – guards Nayeem Johnson Nayeem Johnson 6'2" | SG Math, Civics And Sciences | 2023 State PA and Chauncey Presley Chauncey Presley 6'1" | SG Math, Civics and Sciences | 2023 State PA as well as forward Isaiah Griffin. That is a solid nucleus. Then you add transfers Naseem Wright and Rashan Locke-Hicks Rashan Locke-Hicks 5'11" | PG Math, Civics & Sciences | 2023 State PA to the mix and suddenly you have a Philly Public League title contender. Wright played outstanding ball during the 2022 July circuit. He is a dynamic scoring threat. Locke-Hicks is one of the quickest and most elusive guards in the region.
- (Tie) Plymouth Whitemarsh – The perimeter prospects on “P-Dub’s” roster are going to be a difficult match up for any opponent. Leading the way is 6’5” senior scoring machine Qudire Bennett Qudire Bennett 6'4" | SF Plymouth Whitemash | 2023 State PA . Elite point guard Jaden Colzie Jaden Colzie 6'0" | PG Plymouth Whitemarsh | 2024 State PA can put up points or facilitate for others. Standout Chase Coleman Chase Coleman 6'2" | PG Rocktop Academy | 2024 PA recently transferred in from The Patrick School (NJ). He is a combo guard who can score at all three levels. Jahseir Sayles Jahseir Sayles 6'6" | SF Plymouth Whitemarsh | 2024 State PA is a tremendous wing scorer who was one of this summer’s biggest stock risers in the Class of 2024. Supporting that perimeter group is 6’7” Rodney Willis who provides an interior presence at both ends of the court.
and…Collegium Charter – Collegium’s dynamic backcourt of Dinero Washington (1,200-point scorer) and Kmari Smith Kmari Smith 6'2" | CG West Chester Henderson | 2024 PA is well known on the SEPA basketball scene. When you combine those two with standout wing Duce Jackson Duce Jackson 6'6" | SF Collegium Charter | 2023 State PA and elusive combo guard Alyjah Warren Alyjah Warren 6'0" | CG Collegium Charter | 2023 State PA you get a terrific scoring attack. Jackson was one of this past summer’s breakout stars. His athleticism and tenacity as well as his mid-range to the rim scoring impressed college coaches and scouts. Warren is a plus player at both ends of the court.