Prospect Watch: Central York vs. Father Judge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday Archbishop Wood hosted the “Diane Mosco Foundation Shootout.” Among the six games we watched on Saturday was a thrilling contest between Central York and Father Judge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was an entertaining and intense game that featured numerous jaw-dropping plays. In the end, FJ won 60-59, via a buzzer beater 3-ball from [player_tooltip player_id='1197608' first='Kevair' last='Kennedy'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a look at a few of the college prospects who took the court on Saturday for the Central York vs. Father Judge contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Central York</u></strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Dodson </strong><strong>– 6'2” / Senior / York Ballers / Wing: </strong>Dodson always surprises us with his athleticism and hops. Both were on display as he drove down the lane and two hand flushed what appeared to be the game winner with just six seconds remaining. Dodson (17 pts,) can also shoot the three from deep and displayed a high basketball IQ. The CY coaches tell us Dodson is hearing from several DIII schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281777' first='Greg' last='Guidinger'] </strong><strong>– 6'6” / Junior / Philly Pride National / Wing: </strong>This long and athletic three level scorer does a tremendous job of using the dribble to get to his spots. In the paint, Guidinger can finish with either hand. On the perimeter, his size enables him to shoot over defenders. His size and instincts make him a force on the glass. Guidinger (14 and 10 double-double) holds no less than six DI offers and just picked up one from Lafyette.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287319' first='Ben' last='Natal'] </strong><strong>– 6'1” / Sophomore / York Ballers / Point Guard: </strong>Natal scored 14 points yesterday against Father Judge but it is his Swiss Army knife skill set that really impressed. Natal can score at all three levels, facilitated for teammates, direct a half-court offense and he is an excellent team defender. The poise this sophomore playrd with is astonishing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1271440' first='Ben' last='Rill'] </strong><strong>– 6'9″ / Sophomore / York Ballers / Power Forward:</strong> This versatile lefty was plagued by foul problems yesterday, so it was difficult for Rill to get into the flow of the game. Still, Rill managed to contribute 9 points. His height, speed and shooting touch make him a matchup problem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><u>Father Judge</u></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1123891' first='Laquan' last='Byrd'] </strong><strong>– 6'3” / Junior / Team Final Red / Combo Guard: </strong>Last year we witnessed Byrd post a 37 points (3 triples) and 10 rebounds double-double. So, we were a little shocked that CY kept this accomplished scorer in check (9 points and 10 boards). Byrd's high basketball IQ as well as his ability to grab a rebound and go coast to coast were noteworthy. He also played with a great deal of energy and swagger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kyle Jones, Jr. – 6'3" / Senior / B.A.N.G. / Combo Guard: </strong>Jones spent a great deal of time playing off-ball in this game which is a new twist for him. He still led FJ with 21 points and dominated this game for stretches. He drained threes and scored off dribble drives. Jones excels in transition too. College coaches need to wake up on this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197608' first='Kevair' last='Kennedy'] </strong><strong>– 6'0” / Sophomore / Philly Revolution / Point Guard:</strong> We watched Kennedy play a great deal this past summer, so it was not a surprise to us that this cold-blooded shooter hit the game winning 3-pointer as the clock ran out. He is an extremely talented lead guard prospect who can do it all. Kennedy (7 points) possesses significant drive and kick skills and plays with composure beyond his years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Rivera Jr. – 6'2” / Freshman / BW Elite / Combo Guard:</strong> This was our first-time watching Rivera play for FJ. A lot of freshmen with his level of hype would force the action and take ill-advised shots. Rivera (5 pts.) does none of that. He is a patient player who took the scoring opportunities the defense gave him. He is a willing passer who moves the ball to the right spot. Rivera is also a tenacious defender. In short, this top 2026 prospect impressed us.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1472593' first='Ernest' last='Shelton'] – 6'3″ / Senior / Philly Pride / Combo Guard: </strong>Widely considered one of the elite long-range shooters in the region, yesterday Shelton knocked home two clutch 4^th quarter threes on his way to 12 points. The other elements of his game -- ball handling, mid-range shooting and passing – continue to show steady improvement. Shelton is another SEPA 2023 who is somehow still flying under the radar.     </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->