Which SEPA Teams Can Win 4A State Title?
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Below is a review of five teams from southeastern Pennsylvania that we believe have a legitimate chance at winning this year’s PIAA 4A state tournament. We have also noted a potential “roadblock” in the bracket for each of these 4A…
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Continue ReadingBelow is a review of five teams from southeastern Pennsylvania that we believe have a legitimate chance at winning this year’s PIAA 4A state tournament.
We have also noted a potential “roadblock” in the bracket for each of these 4A teams that could dash their title dreams.
Allentown Central Catholic (11-1): The District 11-4A champion’s lineup boasts two of the premier 2025 prospects in the region — Jahrel Vigo Jahrel Vigo 6'1" | CG Allentown Central Catholic | 2025 State PA and Lucas Mushrush. Vigo (12 ppg.) is an athletic and bouncy wing who will finish with authority. Mushrush (11.5 ppg.) is a 3-point sniper who has drained 73 triples (and counting) this year. Senior Nico Pulieri (10.5 ppg) is a combo guard prospect with length who causes matchup issues for opponents. For ACC keep an eye on Anthony Jones and NaSean Davis too.
Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential 2nd Round game vs. Cardinal O’Hara; Final Four contest vs. Neumann-Goretti
Bethlehem Catholic (11-2): Elusive sharpshooter Alex Cercado Alex Cercado CG Bethlehem Catholic | 2023 State PA (19 ppg. & 41 3s; Alvernia University commit) pushed BC to a District 11-4A runner up finish. Despite that disappointment, Cercado and the rest of the Golden Hawks are primed for a 4A state title run. Cercado will get significant support from a pair of talented freshmen. 2026 forward sensation Josh Benka-Coker Josh Benka-Coker 6'7" | PF Bethlehem Catholic | 2027 NJ (10 ppg.) is a long athlete who can score at the rim with either hand. 6’5” freshman wing phenom Marcus Drysdale (8 ppg.) excels in transition and can sprinkle in the occasional 3-ball.
Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential 2nd Round game vs. Neumann-Goretti
Berks Catholic (3-1): Senior guard Josiah Jordan Josiah Jordan 5'11" | PG Berks Catholic | 2023 State PA is a dynamic athlete (All-State in football; Wilkes Univ. football commit) who can score at all three levels. Jordan led the Saints (22-4) at 14 points per night. Perimeter shooters Ryan Koch (60 3PM) and Jack Miller (40 3PM) space the floor so Jordan can get to rack off the dribble. Those three create a drive and kick offense that is difficult to guard. Freshman Kingston McKoy Kingston McKoy 6'3" | PG Berks Catholic | 2026 State PA is Swiss Army knife prospect who is a plus player at both ends.
Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential Quarterfinal contest with District 7 champion Lincoln Park
Cardinal O’Hara (12-3): O’Hara rang up an 8-5 record in PCL play and then defeated a solid Audenreid squad by 23 points in their District 12-4A state tourney seeding game. In short, this team is a legitimate 4A title contender. O’Hara’s extreme up-tempo pace of play is led by Izaiah Pasha Izaiah Pasha 6'4" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2023 State PA (17 ppg. & 7 rpg.; Iona commit) and Aasim Burton Aasim Burton 6'3" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 State PA (13 ppg.; multiple DI offers). This dynamic backcourt pushes the rock at a breakneck pace for buckets or to distribute to open teammates. In the half-court, shooting guard Josh Coulanges Josh Coulanges 5'9" | PG Cardinal O'Hara | 2023 State PA (50 3PM) opens the court for dribble drives by Pasha and Burton. Meanwhile 6’7” stretch-4 prospect Pearse McGuinn Pearse McGuinn 6'8" | PF Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 State PA (12 ppg.) can destroy opponents at all 3 levels.
Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential 2nd Round game vs. D11 champion Allentown Central Catholic; Final Four contest vs. Neumann-Goretti
Neumann-Goretti (12-1): NG is the heavy favorite to repeat as PIAA 4A champions. The main reason they are overwhelming favorites is because of their unstoppable guard / power forward combo that features all-world point man Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL (22 ppg.; Baylor commit) and 6’8” forward Sultan Adewale Sultan Adewale 6'8" | SF Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State #205 Nation PA (15pp. & 10 rpg.). Both Wright and Adewale were 1st Team All-PCL selections for 2022-23. Adewale remains the top uncommitted 2023 big man in Pennsylvania. Running with those two superstars are DI level guards Khaafiq Myers Khaafiq Myers 5'10" | PG Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA (10 ppg.; 2nd Team All-PCL) and Amir Williams Amir Williams 6'6" | SF Neuman-Goretti | 2024 State PA (9 ppg. 45 3PM). Be sure to watch senior Bruce Smith Bruce Smith 6'2" | SF Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA as well. His 3-point shooting was a huge plus for Neumann-Goretti in the PCL playoffs.