Which SEPA Teams Can Win 5A State Title?

Below is a review of four teams from southeastern Pennsylvania that we believe have a legitimate chance at winning this year’s PIAA 5A state tournament.

We have also noted a potential “roadblock” for each of these 5A bracket teams that could dash their title dreams.

Archbishop Ryan (12-2): This season Ryan posted a 10-3 record in the PCL and loss to Imhotep Charter in the District 12-5A championship game. So, you know they are battle tested. Plus, Ryan’s lineup is loaded with DI talent. Ryan’s offense starts in the middle with big man Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber 6'9" | C Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State #62 Nation PA (20 & 11 per; several DI Offers). Sorber’s ability to score through double and triple teams is impressive. Supplying the perimeter production for Ryan are DI guard prospects Darren Williams Darren Williams 6'4" | SG Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA (16 ppg.) and Michael “Zaire” Paris Michael “Zaire” Paris 5'11" | CG Archbishop Ryan | 2023 State PA (11 ppg.). For Ryan also keep an eye on combo guard Rocco Marabito and slashing wing Jaden Murray Jaden Murray 6'7" | PF Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA .

Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential Quarterfinal matchup with Radnor; Potential Final Four game against Imhotep Charter

Imhotep Charter (12-1): Imhotep (25-3; Philly Public League & D12 champions) is the heavy favorite to win the 5A state title. One look at their lineup and it is easy to see why. Guards Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA (No. 1 ranked 2023 in the nation; Kentucky commit), Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'1" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #54 Nation PA (No. 2 ranked 2024 in PA) and Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA (FGCU commit) form an elite guard trio. Wings Jeremiah White Jeremiah White 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA (top ranked 2024) and Baasil Saunders Baasil Saunders 6'4" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA (top uncommitted 2023) are transition phenoms and dominate the glass at both ends. Yahmir Satterfield Yahmir Satterfield 6'3" | SG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA (several DII offers) is one of the most skilled “glue guys” in the region. It is difficult to imagine Imhotep not repeating as PIAA 5A champions.

Roadblock to a ‘Chip: NONE

Pocono Mountain West (11-2): This year’s version of Pocono Mountain West (21-6) is not the basketball juggernaut of 2021-22, but they are still a dangerous team. Kutztown University (D3) commit Julian Pagan (20 ppg.) is option No. 1 for PMW. He is a three-level scoring prospect who notched several 30-spots this season. Running in the backcourt with Pagan is standout freshman KJ Coles KJ Coles 6'2" | CG Pocono Mountain West | 2026 State PA (12.6 ppg.; 62 3PM). Coles has developed into one of the top 2026 prospects in the region. Sophomore sensation Adrian Brito (12.6 ppg.) is PMW’s third option who routinely posts double-doubles.

Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential Quarterfinal matchup with Imhotep Charter

Radnor (1-1): Over the last couple of weeksRadnor (27-0) has added some serious hardware to their trophy case — Central League regular season and tournament champions as well as District 1-5A champions. Still, Radnor’s decorated Class of 2023 is not satisfied. Shooting guard Jackson Hicke Jackson Hicke 6'5" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA (20 ppg.; Princeton commit) and wing Charlie Thornton Charlie Thornton 6'4" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA (11 ppg.) will lead their quest for yet another trophy. Their ’23 classmates, point guard Danny Rosenblum Danny Rosenblum 6'0" | PG Radnor | 2023 State PA (Rochester commit), combo guard Cooper Mueller Cooper Mueller 6'3" | SG Radnor | 2023 State PA (Princeton lax commit) and 6’6” shooting guard Jackson Gaffney Jackson Gaffney 6'6" | SG Radnor | 2023 State PA complete one of the most balanced lineups in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Roadblock to a ‘Chip: potential Quarterfinal matchup with Archbishop Ryan; Potential Final Four game against Imhotep Charter