SEPA Recruiting Update

Below is a review of some of a few recent happenings on the southeastern Pennsylvania recruiting scene.

SEPA Recruiting News:

Izaiah Pasha Izaiah Pasha 6'4" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2023 State PA – 6’4” / Senior / Cardinal O’Hara / Philly Pride UAA / Point Guard: The 2021-22 Delaware County POY and a 1,000+ point scorer has decommitted from Iona after legendary Head Coach Rick Pitino jumped to St. John’s. Pasha also announced via social media that he will reclass into the 2024 graduate year and play a PG season. Pasha is one of the most aggressive, up-tempo guards in the region. His extreme downhill style places constant pressure on opposing defenses. As a bonus, Pasha can shoot the three at a decent clip (32%). After averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game this season, Pasha was a 1^st Team All-PCL selection.

Adam “Budd” Clark – 5’9″ / Senior / West Catholic / Philly Pride UAA / Point Guard: We mentioned in early March, that Clark had decommitted from Coppin State because Head Coach Juan Dixon had been “let go”. Well, after an amazing state tournament run in which Clark pushed WC to the 3A title (32 points in ‘chip game), this lightening quick floor general’s recruiting has picked up. In the last week Clark has received offers from Bucknell, Merrimack and Farleigh Dickinson. During the 2022-23 season, this West Catholic superstar averaged 18 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 38% from three. Clark was a 1^st Team All-PCL selection too.

 SEPA Recent Commitments:

Dean Coleman-Newsome Dean Coleman-Newsome 6'2" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2023 State PA – 6’2” / Senior / Archbishop Carroll / Gibbs Elite / Combo Guard: This versatile and physical backcourt prospect recently committed to Chipola College (JUCO in FL). In 2022-23 “DCN” posted a stat line of 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per contest. “DCN” can score at all three levels, facilitate for teammates, and has the unique ability to play bully ball against most opposing guards. His 26 points, 8 boards and 7 dimes performance in win over West Philly was extremely impressive. “DCN”s” outstanding season was rewarded with 2^nd Team All-PCL honors.

Bruce Smith Bruce Smith 6'2" | SF Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State PA – 6’2″ / Senior / Neumann-Goretti / BW Elite / Small Forward: Earlier this week Smith (8 ppg. & 4 rpg.; 37% on threes) committed to Peru State College (NAIA) where he should be a tremendously valuable “glue guy” for the Bobcats. Smith’s reputation as a high-level “3 and D” prospect is well earned, but he a more well-rounded prospect then people think. His dribbling and passing skills, understanding of team defense and basketball IQ are all underrated. In NG’s District 12-4A Championship game win against Overbrook, Smith scored 16points on the strength of 4 made threes.

Charlie Thornton Charlie Thornton 6'4" | SF Radnor | 2023 State PA – 6’4″ / Senior / Radnor / Prim3 Tim3 / Wing: The expansion of Thornton’s skill set over the last two seasons has been remarkable. The reward for all his hard work is that next year Thornton will be playing for Randolph Macon (D3). Thornton is an athletic, slasher style wing with hops. He owns solid dribble drive skills and can bang home three-pointers all night. At the other end of the floor, he is a rim protector and fierce rebounder. In 2022-23 Thornton posted 11 ppg. and was a 1^st Team All-Central League selection. His 27-point (6 threes) performance in Radnor’s Central League title game win over Lower Merion was one of the most entertaining induvial performances we watched all season.