Spring Grassroots: 5 SEPA Observations from Opening Weekend
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Below are five southeastern Pennsylvania based observations from the “official” opening weekend of the 2023 spring grassroots circuit. 1) The Death of Team Final Is Grossly Exaggerated Yes, the names of the 16U and 15U squads have been altered slightly…
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Continue ReadingBelow are five southeastern Pennsylvania based observations from the “official” opening weekend of the 2023 spring grassroots circuit.
1) The Death of Team Final Is Grossly Exaggerated
Yes, the names of the 16U and 15U squads have been altered slightly and a few players across all three rosters have changed. However, one fact remains – the TF teams are loaded with elite talent. For instance, this past weekend at Gym Rat Live, Team Final EYBL-17u advanced to the title game before losing to the ridiculously stacked Canada Elite UAA team. Shooting guard Jalil Bethea Jalil Bethea 6'4" | SG Archbishop Wood | 2024 State #5 Nation PA was named “Offensive MVP” of the 17u tournament. Point god Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL (Baylor commit) was chosen 1st Team All-Tournament and power forward Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber 6'9" | C Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State #58 Nation PA was a 2nd Team All-Tournament selection. Meanwhile Team Final E16- Red lost in the Gym Rat semifinals to the eventual champions, PSA Cardinals. Finally, the Team Final E15- Red team has racked up a 3-2 record across their first two events.
2) Buy Stock in Darren Williams Darren Williams 6'4" | SG Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA Now
During Archbishop Ryan’s run to the 5A state tourney semifinals, Williams was simply amazing. Included in that stretch was his 28 points (7 threes) performance in the quarterfinals. Now on the spring grassroots circuit, Williams continues to impress with his lethal outside shooting and transition scoring. At the KYDA Invite, this 2024 shooting guard also displayed elite athleticism, a quick first step, tenacious on-ball defense, and a high basketball IQ. In the coming weeks we expect his outstanding play for K-Low Elite to continue and thus Williams will further boost his recruiting stock.
3) Ikenna Alozie is the Most Impressive 2026 in Tri-State Area
We rarely talk about prospects from New Jersey, but when you watch a kid as physically gifted and skilled as Alozie (Patrick School / NJ Celtics), it would be crime not give him a quick mention. Alozie “played up” in the 17U age group at the Gym Rat Invite and scored at all three levels with ease. His footwork and use of the jump stop at this youthful age are extremely impressive. Alozie’s jump shot is automatic from all over the floor and his dribble pull up game is smooth. On defensive end, he blocks shots and knifes through passing lanes for steals. Plus, Alozie plays with extreme pace and a unique level of intensity.
4) PSA Cardinals 15U…They Are Who We Said They Are
In our Gym Rat Live preview, we mentioned that this NYC based team featuring elite SEPA prospects KJ Coles KJ Coles 6'2" | CG Pocono Mountain West | 2026 State PA and Drew Corrao Drew Corrao 6'9" | C Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA could capture the tournament hardware up in Albany, NY. Well, that is exactly what the PSA Cardinals 15u went out and accomplished. PSA ran up a 4-0 record and defeated City Rocks in the ‘chip game. Coles and Corrao were major contributors all weekend. PSA’s dynamic backcourt prospect Dylan Mingo was named Most Outstanding Player for the 15U age group.
5) James Brenner James Brenner 6'7" | SG Unionville | 2026 State PA Continues to Turn Heads
During the high school season Brenner (2026) helped push Unionville to the District 1-5A championship game. In that contest Brenner impressed by scoring 10 points against an undefeated Radnor lineup that boasted four seniors who were 6’4” or taller. This spring Brenner is running with East Coast Power HGSL-15u and is again grabbing headlines. Two weeks ago, he was a standout performer at the Made Hoops East Warmup event. Then this past weekend Brenner’s extraordinary play helped push ECP to a 2-0 record at the KYDA Invite. Brenner is a versatile wing who can splash jumpers from all over the floor, attack the cup off the bounce and get out in transition for finishes through contact.