Check Rock League: Breakout Prospects
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Below is a review of five prospects who displayed a whole new level to their game during the 2023 Check Rock League. Tygee Clark – 5’10” / 2026 / Cardinal O’Hara / RKH / Combo Guard: Clark’s reputation as a…
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Continue ReadingBelow is a review of five prospects who displayed a whole new level to their game during the 2023 Check Rock League.
Tygee Clark – 5’10” / 2026 / Cardinal O’Hara / RKH / Combo Guard: Clark’s reputation as a quick and elusive ball handler who excels in the open court proceeds him. What we did not know is that in the half-court Clark could create for himself and others at an elite level. Clark’s ability to attack the paint, then read the defense and make the right decisions (score or distribute) is well beyond his years. He also possesses the skills and strength to navigate past a defender and then execute plays with that defender hanging all over his back. Clark’s mid-range skills are filthy as well.
Jordan Ellerbee Jordan Ellerbee 6'2" | CG St. Joseph’s Prep | 2025 State PA – 6’2” / 2025 / St. Joe’s Prep / NJ Scholars EYBL / Combo Guard: In 2022-23 Ellerbee averaged 10 points per game in the highly competitive PCL. So, we knew he was a solid prospect. However, Ellerbee used the Check Rock League to put everyone on notice that he is capable of being a No. 1 option and a potential star. As a bonus to his three-level scoring, the multi-skilled Ellerbee can run as a primary ball handler for stretches and is a plus defender. Albany is the only school so far to recognize Ellerbee’s potential with an offer. But we expect that to change ASAP.
Travis Reed Jr Travis Reed Jr 6'4" | SG Roman Catholic | 2024 State PA – 6’4″ / 2024 / Frankford / BW Elite / Shooting Guard: Reed (12 ppg. & 4 rpg in 2022-23) is another prospect we believed could play at the next level, but at the CRL he removed any doubt. What really jumped out a the CRL was Reed’s versatility. He is an excellent finisher in transition. He can splash threes from all over the court and from any distance. He can also score off the bounce at the rim or in the 13-to-16-foot area. Plus, he can slide over to the point guard spot if needed.
Aiden Tobiason – 6’5″ / 2024 / St. Elizabeth’s (DE) / We R1 UAA / Wing: We rarely profile Delaware prospects on the site, but to not acknowledge Tobiason’s efforts at the 2023 CRL would be a crime. From Week 1 through the playoffs, Tobiason was tremendous. He turned heads with his athleticism, versatility, and polished scoring skills. On the fast break. Tobiason is a skilled crowd pleaser who plays above the rim. In the half-court he can produce buckets from anywhere on the floor. On defense, his length is a serious disruptive force.
DeShawn Yates DeShawn Yates 5'10" | CG Neumann-Goretti | 2026 State PA – 5’8″ / 2026 / Neuman-Goretti / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard: Most SEPA hoop headsassume that Neumann-Goretti’s first five is set for 2023-24. Well, if you watched Yates play at the CRL over the last month, you would know that there is going to be a serious battle for NG’s starting point guard spot. During CRL action Yates played exceptional basketball and was rewarded with MVP honors. He scored with ease (multiple 20+ point games) and dished the rock with precision and creativity. His rim-to-rim speed is extremely impressive too. Yates is a relentless on-ball defender as well.
Other Noteworthy 2023 CRL Breakout Prospects:
Sammy Jackson Sammy Jackson 6'5" | SF Roman Catholic | 2026 State PA – 6’4” / 2026 / Roman Catholic / NJ Scholars EYBL / Wing
Jack Murdaugh – 6’3″ / 2024 / Middletown (DE) / Wing
Brandon Williams Brandon Williams 6'4" | SG West Philladelphia | 2025 State PA – 6’3” / 2025 / West Philly / BW Elite / Combo Guard