Never Forget Classic: 5 Games to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Labor Day Weekend in the rearview mirror, it is time for the fall ball grind to tip off. The basketball action in southeastern Pennsylvania begins this coming weekend with the 3^rd Annual Never Forget Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Event directors Ross Romanello (Archbishop Carroll / [program_tooltip program_id='2078678' first='East' last='Coast Power']) and Dan Hoff (Boyertown) have assembled a highly competitive slate of games for September 9^th and 10^th. This year's contests will take place at three locations: Competitive Edge, Archbishop Carroll, and Archbishop Ryan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a preview of five games from the Never Forget Classic that we are looking forward to watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reading vs. Devon Prep:</strong> This intriguing contest will feature two talented teams that are looking to find their identities. Reading's all-world guard Ruben Rodriguez (2 state championships) has moved on to Rider University. Filling in the hole left by Rodriguez's departure will be a host of skilled 2024s including wing Yadiel Cruz, guards [player_tooltip player_id='1195389' first='Nick' last='Chapman'] and Nico Sosa as well as forward [player_tooltip player_id='2383207' first='Malik' last='Osumanu']. Devon Prep's roster has also undergone significant changes. DP's loaded Class of 2023 graduated and three-year starter [player_tooltip player_id='1123922' first='Ty' last='Mishock'] transferred. Still, Devon Prep's lineup boasts a pair of hybrid forwards in Zane Conlan and [player_tooltip player_id='1990926' first='Ben' last='Costello'] who were impressive this summer. Head Coach Jason Fisher also added two transfers who can score in [player_tooltip player_id='1865353' first='Mason' last='Thear'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2227000' first='Calvin' last='Smith']. <em>Tip-off is Saturday at 10:00 AM at Archbishop Carroll</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pope John Paul II vs. Upper Dublin:</strong> Two of the region's stock rising floor generals will go mono-y-mono in this run, as PJP's Dom Demito faces off against Upper Dublin's [player_tooltip player_id='1888851' first='Kobe' last='Bazemore']. Running with Demito will be 6'5” forward [player_tooltip player_id='2383351' first='Caleb' last='Zavertnik'] and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2206402' first='Jason' last='Green']. Back in June Green was a breakout star at Philly HS Live. Of course, taking the court with Bazemore for UD will be dynamic scoring guard [player_tooltip player_id='1269299' first='Ryan' last='Mulroy']. For UD also keep an eye on big man [player_tooltip player_id='2047682' first='Idris' last='Rines']. He can score from multiple spots on the floor and is an excellent passer out of the high post. <em>Tip-off is Saturday at 10:40 AM at Competitive Edge.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cardinal O'Hara vs Unionville:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1187956' first='Aasim' last='Burton'] (Rider commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='1190330' first='Pearse' last='McGuinn'] (Stonehill commit) lead an O'Hara lineup that could contend for the PCL title. Running with those two will be versatile guard [player_tooltip player_id='1580505' first='Anthony' last='Hobbs'] and under the radar forward Miles Johnson. Additionally, O'Hara's roster includes electric 2026 backcourt prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2197741' first='Tygee' last='Clark']. The 2024 trio of Charlie Kammeier, James Anderson, and [player_tooltip player_id='1850283' first='Ryan' last='Brown'] will lead Unionville. Plus, the ‘Ville lineup features one of the top 2026s in the area in [player_tooltip player_id='1493066' first='James' last='Brenner']. <em>Tip-off is Saturday at 3:00 PM at Archbishop Carroll.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coatesville vs SCH Academy:</strong> A deep and talented Coatesville squad is paced by the senior backcourt tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1850287' first='Zuri' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1990914' first='Dior' last='Kennedy']. These two prospects grabbed the attention of college coaches during the summer circuit. Classmate Marquis Peoples provides a third perimeter threat. As a bonus Coatesville has two 6'7” forwards in highly acclaimed 2026s [player_tooltip player_id='1576717' first='Larry' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2247328' first='Jonas' last='Chester']. [player_tooltip player_id='1379430' first='Amon' last='Fowlkes'] will contribute heavily for Coatesville too. Spearheading the SCH attack will be 2024s [player_tooltip player_id='1200762' first='Camden' last='Burns'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1123911' first='Ron' last='Brown III']. Both players are receiving significant DI interest. Three level scoring point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1865285' first='Keni' last='Williams'], high percentage shooting guard Kam Waters and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1888864' first='Owen' last='Kelly'] round out the Blue Devils lineup. Flying under the radar on this team is guard Ryan Kull. <em>Tip-off is Saturday at 4:00 PM at Archbishop Carroll.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Episcopal Academy vs. Camden Catholic:</strong> Episcopal's new and improved lineup gets thrown into the fire this weekend against NJ powerhouse Camden. EA returns [player_tooltip player_id='1188249' first='Kevin' last='McCarthy'] (several DI offers) as well as forward [player_tooltip player_id='1441524' first='Calvin' last='Szoradi']. Joining those two via transfer are dead-eye shooter [player_tooltip player_id='2028258' first='Matt' last='McCarthy'] and elusive floor general Keron Booth. Both prospects are accomplished bucket getters. The addition of those two gifted guards should open the floor for and create easier scoring opportunities for everyone. It will be interesting to witness how EA chooses to defend Camden superstar Billy Richmond (multiple DI offers). <em>Tip-off is Saturday at 9:00 PM at Archbishop Carroll.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->