PAISAA Potential Breakout Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PAISAA season is already underway. But it's not too late to identify a few prospects who will walk into the spotlight. Here are five potential breakout players:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1867326' first='KJ' last='Carson'] | 6'1 G 2025 Haverford School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carson made his varsity debut as a sophomore, often providing bench scoring for a young Fords team. Now he'll get to use that experience to drive their offense and spark their defense as a starter. His burst and sense of urgency alone will make him a net positive on the floor. If Carson can be consistent, the Fords can catch some teams slipping. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2251704' first='Ethan' last='Johnston'] | 6'4 G 2026 Hill School </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After moving down from NY this summer, Johnston is quickly establishing himself as one of the more talented 2026 guards. He exploits every transition opportunity, always finishing with a dunk. And when the defense is set, he can splash long-range jumpers or attack off-the-catch. Johnson has the agility and wingspan to be a versatile defender as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1202411' first='Daveyon' last='Lydner'] | 6'2 G 2025 Westtown </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The product of York, PA could potentially be the missing ingredient to the Moose regaining their Friends League crown. Lydner is steadily learning the nuances of the lead guard position, but he has the wiggle off-the-bounce that you can't teach. All he needs is a quick 2-piece combo to put two feet in the paint to draw help and dish it back to one of Westtown's many shooters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1865294' first='Cameron' last='Smith'] | 6'6 F/C 2025 Academy of the New Church </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith offers something that ANC hasn't had in a couple seasons: a legit threat in the low post. While the rest of the team can get up and down on fastbreaks, he has the skill and feel to go to work 10 feet and in. Smith is stout on the block as a defender too. That'll be crucial when it's time for the Lions to make a deep run in the playoffs in February. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2237263' first='Kameron' last='Waters'] | 6'2 G 2025 Springside Chestnut Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether he comes off the bench or is a starter, Waters will play a large role in SCH's success. His motor and athleticism allow him to play bigger than he is and the quick hands to get steals. So he's well-equipped to handle mismatches and not back down. Offensively, Waters is a willing shooter and feasts in transition. He will put you on a poster if given the chance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more hoops coverage, follow me @ CGraham_Sports</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->