State Tourney: 5 SEPA Takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the five observations we took from the 2024 PIAA state tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1) Rylan Muniz is Being Slept on Big Time</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylan Muniz is a 5'11” combo guard with next level quickness and arguably the most accurate 3-point shot in the state. During his senior campaign, Muniz (1,000+ point scorer at Executive Education ACS) averaged 19.7 points per night on the strength of 4.6 made threes per contest. In 2023-24 he drained 130 threes (Pennsylvania state record) and made 40% of his 3PAs. Muniz was the Lehigh Valley POY and is a lock to be a 3A 1^st Team All-State selection. Highlighting his jaw dropping play in the 3A state tournament was a 25-point (5 triples) effort vs. Trinity. In addition to serving as a walking bucket, Muniz can slide over to the point guard spot and play that position at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2) The Future is Ridiculously Bright at Archbishop Carroll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every scout and hoop head knew that the Carroll roster was stacked with talented 2026 and 2027 prospects. However, no one thought this squad would gel and mature fast enough in their first year together to advance to the 4A state championship. Kudos to head coach Fran Bowe for steering this group to Hershey. If Bowe can retain the bulk of the 2023-24 roster, Carroll will return elite 2026s like point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1608257' first='Ian' last='Williams'] (13 points &amp; 6 dimes per; 2nd Team All-PCL), wing [player_tooltip player_id='1454254' first='Luca' last='Foster'] (13.3 ppg.; 7.5 rpg.; 38% on 3PA) and Swiss Army knife [player_tooltip player_id='1406770' first='Nasir' last='Ralls'] (11 ppg.). The headliners for the Class of 2027 include combo guard Darrell Davis (11 / 4 / 4 per night) and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1406767' first='Munir' last='Greig'] (11 ppg. &amp; 6 rpg.). With more than a year together now under their belt combined with the experience of going to the 2024 state title game this March, the sky is the limit for this group next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3) [player_tooltip player_id='1271440' first='Ben' last='Rill'] is One of the Top Bigs in Pennsylvania</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside of Archbishop Ryan's [player_tooltip player_id='1213553' first='Thomas' last='Sorber'] (Georgetown commit) no power forward / center made a bigger impact on the state tournament than junior [player_tooltip player_id='1271440' first='Ben' last='Rill']. His polished and efficient low post moves are astonishing to watch. He effortlessly scores over and around defenders. But Rill can flip the switch and bully ball a defender or relentlessly work the offensive boards for points. Rill's jumper is a developing asset too. On defense Rill is an intimidating rim protector and fierce rebounder. From the quarterfinals to the championship game, Rill was a dominating presence -- 20.3 points and 8 rebounds per game. In CY's state semifinal win, Rill posted 28 points. During CY's championship game defeat of Parkland, Rill recorded 17 points, 6 boards and 2 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4) Devon Prep Could Repeat as 3A Champs in 2024-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look at the team photo of Devon Prep holding the 3A trophy in Hersey and you might notice that their roster is loaded with 2025s. In fact, DP's top five scorers from this year will return for in 2024-25 for their senior season. Additionally, a couple key bench pieces will be back too. Stretch-4 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1230538' first='Zane' last='Conlon'] (17.6 ppg. &amp; 9.4 rpg.) will lead the way again next year for DP. Running with Conlon will be small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1874206' first='Reece' last='Craft'] (11.5 pts. &amp; 6 rebs. per) as well as host of skilled guards in [player_tooltip player_id='1762897' first='Shane' last='Doyle'], [player_tooltip player_id='1865353' first='Mason' last='Thear'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2227000' first='Calvin' last='Smith']. “3 &amp; D” prospect Michael Pergolis posted a breakout state tournament, and he also returns next year.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5) Imhotep's [player_tooltip player_id='1406792' first='Zaahir' last='Muhammad-Gray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith'] Are Future Stars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With [player_tooltip player_id='1281786' first='Ahmad' last='Nowell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1477721' first='Ma'Kye' last='Taylor'] and other key 2024s graduating, the quest for a 5A state championship four-peat will be led by wing [player_tooltip player_id='1406792' first='Zaahir' last='Muhammad-Gray'] and point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith']. Good news, both prospects have the talent to push ‘Tep to another state title. The 6'6” Muhammad-Gray (8 ppg. in states) possesses excellent quickness, a large wingspan, and hops. So, he thrives in transition and dominates the glass. In 2024-25 his accurate jump shot will catch defenses by surprise. Muhammad-Grey holds an offer from Georgia Tech. Running the show for Imhotep next year will be ultra-quick and high IQ lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith']. His speed and change of direction skills make him a real problem in the open court. Additionally, Smith can direct half-court sets and knock down spot up threes. Smith's impressive play in the 5A state tourney included 11 points (2 threes) in the Panthers semifinal win over Archbishop Ryan as well as 8 points in title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->