State Tourney: 5 SEPA Takeaways
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Below is a review of the five observations we took from the 2024 PIAA state tournaments. 1) Rylan Muniz is Being Slept on Big Time Rylan Muniz is a 5’11” combo guard with next level quickness and arguably the most…
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Continue ReadingBelow is a review of the five observations we took from the 2024 PIAA state tournaments.
1) Rylan Muniz is Being Slept on Big Time
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 1st 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.
2) The Future is Ridiculously Bright at Archbishop Carroll
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 Ian Williams Ian Williams 5'9" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA (13 points & 6 dimes per; 2nd Team All-PCL), wing Luca Foster Luca Foster 6'5" | SF Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA (13.3 ppg.; 7.5 rpg.; 38% on 3PA) and Swiss Army knife Nasir Ralls Nasir Ralls 6'0" | CG Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA (11 ppg.). The headliners for the Class of 2027 include combo guard Darrell Davis (11 / 4 / 4 per night) and wing Munir Greig Munir Greig 6'6" | SF Archbishop Carroll | 2027 PA (11 ppg. & 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.
3) Ben Rill Ben Rill 6'8" | PF Central York | 2025 State PA is One of the Top Bigs in Pennsylvania
Outside of Archbishop Ryan’s Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber 6'9" | C Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State #58 Nation PA (Georgetown commit) no power forward / center made a bigger impact on the state tournament than junior Ben Rill Ben Rill 6'8" | PF Central York | 2025 State PA . 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.
4) Devon Prep Could Repeat as 3A Champs in 2024-25
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 Zane Conlon Zane Conlon 6'5" | SF Devon Prep | 2025 State PA (17.6 ppg. & 9.4 rpg.) will lead the way again next year for DP. Running with Conlon will be small forward Reece Craft Reece Craft 6'6" | SF Devon Prep | 2025 State PA (11.5 pts. & 6 rebs. per) as well as host of skilled guards in Shane Doyle Shane Doyle 6'3" | SG Devon Prep | 2025 State PA , Mason Thear Mason Thear 5'11" | CG Devon Prep | 2025 State PA , and Calvin Smith Calvin Smith 6'3" | SG Devon Prep | 2025 State PA . “3 & D” prospect Michael Pergolis posted a breakout state tournament, and he also returns next year.
5) Imhotep’s Zaahir Muhammad-Gray Zaahir Muhammad-Gray 6'5" | SF Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA and RJ Smith RJ Smith 5'8" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA Are Future Stars
With Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'0" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #36 Nation PA , Ma’Kye Taylor Ma’Kye Taylor 6'7" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA and other key 2024s graduating, the quest for a 5A state championship four-peat will be led by wing Zaahir Muhammad-Gray Zaahir Muhammad-Gray 6'5" | SF Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA and point guard RJ Smith RJ Smith 5'8" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA . 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 RJ Smith RJ Smith 5'8" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2026 State PA . 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.