State Tourney: 6A Semifinals Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of the prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who impressed during last night's PIAA 6A state tournament semifinal games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Parkland defeats Archbishop Wood, 59-51</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1189096' first='Jalil' last='Bethea'] </strong><strong>– 6'3” / 2024 / Archbishop Wood / [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL / Shooting Guard:</strong> This Miami Hurricanes commit, and the 2023-24 Co-MVP of the PCL played a solid all-around semifinal game. Bethea (10 points &amp; 6 rebs) displayed his ability to score at all three-levels and flashed creative distribution skills. Bethea's 3-point stroke is a thing of beauty and his ability to split double teams with the dribble is incredible. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1123885' first='Nick' last='Coval'] </strong><strong>– 6'2” / 2024 / Parkland / [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] EYBL / Shooting Guard:</strong> Coval (career 2,000-point scorer; committed to Davidson) was an absolute maestro on offense last night. He served as a primary ball handler where he dictated tempo, scored from all over the floor (13 pts.) and dropped dimes. Coval's off the dribble buckets versus frequent double teams were impressive. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and played solid defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279655' first='Michael' last='Green'] </strong><strong>– 5'10” / 2025 / Archbishop Wood / Philly Revolution / Shooting Guard:</strong> This lefty long distance sniper with a high IQ scored<strong> </strong>9 points on the strength of 3 made triples. The combination of Green's constant off ball movement and quick trigger makes him extremely difficult to guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1483181' first='Josh' last='Reed'] </strong><strong>– 6'2” / 2024 / Archbishop Wood / Philly Revolution / Combo Guard:</strong> With Bethea drawing an enormous amount of attention from Parkland defenders, Reed (Drexel commit) stepped up and became the primary option for Wood. He netted 20 points by scoring off the bounce and via the offensive glass (6 rebs.). Reed also did an amazing job of getting buckets in transition. His athleticism and rim to rim speed are next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2383229' first='Robbie' last='Ruisch'] </strong><strong>– 6'3” / 2024 / Parkland / LVBS Elite / Shooting Guard</strong>: Ruisch is a solid “3 &amp; D” prospect and Tuesday night he showcased both of those skill sets. He knocked home 4 triples on his way to 12 points. His quick lateral movement and instincts generated several steals and helped Ruisch collect 5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188232' first='Zaire' last='Smaltz'] </strong><strong>– 6'6″ / 2024 / Parkland / Explosion BA / Shooting Guard:</strong> Smaltz is a quick and agile prospect with size and a polished interior scoring touch. Those assets enable him to excel in the dunker spot. Last night Smaltz posted 6 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2322849' first='Jayden' last='Thomas'] </strong><strong>– 6'3” / 2024 / Parkland / Combo Guard:</strong> This versatile senior turned heads last night with his well-rounded performance. He scored at every level, moved well without the ball, and did work on the glass at both ends. His feathery jump shot was especially notable. Thomas contributed 16 points (1 three) and 5 rebounds to Parkland's upset win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Central York defeats Reading, 79-65</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195389' first='Nick' last='Chapman'] </strong><strong>– 6'2” / 2024 / Reading / [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red / Combo Guard:</strong> Chapman's reputation as an elite defender proceeds him. He provided further evidence to support that scouting report last night. Still, on Tuesday he proved once again that he can produce points too. Chapman (16 points) thrives at turning steals into easy baskets. Plus, he can blow past defenders off the dribble to score of facilitate for teammates. His jumper must be respected as well. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Yadiel Cruz </strong><strong>– 6'2” / 2024 / Reading / [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red / Shooting Guard:</strong> The 2023-24 Berks Conference POY poured in 21 points last night. He scored on numerous crowd pleasing, tough buckets. He is a crafty and elusive guard who can execute creative finishes at the rim. Plus, Cruz can slam on the breaks and hit pull up jumpers. His transition scoring skills are jaw dropping. How Cruz remains uncommitted is a mystery. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281777' first='Greg' last='Guidinger'] </strong><strong>– 6'7″ / 2024 / Central York / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] UAA / Shooting Guard:</strong> The YAIAA Division I POY registered 22 points last night as his size and pure jumper presented serious matchup issues for Reading. Guidinger popped 3 treys, scored in transition, and by putting the ball on the deck. He produced points in the mid-range too. Guidinger is one of the most well-rounded prospects in the region. He holds several DI offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287319' first='Ben' last='Natal'] </strong><strong>– 6'1″ / 2025 / Central York / York Ballers / Point Guard:</strong> One of the top point guards in Pennsylvania's Class of 2025 scored 13 points (1 three) last night but struggled with cramping and missed a good deal of the 4th quarter. Natal (1,000 pt. scorer) can generate points or distribute off the dribble. He will sprinkle in the occasional 3-ball too. Natal is a plus defender as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1271440' first='Ben' last='Rill'] </strong><strong>– 6'9″/ 2025 / Central York / York Ballers / Power Forward:</strong> Despite facing frequent double teams on the interior and being fouled repeatedly, Rill notched 28 points. 18 of those points came in the second half when Rill used his size and physicality to dominate the game. Rill's footwork in the low post is extraordinary. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2247350' first='Weshly' last='Rosario'] </strong><strong>– 5'10″ / 2026 / Reading / [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final'] Red / Point Guard:</strong> Rosario is on track to be the next superstar in the legendary Reading program. He is an athletic and ultra-quick guard with a high IQ. On offense he can serve as a primary ball handler and score at all three levels. Defensively he a tremendous fit for Reading's chaotic full court press. Last night Rosario recorded 13 points (1 three).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->