State Tourney: SEPA 6A Stock Risers
In this article:
Below is a review of prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who increased their recruiting stock during the PIAA 6A state tournaments. Yadiel Cruz – 6’2″ / 2024 / Reading / Team Final Red / Shooting Guard: The 2023-24 Berks Conference POY…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBelow is a review of prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who increased their recruiting stock during the PIAA 6A state tournaments.
Yadiel Cruz – 6’2″ / 2024 / Reading / Team Final Red / Shooting Guard: The 2023-24 Berks Conference POY and 1,000+ point career scorer posted 22 ppg. this season. During the 6A tourney Cruz continued to score in transition as well as in the mid-range and at the rim. His ability to slice past defenders with a quick change of direction dribble move is impressive. Cruz registered three straight games of 20+ points as he pushed the Red Knights to the semifinals. Included in that stretch of outstanding games was a 25-point effort in Reading’s win over Coatesville.
Deuce Maxey Deuce Maxey 6'2" | SG Archbishop Wood | 2025 State PA – 6’2” / 2025 / Archbishop Wood / Team Final EYBL / Combo Guard: Maxey reputation as a transition phenom proceeds him. He also owns a devastatingly quick first step that enables him to blow past defenders in the half-court. In the 6A state tournament Maxey (7.5 ppg. in states) proved that his jump shot has developed into a legitimate weapon with range well beyond the 3-point arc. Across Wood’s four game run to the semifinals, Maxey shot 34% from deep. His ability to find open spots in the ball handler’s line of vision and a quick trigger make Maxey difficult to defend on the perimeter.
Ben Rill Ben Rill 6'8" | PF Central York | 2025 State PA – 6’9″/ 2025 / Central York / York Ballers / Power Forward: In a tournament stocked with guard talent, Rill represented the big fellas extraordinarily well. To be honest, from the quarterfinals to the championship game, Rill was dominant — 20.3 points and 8 rebounds per game. In CY’s state semifinal win, Rill simply destroyed Reading in the lane on his way to 28 points. Rill also stuffed the stat book in CY’s championship game win — 17 points, 6 boards and 2 blocks. His low post moves are polished and efficient. Rill can work the offensive glass for points too. His short jump shot is an underrated weapon. On defense Rill is an intimidating shot blocker and fierce rebounder.
Jayden Thomas Jayden Thomas 6'3" | CG Parkland | 2024 State PA – 6’3” / 2024 / Parkland / Combo Guard: Thomas is an athletic and versatile prospect with a well-rounded skill set. During Parkland’s run to the state title contest, Thomas scored at every level, thrived in the open court, and did work on the glass at both ends. Plus, he flashed a dependable 3-point stroke.Thomas opened the 6A tourney with a 20-point (1 three) performance as Parkland defeated Plymouth Whitemarsh. In Parkland’s upset wins over PCL powers Roman Catholic and then Archbishop Wood, Thomas registered 15 points (1 three) and 16 points (1 triple). Additionally, Thomas posted 11 points and7 rebounds in Parkland’s championship game loss.
Additional SEPA Stock Risers from 6A State Tourney:
Ryan Brown Ryan Brown 6'3" | CG Unionville | 2024 State PA – 5’11″ / 2026 / Central York / York Ballers / Combo Guard
EJ Campbell EJ Campbell 6'0" | CG Spring Ford | 2024 State PA – 6’1” / 2024 / Spring Ford / K-Low Elite / Combo Guard
Nick Chapman Nick Chapman 5'10" | CG Reading | 2024 State PA – 6’2” / 2024 / Reading / Team Final Red / Combo Guard
Zuri Harris Zuri Harris 5'11" | CG Coatesville | 2024 State PA – 5’11” / 2024 / Coatesville / PA Coalition / Combo Guard
Shareef Jackson Shareef Jackson 6'9" | C Roman Catholic | 2025 State #249 Nation PA – 6’8″ / 2025 / Roman Catholic / NJ Scholars Elite / Power Forward
Ben Natal Ben Natal 6'2" | PG Central York | 2025 State PA – 6’1″ / 2025 / Central York / York Ballers / Point Guard
Weshly Rosario Weshly Rosario 5'10" | PG Reading | 2026 State PA – 5’10″ / 2026 / Reading / Team Final Red / Point Guard
Zaire Smaltz Zaire Smaltz 6'4" | SG Parkland | 2024 State PA – 6’6″ / 2024 / Parkland / Explosion BA / Shooting Guard