Philly HS Live S1: SEPA Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are four predictions for Philly HS Live Session I that are connected to prospects or teams from southeastern Pennsylvania. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philly HS Live is one of the most competitive and prestigious recruiting events of June's high school live period. The action tips off on Friday afternoon at Jefferson University as well as the Allan Horwitz "6th Man" Center.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Catholic Games Will Draw Hordes of College Coaches</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Burrs lineup was already stacked with college prospects and the recent transfer wire news has only bolstered their roster. On the perimeter, WC returns point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1486773' first='Saaid' last='Lee'], shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2047551' first='Isaiah' last='Muhammad'] and wing [player_tooltip player_id='1576722' first='Kingston' last='Wheatley'] as well as combo guards [player_tooltip player_id='2424028' first='Jayvon' last='Byrd'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2145489' first='Xavier' last='Fauntroy']. Now add in recent high profile transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2427981' first='Eric' last='Scott'] (2027) to that rotation. Running with that perimeter group is small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1601176' first='Jaden' last='Banner'] who is a versatile and athletic three-level scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>College Coaches Are Going to Love [player_tooltip player_id='1608319' first='KJ' last='Coles']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coles is a 2026 floor general with size (6'2”), speed, a high IQ and a lethal 3-point shot. He is already hearing from several mid-major programs such as Lafayette, Holy Cross, UPenn and Bucknell. We expect that list will grow significantly after session one of Philly HS Live. When he is not lacing threes from all around the arc (69 3PM last season), Coles will create off the dribble for himself and teammates. In 2023-24 Coles posted 17 points and 5 rebounds per game for Pocono Mt. West. On the defensive end, Coles uses his quick lateral movement and anticipation skills to pick opponent's pockets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>There will be No Empty Seats for Archbishop Carroll vs. St. Benedict's Prep (NJ)&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archbishop Carroll's ridiculously talented roster includes some of the top 2026 and 2027s in the area. Their guard rotation includes highly ranked 2026 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1406770' first='Nasir' last='Ralls'], [player_tooltip player_id='1608257' first='Ian' last='Williams'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1454254' first='Luca' last='Foster']. Running with those three will be classmate and stretch-4 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1493183' first='Drew' last='Corrao'] (6'9”). Carroll's rising sophomores include Top 10 ranked 2027s [player_tooltip player_id='1406767' first='Munir' last='Greig'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2194337' first='Darrell' last='Davis']. The Carroll lineup will be bolstered by the addition of transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2247339' first='Christian' last='Matos'] who is a 3-point sniper. The St. Benedict's squad features top rated prospects from Jersey such as shooting guards Chidi Nwigwe (No. 2 ranked 2026 in NJ) and Casper Pohto. Tipoff is Saturday at 6:00PM at Jefferson University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1382984' first='Matt' last='Gardler'] Continues to Shoot the Lights Out</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After leading the Central Athletic League in scoring at 20 ppg. and being named the league's MVP, [player_tooltip player_id='1382984' first='Matt' last='Gardler'] returns for what should be a historic senior campaign. This 1,000+ point scorer is an insanely accurate 3-point with a quick trigger and logo distance range. He can pop threes of every variety: off the dribble, in transition, out of high pick action and running off baseline screens. Because of his jaw dropping three-point shooting, Gardler's other skills often go unnoticed. He can also get to the rim off the dribble or slash to the cup for a catch and lay-in. Plus, he can operate as primary ball handler who delivers creative and precise dimes to teammates. At the other end of floor, Gardler is a plus defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->