PCL All-Freshman (2028) Team

In a league as talent-laden as the Philly Catholic League (PCL), it's almost unheard of for a freshman to be named to a postseason All-League team. It's relatively rare even for a freshman to be a primary contributor on any of the league's more competitive teams. With that said, a number of rookies to the high school game found ways to make a splash this year within the PCL, and we'll honor them here as members of our PCL All-Freshman team.    No freshman made a bigger splash in the PCL than Phillips, a highly-developed wing scorer who demonstrates a clear ability to get buckets with the best of them. With ideal size for an off-guard already and above-the-rim athleticism to boot, he more than belongs physically on a varsity floor. Phillips is a true three-level threat as he shows a nose for the rim with athletic finishing ability, a polished arsenal in the midrange, and a smooth catch-and-shoot jumper out to the arc. Had he not missed an extended portion of the league season with injury, he likely would have been among the rare freshmen to receive All-Catholic honors. It wouldn't be a surprise if Phillips were to be among the top scorers on the 15U EYBL circuit this spring and summer.     Coming on strong late in the season, the rapidly-developing McKie looks to be among the top long-term prospects in the entire league. His combination of length, athleticism, instincts, and motor gave him a ticket onto the floor from day one, but he was a different player by the new year once he gained confidence in his catch-and-shoot jumper. Coming up the ranks as more of a frontcourt player, the guard skills are slowly but surely starting to round into form while he continues coming into his own physically. With NBA bloodlines and a high developmental ceiling himself, McKie should be in line for a big jump as a sophomore and has already begun catching the eyes of high-major coaches.     One of only two freshmen to average double figures in PCL play, Stevens offers an appealing blend of current production and long-term potential. A skilled scorer from both inside and out, he uses his size and touch to be effective from a variety of spots on the floor. His season was highlighted by a game-winner at the buzzer from near halfcourt knock off Simon Gratz. Still just 14 years old with a body that's very much still developing, there's a lot to like about Stevens' upside moving forward for first-year LC coach Torre Harrison.     The other key newcomer to a revamped LC lineup, Aylmer announced himself to be a factor for years to come in the PCL. A skilled and aggressive guard, he was often given the keys to the Crusdaers' offense. He maintained relative efficiency as a scorer for a young guard while also showing he could make plays for his teammates. The experience he got this year will pay dividends as he and Stevens look to push LC toward the playoff picture as sophomores.     A scoring forward who blends skill and physicality, Avery made an immediate splash in the Ryan lineup dating back to his debut last summer. He's a mismatch problem facing the basket with his ability to put it on the deck past slower bigs and an increasingly reliable jumper out to the arc. He already shows a strong ability to both finish and rebound through contact. It's obviously early, but Avery certainly looks the part of a future D1 prospect, with his ultimate level likely to be determined by how much he develops out on the wing moving forward.     With returning two-year starter [player_tooltip player_id='1608257' first='Ian' last='Williams'] sidelined for the year following knew surgery, Turner wound up with a lot on his plate as the starting point guard from day one in the PCL. He took some lumps at times as expected, but showed plenty of positive flashes while never wavering in his confidence. Turner plays a smooth game off the dribble, with an advanced middle game for his age and little fear of getting in among the trees to make plays. He also shows a willingness to guard the ball with passion. It's still too early to speculate on a college projection before he starts to physically mature, but Turner certainly used his freshman year to announce himself onto the radar.

In a league as talent-laden as the Philly Catholic League (PCL), it's almost unheard of for a freshman to be named to a postseason All-League team. It's relatively rare even for a freshman to be a primary contributor on any of the league's more competitive teams. With that said, a number of rookies to the high school game found ways to make a splash this year within the PCL, and we'll honor them here as members of our PCL All-Freshman team.