SEPA Game Report: Sleeper Prospects From PW at Lower Merion

Below is a review of “sleeper” prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who impressed during the District 1-6A semifinal contest between Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-seed) and Lower Merion (1-seed).   Plymouth Whitemarsh defeated Lower, 58-50. Plymouth Whitemarsh now advances to District 1-6A Championship game where they will face Conestoga (3-seed).   Plymouth Whitemarsh    Hayes is a multi-skilled floor general who did a tremendous job of keeping PW organized at both ends of the court. He used his quick first step and nifty dribble moves to get past his defender and into the lane. Once Hayes (5 pts.) was in the paint, he converted on contested lay-ins and dropped dimes to open cutters or the dunker spot. His ability to handle LM's tenacious man-to-man defense way key for PW. Plus, Hayes knocked down a pair of clutch free throws in the final seconds of this game. At the other end of the floor, Hayes did a tremendous job of guarding LM standout [player_tooltip player_id='2699527' first='Carson' last='Kasmer'].     It was evident from the opening tip that PW saw Pereira's size as a massive advantage on the interior and that they intended to exploit that mismatch all night. Pereira responded with a monster performance -- 28 points & 12 rebounds. He established position in close and scored via flip hooks, lay-ins and dunks. He also dove to rim from the elbows, received passes and then finished through contact. Pereira's ability to catch the ball high and keep it there so the LM guards could not rip it away was extraordinary. That is a skill most high school bigs struggle with. Lastly, Pereira dominated the glass at both ends.     Thompson is a long and athletic small forward with a developing offensive game. On offense he operated in the high post as well as the dunker spot. His length and quick reactions made him a plus defender and rebounder. He showed good speed on his rim to rim runs too. Thompson is a year away from being a major problem for opponents.    Lower Merion    Recently, Patterson (11 ppg.) exploded for a double double of 25 points (5 threes) and 10 boards. Last night Patterson again posted a double double as he scored 21 points and snatched 11 rebounds. Patterson displayed an accurate jumper with deep range. In fact, among the triples Patterson drilled was a clutch three late in 4Q to get LM to within 42-40. The athletic and fast prospect also thrived in the open court. On half-court possessions Patterson fearlessly attacked the rim off the dribble. Defensively, Patterson guarded 2 through 5 and competed on the boards.     Singletary drained threes and scored in transition. His poise and high IQ helped the Aces break PW's zone press repeatedly. Singletary (10 pts.) also used his crafty handles to get to the rack for lay-ins. At the defensive end, Singletary disrupted passing lanes and was active on the glass.

Below is a review of “sleeper” prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who impressed during the District 1-6A semifinal contest between Plymouth Whitemarsh (5-seed) and Lower Merion (1-seed).