5A State Tourney Game Report: Upper Moreland vs. Bonner

Below is a review of prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who impressed during Upper Moreland's upset of Bonner & Prendergast (46-45) in the Quarter Final Round of the PIAA 5A state tournament.   Upper Moreland    Best is well known as a quick point guard who excels at scoring off the dribble in transition as well as on half court possessions. That skill set was on display during UM's win as Best got into the lane frequently for scores. He also executed a couple well-timed kick out passes out of his paint touches. Still, what really stood out about Best's play during UM's win was that he flashed an improved jump shot with 3-point range. In this game Best drained 2 triples (one from logo distance) on his way to 10 points. If Best continues to pop threes in the upcoming semifinal game, I like UM's chances of making it to 5A championship.     Upper Moreland's No. 1 offensive option and vocal leader delivered in a major way during their Elite 8 victory. Campbell (1,000+ points; 1st Team All-SOL) scored at every level in this game as he tallied 21 points (1 three). His clutch two-way play in the 3rd Quarter that was especially impressive. In that third quarter Campbell posted 7 points, was a defensive menace and grabbed a couple key rebounds. His energized play during that stretch helped kick start UM's comeback. Campbell's dribble pull up game was impressive, College coaches will love his ability to impact every facet of a game.     Hughes (5 pts.) is a long, athletic, and bouncy prospect. Those assets enabled Hughes to be a beast on the glass in this win as he grabbed 10 rebounds (unofficially). Hughes was also a plus defender who switched 2 through 5 and disrupted passing lanes with long wingspan. Plus, this traditional small forward prospect owns the speed to fill a lane in transition for bucket.    Bonner & Prendergast    Carroll was a standout during Bonner's 2nd Round upset of Upper Dublin as he popped 2 threes on his way to 12 points. His stellar play continued in the quarter finals as he again hit 2 threes and recorded 8 pointson the night. In addition to displaying his accurate long-range shooting, Carroll showed that he can handle the rock against intense man-to-man defense. Carroll used his bag of dribble moves to get into the paint for a lay-in and to facilitate for teammates.        This 1st Team All-PCL section used the District 12-5A tournament and the 5A state tournament to increase his recruiting stock significantly. Against UM, this fast and multi-skilled point guard scored 10 points. He drained 1 three and scored several transition buckets. On half-court possessions, Francis put the ball on the deck and created for himself as well as teammates. Francis in getting attention from several mid-major DI programs, but more college coaches need should be texting this multi-skilled guard prospect.       Jackson is a fast point guard with a high IQ and elusive handles. Against UM, Francis (6 pts.) did a superb job pushing the tempo for Bonner and spreading the rock around. His ability to blow past a defender with one quick burst move in unique. The combination of Jackson's court vision and live dribble passing skills produced a number of creative dimes.       Nelson iscommitted to D2 powerhouse Millersville University, and it is easy to see the ‘Ville landed a gem. Nelson (15 pts.) is an athletic and high IQ shooting guard with the skills to produce points at all three levels. Against UM, Nelson's three-point stroke was on fire as he laced 5 treys. When he was not splashing threes, Nelson did a remarkable job handling the rock on the fast break and on half-court possessions. Nelson active hands and quick lateral movements allowed ho to have a significant impact on defense too.

Below is a review of prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who impressed during Upper Moreland's upset of Bonner & Prendergast (46-45) in the Quarter Final Round of the PIAA 5A state tournament.