6A State Tourney: SEPA Under the Radar Prospects in 2nd Round

Below is a preview of “under the radar” prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who college coaches need to watch during the 2nd Round of PIAA 6A state tournament.     Akings (10 ppg.) is a versatile guard prospect who can score in bunches or work as a pass first floor general. The combination of his high IQ and unselfish nature enables Akings to do a remarkable job of striking a balance between those two elements of his game. When he is looking to score, Akings is incredibly effective at producing points on the fast break. In the half-court, Akings can score off the bunce at will. His dribble pull-up game is filthy. He can also get all the way to the rim for lay-ins. If defenders choose to play off Akings, he will drain threes all night. For instance, Akings knocked down 3 treys on his way to his 13 points in Wilson's 6A 1st Round defeat of Plymouth Whitemarsh.     Lawrence is a dynamic multi-sport athlete (all-state football selection too) who has stepped-up his game on the hardwood during Parkland's post season run. Over the course of the regular season, Lawrence posted 7 points per night. However, across his last three games Lawrence is averaging 15.7 ppg. Included in his recent surge was a 21-point effort (2 threes) in Parkland's D11-6A title game victory over Northampton. Lawrence also contributed 14 points (3 threes) in their 6A 1st Round state tourney win over Downingtown West. Lawrence's speed, change of direction handles and finishing moves make him a transition phenom. On half-court possessions those same assets enable Lawrence to create off the dribble for himself or teammates. Lawrence's jumper is automatic from anywhere on the court. At the defensive end of the floor, Lawrence's active hands and quick lateral movements make him a disruptive force.     O'Brien's is highly accurate long-range shooter who excels in Conestoga's 3-ball happy offense. His quick trigger, logo distance range and instinctive off-ball movements make O'Brien difficult to guard on the perimeter. This season O'Brien recorded a host of games where he splashed 4 or more treys. His 6 made threes (22 points) performance against Penn Wood was an especially impressive. O'Brien's hot hand continued in the 1st Round of states as he knocked down 4 triples on his way to 17 points in ‘Stoga's win over Mechanicsburg. If the opposing team manages to chase O'Brien off the arc, he can put the ball on the deck and get to his mid-range spots. O'Brien is an underrated distributor too.         Westfield's stellar play over the last month has made him a household name in SEPA. During Judge's PCL semifinal win over St. Joe's Prep, Westfield poured in 20 points on the strength of 6 made triples. He also posted 10 points (2 threes) in the D12-6A Championship game against Imhotep. Now Westfield is looking to use the 6A state tourney to put his name on the national recruiting map. Westfield tipped off that quest by scoring 16 points (4 threes) in Judge's 1st Round win over Garnet Valley. This year Westfield shot 40% from behind the arc and has drained 60+ threes. College coaches will love Westfield's quick release, deep range and well-timed off ball movements. He also owns the speed and finishing skills to score in the open court. Westfield (11 ppg. & 4.5 rpg.) holds an offer from Merrimack, but more DI programs should be texting this shooting guard.

Below is a preview of “under the radar” prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who college coaches need to watch during the 2^nd Round of PIAA 6A state tournament.