Four Additional SEPA Takeaways From State Championship Games

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a review of four additional takeaways from state championship games that were held in Hersey over the weekend which are connected to prospects or teams from southeastern Pennsylvania.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hershey's [player_tooltip player_id='2438097' first='Cam' last='Sweeney'] Is Legit-Legit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2438097' first='Cam' last='Sweeney'] has been highlighted on the site several times over the last month and for good reason. The Hershey standout averaged 20 points per night across their five-game run to the 5A title game. His stellar play during 5A states was highlighted by a 25-point effort (1 three) in Hershey's quarterfinal win over West York. Sweeney also posted 15 points (2 threes) in Hershey's title game loss. Sweeney thrives at scoring in the open court where he can go coast-to-coast for scores or assists. For instance, the Shammgod move he pulled off while going full speed on the fast break in the championship game was a jaw dropping play. As a bonus to his open court skills, Sweeney can stroke the 3-ball from all over the arc and blow past defenders off the dribble for floaters, runners, and lay-ins. At the other end of the court, Sweeney produces steals with his active hands and quick lateral movements. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sankofa Freedom Academy Will Be a Force Again in 2025-26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sankofa's tip to Hershey for the 1A title game was directed by senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1379431' first='Asim' last='Hardy']. However, Hardy was one of only two major contributors for Sankofa from the Class of 2025. The returners for 2025-26 will be led by junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1608248' first='Nafis' last='Dubose'] who averaged 16.6 points and 4 rebounds per game in the 1A state tourney. Class of 2027 small forward Samad Geary-West used the state tournament as his personal breakout party. Geary-West's double double of 12 points and 22 rebounds in the quarterfinals was extraordinary. Returning with those three for next season will be highly accurate shooting guard Nasir Brown, athletic guard-forward Terrence Fortson (2027) and dynamic combo-guard Jameel Brown (2026). All those prospects played a key role in Sankofa's road the to the 1A championship game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>College Coaches Should be Contacting Devon Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='1865353' first='Mason' last='Thear'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2227000' first='Calvin' last='Smith']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How these two multi-skilled, high IQ starters from Devon Prep's 4A championship team remain available is a complete mystery. [player_tooltip player_id='1865353' first='Mason' last='Thear'] is an instinctive point guard with crafty handles who values the rock and can score at all three levels. Thear poured in 17 points on the strength of 3 made triples in the state title game. His unselfish nature and court vision make Thear a creative distributor too. His ability to flawlessly pilot DP's transition game was impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='2227000' first='Calvin' last='Smith'] is a long and athletic shooting guard who is 3-point sniper. In the 4A championship game, Smith dialed up 3 treys on his way to 13 points. Smith also knocked down 4 threes (14 pts. total) during DP's 2nd Round 4A victory. Smith's highly accurate 3-point shooting is complimented by his ability to score on straight line drives to the cup. Smith is an underrated passer too. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Berks Catholic Is an Early favorite to Return to the 4A Championship Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024-25 Saints advanced to the 4A state championship game and put up a tremendous fight against a bigger and more experienced Devon Prep team. They are licking their wounds now, but they are setup for another 4A title run in 2025-26 as Berks Catholic returns several key players. All-everything guard [player_tooltip player_id='1588135' first='Kingston' last='McKoy'] will be back for his senior season. McKoy averaged 21.5 points per night this season and was a 1^st Team All-Berks County Conference selection. He is one of top ranked guards in the region. Freshman sensation [player_tooltip player_id='2450749' first='Carmelo' last='Harper'] was fantastic in states (13 ppg. over last 3 games) and gained valuable experience thanks to BC's run through the 4A bracket. 6'3” shooting guard Gavin Welker (8 ppg.) made significant contributions during his junior season as well as in states. Class of 2026 combo guards Jackson Kozik and Brady Altimar also received major minutes during Berks Catholic's games in March. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->