Four SEPA Predictions for the PIAA Final Fours

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are four predictions for this weekend's PIAA state tournament semifinal games that relate to teams or prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devon Prep Advances to the 4A Championship Game</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No disrespect to Valley View (District 2 champions), but this Devon Prep team is stacked with experienced prospects and the team has been playing at an elite level for over a month now. Across DP's three 4A state tournament wins, point-forward [player_tooltip player_id='1230538' first='Zane' last='Conlon'] (1^st Team All-PCL) has been played at his usual elite level. Fellow 2025 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1865353' first='Mason' last='Thear'], [player_tooltip player_id='2227000' first='Calvin' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1762897' first='Shane' last='Doyle'] have been impressive too. But senior [player_tooltip player_id='1874206' first='Reece' last='Craft'] (2^nd Team All-PCL; Swarthmore commit) has taken his game to another level during states and been simply dominant. During the Tide's run to the 4A Final 4, Craft is averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds per night. The highlight of Craft's extraordinary play in states so far was a performance of 23 points and 16 rebounds in Devon's quarterfinal defeat of Bishop Shanahan. The talented tandem of Colon and Craft along with a skilled supporting cast will push DP to the 4A championship game. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2391483' first='Colson' last='Campbell'] Continues to Shine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upper Moreland's No. 1 offensive option is averaging 13.6 points per night in the 5A state tourney. The highlight of Colson' state tournament run so far was his 21-point (1 three) effort during Upper Moreland's quarterfinal upset of Msgr. Bonner. On half-court possessions, Campbell can create for himself and teammates off the dribble. He can also splash threes as well as mid-range jumpers. Campbell is a tremendous open court scoring threat too. His ability to Euro-step through traffic and then finish despite contact at the rim is impressive. Plus, Campbell possesses all the intangibles -- a high IQ, tremendous court awareness and a non-stop motor. At the other end of the court, Campbell is underrated rebounder as well as a plus defender. The fact that Campbell is still available is a crime.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2843949' first='Sammad' last='West']'s Breakout Stretch Rolls On</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2843949' first='Sammad' last='West'] (2027) is a 6'4” hybrid-forward for Sankofa Freedom Academy who has posted his breakout stretch of play during the 1A state tournament. In Sankofa's 2^nd Round win over Bethlehem Christian, West posted a solid stat line of 12 points and 8 rebounds. West then followed that effort with a ridiculous double double of 11 points and 22 rebounds as he helped Sankofa defeat Chester Charter in the 1A quarterfinals. Obviously, West is a beast on the glass at both ends of the court. His length, agility, quick second jump and tenacity enable him to dominate that facet of games. When he grabs an offensive board, West can go back up and finish through contact. West can also produce points in transition as well as in the half-court via dives to the rim and off one or two quick dribbles.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>College Coaches Will Pack the Gym for Father Judge vs. Imhotep...Part III</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6A state semifinal contest will serve as the rubber match in the 2024-25 trilogy between the two best teams in Philly. This game will be filled with DI prospects and thus college coaches will be fighting for seats in the bleachers. Father Judge features an elite guard trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1611959' first='Derrick' last='Morton-Rivera'] (18.5 ppg.; No. 2 ranked 2026 prospect), [player_tooltip player_id='1197608' first='Kevair' last='Kennedy'] (14.6 ppg.; Merrimack commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='2525533' first='Rocco' last='Westfield'] (9 ppg. &amp; 41% on 3PA). Running with those three is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2194372' first='Nazir' last='Tyler'] who was electric in the FJ's quarterfinal win as he scored 16 points (3 triples). 6'9” Loyola (MD) commit [player_tooltip player_id='1460634' first='Everett' last='Barnes'] will give FJ a significant advantage on the interior in this game. Imhotep (defending state champions) will counter with its own stable of DI guards in [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith'], Rocky Johnson, and [player_tooltip player_id='2450653' first='Ian' last='Smith']. [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith'] is the speedy floor general of the group who can push the fast break for scores and assists. Senior wing prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2047550' first='Carnell' last='Henderson'] has played outstanding ball in states. He registered a stat line of 17 points and 9 rebounds in ‘Tep's quarterfinal victory. How Henderson is still available is a mystery. Small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1888747' first='Latief' last='Lorenzano-White'] will make major contributions for Imhotep too. &nbsp;  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->