PIAA 6A Second Round: Imhotep 51, Chambersburg 34

The defending state champions at the 5A level, Imhotep moved up to 6A this year and looks to be right in the thick of things again as the state title picture becomes clearer. The Panthers pulled away with a big second half after leading by just one point at the break. As has often been the case throughout the year, junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1613878' first='RJ' last='Smith'] (20 points) and [player_tooltip player_id='2047550' first='Carnell' last='Henderson'] (17 points) would lead the way. Imhotep advances to take on Parkland in Saturday's state quarterfinals.    The straw that stirs the drink for the Panthers, Smith has had as impactful a season as any guard in the state and continued his productive, winning ways to secure Imhotep a quarterfinal bid. The undersized but lion-hearted floor general scored 20 points while expertly facilitating the offense and setting the tone defensively with his ball pressure. Smith has developed into essentially a knockdown shooter, with a quick and repeatable release along with expanding range to get shots off within the flow. He uses his footwork and touch to be a threat to finish inside despite his stature, all while making pinpoint decisions whether to score himself or create for his teammates. While some may overlook him due to his size, Smith has time and again made it clear why a handful of smart D1 programs have begun to prioritize him over the course of the past year.     As he has throughout the season, Henderson continued to demonstrate nice growth with 13 of his 17 points coming as part of a commanding Imhotep second half. His highest upside lies on the ball, but Henderson shines with his ability to operate effectively from either guard spot. He's grown increasingly reliable as a ballhandler and decisionmaker to where he can more credibly be trusted with the ball at the next level. Henderson remains a dangerous shooter with a quick first step and functional athleticism to pressure the rim as well, all while being a consistent bother to opposing guards while defending the ball. He could certainly still benefit from further seasoning, but there's a lot of potential here to develop for the right program at the D1 or D2 level.     A key piece for the future of the powerful Imhotep program, Smith has used the back half of his freshman season to show he's also more than ready to be a factor in the immediate. Smith uses a quick first step and compact handle to propel into the lane with regularity before taking on help defenders at the rim. We'll look to see him develop more of a pullup game over time, but he's a consistent shooter off the catch via kickouts or ball reversals. As is expected of any Imhotep guard, Smith is a constant pest while applying pressure as an on-ball defender. The future looks bright for the young floor general who figures to attract D1 attention in the years to come.     Coming on strong over the last couple years as a key starter, Buhrman showed a glimpse of what's to come as a senior while leading the way for the Trojans in the last game of his junior year. Buhrman shines with his IQ, versatility, and efficiency while operating all over the floor as a jack-of-all-trades forward. He led Chambersburg with 15 points, scoring swiftly via quick-hitting cuts or catch-and-shoots. He's a strong slasher as well, using his sturdy frame and polished skillset to work to the front of the rim and finish through contact. His game isn't the flashiest and he's at his best within a structured system, but scholarship-level coaches should be starting to track Buhrman as he hits the grassroots circuit.     It's impossible to discuss the best high school athletes in PA without quickly mentioning Kelly, and the future Ohio forward went out fighting while showcasing his top-notch physical gifts and gradually developing skillset. A truly elite run-and-jump force, Kelly has expanded his game from an undersized energy forward into an inside-out wing scorer. He would struggle to get going from the perimeter in this one, but still showcased his improved stroke and ball skills while also picking up scrap points near the rim. With the athleticism fit for the highest levels and a steadily-running motor to match, Kelly should be able to get on the floor early in the MAC to be able to continue refining his overall feel and skillset.

The defending state champions at the 5A level, Imhotep moved up to 6A this year and looks to be right in the thick of things again as the state title picture becomes clearer. The Panthers pulled away with a big second half after leading by just one point at the break. As has often been the case throughout the year, junior guard RJ Smith RJ Smith 5'9" | PG Roman Catholic | 2026 State PA (20 points) and Carnell Henderson Carnell Henderson 6'3" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2025 State PA (17 points) would lead the way. Imhotep advances to take on Parkland in Saturday's state quarterfinals.