PA 15U Prospects Making Noise This Spring

With the spring recruiting period in the rearview as the calendar turns to June and focus shifts to the upcoming scholastic live periods, here's a recap of several 15U prospects from across the state who put themselves on the map with their play on the grassroots circuit over the past several weeks.    [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']'s 15U has been a complete buzzsaw, out to a perfect 8-0 start in EYBL play, and Phillips has been leading the charge on a consistent game-to-game basis. The 6th-leading scorer among all E15 competitors, the jumbo wing scorer has established himself among the elite downhill scoring threats in his class. With a sturdy handle, advanced footwork in the lane, and budding explosiveness as a finisher, Phillips has been largely impossible to stop once he gets started toward the rim. He should have every chance to emerge as a national-level recruit in the years to come if he can prove his ability to keep defenses honest from the perimeter and contribute consistently in the floor game.     Coming off a national All-Freshman team season (as honored by Max Preps) in his debut season at state power Coatesville, Hiller has kept right on rolling into the spring while making the trip up I-95 to play with New York-based PSA Cardinals. During his lone session of EYBL competition, the rapidly-growing sniper poured in over 20 points per game, highlighted by a 33-point eruption in his final game, showcasing himself as one of the more poised and well-rounded scoring wings in the country. What's perhaps most impressive is that he's done it while connecting on just 32% of his 3s, despite looking like one of the more dynamic shotmakers in his class nationally up until this point. Hiller's rapid ascent continued with his selection to the USA U16 team that will compete in this weeks Americup event in Mexico.     Another crucial piece to [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']'s torrid start to the EYBL circuit, Chwastyk has been a steady factor manning the middle with his blend of length, athleticism, and skill. Previously known as more of a modern perimeter-oriented big, he's certainly shown promising flashes away from the basket, but has really impressed with his commitment to doing the dirty work for an otherwise guard-laden group. Averaging a near double-double, Chwastyk has been 6th among E15 players in rebounding (9.9 per game) while factoring just outside the top-10 in blocks at nearly two per game. His impact as an inside-out presence on both ends has already drawn the attention of high-major programs and USA Basketball, which has had Chwastyk in its system for multiple minicamps already.     Seeing increasing minutes down the stretch of the season during a run to the state semifinals, Smith has carried that experience positively into the spring. He's kept right on winning, leading Final Red to a 6-2 record in EYCL play with a chance to qualify for Peach Jam in July. The high-octane guard has consistently stuffed the stat sheet, looking to speed up the tempo with his aggressiveness at the point of attack both getting downhill and defending the ball. If he can blend that skillset with the reliable shotmaking ability he showed in the winter, it should only be a matter of time before D1s begin to take note as he climbs the ranks at Imhotep.     Smith is about as battle-tested a 15U prospect as you'll find, with two years of high-level varsity experience under his belt having played key minutes for the back-to-back Inter-Ac champs since 8th grade. That experience contributing to winning has paid dividends, as Smith has been a consistent star in his role while stuffing the stat sheet and shining across the floor game on both ends through [program_tooltip program_id='2078709' first='Team' last='Final']'s perfect 8-0 start to E15 play. His instincts, efficiency, and versatility stand out consistently as Smith sits top-3 on his team in all five key statistical categories, recording nearly four combined blocks and steals per game while knocking down over 38% of his 3s. That type of well-rounded impact in a utility role has already made Smith a popular name among high-major coaches getting early looks at the rising sophomore class.     [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] has emerged as a national contender on the 15U Under Armour circuit and Powell has consistently been the straw stirring the drink while showing himself to be next up at a Wood program that's pumped out D1 guards over the past decade. Powell stands out as a pure point guard who thrives off setting up his teammates, playing with his head up and showing impressive live-dribble passing reads with either hand. He's more than capable of keeping things honest as a scorer with a lightning-quick first step to get downhill where he finishes with dexterity and budding athleticism. Already with an A10 offer in hand along with an invitation to the UA Future 60, Powell has a really high ceiling as he adds strength and experience while adding more confidence in his jump shooting.     After quietly putting together a standout freshman campaign in Cumberland County, Sallie has used the start of the grassroots season with Central PA Elite to announce himself as one of the more intriguing long-term backcourt prospects in the state. A long and fluid guard with good positional size already, Sallie plays with a confident, freewheeling approach offensively while being a consistent creator for himself and others. He shows scoring ability from all three levels and is especially dangerous in the open floor where his slender frame is less inhibiting. Sallie will look to carry his play over to the EYBL circuit when he joins Team Melo for July, with plenty of potential left to tap into as he adds strength and experience.

With the spring recruiting period in the rearview as the calendar turns to June and focus shifts to the upcoming scholastic live periods, here's a recap of several 15U prospects from across the state who put themselves on the map with their play on the grassroots circuit over the past several weeks.