Game Recap: La Salle 56, Conwell-Egan 50

La Salle earned a key early-season Catholic League win on Monday night as the visiting Explorers knocked off Conwell-Egan to move to 1-1 in league play. Sophomore big man [player_tooltip player_id='2450772' first='Pryce' last='Alston'] was the difference in the contest, notching an impressive 12-point double-double while controlling the paint on both ends.    It's understandably been a season of ups and downs for Alston as the emerging post prospect gets used to extended varsity minutes for the first time, and Monday was a clear step in the right direction as Alston shined within his role while controlling the game around the rim. Alston keeps the game simple while consistently playing to his strengths, staying tall inside on both ends to present a clear target for his guards and a steady deterrent to opposing drivers with four blocks. He showed the ability to finish inside using either hand while showing soft touch at the foul line and growing comfort making reads in the dribble-handoff game. While he'll have to work to add strength and explosiveness to his growing frame, his ability to change ends of the floor as well as keep the ball in front of him on the perimeter bode well for his long-term physical trajectory. It will be a continued process from a development standpoint, but the ceiling with Alston is apparent if he continues to stack days in the years to come.     Branson has made an immediate splash for La Salle, slotting in right away to the starting point guard spot after transferring over the bridge from Medford Tech (NJ). Monday's win wasn't his best performance but still offered a glimpse at what he brings to the table as he tied for a team-high with 12 points and helped to put the game away late. The emerging lead guard showed a dependable handle throughout the game with a heavy dose of the ballhandling load on his plate, finding ways to get downhill into the paint and put the defense into rotation. He showed confidence out to the perimeter as a shooter with advanced dexterity as a finisher in the lane, all while playing active defense with quick hands and feet. He'll need to work on his ball security and decisionmaking, but did make a handful of high-IQ plays with the game in the balance in the final minutes, along with coming up clutch with a perfect 6-for-6 at the line in the fourth quarter. Branson projects at the very least as an impact small-college recruit with a path to play his way into clear scholarship territory over the next year.     A new name on our radar, Carroll impressed with his activity and versatility in a plug-and-play utility role on the wing. Carroll thrived as active off-ball piece, using touch and physicality to finish inside as a cutter while also proving to be a capable spotup shooter with a smooth southpaw stroke. He flashed the ability to attack closeouts in straight lines off the bounce while playing capable defense across multiple positions on the other end of the floor. While also a prospect on the baseline field, Carroll should have real opportunities at the small-college level when the time comes should he opt to pursue collegiate hoops.     Moore came into the game as Egan's leading scorer and most enticing long-term prospect, and still left reason for optimism despite not quite having his best stuff on Monday night. Previously more of a jump shooter, Moore made a concerted effort to attack downhill, showcasing an explosive first step and thriving particularly in actions designed to get him catching on the move. While prone to settling at times, he showed his shotmaking ability in the midrange while also flashing as a passer with some nice reads within Egan's offensive system. An undersized Egan lineup forces him to apply his size and athleticism in more of a frontcourt role, giving him an added dimension as a prospect while he continues to build his case toward steady scholarship-level recruitment.     The game-to-game leader of an otherwised balanced La Salle group, Okebata struggled with first half foul trouble that limited him statistically but still managed to leave his mark on the game. He stands out immediately with a clear D1 look, possessing a strong blend of strength, length, quickness, and explosiveness. Okebata stayed engaged in the game despite limited minutes, using his body to apply pressure defensively and on catches near the rim as a cutter while also being the first to a number of loose balls on both ends of the floor. His ability to scale up the positional spectrum while also sliding his feet with smaller players offer a glimpse into the type of versatility he brings that could present D1 appeal moving forward.     Zalewski represents a key swing piece in Egan's season, as the talented combo guard continues to work back from an ACL tear to get closer to his old self. Monday seemed to be a step in the right direction as Zalewski popped off the bench to provide a crucial spark and solid play across the clutch portion of the game. He showed a high IQ offensively as a timely cutter and smart, unselfish passer, scoring an efficient 7 points and adding a pair of assists from his off-ball role. He's also learning to apply his budding length on both ends of the floor, opening up new windows for him as a passer and allowing him to make plays on D to the tune of 2 blocks, a steal, and 4 deflections. It will take time for Zalewski to grow back into the on-ball game he was starting to develop before getting hurt but the flashes are there to give reason for long-term promise.     While he wasn't effective as a scorer, Tollerson-Irby was crucial nonetheless toward keeping Egan in the game with his poised point guard play. The floor general was able to generate north-south pressure on the rim off the dribble while keeping his head up to see the floor and make plays for his teammates, finishing with 6 assists to just a pair of turnovers. He also showed quick feet and active hands on D to the tune of 4 steals and 6 deflections. He'll likely require growth in his perimeter shooting to generate scholarship-level interest but Tollerson-Irby's ability to control a game without scoring as a lead guard should translate smoothly at least to the small-college level in due time.

La Salle earned a key early-season Catholic League win on Monday night as the visiting Explorers knocked off Conwell-Egan to move to 1-1 in league play. Sophomore big man Pryce Alston Pryce Alston 6'9" | C/PF La Salle College | 2028 State PA was the difference in the contest, notching an impressive 12-point double-double while controlling the paint on both ends.