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<p>Could the times be changing in the Catholic High School Athletic Association in New York City? Archbishop Stepinac just won four straight titles but lost most of their rotation to graduation. Many believe this season is completely wide open for the first time in years and it feels like several teams will be in the mix.</p>
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<p>One program who has been ramping up their talent, especially with impact freshmen, has been St. Francis Prep. Head Coach Jimmy Lynch has invested in a youth movement and it looks like they could be building something special. A few years ago St. Francis Prep shocked many by bringing up freshmen point guard Vere Anthony but Lynch felt he deserved it and was comfortable with him in the lineup. He changed the entire dynamic of the roster, Anthony was an all time great Terrier and it also allowed this staff to be more comfortable in trusting younger players in such a difficult league. </p>
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<p>Let's take a look at this season where Prep will be without their dominant and All CHSAA big Oesoemana Sacko who's headed to Fairfield. SFP stumbled out the gates last year, then ripped off an incredible win streak but ultimately came up short in the playoffs after running out a steam a bit. However their core got amazing experience, learned through some growing pains and really showed potential in games. </p>
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<p>Justin DeSena, a 2028 sharpshooter was brought up as a Freshmen now enters his 3rd year with the team. Coach Lynch will lean on him a ton to be a leader, he continues to take steps defensively and with his shot he could lead the league in triples. Expect him to earn all league spot if things go as planned.</p>
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<p>Carter Prizzi is a big who transferred in from Long Island last year and will be a Senior this season. He took a little time to get used to the jump in competition but he works hard and fits well with this program. His offseason has been great, he's more aggressive on both ends, more active and has been doing a good job of making an impact. Prizzi has a chance to push this group to the next level if he can dominate the boards and protect the interior of Prep's defense. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2879140' first='Eli' last='Murray'] burst onto the scene as freshmen on varsity and many believe he is the future of the league. He knocks down threes, can create his own shot, he gets by defenders and can finish above the rim. His athleticism and skill is off the charts, he's gotten more comfortable in the Terrier's offense and has all the makings of a top prospect. The rising Sophomore checks so many boxes despite being so young and if he keeps improving as a defender and decision maker watch out nation. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='3501054' first='Austin' last='Dottin'] was another exciting freshmen in the youth movement who really got better as the season progressed. The standout Sophomore has been trending up, he's gotten taller, looks stronger and seems ready for the challenge of taking Prep to the next level. His shotmaking ability is up there with anyone in the league, he understands how to get open, he moves well off the ball and has a knack for being in the right spot. Lynch and the entire staff have sky high expectations for this young man and we certainly wouldn't bet against him. </p>
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<p>Another impact freshmen they had last season was Long Island star [player_tooltip player_id='3437260' first='Keishaun' last='White']. The rising Sophomore is a little different from the rest but when he's on there's not much opponents can do against the Terriers. He rebounds very well for a guard, he can defend multiple positions, he's tough and physical. White will be asked to handle scoring some nights while others him and DeSena will be charged with carrying the defense. His usage will be interesting to track all season as Prep's staff looks to keep him on the right track. </p>
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<p>The returning players have NYC talking but when the Terriers announced 2030 standout guard [player_tooltip player_id='2968519' first='Carter' last='Abrahams'] was on the way, the entire country has taken notice. Abrahams has already caught attention with him already being a 1,000 point scorer despite just finishing 8th grade. He was unstoppable at Portledge for two years and is now taking his talents to one of the best high school leagues in America. His effort on the circuit has national scouts drooling, he's killing everyone and this past weekend created some history as the first 8th grade to play 17U at Made Hoops. Abrahams would probably be comfortable if he was subbing in the Knicks. This kid is a superstar. </p>
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<p>We know Abrahams will control most of the headlines for the 2030 class for St. Francis Prep but they aren't done. They have some other interesting prospects coming in as well but we wanted to mention another freshmen that looks like a player. That would be [player_tooltip player_id='2886537' first='Jordan' last='Allman'], a talented 2030 wing who will be competing minutes right away as he gets more comfortable. He just picked up an offer from Fairfield before even getting to high school so just imagine once he starts having success for the Terriers.</p>
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