CoBL Interstate Shootout: PA and NJ 2029 eye-catchers

City of Basketball Love hosted its annual fall Interstate Shootout this past weekend, bringing in nearly 120 teams from five states to compete over a stacked two days of action in Philly. Keep reading for a look at several 2029's who made an impression over the course of the weekend.    Part of a trio of freshmen who helped carry the load for Clearview a season ago, Whitworth is back for more and looked notably improved in a pair of Sunday games. Before the ball even tips, the physical growth is evident with Whitworth having tacked on at least a couple more inches to his youthful frame. Known as a sharpshooter, he had his smooth stroke consistently on display while showcasing range well beyond the arc. He also showed development in the rest of his offensive game, attacking closeouts both to finish and set up teammates while showing a particularly strong left hand. Take the simple recipe of shooting and positional size, then mix in Whitworth's bloodlines and developing offensive arsenal, and you certainly look to have the makings of a future D1 prospect.     Buzz has been building around Shoultz of late on the heels of a productive freshman season in Group 1 and a series of standout performances on the camp and summer league circuits. Saturday evening gave our first up-close look at the high-upside guard in live-game action and he didn't disappoint, scoring 20+ points while orchestrating a decisive win over Cheltenham (PA). Shoultz was consistently using his herky-jerky handle and evolving athleticism to weave to spots off the bounce, showcasing finishing touch from each level of the floor and flashes of advanced space manipulation within the lane. He's continuing to stretch out quickly and thus will need time to grow into his body but the potential is obvious with Shoultz's length and natural offensive gifts.     One of the more unexpectedly intriguing long-term prospects we saw all weekend, Brooks was primarily a JV piece a year ago but looks ready to provide a real spark to the Devon rotation. Brooks stands out immediately with his top-end positional size, with a rangy build that gives the impression he's still growing and a graceful lightness on his feet. His usage is still limited but he does a good job of staying active on the margins with nice instincts on the defensive end. He also shows intriguing comfort as a ballhandler in space though he still struggles with physicality and can get sped up at times. We didn't get to see Brooks take any jump shots but the upside is evidently very high if he proves to be a moderately reliable perimeter threat to go with his physical tools, ball skills, and overall activity.     The flashes were aplenty for Doherty last season as a freshman but the skilled young guard showed on Sunday that he's ready to take the reins of the Scranton Prep program. Splitting time on and off the ball, Doherty showed advanced skill and dexterity as a ballhandler and facilitator, handling ball pressure with poise and showing a strong left hand. He's also a reasonably confident jump shooter with zero wasted motion to his stroke. He'll have to work to add strength to his frame over time, though he may still have some growing left to do. Nonetheless Doherty should be among the better guards in District 2 this year with a chance to blossom into a D1 prospect down the line.     Among the most productive freshmen in South Jersey last season, Lacey was up to his usual tricks while nearly orchestrating a sizable comeback on Saturday evening against Radnor (PA). The high-scoring guard is arguably known most for his perimeter shooting and had his threatening pullup game on display to help open up the defense. He also showed an added dimension with his downhill rim pressure, showing deceptive strength while finishing through contact among larger defenders. He has room to continue improving on his feel for the game as a setup man but Lacey is as proven and consistent a scorer as any sophomore in the state.     Among the more physically intriguing underclassmen we saw over the course of the weekend, Manigo stuck out immediately with his long wingspan and fluid athleticism. He slotted comfortably into Springfield's starting lineup and looks like his biggest impact will come as a perimeter stopper on the defensive end. Manigo also showed some intrigue as a playmaker in the open floor but we'll have to zero in more on his offensive skillset in further evaluations. Young for his grade and evidently still early in his physical development, Manigo is already a readymade varsity contributor but could really blossom into a potentially intriguing D1 prospect with a couple more inches tacked on to his frame.

City of Basketball Love hosted its annual fall Interstate Shootout this past weekend, bringing in nearly 120 teams from five states to compete over a stacked two days of action in Philly. Keep reading for a look at several 2029's who made an impression over the course of the weekend.