Central League’s (SEPA) Class of 2023 is on the Rise
In 2019-20 the Central League in Southeastern, PA produced 3 teams with 20+ wins, 3 more teams with 15+ victories and 7 teams that made the PIAA state tournament. I expect that high level basketball to continue for next couple…
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Continue ReadingIn 2019-20 the Central League in Southeastern, PA produced 3 teams with 20+ wins, 3 more teams with 15+ victories and 7 teams that made the PIAA state tournament. I expect that high level basketball to continue for next couple seasons. ‘Why is that?’, you may ask.
Well, the Class of 2023 in the Central League boasts a number of players who in 2019-20 as freshman contributed heavily to their varsity teams and still others in the pipeline who will have an impact at the varsity level next winter.
Here is a short list of players from the Central League’s Class of 2023 to keep an eye on during the 2020-21 season.
Sam Brown Sam Brown 6'3" | CG Lower Merion | 2023 State PA – Lower Merion 6’2” Sophomore Shooting Guard: The most accomplished member of the Central League’s Class of 2023, Brown was a starter for the Aces in 2019-20 and had several games of 15+ points. The lefty 2-guard’s game features “in the gym” range and a very nice step back jumper. When the defense plays him tight, he can also put the ball on the floor to create for himself or teammates. As a member of vaunted Philly Triple Threat grassroots program, Brown has played in numerous big games and thus was very poised on the court this past season for an LM team that won 20 games and made it to the PIAA 6A state tourney Sweet 16.
Jackson Hicke – Radnor 6’1” Sophomore Wing: A standout on East Coast Power’s (King of Prussia, PA) extremely successful 16U AAU squad, Hicke’s ability to score the ball is second to none in the Central League’s Class of 2023. A long and wiry athlete, Hicke can drain threes from the perimeter or attack the rim from the wing. Hicke is deceptively crafty and his game reminds some of a young Dirk Nowitzki. Complimenting Hicke’s scoring ability is his high basketball IQ and ability to find the open teammate with a dime.
Max Koehler – Garnet Valley 5’10” Sophomore Combo Guard: As a freshman in 2019-20, Koehler was a key reserve for a GV squad that posted 23 wins, a 14-1 Central League record and a state tourney appearance. Koehler is change of speed guard who can get to the rim and score with either hand. He has also as mastered the art of kissing the ball of the glass for a bucket. However if you slack off Koehler in an attempt to keep him out of the lane, he will simply knock down the open three. His season best came when he dropped 9 points on Springfield, but with the departure of star player Neel Beniwal Neel Beniwal 6'5" | SG Phelps School | 2022 State PA (now at The Phelps School in Malvern, PA), I expect that Koehler will be asked to carry more of the scoring load in 2020-21.
Dan Rosenblum – Radnor 5’10” Sophomore Point Guard: Rosenblum was the first guard off the bench for a Raiders varsity squad that won 15 games and qualified for the state tournament. A physical and strong lead guard who can beat a defender off the dribble, Rosenblum’s 2019-20 season highlight came when posted 14 points vs. Central League foe Springfield. He owns a respectable 3-point shot which helps open up the floor so Rosenblum can get to his mid-range spots where he is absolutely lethal.
Alex “Googie” Seidman – Haverford 5’11” Sophomore Shooting Guard: Seidman is a dead eye shooter who came off the bench in 2019-20 to provide an offensive spark for the Central League Champs. A perfect example offensive punch was back in December of 2019 when Seidman drained three 3-balls during the 4th quarter in a Fords win over Sun Valley (PA). In addition to being a 3-point marksman, Seidman is a steady ball handler who can help the Fords as an extra guard against full court pressure.
Other Notables:
Bryan Bogan – Marple-Newtown 6’0” Sophomore Shooting Guard
Cooper Mueller – Radnor 6’1” Sophomore Shooting Guard
Justin Poles – Lower Merion 5’10” Sophomore Combo Guard