Central League (SEPA) Preview: Elite Shooters

[caption id="attachment_1094545" align="alignleft" width="205"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/12/Ryan-Mackey-2022-2-1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1094545" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/12/Ryan-Mackey-2022-2-1-205x300.jpg" alt="" width="205" height="300" /></a> Ryan Mackey (C/O 2022) from Conestoga HS.[/caption] <p>In 2019-20 the Central League in Southeastern, PA produced six teams with 15 or more wins and five squads (Garnet Valley; Lower Merion; Strath Haven; Penncrest &amp; Radnor) who appeared in the state tournament. I expect that high level basketball from the Central League to continue here in 2020-21.</p> <p>One reason for that belief is the number of elite level shooters taking the floor this season for Central League teams. Below is a list of players in the Central League to keep an eye on during the 2020-21 season as these prospects can really pop the twine with the jump shot.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991391" first="Sam" last="Brown"] </strong><strong>– 6’2” / Sophomore / Lower Merion / Shooting Guard:</strong> 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 and LM’s varsity squad, Brown has already played in numerous big games and thus is very poised on the court.   </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="991049" first="Luke" last="Edwards"]</strong> <strong>– 6’2’’ / Senior / Strath Haven / Combo Guard: </strong>In 2019-20 Edwards knocked home 54 threes which propelled him to a 1^st team All-League selection as a junior. Haven’s No. 1 option can drain the 3-ball from anywhere on the court and under any circumstances. Edwards is especially lethal on corner threes or on the step back 3PA. Edwards’s 3-point shooting skills are evident right away, but a much underrated part of his game is his ability to hit shots in the mid-range or off the dribble via stop &amp; pops.</p> <p><strong>Shareef Jones, Jr.</strong> <strong>– 6’0’’ / Senior / Upper Darby / Combo Guard: </strong>In his junior season, Jones was the player who stretched the floor for Upper Darby (nearly 50 3PM) so big man Onyekachi “Kachi” Nzeh (now at George School in Newtown, PA) could operate inside. Without “Kachi” dominating in the paint, Jones may find open shots more difficult to come by in 2020-21. However, with his next level quickness, ability to move without the ball and shoot off the dribble, Jones will likely adapt and post another big season for the Royals.</p> <p><strong>Max Koehler </strong><strong>– 5’10’’/ Sophomore / Garnet Valley / Combo Guard:</strong> Yes, I could have chosen to highlight GV’s [player_tooltip player_id="990991" first="Carl" last="Schaller"] (Senior; 20 ppg. &amp; reigning Central League MVP), but that’s too easy. Dig a little deeper into GV’s roster and you’ll find Koehler. In 2019-20 he was a key reserve for a GV squad that posted 23 wins and a 14-1 Central League record. Koehler is change of speed guard who sets up his excellent 3-point shot by initially scoring at the rim with either hand. Once defenders slack off Koehler in an attempt to keep him out of the lane, he will simply knock down the open three -- repeatedly. He has also as mastered the art of attacking the basket, stopping on dime and then kissing a short range jumper of the glass for a bucket. With the departure of high level prospect [player_tooltip player_id="991172" first="Neel" last="Beniwal"] (now at The Phelps School in Malvern, PA), I expect that Koehler will be asked to help Schaller shoulder GV’s scoring load in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Mackey</strong> <strong>– 6’0’’ / Junior / Conestoga / Point Guard: </strong>Mackey is a rock steady lead guard who has proved he can drains 3s from the standstill or off pick action. Thanks to his Herb Magee-like mechanics on his jumper and a quick release, Mackey’s mid-range jumper is a thing of beauty as well. Additionally, Conestoga’s floor general plays with moxy, owns great handles, is excellent at leading the fast break and his court vision in the half-court is very good.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="990994" first="John" last="Seidman"] </strong><strong>– 6’2’’ / Senior / Haverford / Point-Forward:</strong> In this era of basketball ushered in by Golden State’s “Splash Brothers”, being labeled as a “shooter” means that a player is automatic from behind the arc. Seidman doesn’t exactly fit that modern definition, but this kid can absolutely shoot the rock. He possess an “old school” game, meaning he owns the unique ability to pop jumpers from the elbows, free throw line extended and block extended areas. Seidman is also money from the free throw line. In 2019-20, this rare skill set propelled Seidman (18 ppg.) to 1^st Team All-Central League as well as 1^st Team All-Delaware County selections. An endless motor, tremendous passing skills, a solid basketball IQ and the ability to absorb contact at the rim round out Seidman’s game.  </p>