5A / 4A State Semis: 5 Takeaways
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Last night, the PIAA 5A and 4A state tournament semifinal contests provided some intense and entertaining hoops to watch. In the first 5A Semifinal, Imhotep Charter defeated Archbishop Ryan 72-50 and ran their record to 29-3. In the other 5A…
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Continue ReadingLast night, the PIAA 5A and 4A state tournament semifinal contests provided some intense and entertaining hoops to watch.
In the first 5A Semifinal, Imhotep Charter defeated Archbishop Ryan 72-50 and ran their record to 29-3. In the other 5A semi, Exeter downed Cathedral Prep 51-47.
In one 4A semifinal, defending champion Neumann-Goretti beat Allentown Central Catholic, 67-49. Then Lincoln Park defeated Uniontown (85-64) to punch their ticket to the 4A title game.
With that basic information out of the way, below are five southeastern Pennsylvania related takeaways from last night’s PIAA 5A / 4A state semifinal tilts.
1. Is Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'0" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #36 Nation PA underappreciated?
Nowell is the #2 ranked junior in our updated Pennsylvania rankings and he starts for the #1 team in the state, but it is possible his talents are underappreciated. Monday night during Imhotep’s semis win over Archbishop Ryan, Nowell’s impacted every facet of the game. He scored 23 points (4 threes), but he does so much then just get buckets. The attention he draws from opposing defenses creates space for his superstar teammates. He has the instincts and court vision to facilitate for teammates at precisely the right moment. He rebounds extremely well for a guard. He defends at an intense level for 94-feet. Plus, Nowell’s physical style of play (at both ends) grinds on opposing guards so that they are worn out by the 4th quarter.
2. Exeter’s Kevin Saenz and Reece Garvin Reece Garvin 6'3" | PG Exeter | 2024 State PA are 2024s to Watch
This junior guard tandem has been extremely clutch for Exeter during their run to the 5A state championship game. The 6’4” Saenz followed up his heroic 19-point performance in their quarterfinal win (3-ball that sent the game to OT; then tap in that was GW bucket) by going 4-4 from the free throw line with under ten seconds remaining to seal Monday night’s victory for Exeter. Garvin dropped 21 points in Exeter’s 2nd Round win and then last night he posted a team high 14 points (3 triples). Both players can score off the dribble or via spot up threes which makes this Exeter backcourt extremely difficult to defend.
3. Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber 6'9" | C Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State #58 Nation PA has Expanded His Skill Set
This physical forward with solid footwork could always play bully ball to produce points, but during Ryan’s state tourney run he displayed a more well-rounded game and an extra aggressive mindset. Over the last two weeks Sorber has scored on quick post ups, dribble back downs, drives from the elbows and out of pick-n-roll action. He recorded 22 points, 15 boards and 4 blocks in Ryan’s 5A 2nd Round victory over West Chester East. Next, Sorber stuffed the stat book in their quarterfinal win over previously undefeated Radnor – 14 points, 10 rebounds and 8 blocks. Unfortunately, his double-double (18 points & 10 rebounds) last night was not enough to upset Imhotep Charter in the 5A semis.
4. Ma’Kye Taylor Ma’Kye Taylor 6'7" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2024 State PA has a Bright Future
Last night Taylor (2024) scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds during Imhotep’s 5A semis win over Archbishop Ryan. That stat line is respectable for a 4th option. Still, when you watch Taylor in person you cannot help but be super impressed and see that he is a star in the making. Taylor is extremely athletic and fast. He also has a solid frame and significant hops. Those assets make him a transition phenom and a beast on the glass. As a bonus he can operate in pick-n-roll action and has developed 3-point range on his jumper. Taylor was recently named as a 2nd Team All-Public League selection and holds an offer from Fairfield, but he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
5. Sultan Adewale Sultan Adewale 6'8" | SF Neumann-Goretti | 2023 State #205 Nation PA is a High Major Prospect
Last night the top unsigned 2023 in Pennsylvania proved yet again that “Power 5” college coaches are sleeping on him. Adewale was simply dominant as he registered another double-double – 15 points and 14 rebounds to go along with 5 blocks. The 1st Team All-PCL selection has been unstoppable during NG’s run to the 4A state title game. He is averaging 16.5 points and 13 boards per night in the state tourney. Adewale’s physical tools — foot speed, athleticism, and quick second jump – are elite. His touch around the rim, interior moves, and ability to score through contact are equally impressive.