Spring Jam Fest: 5 SEPA Predictions
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This weekend the 2023 grassroots circuit keeps rolling along with teams from southeastern Pennsylvania participating in marquee tournaments all over the country. Today we reveal five predictions for one of those major events – the Hoops Group Spring Jam Fest…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend the 2023 grassroots circuit keeps rolling along with teams from southeastern Pennsylvania participating in marquee tournaments all over the country.
Today we reveal five predictions for one of those major events – the Hoops Group Spring Jam Fest (Manheim, PA).
1) SEPA 17u Teams Are Going to Bring Home Hardware (Again)
Last weekend at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest, BW Elite 17u and Philly Revolution 17u captured their division titles. Additionally East Coast Power HGSL 17u racked up a 3-1 record, losing in their division championship game. All three of those teams are participating in this weekend’s Spring Jam Fest. So, expectations are high for these squads from southeastern Pennsylvania. For BW Elite, keep an eye on Larenzo Jerkins Larenzo Jerkins 6'5" | PF Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA and Jalen Chiles Jalen Chiles 6'1" | PG Friends Select | 2025 State PA (2025 playing up). Philly Revolution’s roster boasts must see prospects like Josh Reed Josh Reed 6'3" | CG Archbishop Wood | 2024 State PA and Jaden Murray Jaden Murray 6'7" | PF Archbishop Ryan | 2024 State PA . Meanwhile taking the floor for ECP will be Aasim Burton Aasim Burton 6'3" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2024 State PA and Andrew Phillips Andrew Phillips 6'3" | SF Malvern Prep | 2023 State PA .
2) Larenzo Jerkins Larenzo Jerkins 6'5" | PF Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA ‘ Stock Will Continue to Rise
Speaking of Larenzo Jerkins Larenzo Jerkins 6'5" | PF Neumann-Goretti | 2024 State PA …After a standout 2021-22 season Jerkins was a 1st Team All-Delaware County selection. Then during summer 2022 Jerkins announced that he was taking his talents to Neumann-Goretti. Unfortunately, the PIAA stepped in and forced Jerkins to sit out the entire 2022-23 season. Now he is back on the court and destroying the grassroots circuit. Last weekend at the Pitt Jam Fest, Jerkins was outstanding while leading BW Elite to their division title. He posted a ridiculous 27 points and 20 rebounds performance and was named as a “tournament standout” by most recruiting publications. He is a position-less player who attacks the cup relentlessly, converts on second chance opportunities and will drop the occasional three. At the other end, his length, size, and endless motor enable Jerkins to guard 1 through 4.
3) Philly Pride Select 16u Should Turn Heads
This roster contains several quality prospects who are flying under the radar. Plus, we believe this squad started to gel last weekend at the DC Hoops Jump Off. That combination will produce a big weekend for this group. Combo guard Nasir Williams Nasir Williams 5'11" | CG Sankofa Freedom Academy | 2025 State PA and wing Jaden Banner Jaden Banner 6'6" | PF West Catholic | 2025 State PA should be familiar names by now because those two players are having a tremendous spring circuit. Asim Hardy Asim Hardy 5'8" | PG Sankofa Freedom Academy | 2025 State PA is a quick and multi-skilled point guard. Perimeter prospects Isaiah Muhammad, Kiev Rucker Kiev Rucker 6'2" | SF Father Judge | 2025 State PA and Ryan Warren provide 3-point shooting and transition scoring.
4) Ian Williams Ian Williams 5'9" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA Will Continue to Impress
This past season Williams (9.7 ppg.; 4 rpg.; 4.6 apg.) worked his way into Archbishop Carroll’s starting five. During the first couple of weeks on the spring grassroots circuit this rising 2026 floor general has continued to play at an elite level. Last weekend at Nike EYBL Session 1, Williams averaged 15.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3 rebounds per contest. He also registered a 4:1 assist / TO ratio. Williams can get into the lane and score through contact or distribute. When his paint touches produce foul calls, he calmly steps to the line and knocks home the freebies. Williams also excels at drive and kick plays. He is a decent 3-point shooter as well.
5) Team Final Red HGSL-16u is Going to Have a Big Weekend
After a 3-1 showing at the Pitt Jam Fest last weekend, we are willing to bet that this TFR group brings a home a trophy from the Spring Jam Fest. Led by dual threat wing prospect Gabe Hornberger Gabe Hornberger 6'5" | SG Executive Education Academy Charter | 2025 State PA , rising shooting guard Isiah Marshall and two-way guard Madyx Gruber Madyx Gruber 5'11" | CG Wilson | 2025 State PA , this roster can really fill it up. Talented prospects like Tommy Kelly Tommy Kelly 6'4" | SF Spring Ford | 2025 State PA , Zane Conlan, and Kahlil Samuels will be major contributors as well.