SEPA’s Top Post Grad Prospects

Eric Oliver-Busch (2024). Photo: Mercersburg Academy

Carey Smith

October 5, 2023 @ 06:42 AM

The transfer portal and the last class of Covid-19 extra year eligible players have jammed up college rosters for 2023-24. With that in mind, a host of talented Class of 2023 prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania elected for a post graduate year at area prep schools.   Below is a review of highly skilled SEPA post grads taking the court this fall and winter who college coaches need to have on speed dial.     [player_tooltip player_id='2229036' first='Xavier' last='Howard'] – 6'6” / Phelps School / SAL Blackhawks / Wing: Howard's jump shot is automatic from the mid-range to behind the arc. Additionally, Howard is a fast and athletic prospect who uses his solid instincts to back door cut or slash to the cup for lay-ins. Those same assets combined with his length and hops make Howard a tremendous open court scorer. As a bonus, Howard is a plus rebounder.   Erik Oliver-Bush – 6'4” / Mercersburg Academy / [program_tooltip program_id='2078682' first='K-Low' last='Elite'] / Shooting Guard: In 2022-23 Oliver-Bush averaged 8.4 points and 5 rebounds per contest for Roman Catholic's PCL championship team. His transition scoring and distributing as well as his 3-point shooting will be welcome additions to the Mercersburg lineup. However, his biggest impact may come at the defensive end where Oliver-Bush is a major impact player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1990913' first='Lucas' last='Orchard'] – 6'4″ / Perkiomen School / Prim3 Tim3 / Wing: Orchard is a long and tenacious two-way prospect who stuffed that stat book last year -- 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game. He scored a season high 27 points vs. Rutgers Prep (NJ). Still, as his senior year stat line suggests, Orchard does much more than just produce points. He impacts every facet of the game. In 2022 he pushed Devon Prep to the 3A PIAA state title. Orchard holds an offer from Monmouth.   Nasir Washington – 6'3″ / Rocktop Academy / [program_tooltip program_id='2078697' first='Philly' last='Pride'] UAA / Combo Guard: Last year Washington posted 20 ppg. and was a 3rd Team 6A All-State selection. So, Rocktop has added a decorated prospect who is capable of scoring at all three levels. His attacking style and ability to run as a primary ball handler, shooting guard or wing are assets college coaches will love. Washington holds an offer from Fairfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='1990924' first='Nico' last='Pulieri'] – 6'3″ / Phelps School / PA Coalition / Point Guard: Pulieri (10.6 ppg.; 3rd Team All-EPC selection) is a floor general who is a plus player at both ends of the floor. He possesses a smooth mid-range game, can create off the bounce for himself and teammates and can splash triples. Last spring in the 4A state semifinals, Pulieri posted 16 points against PCL juggernaut Neumann Goretti. Pulieri is also a tenacious on-ball defender and has a knack for turning steals / deflections into buckets.   Other Post Grad Prospects to Watch:   Jackson Gaffney – 6'8″ / Rocktop Academy / [program_tooltip program_id='2078678' first='East' last='Coast Power'] / Shooting Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='1990928' first='Teddy' last='Pendergrass III'] – 6'2″ / Phelps School / WeR1 Select 17s / Combo Guard   Kyanu Simeone De Souza – 6'2" / Phelps School / Shooting Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='1990919' first='Jake' last='Stout'] – 6'6″ / Perkiomen School / Team Thrill UAA / Small Forward

The transfer portal and the last class of Covid-19 extra year eligible players have jammed up college rosters for 2023-24. With that in mind, a host of talented Class of 2023 prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania elected for a post graduate year at area prep schools.