CHSAA AA Matchups to Watch this Season

With the start of the high school season underway in many areas, we're excited to see all of the emerging prospects. After you take a look at the must-see matchups in the PSAL league. We take a look at some of the must-see games in the CHSAA this season.   Christ the King at St. Francis Prep - December 12th   Both of these teams will be in serious contention for the Borough and City titles this season. For CTK, [player_tooltip player_id='1195558' first='Dwayne' last='Pierce'] will garner a lot of attention. Pierce is a skilled ball handler, but can also bully his way to the rim if the situation calls for it. The Iowa commit, is accompanied by Qin Pang. At first sight, Pang is a 6'9" forward who runs the floor well in transition, and can knock down the long ball. In addition, Pang is a good rebounder and will battle with anyone on the glass.   For St. Francis Prep, Oesoemana Sacko will look to take the next step and solidify himself as one of the best bigs in the Class of 2026. At a solid 6'8", Sacko is a force in the middle for the Terriers. With his ability to knock down the outside shot, Sacko can be a tough cover. In addition, St. Francis Prep features a trio of guards who can dribble, score, and defend. [player_tooltip player_id='1361711' first='Vere' last='Anthony'], [player_tooltip player_id='1704760' first='Nigel' last='Moore'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1395985' first='Tyler' last='Michel'] are all entering their 3rd season together. And their chemistry will be the key for St. Francis Prep in this matchup against Christ the King.   Cardinal Hayes vs Archbishop Stepinac - December 15th   Cardinal Hayes lost a few of their highly ranked players, but their guard play should still be at a high enough level to make noise in the CHSAA. First is Adam Njie, a quick point guard with a knack for getting to the basket. Njie had a great summer, spending time with RWE and playing against pros at Nike Pro City. With the absence of some key pieces, Njie will assume more responsibility on the offensive side of the ball. And with his backcourt mate, [player_tooltip player_id='1729833' first='Jermel' last='Thomas'], the duo should be electric all season. Thomas is entering his 2nd season, and moves around with the ball on a string. Additionally, the Sophomore is getting better as an outside shooter and when he's forced to dribble, makes good decisions with the basketball.   On the opposite side, is recent Kentucky commit, Boogie Fland. We have Fland as a player to watch as a potential Player of the Year candidate. Because Fland is such a solid ball handler, he gets to his spots, and doesn't force anything. Added with his ability to control the tempo of the game, will make Fland must-see all season. However, Stepinac also feature a forward [player_tooltip player_id='1360147' first='Braylan' last='Ritvo']. We like Ritvo's aggressive activity on defense and around the basket. At his size, Ritvo moves fluidly and can score inside and outside the paint. Last season, these two teams we're fighting for a City Title and the matchup will still be must-see.   St. Francis Prep vs. Monsignor Scanlan - January 9th   In this matchup, the trio of St. Francis Prep will face-off against a trio at Monsignor Scanlan, which should make for an exciting game. For Scanlan, [player_tooltip player_id='1396001' first='Nasir' last='Rodriguez'] is a strong guard prone to getting to the line because of his willingness to embrace contact when driving the lane. Accompanying Rodriguez is Class of 2026 sharp shooter, [player_tooltip player_id='1880464' first='Dior' last='Anderson']. And to round out the trio for the Crusaders, is Kaleb Popotte. Popotte is a shifty guard, who defends and knocks down the three ball at a decent clip. And if you're interested in big men, [player_tooltip player_id='2025902' first='Darren' last='McFarlane'] and Oesoemana Sacko, make for an intriguing matchup down low. For St. Francis Prep, [player_tooltip player_id='1361711' first='Vere' last='Anthony'] and his hard-nosed brand of defense will be on full display and is another element that makes this matchup must-see this season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/ionateamcamp_04-crop-1080x710-1701145259.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/ionateamcamp_04-crop-1080x710-1701145259.jpg?w=800" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='1361711' first='Vere' last='Anthony'] and Oesoemana Sacko at Iona Prep Team Camp (June 2023)" class="wp-image-2283933"/></a></figure>   St. Raymond's vs. Archbishop Stepinac - January 9th   This is one of 3 matchups, 1 didn't make this list, on January 9th that have our attention. In this matchup, we see Boogie Fland facing off against Class of 2025 stud [player_tooltip player_id='1361733' first='Brandon' last='Stores'] Jr. Stores Jr. has been on a tear all summer, and has continued his play early into the preaseason. As a 6'4" guard, Stores Jr. is crafty with the basketball and sets up defenders to get the shots he wants. On the opposite side, Fland is just as dynamic, and the Ravens will be looking for revenge after last years playoff loss. This matchup could come down to the play of [player_tooltip player_id='1361710' first='Danny' last='Carbuccia'] for Stepinac and [player_tooltip player_id='1361737' first='Tai' last='Turnage'] for St. Raymond's. Both guards, are a threat from the outside and must be monitored to prevent open shots. This is another matchup that could be a preview to this seasons City Title game.   Archbishop Molloy vs. St. Francis Prep - January 12th   One of the mini themes apart of this list, is St. Francis Prep and their great perimeter defenders versus dynamic wing players. This matchup features one of the most dynamic scoring wings in the Class of 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='1729827' first='Josh' last='Powell']. Over the summer, Powell continued to show the ability to create his own shot from deep or midrange. With Molloy missing some prominent pieces from last season, Powell will take on more of a scoring role for Molloy. And his development, against a solid St. Francis Prep defense will make this a must-see matchup.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/ionateamcamp_17-crop-1080x710-1701144725.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/ionateamcamp_17-crop-1080x710-1701144725.jpg?w=800" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='1729827' first='Josh' last='Powell'] at Iona Prep Team Camp (June 2023)" class="wp-image-2283931"/></a></figure>   Christ the King at Iona Prep - January 26th   For this matchup, we get a chance to see Christ the King face a scappy team in Iona Prep. Lead by Class of 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1361734' first='Johnny' last='Keenan'], a shifty guard that can shoot from anywhere on the floor. This matchup also features, [player_tooltip player_id='2196029' first='Lucas' last='Morillo']. A 6'6" wing who uses his length to his advantage when getting into the lane. Morillo is also a good shooter from both outside and midrange. Still, it will be up to Iona Prep to stop [player_tooltip player_id='1195558' first='Dwayne' last='Pierce']. Who also shoots the ball well from every spot on the floor, but also isn't afraid to bang in the paint. This matchup could solidify Pierce as Player of the Year in the CHSAA and will be one of his must-see games this season.

With the start of the high school season underway in many areas, we're excited to see all of the emerging prospects. After you take a look at the must-see matchups in the PSAL league. We take a look at some of the must-see games in the CHSAA this season.