PAISAA Quarterfinals: Penn Charter 74, George School 62

Penn Charter hosted George School for the second round of the PA Independent Schools state tournament, with the second-seeded Quakers getting out to a big lead and holding on for a 74-62 win. The loss ends George School's season, while PC advances to host Hill School in Friday's semifinals. St. Thomas Aquinas (D2) commit Jamal Hicks led the Quakers with 18 points while junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1188624' first='Kasey' last='Fleming'] posted a game-high 22 in defeat.    With his team a bit shorthanded due to injury, Hicks came out aggressive and set an early tone with his two-way play. He was a bully working his way downhill for strong and athletic finishes, while guarding the ball with fervor to work to turn opposing guards over. Hicks knocked in a 3 for good measure and grabbed PC's biggest lead at 20 with a runout dunk that really captured momentum. His team-first approach on both ends should give him a chance to get on the floor early at the next level.     One of the higher-upside prospects in Philly's freshman class, Smith played his support role to perfection while showing the talent and poise that has him thought of so highly. Having cut his teeth on varsity as an 8th grader, he fills his role in the backcourt like a seasoned vet, spending time both on and off the ball while making the right play seemingly each time the ball hits his hands. Smith got to the rim for swift finishes and showed his ability to be a consistent floor-spacer out to the arc. He's still biding his time behind older players but the ceiling is undeniable and should start to show itself more regularly come AAU season.     The game's leading scorer, Fleming did his part to keep George in the game while his backcourt mate battled foul trouble. He knocked in four 3's en route to his 22 points, showing pristine mechanics firing off the catch in the halfcourt or transition. When run off the line, Fleming was able to knife into the defense for multiple smooth finishes. The toughness and IQ he brings to the floor have come to be expected of him. Fleming could be a gem for the high-academic D3 level but has risen himself firmly into scholarship conversations with his play this season.     The spearhead of George's attack on both ends, Miller got off to a slow start through foul trouble and shooting struggles, but showed his resilience by keeping his head in the game and putting together a strong second half as George looked to come back. Miller was willing to take a beating going downhill repeatedly and seeking out contact on his way to 12 free throws. More of a combo who's naturally inclined to score, he also showed nice poise and precision as a playmaker for others when he drew help. It was far from his best outing, but you could still see why the Jersey native has become so popular among Northeast low and mid majors this year.     While it came in losing fashion, the consistently-improving Melniczak showed much of the versatile wing attack that's turned him from a deep reserve into a key starter over his time at George. He shines with his ability to do a bit of everything, whether spacing the floor, cutting to the rim, or running ahead in transition. His toughness, versatility, and contributions to winning should be highly valued at the D3 level with the chance to sneak his way into a scholarship given the rate of improvement over the years.     A first-year high schooler who's been handed the ball from day one at the lead guard spot, Melniczak was the lone starter not in double figures for George but impressed nonetheless with his skill and poise as a ballhandler. He was a consistent threat to break his man down off the bounce, with a polished handle and crisp footwork attacking to either side. Most impressive was the passing feel, highlighted by a series of live-dribble deliveries with either hand. Already on the scholarship radar, we'll be tracking Melniczak closely into AAU, looking mostly to see how consistently he defends the ball and how dynamic he can be as a shooter     Playing what would wind up being the last game of his high school career, Sysko showed a valuable plug-and-play skillset in the frontcourt. A senior transfer, he's worked his way up the George rotation throughout the year with his simple combination of size and shooting. His rapid release from deep is a constant threat to drag out opposing forwards and create space for his teammates. Sysko also showed an ability to convert easy looks inside off cuts or dumpoffs. While he doesn't show much by way of ball skills, a small-college program is sure to find use for the Delaware native's skillset.

Penn Charter hosted George School for the second round of the PA Independent Schools state tournament, with the second-seeded Quakers getting out to a big lead and holding on for a 74-62 win. The loss ends George School's season, while PC advances to host Hill School in Friday's semifinals. St. Thomas Aquinas (D2) commit Jamal Hicks led the Quakers with 18 points while junior guard Kasey Fleming Kasey Fleming 6'3" | SG William Penn Charter | 2026 State PA posted a game-high 22 in defeat.