One of the biggest Class of 2025 stock risers from this past winter just gave his commitmentSt. Francis University (PA). Russell (2^nd Team All-PCL) is an athletic and physical scoring guard who posted 15 points and 5 rebounds per night. His smooth adjustment to the primary ball handler role this season was impressive.

Russell is a mismatch nightmare wing who uses his brute size to bully his way to different spots. He takes advantage of his size on smaller opponents. He has the ability to score in a matter of seconds. He has some good ball skills and can make things happen with his ability to see the floor. He also shows comfort getting to different spots on the floor. Russell needs to work on becoming a more efficient threat from behind the arc.

Russell holds a handful of D2 offers, but more college coaches need to contact this versatile and athletic guard who can operate as a scoring wing or a primary ball handler. Last Thursday during the Philadelphia Catholic League quarterfinals, Russell posted 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 steals against Roman Catholic. In that contest Russell got downhill in transition as well as on half-court possessions for lay-ins and tear drops. Plus, Russell worked the offensive glass for second chance points. Russell’s relentless attacks on the rim produced a slew of foul calls. After those whistles, he calmly went to the line and knocked down his freebies (9 of 10 on FTAs).    

In 2024-25 Russell has developed into one of the most feared scoring threats in the Philadelphia Catholic League. His primary ball handler skills have taken a significant step forward too. As a senior Russell is averaging 18 points per contest and poured in a season high 36 points against Archbishop Carroll. Russell already holds a couple DII offers and recently added one from Millersville University (D2) to his pile.

On Friday, Russell poured in 26 points as he helped Ryan down PCL archrival Neumann-Goretti. Offensively Russell drained 2 threes and consistently broke down defenders off the dribble for mid-range shots and lay-ins. Still, he was even more impressive on the defensive side of this game. At that end of the court, Russell frequently picked pockets and disrupted passing lanes for steals. The turnovers he generated led to easy fast break buckets for Russell and his teammates. His ability to run as an elite primary ball handler this season has been an impressive development. Russell already holds a couple DII offers and just added one from Millersville (D2) to his pile.  

82 to 65…From the fall ball showcases through the first weeks of the 2024-25 season, Russell has continually excelled as the No. 1 option for AR. His of the dribble scoring has been unstoppable and he has sniped threes from all over the court. Russell has also proven to be a serious open court threat. His solid frame and attacking nature enable him to finish through contact in transition and bully smaller defenders in the half-court. Russell recently posted 18 points (1 three) and 5 boards against George School. He holds an offer from Jefferson University (D3).    

It is amazing how a prospect’s recruiting stock can skyrocket when he ascends to the No. 1 option at a high-profile program. On Saturday, Russell was the primary ball handler and centerpiece of Ryan’s offense. This senior displayed the ability to get buckets in variety of ways. He knocked home threes off the dribble as well as trail and spot up threes. His deep range and quick release are impressive. Russell also scored on straight line drives to the rack where he muscled his way through contact. He pushed the fast break for scores and assists too. Plus, this athletic combo guard directed Ryan’s half-court sets and then delivered precise dimes to teammates. Russell already holds one or two DI offers, but as the 2024-25 season progresses, we believe a steady stream of offers should come in.   

Russell was one of the breakout stars of the summer live periods and it will be interesting to see if he can continue with that stellar level of play this season. He is an aggressive and athletic point-forward prospect who produces points in a variety of ways. With his physical assets and speed, Russell is a serious transition threat. He will also surprise opponents will his elusive handles and ability to get to the cup off the dribble. Russell can back-down smaller defenders until he gets to his spots too. Because of his length, solid frame and attacking style, Russell excels at working the offensive glass for putbacks. Russell holds offers from St. Francis (PA) and Georgian Court (D2), but more coaches need to text this unique prospect immediately.

In September Russell broke the glass on an attacking approach and improved offensive skill set we had never seen from him before. As the No. 1 option for AR, he frequently worked as a primary ball handler and used a deep bag of moves to get to his mid-range spots or all the way to the hoop. Russell also did a remarkable job of pushing the rock on the fast break for scores and assists. When he played off-the-ball, Russell knocked home threes from all around the arc. He also executed straight line drives from the wing and then converted through fouls. Russell’s size and polished footwork enabled him to score on quick post ups too. If Russell continues to play at this elite level, he could be a 1^st Team All-PCL selection after the 2024-25 season.  

Now that Russell is the No. 1 option at AR, we are getting to witness his full skill set and it is extraordinarily impressive. On Saturday, Russell displayed his improved guard skills that we first witnessed at Philly HS Live. Russell used his tight handles to score at the cup, in the mid-range and behind the arc. His off-the-bounce three-point stroke was automatic. Russell led Ryan’s fast break and directed their half court sets. Plus, he produced buckets on the interior via dives to the cup and the offensive glass.