Philly Summer Hoops: Class of 2023 Turning Heads
Thus far, summer 2020 has featured an anemic grassroots basketball schedule. However, the past 10 days have been heaven sent as this recent stretch has provided a bonanza of on court action. Tournaments like the Beltway Battle Classic (DE) and…
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Continue ReadingThus far, summer 2020 has featured an anemic grassroots basketball schedule. However, the past 10 days have been heaven sent as this recent stretch has provided a bonanza of on court action. Tournaments like the Beltway Battle Classic (DE) and Zero G Back to School Classic (PA) as well as scrimmages, open runs and small group workouts have presented numerous opportunities to watch some of the Delaware Valley’s best high school basketball prospects.
Below is a list of Southeastern PA players from the Class of 2023 who turned heads over the last 10 days of summer hoops action.
Darrien Grady Darrien Grady 5'9" | PG Shipley School | 2023 State PA – Shipley School / 5’10’ / Sophomore / Point Guard: A freshman starter and leading scorer (24 ppg.) for the Moorestown Friends School (NJ) last winter, Grady notched four games where he scored 32 or more points and a 44-point performance against Abington Friends that was ridiculous. Grady has shown no signs of letting up this summer. Lately for Philly Pride, Grady has been hitting stand still threes from way downtown (56 3PM in 2019-20 HS season) and reasonable distance treys off pick action. When defenses chase him of the 3-point line, he can score off the dribble in the mid-range or get all the way to the tin. In recent runs, Grady has displayed the ability to find the open teammate and pass out of the double team. As with most elite level point guards, he possess a high basketball IQ.
Jackson Hicke – Radnor / 6’1’ / Sophomore / Wing: The smooth shooting Hicke has become a bona-fide lethal threat for East Coast Power’s 16U squad (King of Prussia, PA). Hicke could always shoot the ball from deep, but he has shown an improved ability to get into the paint and score the ball off the dribble. He also seemed more aggressive with taking the scoring opportunities that came his way. His mid-range game remains excellent and he owns a high basketball IQ. Hicke is a long and wiry athlete who should contribute significantly for Radnor’s varsity squad in 2020-21.
Elmarko Jackson – Academy of the New Church / 6’3’ / Sophomore / Point Guard: A star freshman at St. Augustine Prep (Richland, NJ) in 2019-20, Jackson (13 ppg.) will transfer and reclass at ANC for the upcoming school year. ANC is getting a Russell Westbrook type guard — very aggressive, athletic (as hell), rugged and skilled. The difference is, Jackson he can actually shoot the rock. While playing for WE R1uring this abbreviated summer season, Jackson has shown a greatly improved ability to hit the jumper. Holds numerous offers, including from Sienna, Rider, GWU and Cal-Berkeley. Jackson is a two sport athlete who is also an All-State lacrosse player.
Lucas Orchard – Devon Prep / 6’3’’ / Sophomore / Wing: Orchard had a solid 2019-20 season as a freshman who logged major minutes for Devon Prep’s varsity squad. He has used that momentum from DP’s season to post a solid summer for East Coast Power 16U. Offensively, Orchard can score at all 3 levels and yet he is a willing passer. He plays with a bit of an edge and appears to enjoy taking over games. Orchard is extremely athletic and has an enormous wingspan. That combination leads to numerous deflections / steals which provide easy transition buckets for Orchard.
Cole Shatto – Octorara Area / 6’8’’ / Sophomore / Forward: A standout at the Philly Pride Mixer a couple weeks back and then again this past weekend at the Beltway Battle Classic (DE), Shatto has taken advantage of the limited opportunities to showcase his skills that summer 2020 has presented. Shatto is an effective threat from the elbows via the jump shot or a ball fake and drive to the rack. He has shown nice touch around the rim and the ability to bully his way through traffic. Shatto works hard on the glass at both ends.
Horace Simmons Jr Horace Simmons Jr 6'6" | PF La Salle College HS | 2023 State #221 Nation PA – LaSalle College HS / 6’6’’ / Sophomore / Wing: Last winter Simmons was a starter for LaSalle’s varsity squad as a “glue guy” with a specific role – rebound and play defense. While running with Philly Pride this summer, Simmons has been able to unleash his offensive game and the results are impressive. He has shown that he can drain Js from numerous spots on the floor as well as an improved ability to put the ball on the deck and get to the tin. Simmons is extremely athletic and still putting on muscle, so his upside is tremendous.
Chris Stanford – Roman Catholic / 6’7” / Sophomore / Center: A Delaware native and WE R1’s best kept secret, this big man recently posted an excellent summer stretch thanks to his lights out jump shot. In the last couple weeks, Stanford has shown that he can splash home the J from anywhere on the floor. Despite his size, Stanford is also a very reliable ball hander. He is fundamentally sound at both ends of the floor and has a high basketball IQ. Last winter, Stanford was an excellent player on Roman’s freshman and JV teams and is expected to crack the varsity lineup in 2020-21.